By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current
Thursday’s cool temperatures did not keep area residents from gathering in Geneseo City Park to observe the Mayor’s Prayer Service in observance of the National Day of Prayer.
In previous years, the Geneseo Ministerial Association (GMA) hosted the Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast in different area churches. This year, the group took a break from the format and planned for the service in City Park.
The Rev. Laura Kamprath, pastor at First Lutheran Church in Geneseo.is president of the GMA.
Pastor Kamprath gave the “Words of Welcome” in City Park. Other speakers included Geneseo Mayor Sean Johnson, who presented the “Greeting from the City of Geneseo; the Rev. Chris Haake, of St. Malachy Catholic Church, and treasurer of the GMA, led the Pledge of Allegiance; the Rev. Daniel Gifford, St. Malachy Church, gave the scripture reading from Matthew 25:31-46.
Prayers of Intercessions were spoken by:
-Prayers for our National Government – Kathy Nelson, First Lutheran Church.
-Prayers for our State & Local Government and First Responders – Todd Sieben, Kingswood Church.
-Prayers for our Military – Vicar Madelyn Knutson, First Lutheran Church.
-Prayers for Agriculture and business – Bob Pettit, St. Malachy Catholic Church.
-Prayers for our Schools – LaVon Swanson, Grace United Methodist Church.
-Prayers for our Families – Steve Durian, First Presbyterian Church.
-Prayers for our Churches – Jim Bos, Loraine Church.
The Lord’s Prayer was led by Michael Sigwalt, Director of the Geneseo-Atkinson Food Pantry and GMA secretary; and the benediction was given by the Rev. Barry Wynveen, First Presbyterian Church and GMA vice president.
