Community members and city leaders gathered on May 6 for Canyon Lake’s 8th National Day of Prayer. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s event was moved from the Holiday Bay Room at the lodge to Canyon Lake Community Church.
The event began with complimentary coffee and donuts, followed by music and prayer. Lane McKellar served as emcee and Pastor Pete Van Dyke served as guest speaker.
Participating churches included Canyon Lake Community Church, Lamb’s Fellowship, New Hope Community Church, and Center Church.
Pastor Bryan Pitotti led the National Anthem and Canyon Lake Mayor Pro Tem Jeremy Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance. Pastor Dave Dick led the prayer for unity.
Pastor Mike Chong Perkinson led the prayer for the country, Pastor Chris Suitt led the prayer for the State of California, and Pastor Thor Ramsey led the prayer for the City of Canyon Lake. Brian Crawford led the prayer for the State of Israel.
Canyon Lake Mayor Kasey Castillo led the prayer for those who protect and serve and Mayor Pro Tem Jeremy Smith led the prayer for the military and veterans.
Pastor Derek Singer led the prayer for seniors, families, and youth. Brian Crawford led the prayer for those who are ill. Canyon Lake kindergarten and preschool children led the prayer for children via a video.
Kaylene Evans performed a harp solo and Chris Hiigel sang Heal Our Land.
The program closed with the group singing God Bless America.
The members of this year’s National Day of Prayer Committee are Nancy Horton (chair), Ted Horton, Joanna Spiller, Lynda Ofstad, Jack and Alice Gray, Joan Ellett, Marvin and Shirley Webster, Rebecca Watson, and Christina Barrera. Sponsors include Canyon Lake Community Church and the Canyon Lake Lioness Club. Nancy and Ted Horton provided the flags representing branches of the military.
National Day of Prayer has been celebrated in the United States since 1952, by a joint resolution of Congress and President Harry S. Truman. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan designated the first Thursday in May as the National Day of Prayer.
