JUDGE GALLAGHER … For the Montpelier 2021 National Day of Prayer meeting, Williams County Judge Karen Gallagher was the special speaker. She inspired the group that was gathered with her statements of faith and hope in the power of prayer. (PHOTOS BY REBECCA MILLER, STAFF)
By: Rebecca Miller
The National Day of Prayer, which has been proclaimed for the first Thursday of May since President Ronald Reagan set it for that day, was held this year on May 6.
All across the country, people gathered to pray for Families, the Church, Businesses, Education, Government, Military and Arts/Media/Entertainment.
The gatherings were held at all times of the day and with many different formats, but the purpose was the same – to bring America to the throne of God for His blessing and help.
In Williams County, Ohio, there were three specific gatherings spread throughout the day. At 9:00 a.m., around 50 people joined hearts and voices at The House of Prayer in Montpelier, singing together, hearing a short talk from Judge Karen Gallagher and saying ‘Amen’ to the prayers offered on each of the set topics.
Worship was led by the House of Prayer Worship Team. Montpelier Council President Chris Kannel read the Proclamation as Mayor Steve Yagelski was unable to attend. Prayers were led by Pastors Adam Fox, Chuck Case, Ben Harris, Homer Miller, and Mary Beth McCandless as well as Pat Warren and Eric Howell. Such a sense of faith and unity could be sensed throughout the entire meeting.
In Pioneer, a group of around 25 met at the Gazebo at Noon and were blessed by the precious voices of pre-schoolers leading them all in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The children from St. John’s Daycare then sat quietly on the grass while everyone agreed in prayers led by Jim Thompson, John Widmer, Bob Martin, April Cable, Cliff Iles and Pastors Christian Taylor and Ben Gladhill.
Mayor Ed Kidston read the proclamation and Pastor Steve Smith did the invocation, the benediction and led the singing.
It was chilly outside, but the sun was shining and there was a feeling of warm hearts, especially at the end when the children’s sweet voices were loudest to be heard while the group all sang God Bless America.
The National Day of Prayer was then wrapped up for Williams County, when a small group gathered in Bryan, despite the cooler air and threat of more rain, at the Gazebo where Pastor Sam Luthi welcomed them and read the proclamation on behalf of Bryan Mayor Carrie Schlade who could not attend this year.
Prayers were led by Pastors Jeff Lewis, Luke Nagy, Jeff Sheldon, Stefanie Widney and Jared Burgess.
The group may have been smaller than usual for Bryan, but there was an overall peace as those who chose to show up despite the weather, bowed in silent agreement with each prayer.
Rebecca can be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com
OUT OF THE MOUTH OF BABES … Being led in the Pledge of Allegiance at the 2021 Pioneer National Day of Prayer event was special for everyone. This group of little ones from St. Johns PreSchool were a wonderful part of the meeting.
FRIENDS IN PRAYER…Serious about the need for prayer in this country, these folks came out for the evening National Day of Prayer meeting in Bryan on May 6, 2021.