Local communities to observe National Day of Prayer
Terrorism, tensions over nuclear threats and trade, the worst flu season in years and continuation of the opioid crisis along with concerns over health care and national unity — there’s much to think about on National Day of Prayer, which will be commemorated locally with a number of events on May 3.
“We have those concerns, and I’m sure we’ll be focusing on them as we meet, along with problems in our area,” said the Rev. Arnold Husk, president of the Uniontown Area Clergy Association and pastor of Walnut Hill and Chalk Hill United Methodist Churches.
“That’s why we come together,” said the Rev. Don Smith, president of the Connellsville Area Ministerial Assocation and pastor of World Christian Outreach Ministries.
In fact, the National Day of Prayer Task Force is using the theme, “Pray for America — UNITY,” based upon Ephesians 4:3, “Making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
The Rev. Ed Mikkelsen of the Laurel Mountain Ministerial Association and associate pastor of Indian Head Church of God commented, “There are lots of things to pray about these days. We need God’s guidance, direction and protection.”
Dean Gartland, president/CEO of City Mission in Washington, said in a press release, “Our society is being torn apart and it appears that we are drawing battle lines against each other. This is not how societies are to function in order to solve our most important problems. We need a focal point that pulls us together beyond our disagreements and removes the battle lines. Prayer is a significant way for us to do that.”
A national day of prayer is a tradition that dates to 1775 and the Continental Congress. The U.S. Congress established a National Day of Prayer in 1952 and set aside the first Thursday in May in 1988 with presidents annually making a proclamation.
Here are local events known to the Herald-Standard:
Brownsville: Brownsville Area Ministerial Association will host a community gathering at First United Methodist Church, 215 Church St., that includes a light meal at 6 p.m. and worship service at 7 p.m., followed by a session of Ask the Pastor.
Connellsville: Connellsville Area Ministerial Association is hosting a 7 p.m. service at Lions Square, 144 W. Crawford Ave. Mayor Greg Lincoln will give a welcome. The Rev. Mike Martin of Central Fellowship Church will deliver the main sermon. Other participants include vocalist Cheryl Williams of World Christian Outreach Ministries, the Rev. Dan Ulishney of Connellsville Roman Catholic Churches, the Rev. Brian Higbee of City Church of Connellsville, the Rev. Kerri Clark of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Rev. Suzanne Zampella of Connellsville Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Jim Turnbull of Christian Missionary Alliance Church, the Rev. Matt Goldsberry of Calvary Assembly of God, the Rev. Joy Anna Rosendale of Calvary Assembly of God, the Rev. Nelson Confer of Connellsville Church of God and the Rev. Will Hough of First Baptist Church. Smith will give Benediction and closing remarks.
Donegal: Laurel Mountain Ministerial Association will host a community gathering at 7 p.m. at the Donegal Event Center, 113 Community Center Lane, Jones Mill. Guest speaker is retired Navy Commander William Hine.
Farmington: St. Joan of Arc Roman Catholic Church, 3523 National Pike, Route 40, is hosting a non-denominational community worship service at 7 p.m. Molly Vassar of St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church in Uniontown is speaker. Light refreshments are offered after the service.
Uniontown: Uniontown Area Clergy Association will hold a free breakfast at 7:30 am. at the Cherry Tree Alliance Church, in the Cherry Tree Business Park. Fayette County Commissioner David Lohr will be the main speaker.
Solid Rock Ministry-Faith-Hope-Love, 34 Millview St., is hosting a service from 1 to 3 p.m. at the church. The Rev. Buzz Hall is host pastor.
Washington: City Mission, 84 W. Wheeling St., Washington, will host a day of events that begins at 9 a.m. with a prayer circle around the campus. City Mission will also host prayer stations throughout the day to encourage continuous prayer on different themes, including Unity in America, Unity in the Church and Unity in families, workplaces, communities and cities in America. Tours of the campus will be conducted throughout the day. An outdoor prayer tent will be available for personal prayer.