Community invited to National Day of Prayer

Canyon Lake will celebrate its 7th annual National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 2, at the lodge. A continental breakfast will be served at 10 a.m. The program starts at 10:30 a.m.

There is no charge to attend this year thanks to the generous sponsorship of Platinum Plumbing and the members of the National Day of Prayer Committee. Seating is limited to the first 120 people. A ticket is required to attend. For tickets, contact Lynda Ofstad at 951-244-7866.

Participants this year include Canyon Lake Community Church, Center Church, New Hope Community Church, Lamb’s Fellowship and Canyon Lake Torah Club.

The program will begin with the Elsinore High School Flying Tiger Junior ROTC Color Guard, under the direction of Major Charles Ruhl.

Councilwomen Kasey Castillo will be leading the prayer for protectors, police, fire and EMT. She will speak about the Blue Belles, an organization that supports the families of fallen police officers.

Councilman Jeremy Smith will offer the prayer for the city and Mayor Larry Greene will lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Veterans of several military conflicts will be in attendance. Michael Thomas of the Department of Defense will give an inspirational message. Police officers and fire department staff will be in attendance as duty permits.

Captain Jason Gunnels, chaplain of March Air Reserve Base, will speak about the spiritual needs of military serving on MARB.

Rabbi Steven Epstein will deliver the prayer for Israel.

Prayers for the children will come from tiny but mighty students of the Canyon Lake Community Church Preschool. Pastors Dave Dick, Thor Ramsay, Chris Suitt and Buzzy Enniss will lead prayer.

Soloist Tabitha Webster will sing the National Anthem and an additional patriotic number. Her accompanist will be Marvin Webster, no relation. Kylene Evans will be returning to play her new full-size harp.

Lane McKellar will serve as emcee and DJ Mike Shroyer of Good Time Entertainment will provide the music.

Event organizers include Canyon Lake Community Church, Canyon Lake Lioness Club and the National Day of Prayer Committee: Nancy Horton, chair; Joanna Spiller, treasurer; Lynda Ofstad, tickets; and members Shirley and Marvin Webster, Ted Horton, Alice and Jack Gray, Becky and Jack Watson, Cort Ofstad and Mary and Pau LeGrice.

For more information or to sponsor this event, contact Nancy Horton at 951-246-2928.

National Day of Prayer has been celebrated in the United States since 1952, by joint resolution of Congress and President Harry S. Truman.

In 1988, President Reagan designated the first Thursday in May as National Day of Prayer.