Around the Ville

Faith in the Future Annual Prayer Breakfast

Over 150 people attended the fifth annual Faith in the Future Prayer Breakfast held Friday morning at The Rose by Clara’s Catering on Lovers Lane to pray for improved economic conditions in Jefferson County.

Rev. Dr. Philip Makari, pastor of the Starkdale Presbyterian Church in Steubenville, spoke on the Biblical call to “thanks-living.”  Makari based his message on a verse in First Thessalonians: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances.” He said true thanksgiving is a lifestyle not an attitude.

Rev. Dr. Philip Makari

Fr. Dennis Gang, TOR gives the blessing

The Rev. Dennis Gang of the Franciscan University of Steubenville, prayed for workers in various economic segments of the community.  He asked members of each segment to stand while he gave the blessing.

Faith in the Future began five years ago when Bishop R. Daniel Conlon of the Catholic Diocese of Steubenville organized a group of clergy and lay people to pray for the local economy.  After the first prayer meeting, Bishop Conlon said they decided the group needed to continue to pray on a regular basis.

Tracy McManamon assumed the position of chairman and organized the first prayer breakfast.  He said he never thought it would last five years.

L-R Chairman Tracy McManamon & Bishop R. Daniel Conlon

Faith in the Future is an inter faith community concerned for the spiritual and the temporal needs of Jefferson County.  They strive to create a climate of economic development through prayer, leadership, encouragement and teamwork.

They meet once a month alternating between a Mass in a Catholic church and a prayer service in a Protestant church in various locations throughout Jefferson County.

I have attended all but one of the prayer breakfasts and have attended services at numerous churches.  It is exciting to see answered prayer and signs of hope even though our local economy is still suffering.  There are numerous businesses opening in downtown Steubenville and throughout Jefferson County.   I encourage you to shop local and attend a Faith in the Future service.

For more information email prayer@faithinthefuture.net or call 740-282-4275.