Arlington Heights churches support domestic violence victims

A coalition of eight Arlington Heights churches will come together for a vigil Sunday night to support victims of domestic violence.

Called "Shine the Light," the interfaith prayer vigil at 6:30 p.m. at North School Park serves as a way for victims and community members to find support, information and connections to resources at churches and service providers in the community, organizers say.

Speakers at the hourlong event are scheduled to include Shelley Welch of WINGS; Denise Murray, a survivor of domestic abuse; Grant Stenzel, a former pastor and licensed clinical professional counselor; and Deacon Michael Madison of Our Lady of the Wayside Parish.

Other clergy will lead the event and offer prayers, while music will be provided by the churches and students from John Hersey High School.

Life-size "silent witness" figures will also be on display to symbolize those who have died as a result of domestic violence.

Before the evening vigil at the park, participants are scheduled to gather at 6 p.m. across the street at St. John United Church of Christ, 308 N. Evergreen Ave., for a welcome prayer, resource materials on domestic violence, and a candlelight procession to the park. In case of inclement weather, all scheduled events will be held at St. John.

The first vigil in Arlington Heights was held in 2015 in conjunction with Domestic Violence Awareness Month.