The traditional National Day of Prayer observance will return to the Wood County Courthouse at noon on
Thursday.
Last year, the Wood County Commissioners had asked for the event to be more inclusive, but the organizer
said it was Christian based and would remain that way. In a meeting with the board, Kristel Asmus said
that the National Day of Prayer Task Force she works with is a Christian organization and that the
prayer day observance will remain Christian.
In response, a counter-event had been proposed, but apparently will not be happening.
This year’s National Day of Prayer theme is Love One Another, which is taken from John 13:34 — “Love one
another, just as I have loved you.”
For 20 years, the observance day has been held on the first Thursday in May at the steps of the
courthouse.
The format and operation of this observance will continue to be Christian-based, but people of all faiths
are welcome to attend.
This year’s musical leader and performer is Roslyn Dameron who will sing the National Anthem, “What a
Beautiful Noise” and “Amazing Grace.”
Pastor Gary Wackler from Weston Church of Christ will deliver the opening prayer, followed by the
welcoming by Asmus.
Among pastors scheduled to pray, with the topic of focus, are the Rev. Mary Breamer of Plain
Congregational Church, president and U.S. government; the Rev. Larry Garzony, Rudolph Christian Church,
Ohio and local government; the Rev. Maurice Dunn, Christ United Methodist Church, law enforcement and
fire departments; the Rev. David Boswell, Village View Church of Christ, economy; the Rev. Kevin Starr,
Bethel Assembly of God, education and protection; the Rev. Pamela Short, Tontogany Presbyterian Church,
churches; and Pastor Linda Dameron, Faith Temple Church, families.
This year’s pastors do reflect a wider diversity of Christian faiths across the county than other past
observances.
Also scheduled to speak and pray are Ed Sitter, executive director of the Foundation for Life, and Wood
County Sheriff Mark Wasylyshyn.
The 629th Cadet Wing Color Guard from Air Force ROTC at Bowling Green State University will present the
colors.
Representatives from the commissioners and the mayor’s office of Bowling Green are also expected.
In case of rain, the observance will be held at the Village View Church of Christ, 801 W. Poe Road.
Earlier this year there had been discussion by some who wanted to have the observance be more inclusive
of other faiths by holding a second observance at another location that would include non-Christian
beliefs.
Attempts to reach the woman planning the counter-event were not successful.