ROBERTSDALE, Alabama — Events in Central and North Baldwin will be held in recognition of the National Day of Prayer on Thursday.

According to its website, nationaldayofprayer.org, the National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our heritage. Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through our history, including President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation of a day of “humiliation, fasting, and prayer” in 1863.

In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Harry S Truman, declared an annual, national day of prayer. In 1988, the law was amended and signed by President Ronald Reagan, permanently setting the day as the first Thursday of every May. Each year, the president signs a proclamation, encouraging all Americans to pray on this day. Last year, all 50 state governors plus the governors of several U.S. territories signed similar proclamations.

The City of Bay Minette and the Town of Summerdale will both host programs following this year’s National Day of Prayer theme, which is “Wake Up America!” based on the scripture: “Cry aloud, spare not, lift up they voice like a trumpet,” from Isiah 58:1.

Summerdale

The Town of Summerdale will hold its 25^th Annual Day of Prayer service beginning at noon at the town’s Municipal Complex, 502 Lee St.

Sponsored by area churches, the event will feature prayers offered by church and civic leaders in the community, followed by a keynote address by Mel Ponder, former mayor of Destin, Florida, founder and president of Business Empowered.

The event is free. A meal will be provided following the service. For more information call the Summerdale Town Hall, 251-989-6202.

Bay Minette

The City of Bay Minette will observe the National Day of Prayer with a special program and breakfast beginning at 8 a.m. at Bay Minette City Hall.

Local pastors and special guest speakers will share messages and there will be a time to pray for our community and nation.

Susan Cooper of First United Methodist Church will open the program with “Sweet Hour of Prayer,” followed by a scripture reading from Councilmember Dollie Mims. Mayor Robert A. Wills will give opening remarks.

Guest speakers and their topics include: the Rev. Donald Taylor, Union Baptist Church, “Shout it Aloud;” the Rev. Richie Nobles, Crossroads Church of God, “Do Not Hold Back;” the Rev. Wes Bates, Stockton Baptist Church, “Raise Your Voice;” and the Rev. Chip Starnes, First Baptist Church, “Sound the Alarm-Wake Up America!”

Father Jim Morrison, St. Agatha Catholic Church, will lead the closing prayer.

Following the special program, breakfast will be served at 9 a.m. in the conference room at city hall.

The free event is open to the public. Bay Minette City Hall is at 301 D’Olive St. For more information, call 251-580-1619.

Central Baldwin Chamber

Tickets are still available the Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce’s 12^th Annual Prayer Breakfast, slated for 7 a.m. at the Baldwin EMC Training Center, 19600 Highway 59, Summerdale.

This year’s prayer breakfast is based on the verse “That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing him, being fruitful in every good work” – Colossians 1:10.

Featured speaker for the annual event is Jeremiah Castille, former University of Alabama All-American defensive back and founder of the Jeremiah Castille Foundation.

A native of Columbus, Georgia, Castille helped the Crimson Tide win Paul “Bear” Bryant’s final National Championship and his final SEC Championship in 1981.

During his senior season in 1982, Bryant’s final season as head coach, Castille was named to the College Football All-American team and went on to play six seasons in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1983-86) and Denver Broncos (1987-88).

He and his wife Jean were married in 1983 and have six children and are proud grandparents.

Throughout his professional career, Castille knew he had a call from God to mentor, coach and minister to young people. He felt called to reach out to inner city youth and bring them hope and faith for the future. In 2001 he became an ordained minister and founded the Jeremiah Castille Foundation to do just that. Today he also serves as the chaplain of the University of Alabama football team.

Individual tickets are still available at a cost of $20 each. Call 251-947-2626 for ticket availability.