When the St. Johns Kiwanis Club began its annual May prayer breakfast, invitations were primarily extended to area members of the clergy, but in recent years that list of guests has expanded to include laic leadership as well. And, as one might surmise, attendance grows with each gathering.
This year 20 guests joined Kiwanis members during the club’s regular meeting at Clinton Commons to share spiritual thoughts and inspirational words for all, but in particular for those in positions of leadership and social or political influence.
Traditionally, Kiwanis meetings are opened with a prayer and this session began with a special petition by Kiwanian Jean Bond. Tyler Barlage, Pastor of Community Christian Church and chairman of Kiwanis Human and Spiritual Values Committee conducted the formal portion of the meeting, which included presentation of certificates of appreciation to each guest in attendance. Judge Michelle Rick read the name of each guest as Marianne Harris and Jean Bond conducted presentations.
Meanwhile, meditative words were offered by Kiwanis members Jean Bond, Chris Bouck, Pastor Tyler Barlage and Pastor Don Zimmerman. Selected music in accord with the setting was offered by Drs. Jack and Tess Clarkson.
The annual Prayer Breakfast conducted by St. Johns Kiwanis is a Kiwanis International program and has been held locally since 1980. The characteristic animated periods marking most Kiwanis meetings were evident, but the overall spirit of prayer influenced this unique assembly and Kiwanians and guests entered their day with a deeper inspirational awareness.
From left: Mark Palmer, SJHS Principal; Wayne Kangas, Clinton County Sheriff; Jim Fyvie, Director CC Central Dispatch; Dennis LaForest, St. Johns City Manager; Paul Opsommer, MI State Representative; Michelle Smith, Habitat for Humanity President; Theresa Fedewa-Wells, Habitat for Humanity Secretary; Lisa Sullivan, CC Family Court Judge; Rhoda Hacker, RAVE Executive Director; Carol Wooley, CC Register of Deeds; Ken Bremer, Pastor Pilgrim United Methodist Church; Paul Daniels, Pastor First Church of God; Michelle Rick, Judge 29th District Court; Sue Lounds, Editor Clinton County News; Tylor Barlage, Pastor Community Christian Church; Brenda Terpening, Executive Director CC Chamber of Commerce; Laurie Oakwood-Bishop, Director and Publisher St. Johns Locale Magazine; Dennis Scott, Director CC Veterans Memorial; Brian Calley, Lieutenant Governor, State of Michigan and Judy Emmons, MI State Senator.