Service to mark war's fifth year

Five minutes.

That's how much time the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren and Fox Valley Citizens for Peace and Justice want from you tomorrow.

Sixty seconds for every year we've been fighting in Iraq.

Wednesday is the fifth anniversary of the start of the war, and the church is holding "a remembrance," an informal gathering where people can drop in during their lunch hour.

"It's not a formal service. We're asking people to spend five minutes in reflection and prayer for the five years of the war," Highland Avenue Pastor Joel Kline said.

Kline said the emphasis will be on peace rather than opposition to the war and the country's polices.

"Our movement from a faith standpoint is we believe Jesus calls us to be peacemakers," he said.

The service will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the church, 783 W. Highland Ave., Elgin.

All denominations are welcome.

Also on display will be large posters depicting the number of U.S. deaths, Iraqi casualties and overall cost of the war.

"We would like people to spend a concentrated period of time -- five minutes -- thinking about the war," said Tana Durnbaugh, member of both the church and the residents group. "They can do with that time as their conscience leads them."

More than 4,000 similar events are planned across the country by a variety of groups for the same day, organizers said.

A candlelight vigil also will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at 8 E. Galena Blvd., Aurora, across from the Paramount Theater.