News Photo by Darby Hinkley Alpena Peace Community members Maggie and Bruce Michaud finalize plans for Sunday’s Peace Gathering, to be held at 7 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Alpena.

ALPENA — Everyone is invited to join the Alpena Peace Community in a Peace Gathering at 7 p.m. on Sunday at Grace Lutheran Church in Alpena.

Join the APC and others for an evening of gentle music by David Usher, meditative readings, and quiet reflection, with cookies and punch to follow.

This event is brought to you by the same group that presented the Peace Concert in October, and a Peace Vigil in November.

The Alpena Peace Community is a group of caring citizens from all walks of life who are seeking peace and goodwill for all of humanity.

Alpena Peace Community’s Mission Statement reads: “Believing that Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness are the rights of ALL people, the Alpena Peace Community aims to provide community events that promote goodwill among ALL people.”

The gathering is meant to help people find calm within, and by surrounding themselves with like-minded people.

“I just think everybody needs to take some time in their busy, crazy, stressful lives, and rest their minds, really, from their troubles,” said Alpena Peace Community member Stefanie Huffaker. “It’s not only good for your mental health and physical health, but your spiritual health. And it makes you a better person.”

She said gathering together promotes community, and brings everyone closer to a peaceful purpose.

“This is just an opportunity for people to get out of their homes, maybe, and find a quiet place where they can just be at peace, and know that everyone around them is on the same page,” Huffaker said. “This should be a safe place where everyone is, just, at rest.”

The APC’s purpose is to grow together in like mind with the goal of peace for all humanity.

“Part of it is to nurture attitudes that lean toward peaceful ways of resolving conflict,” said APC member Bruce Michaud.

“This community is welcoming and loving,” Huffaker added, noting that the APC is respectful and kind to everyone who attends their events. “There are people in the community that are good and accepting.”

She said Alpena Peace Community events are open to all people, regardless of their religion or beliefs. All are welcome to come together to find peace.

Grace Lutheran Church is located at 119 W. Dunbar St., Alpena. For more information or to learn more about joining the APC, visit Alpena Peace Community on Facebook, or email alpenapeacecommunity@gmail.com.