Service will commemorate World AIDS Day on Saturday

Warwick - The Warwick Valley Ecumenical Council will be offering a worship service commemorating World AIDS Day on Saturday, Dec. 1, at 5 p.m. The service will be hosted by Vision Community Church (www.visiblechurch.org) at the Warwick Valley Community Center, 11 Hamilton Ave., Warwick. Although AIDS receives less attention in the media recently, the UN reports that in 2007 33.2 million people worldwide were estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS, 2.5 million people became newly infected with HIV and 2.1 million died of AIDS. Although progress has been made, AIDS remains the primary cause of death in Africa. Saturday’s service will include time for quiet reflection, remembering those lost to the disease, as well as prayers and anointing for healing. An offering will be taken to support AIDS charities. “We’re reaching out to those who have been devastated or excluded by this disease,” said Don Heatley, president of the Warwick Valley Ecumenical Council and pastor of Vision Community Church. “It’s our way of letting everyone know that our churches care. We are places of love, compassion and healing.”