National Day of Prayer scheduled in New Philadelphia
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For 25 years Tuscarawas County has observed the National Day of Prayer. This year’s service will be on Thursday, May 3 on the steps of the Tuscarawas County Courthouse at 7 p.m. The theme is "Pray for America — Unity," based on Ephesians 4:3.
Representatives from ministerial associations across the county have come together this year to plan the event. Organizers felt that because unity is the theme, it would be a great opportunity to observe the event as a unified body. While some towns will hold observances throughout the day, the evening culminating service will draw participants county-wide.
Eight areas of prayer will be observed: government, church, emergency responders, military, family, education, media and business. Many of those leading prayers for the various topics will be community leaders.
While in the past most of the speakers were local pastors, organizers felt reaching out to lay leaders in the community would place further emphasis on the unity theme. Each speaker will read appropriate scripture, offer some suggested ideas of how to pray for their particular topic and then lead in a prayer.
New this year is the opportunity for area Christian musicians, whether a choir, ensemble or individual, to share their music in an all-day worship emphasis taking place that day at the courthouse.
Interested musicians are asked to call Pastor Ben Overton at 330-204-3212 to schedule a time to participate. A prayer tent also will be available for anyone who would like to pray. This pre-service event will begin at 7 a.m. and last until 6 p.m.
The Ezekiel Project in New Philadelphia has designed a T-shirt featuring the National Day of Prayer theme. The shirts are $10 each. A limited number will be available the evening of the event. Pre-orders are encouraged by calling Rick at 330-556-0006. The Ezekiel Project is located at 146 Ashwood Lane NW in New Philadelphia.
Area church choirs are encouraged to sing in a mass community choir that will close the evening. To participate, email Pastor Seth Filburn at pastorsethgumc@gmail.com for more information.
Observed annually on the first Thursday in May, the National Day of Prayer is a legally established day for people to gather on public property to pray for the nation and its leaders.
People attending on May 3 are encouraged to bring their own chairs as no seating will be provided. The service is expected to last one hour.
In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved to First Methodist Church at 201 W. High Ave. in New Philadelphia. Parking will be available at nearby churches in downtown New Philadelphia.