More than two dozen people representing local community members, organizations, and local clergy of the California Ministerial Alliance observed the Annual National Day of Prayer at noon Thursday, May 7, on the south lawn of the Moniteau County Courthouse. The participants continued to arrive as the event went forward. This was the seventh year of observance in the local community.
Present were: Eddie Schoeneberg, pastor of Main Street Baptist; Frank Hensley, pastor of New Life Christian Center; Peter Kurowski, pastor of California St. Paul's Lutheran; Glen Golden, pastor of High Point Baptist; Sr. Mary Ruth Wand, pastoral minister of Annunciation Catholic; Greg Morrow, pastor of California First Baptist; Tim Burgher, music minister of California First Baptist; and Casey Malley, youth pastor of California First Baptist.
Those present began the event by facing the U.S. flag and singing the national anthem, after which Hensley quoted The National Motto, "In God We Trust." Schoeneberg read the Preamble to the United States Constitution after which Burgher led the singing of "Battle Hymn of the Republic." Pastors took turns leading group prayers asking for blessings and protection for Christians and others in the world and the nation, as well as for individuals such as military, law enforcement and leaders.
The Lord's Prayer was recited, followed by the singing of "America the Beautiful," and thanks to more than 40,000 groups which come out for event around the nation.
"God Bless America" was sung and then Bible verses read by the pastors. Scriptures read were I Timothy 2:1-4; II Chronicles 7:14-15; Isaiah 33:22; Proverbs 14:34; Psalms 33:12; and Proverbs 29:2.
Following the closing prayer, information was given about the National Day of Prayer and its history, which predates the founding of the country. The Continental Congress proclaimed a day of prayer in 1775.
Members of the California Ministerial Alliance are actively involved in spreading the Gospel message in the community on a day to day basis, through Pastor's Columns in the California Democrat, devotions on KRLL, helping out by providing emergency assistance and serving other in many ways including working with the Moniteau Christian Ministries Center.