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Community Corner

Bell Shoals to Host National Day of Prayer Event Tonight at the Barn

Starting at 6:30 P.M. residents are invited to bring lawn chairs and join at least eight different area churches for a night of prayer.

In 1952, the first Thursday of May was officially written into law as the National Day of Prayer (NDP).  Although it is still recognized as a national holiday, the Freedom from Religion Foundation is battling in the Supreme Court to have this holiday removed.

Locally,  the National Day of Prayer will be celebrated at the Winthrop Barn Theatre, 11349 Bloomingdale Ave., Riverview, this evening.

While Bell Shoals Baptist Church is hosting the event, organizer Debbie Weisemann stated, “This is a family-oriented event for people of all denominations.”

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There are eight pastors from various denominations scheduled to speak at some point during the hour-long prayer event.

The event will start at 6:30 p.m. with praise and worship music with the actual prayer beginning at 7 p.m.

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NDP is a way for people of all faiths and nationalities to come together and pray for the country, military and the leaders of the nation.

“We will also encourage prayer for our teachers, local business owners, our families and marriages," said Weisemann.

She said the speakers are not there to actually lead  prayer the entire time, but to guide residents as they pray individually or in small groups.

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