Today is the deadline for the Student Peace Contest entries, which will be displayed at the Alpena Mall next week. Tonight, the St. Paul Episcopal Church Gospel Choir of Flint will perform at 7 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 124 E. Washington Ave., Alpena.

Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon is the Blessing of the Animals at St. Paul Lutheran parking lot, in conjunction with St. Francis Day, celebrated annually on Oct. 4. The day is a celebration of the life of St. Francis of Assisi, who was born in the 12th century and is the Patron Saint of animals and the environment. Bring your pets to be blessed on Saturday. All of God’s creatures are welcome at 727 S. Second Ave.

Then on Sunday at 7 p.m. is the annual Peace Concert at St. Anne Church of All Saints Catholic Parish. The evening will feature many talented local musicians, including the Grand Lake Community Chapel Handbell Choir, the Besser Male Chorus, flutist MaryAnn Hubbard and many more.

“We have some of the top musicians in the city,” said Carol Skiba, 30 Days of Peace organizer and Alpena Peace Coalition member. She said this concert is probably their biggest event.

MaryAnn Hubbard

“At least 300 people usually attend,” Skiba said. “It’s a community gathering to express the desire for global peace.”

She said you can feel the unity and like-mindedness of your fellow man as music rings up into the heavens on this harmonious evening. It’s a very powerful and moving experience.

“We always begin the concert with the World Peace Prayer, and conclude with ‘Let There Be Peace On Earth,'” she said. “And everybody stands up and sings that, and it almost feels like Christmas Eve or something.”

The welcome will be given by Father Joe Muszkiewicz of All Saints, and the Very Rev. William McClure of Trinity Episcopal Church will be hosting the event.

The handbell choir will be directed by the Rev. Dr. Greg Zurakowski. Other performers who will each play a variety of musical numbers include the Alpena High School Women’s Chorale, directed and accompanied by Jean Brown-Baker with McClure as cantor, soloist Judith Case accompanied by Deb McClure, Hannah Burger and Staci Burger on flute, and accompanist Suelyn Bartz.

The event is by donation, and the Alpena Peace Coalition hopes the community will consider giving to help fund their efforts to bring in speakers and activities for the 30 Days of Peace. If donating by check, make it payable to Grace Lutheran Peace Account.

Skiba said the concluding lyrics sum up the theme of the 30 Days of Peace: “Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me.”