SUMMERDALE, Alabama — Municipalities and organizations throughout Baldwin County and the nation held National Day of Prayer Observances on May 5.

The Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce had its 12^th Annual Prayer Breakfast at the EMC Training Center in Summerdale.

Jonathan Kitchens, CBCC incoming Board president for 2017, welcomed guests, followed by opening prayer and blessing by Robertsdale Police Chief Brad Kendrick.

The Robertsdale High School Naval Junior ROTC led the Presentation of Colors with Pledge of Allegiance to the American and Christian flags led by Dennis Stastka, program committee chairman and National Anthem by CBCC Junior Executive Brianna Janey.

Guest speaker for the event was former Alabama Crimson Tide All-American Jeremiah Castille. An ordained minister, Castille started the Jeremiah Castille Foundation, which ministers to inner-city youth. The theme for this year’s Central Baldwin Prayer Breakfast is based on Colossians 1:10, “That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing him, being fruitful in every good work.”

Stastka presented special music and introduced the speaker with closing prayer by the Rev. Harvey Earls, pastor of Bethel Baptist Church. Goo Roo’s Grill of Robertsdale catered the event. Music was provided by University of South Alabama student Bryant Ramey.

The City of Bay Minette and Town of Summerdale had Day of Prayer observances following the national theme, “Wake Up, America,” based on Isaiah 58: 1a, “Shout it aloud, do not hold back. Raise your voice like a trumpet.”

The City of Bay Minette observed the National Day of Prayer with a special program and breakfast. Susan Cooper opened the program with a lovely rendition of “Sweet Hour of Prayer.”

Mayor Bob Wills welcomed everyone to the event and other participants and speakers included Councilwoman Dollie Mims; Bishop Manual Watson, New Home Full Gospel; the Rev. Donald Taylor, Union Baptist Church; the Rev. Richie Nobles, Crossroads Church of God; the Rev. Wes Bates, Stockton Baptist Church; the Rev. Dr. Chip Starnes, First Baptist Church; the Rev. Edna Dixon, Unity Church of Christianity; and the Rev. Jim Morrison, St. Patrick’s (formerly at St. Agatha's Catholic Church).

The Town of Summerdale’s 25^th Annual National Day of Prayer observance was in the council chambers at town hall with guest speaker Mel Ponder, former mayor of Destin, Florida, founder and president of Business Empowered.

Following a welcome by Mayor Pro-Tem Norma Wilson Giles and Pledge of Allegiance, led by Police Chief Jimmy Davis and special music by Joshua Giles, the Rev. Jason Smith presented the national prayer and theme with prayers presented by Brenda Reed, prayer for family; Raymond Orso, prayer for church; the Rev. Bob Simmons, prayer for education; Clyde Abrams, prayer for business; County Commissioner Tucker Dorsey, prayer for government; the Rev. Bob Sweet, prayer for the military; Berni Combs, prayer for the media.

The Rev. Ron Reiser, last year’s guest speaker, introduced this year’s guest speaker with closing prayer from the Rev. Teri Baggett.

A complimentary lunch following the prayer service was provided by area churches and businesses.