The third-Sunday offering recipient for September is Ashland Culture of Peace Commission. A collection will be taken during the service this Sunday, Sept. 16. Irene Kai and David Wick, co-founders of the Ashland Culture of Peace Commission will talk about opportunities to contribute to the International Day of Peace, on Sept. 21, 2018.

On Sept. 21, the World Peace Flame will be lit in the Thalden Pavilion, Sustainability Center on the Southern Oregon University (SOU) campus. A delegation from the World Peace Flame Foundation will come to Ashland for the lighting ceremony, together with state and city dignitaries. “This symbol of peace, unity, freedom and celebration aims to inspire people everywhere that the individual plays a crucial role in creating peace at every level.

“There are few opportunities in our lifetimes to make contributions which have local, national and international significance, directly impact the aspirations of people of our daily lives and the lives of future generations, and become a proud part of our own legacy. This need has never been greater than it is right now. Establishing the World Peace Flame Monument in Ashland, Oregon is that opportunity through which we can recognize and work toward our commonalities, rather than our differences.”