Connellsville Prayer Walk joins all faiths for blessings for new school year
At first glance, the small group of men, women and children circling on the Connellsville school district’s campus appeared to be just a few people enjoying a late summer stroll together. But as members of the group stopped at various points to bow their heads and say a prayer, it was obvious they were walking with a purpose.
“We are here to ask God to grant a safe and successful year for our students, teachers and staff,” said Cheryl Odias, one of the organizers of the walk. “Anytime we can pray for our schools, it can only bring a positive result.”
Now in its third year, the prayer walk brings together parents, students, teachers, clergy and other members of Connellsville’s faith community to ask God to bless the school district as it starts a new school year. This year’s group gathered in the middle school parking lot for an opening prayer before starting a hike that would take them around the middle school, high school and vocational technical center. During the walk, different members of the group offered prayers and blessings for the Connellsville Area School District.
Mark Van Bibber, pastor of the New Life Fellowship congregation in Connellsville, spoke about the purpose of the Prayer Walk as he kept pace with other members of the group.
“We see this as a collective opportunity to ask God for His blessings and to protect our schools this coming year,” said Van Bibber, who is the grandparent of a Connellsville student. “We all know someone who’s involved in our schools, whether they are a student, teacher, coach or someone else. Our group wants to see them have a good school year.”
Van Bibber said he is grateful that the school district is supportive of people who want to express their faith.
“The school district is very open to prayerful activities,” he said. “In September, Connellsville will take part in ‘See You at the Pole,’ a global day of student prayer. Also, every Thursday morning, a few parents, teachers and former teachers will lead a group prayer in front of the high school. There’s no mandate for anyone to participate in any of these events. But anyone who wants to join us is always welcome to take part in these activities.”
One of the goals of these events is to create a greater awareness of the impact that faith can have on a person’s life, Van Bibber pointed out.
“People need to know that they’re here on this planet for a purpose — not just to have a good time,” he said. “We are all made in God’s image, and we’re here to help each other. I think prayer groups help us to get that message out, particularly for young people.”
Odias said that the prayer walk brings together different people from Connellsville for an hour of spiritual reflection, regardless of their religious affiliation.
“Connellsville is a very close-knit community,” said Odias, who is the mother of two Connellsville Area High School students. “We have people who belong to the Presbyterian, Baptist and Catholic churches, as well as other denominations. Everyone shares something in common. We care about the kids in this town. And we are praying that our students, as well as teachers, staff and administrators will have a safe, productive school year.”