By: The Walton Group Inc.
Members of all faiths in Utah Valley will gather together for the 60th National Day of Prayer Service on Thursday, May 3rd at 7 p.m. at Utah Valley University’s student ballroom.
“I think National Day of Prayer is a great way to bring all faiths in the community together,” Kena Matthews, Utah Valley Ministerial Association’s chair said. “It’s a time for us to celebrate our similarities not our differences.”
The keynote speaker for the service will be Rabbi Benny Zippel, executive director of Chabad Lubavitch, Utah’s branch of the world’s largest Jewish outreach organization.
“What I hope to accomplish at National Day of Prayer is to succeed in conveying the message to the average individual that in this very obscure world there is a need for all mankind to live their lives in a godly fashion,” Zippel said.
National Day of Prayer service is an opportunity to bring Utah Valley’s 40 different faiths together in one place.
“We have diversity in the valley that people aren’t aware of and when you get many different groups of people trying to live together it can be a challenge,” Linda P. Walton, Interfaith Student Association chaplain, at Utah Valley University said. “We are trying to have an event that will help us get to know one another.”
This year’s theme, “One Nation Under God” demonstrates the unification of our country and community as individuals from a variety of backgrounds and religions will unite together and pause to give thanks for their freedom. Judge Lynn Davis, Utah Federal Judge will be in attendance to show his support.
The service will also include the musical talent of James Oneil Miner, renowned pianist, as well as the Utah Baroque Ensemble and other musical selections.
The service will emphasize the familiar “Golden Rule” which is traced throughout various faiths. Assorted prayers and readings will also feature the “Golden Rule.”
“If we want to say things about what we believe, we have to listen to what other people believe,” Walton said. “We have to reciprocate and that’s what the Golden Rule is. If I’m allowed to worship the way I want to I need to allow others to worship the way they want to. We need to celebrate that gift that has been given to us.”
The Utah Valley Ministerial Association and Utah Valley University Interfaith Student Association are sponsoring this year’s event. Voluntary donations will be taken at the event for Mountainlands Foundation “Meals on Wheels” program.
The UVU Ballroom is located at 800 West University Parkway, Orem. Parking will be available in the surrounding student parking lots. For more information please visit utahvalleyinterfaith.org.
Benjamin Tateoka
benjamin@thewaltongroupinc.com
The Walton Group Inc.
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