“Pray for America”
When St. Johns Kiwanis first participated in the Worldwide Kiwanis Prayer Week by hosting a prayer breakfast, invitations to the event were received mostly by members of the clergy. In recent years the call to prayer has reached beyond spiritual guidance to laic leadership as well and this year’s assembly, held May 9th at Clinton Commons, was a fair representation of that blend.
Several speakers – Kiwanians and guests – held time at the podium, but headlining the program were keynote speaker State Senator Judy Emmons and Pastor Tyler Barlage, chairman of the Kiwanis club committee on Human and Spiritual Values. Sen. Emmons’ remarks included brief references to political issues with emphasis on the fact that human trafficking is not limited to other countries, but is a growing challenge here in the U.S.
In his welcoming remarks, Pastor Barlage explained that the Worldwide Kiwanis Prayer Week, beginning in 1980, was the inspiration for St. Johns Kiwanis to seize the opportunity to recognize and prayerfully support those who direct and impact our community by way of their leadership and service.
“It is important,” he said, “to set aside time to pray regularly for our churches, our government and military; for our public safety responders, our courts, our businesses, our leaders of media and education and for American’s families.” His remarks stressed the day’s theme, taken from the National Day of Prayer held one week earlier, “Pray for America.”
Other Kiwanians participating on the program included President Greg Teichman, who opened the session with welcoming comments. Rod Fuller set the spirit of the gathering with an opening prayer and Chris Bouck followed with a message of appreciation to pastors and community leaders for their service. Jean Bond presented a prayer and blessing upon all community leaders. The session came to a close with a special prayer offered by Dave Kudwa.
Music appropriate to the day was presented by the Resident Truth band, a group from Community Christian Church, led by John Quigley.
The distinctively animated periods marking most Kiwanis meetings were evident, but the overall essence of prayer influenced this unique assembly and Kiwanians and guests entered their day with a deeper inspirational awareness.
From left: Tim Van Loh, Pastor Grove Bible Church; Dana Beaman, Mayor, City of St. Johns; Dennis LaForest, City Manager, City of St. Johns; Mike Madden, Police Chief, City of St. Johns; Matt Olsen, Pastor, Congregational Church of St. Johns; Brenda Terpening, Exec. Dir. Clinton County Chamber of Commerce; Dennis Scott, Dir. Clinton County Veterans Memorial; Larry Moggenberg, Commander, American Legion; Rick Jones, Senator, State of Michigan, 24th Dist.; Wayne Kangas, Sheriff, Clinton County; Lt. Wilkie, City of St. Johns Police Dept.; Judy Emmons, Senator, State of Michigan, 33rd Dist.; ; Jeremiah Napreo, representing Congressman Dave Camp; Bob Showers, Chairman, Clinton County Board of Commissioners Rhoda Hacker, Exec. Dir. Safe House; Chuck Emmert, Minister Duplain Church of Christ; Dr. Ken Ladouceur, Supt. St. Johns Public Schools. Special guests attending, but absent from picture; State Rep. Tom Leonard, Sue Zienert, Pastor, First United Methodist Church; Sue Carroll, Exec. Dir. Habitat for Humanity; Sue Lounds, Editor, Clinton County News.