The Clarkston Area Pastors Association celebrates its third annual local observance of the National Day of Prayer, 7-9 a.m., Thursday, May 1, at St. Daniels Catholic Church.
The event is co-chaired by Diane Bretz, operations director of Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, and Kay Duford, worship coordinator of St. Daniel Parish.
‘We have people in the community assigned to different categories, for example, community law enforcement, fire department, non-profit organizations,? said Bretz. ‘We find people from these groups to offer about a two minute prayer for that group in our community.?
The event will include a full catered breakfast from Puzio Catering Company. Girl Scout Troop 1878 from Independence Elementary will present the flag ceremony, Mark Gilman will be the MC, and Clarkston High School Madrigals will perform.
‘I’m really excited that we have the Madrigals singing,? said Duford. ‘We’re hoping to have 300 people come.?
There will also be special speaker Daphne DeMaris, talking about ‘Prayer. It does the body good.? DeMaris is a licensed professional counselor and clinical pastoral counselor.
‘We’ve had more participation with more churches than we’ve ever had before,? said Duford.
‘We have representatives from various churches, a lot of dialogue; it’s an interfaith experience, so I am excited about that. It’s ecumenical.?
Other churches sponsoring the event include Calvary Lutheran Church, St. Daniels, New Hope Bible Church, Clarkston Free Methodist, Clarkston Community, and Clarkston United Methodist.
‘It’s really a worthwhile day. It’s a good way to start the day of course always with prayer, with other members of the community and it’s good to be in community with other churches,? said Bretz. ‘I think that’s what I like most about it.?
Both Bretz and Duford have been on the planning team for the past three years. The planning team this year includes Calvary Lutheran and St. Daniels, Clarkston Community and Clarkston Free Methodist church.
‘I think we have a real successful planning team,? said Bretz.
The national observance pre-dates the founding of our nation. In 1775, the Continental Congress called on colonists to pray for guidance. A joint resolution of Congress in 1952 established a national day of prayer. In 1988, an amendment designated the first Thursday of May for the observance.
‘I’m excited about the thoughts of Christians getting together to pray for our country,? said Duford.