October 1, 2003
Dear Friends,
Once again, I am happy to invite your congregation to observe “Hands & Words Are Not For Hurting Week,” October 19-25, 2003.
This year is the 6th annual national celebration, once again coinciding with the Salem Y.W.C.A.’s “Week Without Violence.”
As you mau remember, the “Hands” project started right here in Salem and focuses on a pledge (I will not use my hands or my words for hurting myself or others.) and its visual reminder, a signed purple handprint. Both the pledge and the handprint are now familiar in classrooms, homes, and places of worship across the country. They are making a difference!
The enclosed brochure will help you develop a use appropriate to your own situation. Some ideas: print copies of the pledge in bulletins, so that each worshiper may sign it and place it in the collection plate; say it aloud in unison during worship; or create a visual display with the hand prints and signatures of all interested persons.
In a time when “war” and “terrorism” are unfortunately part of our consciousness, this simple affirmation of peaceful relations within our communities is both reassuring and important.
Thanks for supporting this worthy cause in whatever ways you can.
God’s peace!
Charlie Wallace
University Chaplin