ALTON - Riverbend community members are invited to a special luncheon to celebrate Human Rights & World Community Day.
From 12–2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, the Alton chapter of Church Women United will host a light lunch and award ceremony at Main Street United Methodist Church in Alton. Minister Ciara Taylor will serve as the guest speaker and will receive the Human Rights Award. Pastor Peter Hough from Alton Mission will receive the World Community Award.
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“The awards are for people who are making a difference in our community,” said Eva Perkins, one of the organizers with Church Women United.
Perkins explained that Church Women United celebrates Human Rights & World Community Day annually. The group works together to honor local people who help others, highlighting the importance of giving back and supporting the community.
As an organization, Church Women United invites Christian women from different denominations to come together and connect through their faith. Each chapter works to promote peace, unity and diversity.
In Alton, their biggest initiative is the Lenten services they sponsor every year. Different pastors speak each week throughout the Lenten season, and different churches in the community host the services.
A freewill offering at each service raises money for Oasis Women’s Center and Crisis Food Center in Alton. Perkins said the group raised more money this year than ever before. They distributed these funds to the local nonprofits to help those in need.
Everyone is invited to the event on Oct. 17. The event is completely free to attend.
Church Women United hopes to welcome many people to honor Taylor and Hough. It’s important to the group to commemorate Human Rights & World Community Day by hosting this luncheon and bringing people together.
“It’s for all races, all different backgrounds,” Perkins added. “We have the Christian Scientists, we have the Methodists, we have the Baptists. It doesn’t matter who you are — just come.”
For more information about Church Women United or to find a local chapter, visit the official Church Women United website.
