Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreetnewspapers.com
McCracken, right, is pictured during the celebration.
For the past few years, CommUNITY Church has hosted a local National Day of Prayer celebration and did so again this year on Thursday, May 2.
This year’s celebration featured special music by the CommUNITY 3, and community leaders like Pastor Carl Goodman, Salem City Councilman Hunter Holliday, Roanoke Count Sheriff Eric Orange, Mel Williams, a bishop and attorney, Roanoke County School Board Chair Brent Hudson, Ralph Tartaglia, a retired fire chief, Pastor Brian Robinson and Dr. Phil Ayer, a decorated Vietnam veteran. The leaders prayed for different segments of the community and country. A free lunch and gifts were offered for everyone in attendance.
This year, the Salem Fire Department displayed a giant American flag between two firetrucks. Israeli flags were also displayed.
“We had over 200 in attendance and this year was important as we came together to pray for our nation but also support and pray for the Nation of Israel, something the Bible commands us to do. We were further encouraged to be presented with a proclamation from the Mayor of Salem recognizing today as the National Day of Prayer,” Dr. Thomas McCracken, the founding pastor at CommUNITY Church, said.
“We will continue this annual tradition next year with a very special guest that will be announced in the spring of next year.”
