The Canyon Lake community came together in fellowship and prayer on Thursday for Canyon Lake’s 12th Annual National Day of Prayer. Held on the terrace of the Canyon Lake Lodge, the event offered a morning of reflection, unity, patriotism, and fellowship.
Attendees were welcomed with light refreshments, allowing time to mingle and connect before the program began at 10 a.m.
A spirit of unity was felt throughout the morning as local leaders, pastors, and community members offered prayers for a wide range of causes and groups.
The ceremony opened with emcee and Canyon Lake Councilman Jeremy Smith welcoming attendees, followed by the Elsinore High School JROTC Color Guard presenting the colors, setting a respectful and patriotic tone for the event.
This year’s keynote speaker was Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin, who delivered an inspiring message.
Canyon Lake Property Owners Association President Bill Van Vleet led the Pledge of Allegiance, read a heartfelt poem about the significance of the American flag, and shared a letter written by the Pope during his stay in the hospital.
Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District Director Darcy Burke read the 2025 national prayer. Wildomar Mayor Ashlee DePhillippo prayed for unity.
Lamb’s Fellowship Women’s Ministry Director Pastor Kellie Nelson offered a prayer for the county, Canyon Lake Community Church Pastor Dave Dick prayed for the state.
Canyon Lake Mayor Mark Terry prayed for the city. Canyon Lake Mayor Pro Tem Kasey Castillo prayed for the nation’s leaders.
Canyon Lake Fire Department Engineer Chico Sanchez offered a prayer for first responders.
Canyon Lake veteran Johnny Juarez delivered a prayer for the nation’s military and veterans, while veterans Mark Johnson, Canyon Lake Fire Chief Jeff LaTendresse, Art Femister, Felix Giles, and Canyon Lake Deputy Kevin Mullins held the flags representing the military branch they served. Riverside County Sheriff’s Captain James Rayles stood in for Space Force veterans.
Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Chaplain Jim Savage prayed for those affected by war. Pastor Thor Ramsey of Center Church prayed for the missing and their loved ones. Domestic Violence and Abuse Protection Agency Founder Jeffrey Lee prayed for victims.
Pastor Derek Singer of Canyon Lake Community Church offered a prayer for at-risk youth. A prayer for children was presented by the Canyon Lake Community Church Preschool.
Nancy Horton, founder of Canyon Lake’s National Day of Prayer, prayed for seniors, and Donna Ritchie, Canyon Lake’s National Day of Prayer co-chair, offered a prayer for families.
Musical performances by Canyon Lake vocalists Aprile McKinnon and Larry Garland, along with musician Daryl Ballou, added a moving and uplifting element to the program. DJ Mike Shroyer provided the sound system and patriotic music.
The event concluded with Garland leading the crowd in a stirring rendition of “God Bless America,” bringing the community together in a final moment of unity and gratitude.
This event is not a city, POA, or club event and is only made possible with donations from generous sponsors. This year’s sponsors include Bill and Carolyn Van Vleet, Bill and Linda Medved, Canyon Lake Firefighters Association, Canyon Lake Insider, Chris and Ginny Papavero, Dale and Kellie Welty, Darcy Burke, Jeff and Kristen Bill, Jeremy and Elissa Smith, Kyler Battleson, Mark and Karen Terry, Mark Yegsigian, Rob Mora and Lainie Cooney, Ted and Nancy Horton, and Valerie Montgomery.
National Day of Prayer has been celebrated in the U.S. since 1952, by joint resolution of Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan designated the first Thursday of May as the National Day of Prayer.
