As I walked into my living room to take a picture of this, I realized how very much I love it. The church these ornaments (with the exception of the word Peace in the lower photo) are from was started in 1985. There was dissension in the congregation we were part of and many people left to form this new church. It was a painful thing on both sides, and years later the people of Peace were rewarded (?) for their support of an embattled pastor by his betrayal.
The congregation is still strong despite the pain they have endured, and Rob and I were married there in 1996. For me, the doves are a reminder of that bitter cold night and the beautiful sanctuary, dark except for the light of the candles that were all lit from our Unity candle. It was gorgeous, and I still feel all fluttery inside when I think of those moments that were so private, yet so public, for the two of us.
The ornaments are hand made each year by the women of the church (and sometimes the men, too.) Those ornaments were crafted by people I know. A part of each of them is now in my home and, amazingly enough, they do bring me peace. I'm pretty sure those ladies would be glad to know that.
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