National Day of Prayer being observed May 2 An evening ceremony will take place in St. Marys
ST. MARYS - People of all religions are invited to observe National Day of Prayer in Elk County on May 2 during a ceremony commemorating the event.
The ceremony will take place at the Methodist Church Pavilion located at 871 South Michael Road in St. Marys beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event typically lasts one hour.
This year’s event theme is “Lift up the world, light up the world.”
In keeping with the theme, two sisters Terrie Coppock and Renee Wilson will perform the song “Go Light Your World” by Chris Rice. Those in attendance will be provided with a battery operated candle which they will turn on at this time.
Sherry Hoffman, a member of the National Day of Prayer Task Force in Elk County, said the song immediately came to mind when she heard what the theme of the event was this year.
“We will light candles to signify going out to light up the world for Jesus,” Hoffman said.
Throughout the ceremony prayers will be offered for various groups such as the nation’s leaders, military and veterans, police officers, firefighters, paramedics and medical personnel, education, families, churches, businesses, media and revival.
A local music group, “By the Jordan”, will lead four songs during the ceremony. The group consists of Mike and Diana Streich of Ridgway, Terri and Roger Martini of St. Marys, Kimberly Morgan of Kane and Matt Bremier of Clearfield.
Numerous faiths will be represented during the ceremony. Among the local religious leaders offering a prayer during the ceremony are: Pastor Missy Smith, who oversees four area Methodists churches in Weedville, Sterling Run, Benezette and Sinnemahoning: Pastor Joe Miller of the Ridgway Church of the Nazarene; Pastor Scott Wiest of Shiloh Presbyterian Evangelical Church in St. Marys;
Pastor John Zimmerman, interim pastor at United Methodist Church in St. Marys; Pastor Tom Neizmik of Gardner Hill Community Church outside of Weedville; Paul McCurdy representing New Hope and Christ Church in Ridgway; Pastor Don Hunter of Faith Baptist Church in St. Marys; Father Thomas Curry, OSB, pastor Sacred Heart Parish and St. Mary’s Parish; and Pastor Ron Burkett of Halton Church.
“I am really excited and we have a new list of participants,” Hoffman said.
The ceremony will begin with a welcome and opening prayer by Pastor Zimmerman, who Hoffman said is a great choice since he is new to the area. Followed by a song, Pledge of Allegiance and the
reading of the national prayer written by the National Day of Prayer Task Force. This prayer will be read aloud at every prayer service across the nation. Hoffman said last year there were 35,000 National Day of Prayer services and 40,000 volunteers.
The chosen verse to highlight the theme is 2 Samuel 22:29-31 which reads, “For You are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness. For by You I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God - His Way is Perfect; The Word Of The Lord proves True; He is a Shield for all those who take refuge in Him.”
Hoffman has been coordinating the event for the past 25 years. During that time the ceremony has taken place throughout the county. The event began at Memorial Park in St. Marys then moved to Queen of the World Church in St. Marys and Benzinger Park in St. Marys.
Ridgway offered a separate afternoon service from St. Marys for a few years, hosting the event at the courthouse gazebo. Flying Dove Ranch in Ridgway has also played host to the event.
Over the past five years the ceremony has took place at the Methodist Church Pavilion. Hoffman said the pavilion has worked well for them as it provides a covered venue out of the weather, ample parking and restrooms.