NIAGARA, Wis. — Do you believe in the power of prayer? Do you sense a need to pray for peace? The Iron Mountain Area Clergy Association invites members of the community to pray for peace in the Ukraine and our world.

A weekly ecumenical prayer vigil will be offered from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursdays at Riverside United Methodist Church in Niagara, beginning this week. This will be a drop-in time, when people can make their own prayers for peace on their own time.

At 4 p.m. each Thursday, a clergy person from the IMACA will lead a 20-minute time of prayer for those who gather. This will continue each week until the prayers have been answered and the conflict has been resolved.

The war in Ukraine is a threat, not only to the besieged people of that country but to the many countries around the Ukraine that must open their borders, their hostels and their homes to house what now is more than 3 million refugees in three weeks’ time.

“It is heartbreaking to watch people flee for their lives with only a backpack of their life belongings and to see old people, women and children leaving, often hobbling, having no idea of where they should go or who will be there for them when they get there,” said the Rev. Linda N. Pliska of Riverside United Methodist Church of Niagara.

The security of the world is also threatened, in more ways than it was during either of the great World Wars. “Prayers are needed for our world leaders, for those who are making decision, and for those who must garner the courage to do what needs to be done, and for those offering respite for those seeking refuge,” she added.

Anyone with questions or who would like to share resources or lead a prayer vigil can call Pliska at 920-217-8591.

All are welcome. Riverside United Methodist Church is at 1957 River St., on U.S. 141 in Niagara.