Rogersville clergy focused on America and Unity during National Day of Prayer

ROGERSVILLE — The theme for Rogersville's annual National Day of Prayer observance Thursday was "Unity" — which was fitting as prayers were led by 10 different clergymen representing six denominations.The program, titled "Pray for America," was facilitated by Of One Accord ministry director Sheldon Livesay and his staff and emceed by Dr. Blaine Jones, who was representing the Rogersville-based Christian organization Expecting God's Help.Among EGH's many community activities is a Men's Prayer Breakfast held every other Thursday at 6 a.m. at Price Public Community Center on Hasson Street.Jones noted that it's easy to go to God in prayer anytime whether it be on your coffee break, driving your car, or just setting aside 30 seconds each day to speak with God."We need to ask Him to intervene on our behalf," Jones said.But for those who prefer to pray in congregations, there's a new prayer program that meets Mondays at 7 p.m. at a different church each week.On the first Monday of the month, they meet at Rogersville Presbyterian Church, on the second Monday of the month at East Rogersville Baptist Church, the third Monday at Rogersville Methodist Church, and the fourth Monday at First Baptist Church.As for Thursday's Day or Prayer, each pastor who participated aimed prayers at a particular category. Among those pastors who led Thursday's prayers were:* Rev. Stephen Kimery of Crossroads Assembly of God, who prayed for "Our nation and government."* Rev. John Butler of East Rogersville Baptist Church, who prayed for "Our churches, pastors and leaders."* Rev. Andy Willis of Rogersville First Baptist Church, who prayed for "Our families."* Rev. Terry Schofield of Hasson Street Christian Church, who prayed for "Our schools and teachers."* Rev. Fred Dimond of Ebbing and Flowing Springs United Methodist Church, who prayed for "Our military, protective services."* Rev. Rick Dinkins of Henard's Chapel Baptist Church, who prayed for "Our media, TV, movies, music, newspapers."* Rev Rodney Norris of Rogersville Presbyterian Church, who prayed for the "Local drug problem, families of the addicted."* Rev. Carol Woody of Rogersville First United Methodist Church, who prayed "For revival in our nation."* Father Bartholomew "Bart" Okere from St. Henry Catholic Church offered a closing prayer and sang two songs for "Unity."A video of the entire Rogersville National Day of Prayer observance can be seen in the online version of this article at www.timesnews.net.