National Day of Prayer observances are being planned for Thursday, May 4 in communities of central and north Baldwin County.
According to its website, nationaldayofprayer.org, the National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our heritage. Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through our history, including President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation of a day of “humiliation, fasting, and prayer” in 1863.
In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Harry S Truman, declared an annual, national day of prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Ronald Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May. Each year, the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. Last year, all 50 state governors plus the governors of several U.S. territories signed similar proclamations.

Bay Minette

The City of Bay Minette will observe the National Day of Prayer with a special program and breakfast beginning at 8 a.m. at Bay Minette City Hall.
Local pastors and special guest speakers will share messages with the theme “For your GREAT Name’s Sake” based on the scripture: “O Lord, Listen! O Lord, Forgive, O Lord, Hear and Act! For your sake, O my God!” from Daniel 9:19.
There will also be a time to pray for our community and nation.
Scheduled speakers and topics include: the Rev. Blair Beaver, Hear Us; the Rev. Jimmy Bennett, Forgive Us; the Rev. David Garcia, Heal Us; and the Rev. Danny Stevens, If My People.
The program will include a welcome by the Rev. Edna Dixon and Mayor Bob Wills and the Rev. Derrick Bishop will provide an opening prayer and Bible reading. The Rev. Val Obregon will lead the salute to the flag and Bishop Manuel Watson will lead the closing prayer. Music will be provided by Alice Crook and William Jones.
Following the special program, breakfast will be served at 9 a.m. in the conference room at city hall.
The free event is open to the public. Bay Minette City Hall is at 301 D’Olive St. For more information, call 251-580-1619.

Central Baldwin Chamber
The Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce’s 13th annual Prayer Breakfast will be held at the Baldwin EMC Training Center, 19600 Alabama 59, Summerdale.
Tickets are $20 each or $150 for a table of eight. Breakfast will be served beginning at 6:45 a.m., followed by a program at 7 a.m.
Baldwin County Sheriff Huey “Hoss” Mack began the Chamber’s Prayer Breakfast 13 years ago when he served as chairman of the Chamber Board.
Featured speaker for this year’s event is the Rev. Chette Williams Sr., football team chaplain for Auburn University and campus director for the Auburn University Chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Williams also serves as director of Urban Ministries and president of Chette Williams Ministries.
“We have been blessed over the years to hear some outstanding speakers in people like, Brother Fred Woff, Mark Tidwell, Siran Stacy, Bobby Humphrey, Brodie Croyle, and this past year, Jeremiah Castille,” said organizer Dennis Stastka. “This year should be no exception, with the Rev. Chette Williams speaking.”
Presentation of Colors will be presented by the Robertsdale High School Naval Jr. ROTC and Brianna Janey will lead the singing of the National Anthem.
This year’s event will also feature a Barber Shop Quartet consisting of Bill Wade, Steven Grant, Russ Murfin and Dennis Stastka singing several songs.
This year’s theme is taken from Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.”
Boston ferns and sun ferns will be available for purchase for $15 each at the conclusion of the breakfast.
For more information call the Chamber at 251-947-2626.

Summerdale
The town of Summerdale will host its 26th Annual Day of Prayer service beginning at noon at the Summerdale Municipal Complex, 502 Lee St., a half-block off Alabama 59, in Summerdale.
Pastors of local churches will offer prayers for the church, our military, education, family, government, business and the media. Guest speaker will be Baldwin County Commissioner Tucker Dorsey.
The event is free and open to the public. A complimentary lunch will be provided following the service. Boxed take-out lunches are available.
For more information call 251-979-8500.