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Celebrating cultures, community and Christ will be the focus of a community rally May 7 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Central Park.
Music, face painting, clowns and family events will start at 6:30 p.m. There will be guest speakers beginning at 7:30 p.m.
"We're giving the community a chance to make a positive statement rather than a negative," Kosciusko Community Hospital chaplain Randy Packer said. He said he hopes the community will show their support through their presence and participation. "It's a positive statement in light of what's happened in Littleton and in Kosovo."
Joe Banks, another organizer, said, "There will certainly be prayer for both (Littleton and Kosovo). I don't expect much discussion on either. Different men may make references on how we want to avoid the fruits of hate."
Hector Ochoa, New Life Christian Church, will discuss culture in the community.
"He will speak in Spanish with English interpreters," said Packer. Spanish interpreters will also be available throughout the evening.
Ron Manahan, Grace College and Seminary president, will be the guest speaker on the issue of community. Frank Beard, Walnut Creek United Methodist Church, will speak on Christ.
A candlelight vigil will conclude the celebration of diversity.
"Candlelight vigils are a symbolic gesture for hope, and when you couple that with prayer, it gives a spiritual significance about loving one another," said Banks.
Packer started working on the rally during early April, Banks said.
The event is sponsored by Warsaw Ministerial Association, Committee to Commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Warsaw Community Schools, Warsaw Community Development Corp. and Grace College and Seminary.
