Prayer breakfast draws record crowd

A record-breaking 700-plus area residents — including civic, educational, business, political and spiritual leaders — gathered for the ninth annual Woodbury Prayer Breakfast on May 6.

“The Woodbury Prayer Breakfast is a partnering of representatives from area churches coming together for the sake of the betterment of the community,” said Debbie Murphy, co-chairperson of the event. “Because of their support we are able to host the annual prayer breakfast.”

Private citizens and businesses within the community sponsor this annual nonprofit event.

During his introductory remarks, Mayor Bill Hargis alluded to the importance of this community event in that, “faith, family and friends are important to me and I believe are an important foundation for our community.”

“It was an ecumenical gathering intent upon the common good of the community,” Hargis added.

The program was emceed by radio personality Kim Ketola (previously Kim Jeffries). She is the host of KTIS Radio’s “Along The Way”, which can be heard on 900 AM weekdays from noon to 2 p.m.

The breakfast became a celebration in music through performances by the New Life Jazz Band, local music artist Karen Diers, and area high-school percussionists.

Paul Ridgeway, the keynote speaker, gave personal testimony of faith. His testimony can be viewed on local cable channel 18 at various times throughout the day, or you can order an audio CD online at www.woodburypb.org

“It’s events like these that remind us that we are community,” Mary Giuliani Stephens said, ““a community that has been blessed by God and who is looking for divine direction and intervention in our families, businesses, organizations and schools.”

Next year’s event is tentatively scheduled for May 5.

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