Area officials, residents unite in prayer
PRAYER WALK — Local clergy led many citizens, including law enforcement officers and other emergency first responders, on a Prayer Walk along North Third and Fourth streets in Toronto before leading a service at the Gazebo Commons that included prayers for emergency personnel and others and songs of worship from Tammy Spicer, who organized it; the Crossroads North River Praise Team, Doc Roe and Sweet Harmonies, Anapharo and Thomas Graham. -- Warren Scott
DAY OF PRAYER IN WELLSBURG — At a National Day of Prayer observance on the Wellsburg Town Square, the Rev. Brian Knight of Wellsburg Church of the Nazarene noted the first Continental Congress, a 1774 gathering of founding fathers of what ultimately would become the United States of America, opened with a prayer. Organized by the Wellsburg Kiwanis Club, with support from Mayor Dan Dudley, the service also included prayers from Joy Leasure, pastor of Community of Christ Church; and the Rev. Jim Rahr of Colliers United Methodist Church and lunch provided by the Follansbee McDonald’s. -- Warren Scott
PRAYER IN WINTERSVILLE — Members of Jefferson County Christian School’s Spiritual Life Committee offered prayers for government leaders and emergency first responders, shared scriptural readings and led songs of worship at the National Day of Prayer service held Thursday morning outside the Wintersville Municipal Building attended by many public officials, law enforcement officers and others. -- Warren Scott
PRAYER — Kate Freeman prayed for churches in Steubenville and abroad during the city’s National Day of Prayer observance Thursday, as her husband and pastor of First Christian Church, the Rev. Nate Freeman, stood by. -- Christopher Dacanay
PRAYER WALK — Local clergy led many citizens, including law enforcement officers and other emergency first responders, on a Prayer Walk along North Third and Fourth streets in Toronto before leading a service at the Gazebo Commons that included prayers for emergency personnel and others and songs of worship from Tammy Spicer, who organized it; the Crossroads North River Praise Team, Doc Roe and Sweet Harmonies, Anapharo and Thomas Graham. -- Warren Scott
DAY OF PRAYER IN WELLSBURG — At a National Day of Prayer observance on the Wellsburg Town Square, the Rev. Brian Knight of Wellsburg Church of the Nazarene noted the first Continental Congress, a 1774 gathering of founding fathers of what ultimately would become the United States of America, opened with a prayer. Organized by the Wellsburg Kiwanis Club, with support from Mayor Dan Dudley, the service also included prayers from Joy Leasure, pastor of Community of Christ Church; and the Rev. Jim Rahr of Colliers United Methodist Church and lunch provided by the Follansbee McDonald’s. -- Warren Scott
PRAYER IN WINTERSVILLE — Members of Jefferson County Christian School’s Spiritual Life Committee offered prayers for government leaders and emergency first responders, shared scriptural readings and led songs of worship at the National Day of Prayer service held Thursday morning outside the Wintersville Municipal Building attended by many public officials, law enforcement officers and others. -- Warren Scott
PRAYER — Kate Freeman prayed for churches in Steubenville and abroad during the city’s National Day of Prayer observance Thursday, as her husband and pastor of First Christian Church, the Rev. Nate Freeman, stood by. -- Christopher Dacanay
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STEUBENVILLE -- City officials and residents of Steubenville took time Thursday to pray together at the Steubenville Visitors Center plaza in commemoration of the National Day of Prayer.
The roughly 30-minute event in Steubenville was united with similar efforts across the nation for the National Day of Prayer, an observance first established in 1775 by the Second Continental Congress. The day was officially established by a joint resolution from U.S. Congress that was signed into law by President Harry Truman in 1952, and it now occurs each year on the first Thursday of May, following a 1988 amendment.
It was one of several Day of Prayer events held around the area.
Steubenville commemorated the day for many years before hitting a lull, said the Rev. Nate Freeman, pastor of First Christian Church. Freeman initiated a fresh start for observances in 2020 and has been organizing the events since, with the desire to get more people involved.
