WAYNESBORO – About 20-30 residents joined local faith and community leaders at Main Street Park at noon May 1 for the National Day of Prayer, an annual observance bringing people together to pray for the nation and its institutions.
Mary Margaret Bittle, director at Morning Star A Perfect Gift store in downtown Waynesboro, opened the event and led the first prayer. She introduced each of the speakers and said the prayer service went very well. Bittle also noted that “In God We Trust” posters are now displayed in every school in Franklin County, with assistance from Tom McCloud, owner of Appalachian Nurseries. .
The program included scripture reading by Sarah Spangler. Pastor Brent Mangus, of Salem Church of Waynesboro, led a prayer for the military. Ray Rottler, prayer counselor at Spring of Hope Counseling, prayed for the government. Dr. Kim Easton, executive director at the Waynesboro YMCA, offered a prayer for the media. Bittle returned to pray for local businesses.
The event continued with retired Pastor Carl Batzel of Hawley Memorial Presbyterian Church praying for churches and his wife, Carol Batzel, praying for families. Pastor Carol Fulmor of St. John’s Church in Sabillasville, Maryland, led a prayer for education. Carol Batzel concluded the program by blowing the shofar.
During the gathering, Mangus said Salem Church will celebrate its 240th anniversary and noted the church cemetery includes graves of unknown Civil War soldiers.
The National Day of Prayer event in Waynesboro provided an opportunity for the community to unite in faith and reflection, focusing on key aspects of American life.
