Lodge is the site for 3rd annual Day of Prayer

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Members of the community gathered in the Holiday Bay Room at the Lodge for the 3rd annual National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 7. Sponsored by the Canyon Lake Bible Fellowship, the event drew participants from several local congregations and groups. It was emceed by Canyon Lake businessman Lane McKellar.

The Elsinore High School Air Force Junior ROTC once again was on hand to present the colors, as it has done for many Canyon Lake ceremonies. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by former Mayor Mary Craton.

The keynote address was by Pastor Kasey Crawford of Elevation Church, who spoke about the faith and determination of the small band of Pilgrims who helped establish Plymouth Colony in the New World, and whose faith and system of law based on the Bible was foundational in the formation of the United States.

Kasey challenged those at the Prayer Breakfast to consider what kind of legacy they are leaving for those who come after them.

Also on the program was Pastor Paul Krueger of New Hope Church, director of the Hope Learning Academy for at-risk youth and a chaplain with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Paul shared from his heart about his love for the youth of the community, especially those who feel angry with life, or who find themselves in trouble with the law or dealing with substance abuse.

Paul spoke in particular about a young man, Josh Olson, who went through the Learning Academy, had gotten his life turned around and was involved with his parents in helping at the Academy. Josh had been killed in a car accident the Sunday before the Prayer Breakfast, so Paul’s message was urgent in his encouragement to adults of the community to care about their youth and to pray for them.

The “Prayer for Our Nation” was led by Pastor Pete Van Dyke of Canyon Lake Community Church.

The “Prayer for the State of California” was led by motivational speaker Dr. Barbara Young of Young Enterprises.

The “Prayer for the City of Canyon Lake” was led by Pastor Dave Dick of Canyon Lake Community Church.”

The “Prayer for Those Who Serve” (particularly first responders) was led by Sam Theodora, former LAPD officer.

The “Prayer for Our Military” was led by Sherry Reiter, president of the Canyon Lake Torah Club and an employee of the Armed Services Television Station at March Air Reserve Base.

The “Prayer for Seniors, Families and Youth” was led by Brittany Youngquist, director of the Canyon Lake Community Church Preschool.

Prayers were interspersed with music provided by Crimson Crown Ministries and the Elevation Youth Band. Crimson Crown’s Brian Pitotti and Mollee Dick, accompanied by Ruth Martin, sang “God of This City.”

The Elevation Youth Band, with Sarah Munoz and triplets Ashlyn, Ryan and Mason Dowell, sang/played a song Sarah wrote called “Waves of Glory.”

Closing comments were by Lane McKellar, who led the audience in singing “God Bless America.”

Members of the Canyon Lake National Day of Prayer Committee are Nancy Horton, Lane McKellar, Steve and Ruth Martin, LaRue McNamara, Joan Gadzik, Barbara Weatherman, Sue Bonner, Joan Ellett, Lynda Ofstad, Jack and Alice Gray, Ron and Joan Proeschold, Mary and Paul LeGrice and Jerry and Judy Swift.