Kiwanis Prayer Breakfast
A prayer based agenda, song selections by the St. Johns High School Choir under direction of Nicole Eller and a message from Probate Judge Lisa Sullivan on integrity and trust, accented the spirit of “Integrity Starts Here,” the theme of this year’s St. Johns Kiwanis Prayer Breakfast held during the regular 7 a.m. meeting Thursday May 8 at Clinton Commons.
Incoming president Paul Opsomer, left and Human and Spiritual Values chair Tyler Barlage flank Probate Judge Lisa Sullivan for a photo following St. Johns Kiwanis annual Prayer Breakfast.
As in previous gatherings, the event attracted guests from religious, public service, state governmental interests and community leaders. After opening remarks by Paul Opsomer, Rod Fuller offered a prayer followed by a the song “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” with Janell Leonard on the piano. Welcoming remarks were offered by Fuller. Laurie Bishop introduced Director Nicole Eller and the St. Johns High School Choir which sang selected songs for the occasion.
Chris Bouck expressed a note of appreciation to community leaders present as Laurie Bishop and Janell distributed certificates affirming their contributions.
Probate Judge Lisa Sullivan captured the essence of the breakfast theme with her remarks on integrity and trust, doing so with her belief of what integrity entails and a personal example of how prayer can be strengthening.
In alluding to society’s jaded perception of public service quality, she emphasized that the reality is that many more elected officials work each day without recognition, serving with integrity. “Integrity, simply put” she said, “is the quality of adhering to high moral principles and ethical standards.”
On the matter of faith, Judge Sullivan cited “political correctness” as prompting a hesitation to discuss morals on the basis for separating church and state. “The founders of that very principle were men of faith,” she said. “They relied on the strength of their morals to craft our constitution.” That observation brought her to the point of how faith influences her work in three significant ways. Briefly, those she
described were kindness and compassion, empathy and trust in God’s plan for her.
In describing how prayer sometimes lights a path, Judge Sullivan described a difficult case where she was “scared.” “I can tell you,” she admitted to the crowd, cases before me are not always obvious or black and white.”
“I thought if I put on that robe I would have all the answers, but I didn’t and I was scared. So I prayed and eventually made a decision.” She explained that her job is to make decisions on matters often relating to children not her own and by putting herself in God’s hands for guidance.
“Sometimes our responsibilities seem overwhelming, but by living our faith . . . we can fulfill our service with integrity and in doing so, make a difference.”