Community draws together
for National Day of Prayer
“For Your Great Name’s Sake: Hear Us ... Forgive Us ... Heal Us.”
These poignant words comprise the theme of the 66th annual National Day of Prayer in communities across the country at noon on Thursday, May 4. Area residents will gather at that same time outside the City County Building, Hauss Square at Spring St. in downtown New Albany.
From noon to 12:40 p.m. that day, the Salvation Army of Southern Indiana will once again host the brief time of music, Scripture reading, and prayer. A variety of groups within the community will receive specific prayers led by local representatives. Folding chairs will be provided for the comfort of those attending.
LOCAL PARTICIPANTS
Katelyn Stumler of Our Lady of Perpetual Help will give the opening prayer, and Bill Amerson, Chair of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, will read this year’s Scripture theme from Daniel 9:19.
Angie and Dan Graf of Return Church will sing a duet and also will lead the crowd in “God Bless America”, the event’s signature closing.
Mayor Jeff Gahan and Maj. Steve Kiger, Executive Director of the Salvation Army, will welcome guests and introduce those who will briefly pray, representing these segments of the community:
Churches--The Rev. T. C. Baker (Safe Harbor Church)
Media--Joyce Oglesby (Radio/TV Hostess, Author, and Speaker)
Non-Profits—Shari McCutcheon (Executive Director of The Pure Initiative)
Business—Bryan Wickens (Vice President of Administration/General Counsel of Mac Construction & Excavating)
Healthcare--Dr. William Croft (Family Physician)
Arts--Kirk Randolph (Director of The Ogle Center at IUS)
Education--Darin Long (High School/Middle School Principal at Christian Academy of Indiana)
Social Services--Roxanne Haley (Business Administrator at the Salvation Army)
Government/Civil Service—Al Knable (New Albany City Council member)
Military--Ret. Air Force Col. Pamela Stevenson (Founder of Stevenson Law)
Incarcerated—Mickey Utz (Executive Director of Mercy’s Edge Ministries)
TIMELY OPPORTUNITY TO GATHER
The convenience of gathering during part of the lunch hour, the central location, and the involvement of a variety of churches and people are strengths of the event, according to Maj. Kiger.
“When adults, young people, and children from different backgrounds attend and pray, it makes a strong statement that our community stands together when our culture needs God most,” he said.
The Salvation Army offers an array of services to residents of Clark, Crawford, Floyd, Harrison, Scott, and Washington counties.
For additional information, call 812-944-1018.