For more than 30 years, the local Christian community has gathered on an annual basis to pray for the citizens of Shelby County. Continuing this tradition, local pastors are inviting everyone to join in celebration of the National Day of Prayer observance on Thursday, May 2, 2019, at noon at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 120 W. Water St., in downtown Sidney.

The National Day of Prayer mobilizes unified public prayer for America. This year’s theme is “Pray For America: Love One Another,” and is based on the Bible Scripture from John 13:34, “Love one another. Just as I have loved you.”

Lasting from noon to 1 p.m., this nondenominational community prayer service will feature inspirational remarks from local leaders and a keynote presentation from Pastor Bill Halter. Halter currently serves the Aley United Methodist Church in Beavercreek, and is the former lead pastor of the Maplewood and Lockington United Methodist Church congregations.

Music at this National Day of Prayer celebration will be performed by a combined choir from high schools across Shelby County.