‘Day of Prayer’ With Pettis County Commissioners Draws Over One Dozen Pastors

Over a dozen area pastors and leaders of faith attended an hour-long Day of Prayer session and proclamation hosted by the Pettis County Commission at the Pettis County Courthouse, 415 South Ohio, on May 7.

Present for the Day of Prayer proclamation were:

Pettis County Clerk Megan Page, Pettis County EMA Director Trisha Rooda, Deputy EMA Director and Pastor of Hopewell Baptist Church Jeff Lloyd, City of Sedalia Councilman David Covington, Harmony Baptist Association Office Manager Beverly Lloyd, Katy Park Baptist Pastor Jon Church, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church Reverend Joseph Corel, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church Director of Evangelization Kevin Morales, First Christian Church Pastor Chad McMullin, Liberty Life Center Pastor Jeff Lockington, Burns Chapel Free Will Baptist Church Bishop Paul Jones, Kingdom Life Church Pastor Chad Jamerson, East Sedalia Baptist Church Supply Pastor Daren Belardo, Smithton and Lake Creek United Methodist Church Pastor Jason Veale, Maplewood Church Pastor Dr. Bob Wauchope, PIB Sedalia Church Reverend Efrain Baeza, Sedalia Bible Academy P.C. Thomas, and First Baptist Church Pastor Jeremiah Greever.

Eastern Commissioner provided opening remarks, while Western Commissioner Mark Edwards provided closing remarks. Presiding Commissioner Bill Taylor was out of town and unable to attend.

Bishop Jones provided the Invocation, Dr. Wauchope gave a prayer for the community, Rev. Belardo gave a prayer for government, and Rev. Greever gave the closing prayer.

Get our free mobile app

According to the Pettis County Commission, the gathering brought together individuals from across the community for a time of reflection, encouragement, and prayer for local, state, and national leaders, as well as the residents of Pettis County. Held in the Commission Chambers following a community prayer service outside the courthouse, the event emphasized unity, civic engagement, and the importance of coming together in support of one another.

“This was a meaningful opportunity for our community to pause and reflect on the values that bring people together,” said Presiding Commissioner Bill Taylor. “We appreciate the pastors and faith leaders who took the time to join us and offer prayers for our county, our nation, and everyone serving others in their daily lives.” Eastern Commissioner Israel Baeza said gatherings like this one are especially meaningful in rural Missouri communities like ours, where faith has long played an important role in bringing people together and strengthening local bonds.

“We’re thankful for community leaders who take the time to engage with their elected officials and be part of the conversation,” Baeza said. “Open communication with every part of our community is important to us, and we want people to know our doors are always open. Opportunities like this help build stronger relationships and remind us what can be accomplished when people come together with a shared commitment to serving others."

Western Commissioner Mark Edwards added that the National Day of Prayer serves as an opportunity to recognize the many people who strengthen the community each day. “Whether through churches, volunteer work, public service, or simply helping neighbors, there are so many individuals who make Pettis County a better place,” Edwards said. “It was encouraging to see people from different backgrounds gather together with a common goal of supporting our community and its future."

The Pettis County Commission noted that the event was voluntary and open to the public and expressed appreciation to everyone who participated in the day’s observance.

This was the fourth such gathering of pastors at the courthouse during National Day of Prayer, originally established in 1952 by Pres. Harry S. Truman and the US Congress. Commissioner Baeza said this was the best attended Day of Prayer so far. He joked that he might have to secure a larger venue next year.