The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Community prays together
National Day of Prayer observed by residents at First United Methodist Church
Rain or shine, folks in Wellington prayed.
Residents, city officials and local pastors of Wellington came together May 3 at First United Methodist Church of Wellington to celebrate National Day of Prayer as a community.
Wellington pastors such as Rev. Paul Wilson of First United Methodist Church, Rev. Jim Ellis of Brighton Congregational and Rochester United Methodist Church, Rev. Jonathan Cheatham of Pittsfield Community Church and Rev. Mike Goss of United Church of Huntington were all present in front of the church in its gazebo to lead the gathering in prayers.
All in attendance joined in the gazebo to share their own personal prayers relating to health, the community or wellbeing of others.
Guests bowed their heads in prayers led by each pastor for
“Coming together in prayer is a chance to grow closer to (God) and see the world through God’s lens.” — Rev. Mike Goss of United Church of Huntington
the community of Wellington, its children, families and government.
Pastors also asked for the praise for other communities and their residents around the world who are in need of prayer.
In conclusion of the national celebration, Cheatham rejoiced in song with the guests and sang hymns, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and “Take My Life and Let it Be.”
Guests were also welcome to see National Day of Prayer presentations and activities inside of the church after the event.
Frances Scyoc of Wellington said this was her third time coming to the National Day of Prayer gathering.
She is a member of another church in the city but said she attends the event at First United because they pray for the support for the community and the government.
“It’s nice that we have the privilege to come together,” Scyoc said.
Wilson said a Wellington Clergy Association used to be a group in the past where different clergy in the community came together. However, he said it faded out after time.
Wilson said the National Day of Prayer celebration is a way for other pastors and people from different churches in the community to join together to pray.
This is the third year the church has held its gathering and the number of guests is gradually growing, he said.
Wilson referred to a statement Goss shared during the event to reflect on the importance of National Day of Prayer. Goss said people shouldn’t rely on our own insights, but rely on God’s insights.
“Prayer really reminds us of that,” he said. “Coming together in prayer is a chance to grow closer to (God) and see the world through God’s lens.
It’s important for us to observe National Day of Prayer to remind us of who we are and who we are as a nation.”
Wilson said the National Day of Prayer is a way to remind people of who they are as people and what they are about.
He shared an example of a good way to look at National Day of Prayer by referring to a passage in the Bible.
In a scripture in the Gospel of Matthew, it states that Jesus is in each person.
“When we lift someone up, we’re lifting Christ up,” he said. “When we neglect somebody, we’re neglecting Christ. We should lift each other up and pray for each other.”