Thursday - May 6: The National Day of Prayer has been a nationwide observance for 59 years now. It is a gathering of members of a community to invoke the Lord's blessing for our government, our churches, our home towns and all members of our community. It is a public expression in our belief that with prayer all things are possible through the watchful eye of God. It has a religious tone but doesn't pertain to any one church or any one faith. It is observed annually on the first Thursday in May.
The Wellsville observance is sponsored by the Wellsville Area Ministerial Association. Weather permitting it is held at the Gazebo in the 4th St. Square. This year we were blessed with bright sunshine.
The Tri-State Burial Group Color Guard presented the colors to open this year's observance. Under the direction of Mrs. Jennifer Gooch, the WHS Ebony & Ivory Group led the singing of The Star Spangled Banner. Wellsville Mayor Joe Surace led the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance and First Christian Pastor Troy Warner welcomed everyone. He then read a proclamation from President Barack Obama.
Representing Congressman Charlie Wilson, Wellsville's Linda Presutti offered a prayer for our national leaders. CC County Commissioner Dan Bing prayed for our state leaders and Judge Melissa Byers-Emmerling offered up a word for our Columbiana County leaders, Judges and the Sheriff's Dept.
Mt. Sinai Pastor Darlene Zanders offered prayers for Village leaders followed by WPD Chief Joe Scarabino praying for all our policemen and fire fighters. WHS ACTION Club member Danny Dye prayed for all parents, teachers and students. ACTION is an acronym for Active Christian Teens in One Name. Nazarene Church member Aaron Smith prayed for the needs of the community and its economy while his pastor Dirk Hall prayed for all area churches. New Life Hope Bishop Bill Rudder offered prayers for all of Wellsville area citizens.
In closing the Ebony & Ivory Group sang the song True Colors and Rev. Warner led the gathering in reciting the Lord's Prayer. Colorful red, white & blue balloons were launched by all in attendance in a symbolic gesture of sending our prayers up to Heaven.
This was Wellsville's fourth annual observance of the National Day of Prayer. Rev. Warner observed in some corners of our nation it is not considered politically correct and it is being challenged in the courts. We pray that any rulings against the observance are overturned and any objections fall on deaf ears.
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