"The whole idea behind the National Day of Prayer is that people can come out during their lunch and pray," Freeman said. "That's why we try to keep it to a half hour, so people can return to their jobs. We take this one day to recognize God and ask for his blessings on our area."
This year's theme for the National Day of Prayer is "Lift Up the Word, Light up the World." Before offering an opening prayer, the Rev. Jason Elliott, pastor of First Westminster Presbyterian Church, called to mind the theme and said he hopes the day's prayers could light up the Steubenville community and that a spirit of unity could bind individuals together.
Destiny Angelucci, overall winner of the 2024 Valley's Got Talent Kids Edition, sang "The Star-Spangled Banner," after which Steubenville City Manager Jim Mavromatis led the Pledge of Allegiance.
In attendance were Jefferson County Commissioners Tony Morelli and Eric Timmons. Morelli read a proclamation from the board of county commissioners for the National Day of Prayer.
"Whereas one of the main objectives our forefathers founded this great nation was for religious freedom, it is only fitting and proper to give thanks by observing this date in Jefferson County," Morelli read, later adding, "We urge all citizens of this county to recognize the importance of this day."
Steubenville Mayor Jerry Barilla presented a similar proclamation from the city. He continued by saying that each person present Thursday has been touched by prayer in some way, particularly during times of personal tragedy.
"That word prayer is so important because where else can you turn in your hour of need?" Barilla said.
Barilla advised people to pray for people in peril nationally and worldwide, and he emphasized the importance of protecting the freedom the U.S. was founded on.
Wintersville Councilwoman Pennie Scarpone prayed for governmental leaders: "(Lord,) help them lead with honesty and fairness and fill their hearts with kindness and justice as they make decisions that affect us all."
Steubenville Fire Chief Carlo Capaldi prayed for the military and first responders: "Oh gracious God, we are extremely thankful for all military personnel and our first responders. Give them the ability to stand strong and fill them with courage as they keep our communities safe."
Tim Pierce of Pierce Media Productions prayed for the media: "We lift up in prayer all those who play a role in the creation, the production and the consumption of media," for those in front of and behind the camera.
Annie Campbell of M&M True Value Hardware, prayed for businesses: "Dear Lord, we want to thank you for all the small businesses that are in our community, for all the hard work that has gone into them. We pray for their growth and continued success because they are what binds this community and this country together."
Joe Wallace, director of community relations and head men's basketball coach for Franciscan University of Steubenville, prayed for education: "(Lord God,) please look upon our country's teachers. Administrators, counselors, coaches and all support staff. Let them strive to share their knowledge with gentle patience and strive always to share the gentle truth with eager minds."
Kate Freemam, wife of Nate Freeman, prayed for churches: "Paul said in Philippians: 'As long as Christ is preached, I rejoice.' And so, father God, I rejoice in every church in our city and our county that preaches the name of Jesus Christ."
Cookie West, community navigator for the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities, prayed for parents: "Lord, the family unit will once again walk in sweet harmony with your Holy Spirit. ... I decree and declare the Earth will be filled with the families who reflect the glory of God."
Rev. Freeman said he was encouraged by the number of people present Thursday and advised people that they are "better together" rather than disunited. Freeman led a closing recitation of the Lord's Prayer before Angelucci sang "God Bless America."
State Sen. Brian Chavez, R-Marietta, who is serving the remainder of former state Sen. Frank Hoagland's term in the 30th District seat and running for re-election in November, said Freeman invited him to attend the observance, to which he replied, "Absolutely."
Chavez said, "What a wonderful event. This isn't political. This is about coming together and realizing that we're all in this world together, and we should be looking at the bigger picture and listening to greater callings. ... It's wonderful to be able to witness and participate in events like this."
Freeman offered details about a free "Pentecost on North Street" event that will take place May 19 from noon to 5 p.m. Located on North Street between Herald Square and North Commercial Street, the potluck-style event will include free food and drink, live music, a pottery demonstration, kids' activities and prayer. Those interested in volunteering to help can call (740) 405-9658 or anwcarpenter@gmail.com.