Frazee church representatives gather across faiths

Organizer Denise Warweg of Harvest Church recites a prayer for the imprisoned and persecuted during the National Day of Prayer ceremony in front of city hall Thursday, May 4, in Frazee.

By Robert Williams

Editor

Members from all of Frazee’s churches joined mayor Mark Flemmer in the city’s observance of the National Day of Prayer outside city hall Thursday, May 4.  ¶  The National Day of Prayer is an annual day of observance designated by the United States Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman in 1952.  ¶  It is held on the first Thursday of May, when people are asked “to turn to God in prayer and meditation”. The president is required by law to sign a proclamation each year, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day.  ¶  After a welcome from Pastor Ryan Stockstrom and the presentation of the colors by the Frazee VFW’s Roger Schaeffer, the Frazee-Vergas high school band played The Star-Spangled Banner. Schaeffer led the congregation in a recitation of the The Pledge of Allegiance prior to Flemmer’s reading of the day’s proclamation.  ¶  “Whereas we celebrate our incredibly good fortune that as Americans we can exercise our convictions freely no matter our faith and beliefs…we the citizens of Frazee gather in prayer, exercising reliance on God’s power in the face of present challenges and threats, ask for His blessings on our country, city and all individuals in our community,” Flemmer said

Frazee mayor Mark Flemmer proclaims Thursday, May 4, as the National Day of Prayer during a ceremony attended by members of all of Frazee’s different churches.

Harvest Church has organized the day of prayer ceremony since 2006.

“We believe that we serve a powerful God,” said Stockstrom. “Because of that our prayers are powerful and even more powerful as we gather together in unity from each of the different churches here in Frazee. We’re blessed to see everyone come together today.”

Cindy Ulschmid and Roxie Stephens of Harvest Church prayed against violence, terrorism and natural disaster. 

Maddie Aeikens, director of Christian Education at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, spoke on behalf of Rev. Ed Borchardt, praying for education.

Greg Gray of Harvest Church led a topical prayer about the state of the world praying for local, state and the federal government.

“Prayer is essentially a partnership of a child of God working hand-in-hand with what God wants for his redemptive purposes on earth,” said Gray. “On this National Day of Prayer, let’s rise to the occasion and embrace this invitation to be co-laborers with God, representatives of Christ and ambassadors of God’s great kingdom because it does matter.”

Mike Riva, worship and youth director at Harvest Church prayed for both the U.S. and Israeli military. Riva also led the congregation in the singing of “Amazing Grace” and “God Bless America,” to close the ceremony.

Dave Goeddertz represented Sacred Heart Catholic Church leading a prayer for media.

Organizer Denise Warweg of Harvest Church recited a prayer for the imprisoned and persecuted, followed by Gayle Ahlsten praying for family, parents and children.

Mackenzie Hamm, executive director of CornerStone and a member of the United Methodist Church, prayed for business and the workplace, followed by Janice Brown’s final prayer of the ceremony for the church and revival.