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Winfield First Presbyterian Church remembers Israel
A display of Israel flags fill the inside and outside of the Winfield First Presbyterian Church showing support as they remember the lives lost in Israel last year
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WINFIELD — The Winfield First Presbyterian Church connected with a much larger body of believers this week as the congregation came together to place 1200 flags around their building this week as part of The Flags of Fellowship campaign.
Each flag represents one of the lives lost in the deadliest attack in Israel’s history.
One year ago on Oct. 7, 2023, all the way in Israel, Hamas militants attacked civilians resulting in the death of 1200 people. While this attack took place all the way across the ocean, it shook many, especially those in Jewish communities.
According to the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, “Flags of Fellowship is an opportunity for thousands of Christians to take a BOLD stand and show solidarity with the Jewish people.”
Across the world people did just that holding vigils and ceremonies this past week to remember those lost in that attack, including Winfield’s First Presbyterian Church.
“I was impressed with how quickly the flags went up,” First Presbyterian Church Reverend Jeremy Blauvelt said. “Subtracting the flags that were inside, there were at least 1050 outside, and it took less than a half hour to put them in.”
To show their support for those still mourning today, the Christian congregation placed flags throughout the church lawn, along the walkways, and within the church. Rev. Blauvelt also took a bundle of flags to a homebound congregant and to the Sunrise Terrace when visiting for Communion.
“It was really neat to see it all come together,” Rev. Blauvelt said. “But the really more impressive part was afterwards.”
Blauvelt shared that later in the afternoon when he returned to the church to tidy the flags a little more, he saw many people driving by and taking in the sight. He said a handful of people even stopped to thank him for the display.
“One person was almost in tears when they stopped,” he said. “That was really affirming to be able to hear people appreciate this.”
Winfield resident Susand Beard and her sister Cheryl Beard both appreciated the display.
“It was an awesome, and somber view,” Winfield resident Susan Beard said.
Cheryl Beard said the display was “a beautiful remembrance.”
According to Rev. Blauvelt, the idea to display the flags came from a connection made when the church played the movie Unsung Hero as a community event during Crooked Creek Days. He was placed on a mailing list and this opportunity came to him. With approval from the church’s session, he signed up early and received 1200 flags free-of-charge from The International Fellowship of Christians and Jews.
This sign of solidarity and remembrance will remain displayed at the Winfield First Presbyterian Church through the week.
Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com
