Published: April 25, 2008 10:22 am            

Local events will mark National Day of Prayer

By TOM LAVIS

TLAVIS@TRIBDEM.COM

Instead of the typical lineup of guest speakers, organizers of the 57th annual National Day of Prayer are calling upon the community to come together for a relaxed gathering to commune with God.

The hour-long event will begin at noon Thursday near the Central Park gazebo in downtown Johnstown.

The theme is “Prayer! America’s Strength and Shield” and is based on Psalm 28:7, which states: “The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in him and I am helped.”

Co-coordinators for the gathering are Karen Stobaugh of Hollsopple and Jackie Williams of Johnstown.

“We are doing things a little different from past days of prayer,” Stobaugh said. “We view this as an informal prayer gathering where we will pray for specific needs, such as family, the nation, our military, media and community.”

More than 35,000 prayer gatherings will be conducted by about 40,000 volunteers across the country. Several million people are expected to participate in this call to prayer for the nation, its leaders and citizens.

A concert of praise music is being developed and will represent various ministries of the Community Leadership Foundation.

“We will have Scripture readings directed at certain prayer targets as we break up into small groups,” Stobaugh said.

“Cornerstone Leadership conducted a Showcase for Christian Ministries in April at The Galleria (Richland Township) to create some excitement for the National Day of Prayer and the response was encouraging.”

The foundation has a vision to improve the lives of the Greater Johnstown community by providing resources of leadership, education, charity and faith, according to the examples of Jesus Christ.

“We will invite God’s presence and God’s perspectives into our community,” Stobaugh said.

She said Psalms, 28:7 is a comforting reminder that God is indeed the source of all power, guidance and protection.

Supporters view the day as a time to work together to spark a nationwide revival of prayer and repentance.

The day of prayer continues with Celebrate One, a Christian unity rally, later in the day at the Pasquerilla Conference Center,” Stobaugh said.

Several other events are planned in the region to mark the National Day of Prayer.

The local clergy association will sponsor the Ebensburg Community Prayer Breakfast.

The host church will be Ebensburg United Methodist Church, 100 E. Highland Ave.

Breakfast will be served at 6:45. A program will begin at 7 a.m. with Mary Bruce, northeast coordinator for the National Day of Prayer Task Force, as keynote speaker.

Later, a National Day of Prayer event will be held at noon at the front entrance to the Cambria County Courthouse in Ebensburg.



For the faithful

What: 57th annual National Day of Prayer.

Theme: “Prayer! America's Strength and Shield.”

When: Noon Thursday.

Where: Central Park gazebo in downtown Johnstown and front entrance of Cambria County Courthouse, Ebensburg.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.