By Staff
National Day of Prayer
was moving, reflective
Local celebrations for the 58th annual National Day of Prayer, Thursday, brought together residents under a common theme: God must be an integral part of human existence.
For many people in Beaufort and surrounding communities, faith and prayer are critical to their sense of being and purpose in life.
That was no more evident than in the acknowledgements to God our local residents communicated at the area’s main service in the Washington Municipal Building.
Community members were welcomed to the event by Washington Mayor Judy Meier Jennette and greeted by Dick Barber, local chairman of the National Day of Prayer.
Other participants — some representing area churches and others from social-service organizations — offered prayers for our troops; for peace, the poor, needy and oppressed; and for spiritual unity and moral commitment.
Others led prayers for families; for churches and community; for schools and children; for cultural community and media; and for state and local leaders.
The event was solemn, but also quietly joyous. More than a few of those gathered — who sat on benches or stood around the City Council chambers — nodded their heads or raised their arms as prayers were recited. Some wiped away tears as the messages moved them.
The local National Day of Prayer celebrations began Thursday with a complimentary breakfast at the Church of God on 15th Street in Washington. It was followed by a prayer service at the Washington Civic Center, hosted by the Beaufort County Committee of 100. The Municipal Building prayer event followed that.
In Belhaven, the Belhaven Chamber of Commerce and the Pungo Ministerial Alliance began their day of prayer program at noon.
Congratulations to all involved in National Day of Prayer celebrations.