Last Thursday, May 1, a dozen Colton Community Leaders gathered on the front lawn of City Hall to take part in the noon-time ceremony observing the National Day of Prayer.
Since the first call to prayer, the National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our nation’s heritage. In 1775 the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation. This call to prayer was officially expanded in 1863 with President Lincoln’s proclamation of a day of “Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer.” President Truman followed by declaring an Annual Day of Prayer in 1952, which was subsequently established as a federal holiday in 1988 by President Reagan, setting the day as the first Thursday in May. The City of Colton then established the National Day of Prayer observance soon after. Each year, the President of the United States signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray.
The Colton event was attended by about fifty people who came to support the efforts of the community leaders, including pastors and city officials, who each in turn offered a proclamation, prayer, historical brief, scripture reading, or a citation. After the opening prayer and pledge of allegiance, the entire assembly joined together for the singing of two well-known hymns, “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art,” accompanied on the piano by Dr.G.
One of the organizers of this event, Pastor Eric Strutz, a Colton Police Chaplain commented, “This event highlights the Christian faith that is prevalent in our community,” and added, “It was a great event to be a part of and I personally appreciate the support from both the city and churches.” The aforementioned support makes reference to city officials, which included Council Members, the Police Chief and Fire Chief, as well as the City Manager. The Pastors who participated represented ten local churches. Pastor Pete Tasaka, also a Colton Police Chaplain and co-organizer responded, “This prayer gathering represents church pastors and city officials who are focusing on meeting the needs of our city and community. We pray for our city, county, state and federal government.”
This annual event is significant because it continues to recognize the importance of prayer, not only individually, but as a corporate body who uses the power of prayer to help strengthen the efforts of our calling, and to help fulfill the duties and responsibilities of serving our community. Police Chief Vega elaborates on the importance of prayer and that “Without God, there is no hope.” He further explained, “The City’s keeping of God as a foundation is one of the many reasons this place is special.” The City of Colton continues to be a beacon of light in the region that supports the public observance of prayer and stands firm in holding to its affirmation at Council Meetings by posting “In God We Trust.”
For more information about CITY TALK, Council of Churches, sermon topics, Bible briefs, Youth Council, various community groups, Colton history, the trash clean-up project, the G-Team, prayer list, history briefs, Veteran Spotlight, Church Spotlight, Business Spotlight, U.S. Flag Watch, fountains, holiday scenes, neighborhood meetings, community projects and events, or the online live-stream programs, text Dr.G @ 909-213-3730. Questions and comments are always welcome.