by SUSAN YOUNGER
Staff Reporter
Lapeer, MI. 05.05.2007 — National Day of Prayer organizers hope to send the joined voices of the community into the heavens.
County residents, local leaders, 11 pastors and members of their congregations have committed to join together at 6 p.m. Thursday on the steps of the historic courthouse in downtown Lapeer.
The National Day of Prayer tradition predates the founding of the United States, when the Continental Congress issued a proclamation setting aside a day of prayer in 1775, said MapleGrove Church Pastor Gary Gillim.
“In 1952, Congress established an annual day of prayer and in 1988, that law was amended, designating the National Day of Prayer as the first Thursday in May", said Gillim.
Though the prayer has typically been held at noon locally, it was changed last year to a later time to allow more families to participate. The time change was a success, and more that 600 people attended the ceremony. Event organizers hope every county resident will join in the group prayers.
“This year we hope 1,000 will come," said Gillim. “Can you imagine what it would be to have the whole county praying at the same time?"
The theme for this years group prayer is “God Shed His Grace on Thee," said Gillim.
Local leaders such as Sheriff Ron Kalanquin, Circuit Judge Nick Holowka, Lapeer Mayor Chuck Treece and State Rep. John Stahl are expected to attend and read scripture and quotes.
Retired Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Jack Little will lead the Pledge of Allegiance. The Messengers, a group of young people, will sing and Tammy Allen and Ben Stahl will sing a song called “The Prayers." Elizabeth Gillim will lead group singing.
|
