The Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast once again proved a popular event in town, and attracted about 160 community members who together enjoyed a morning of prayer, food and music
Presented by Sylvan Lake Ministerial Association, the event was being held for the fifth consecutive year. Mayor Susan Samson offered opening remarks.
“I want to thank the ministerial association for all the work that they’ve put in to making this such a fabulous event,” she said. “While I am thanking them, I also want to say it was a great community picnic that you held (on Sept. 8), and I’m hoping that you will make that an annual event.”
Samson felt the morning provided an ideal start to the day, and hoped its meaning would be carried by those in attendance.
“I hope that today you will take the prayers, the fellowship and the good will that we share here this morning, and let it transform you to a smile and a great warm feeling that you will wear for the rest of today.”
Featured Speaker Sean Campbell then took to the podium, and told attendees about some of the things he’s experienced during his travels in more than 150 countries through work with Samaritan’s Purse.
Greetings were brought by Innisfail-Sylvan Lake MLA Kerry Towle and Red Deer MP Earl Dreeshen, before prayers were said by individuals representing various churches and groups in the community.
The following led the prayers: Frank Peck - mayor, council, reeves, provincial and federal governments; RCMP Cst. Mike Arnason - judicial and peace officers; David Spencer, emergency medical service and fire department; Rose Plante, education systems, schools and teachers; Brad Willey, business community and financial institutions; Cathy Janke - health care system and medical professionals; Marlis Hansen - social issues, marriages and families; Jim Rilling - churches and their leaders; and John Haazen - youth.
Music was provided by Kerry Heisler.
Sylvan Lake News editor Steve Dills received a plaque “in appreciation of your tremendous support and encouragement to our association in Sylvan Lake and area”, from Sylvan Lake Ministerial Association.
“One of the beautiful things about being part of a community like Sylvan Lake is that we have people like Steve who are there supporting every event,” said Pastor Kevin Haugan. “He never shies away from coming to anything, and we’re so grateful for that.”