Lake Zurich churches unite to pray for their community

Huddled under a gazebo at Breezewald Park in Lake Zurich, dozens of faithful came together to pray for struggling families in their communities, children and schools, military troops and local and national government officials Thursday night.

It was the first communitywide prayer walk for Lake Zurich, but likely one that will be repeated each year in recognition of the National Day of Prayer.

Many community members who walked the roughly three miles around the lake from Paulus Park to Breezewald Park and back reflected on their own family and community issues.

The group collectively prayed for a favorable result in the November presidential elections that would reflect their own beliefs, for their children's safety in schools and for guidance for President Bush as commander in chief of the military to make good decisions.

Lake Zurich's walk was a culmination of prayer events held throughout the day in various suburban towns reflecting a microcosm of a national movement that has caught on community by community, church by church.

"It really was just the fact that we need to come together to pray," said Ronn Read, pastor of Alpine Chapel in Lake Zurich. "We all have a common cause and common purpose and the only way we are going to reach it is to work together."

Darrin Hughes, pastor of Northwest Family Church of Lake Zurich, said the walk brought diverse congregations from four area churches together to pray for the needs of the community as a whole.

"When we're praying for the community, that's common unity," he said. "I think it's important because of many of the issues that are facing our specific area and also our country for that matter. I was praying for relief from financial stress for the families in this area with rising fuel and food costs. I know a lot of my friends are strapped for resource."

For many, it was a show of faith that they hoped would move onlookers and motorists passing by.

"I am a Christian. I think prayer is an important thing," said Ron Honnegger of Lake Zurich, a Northwest Family Church member who walked Thursday with his wife and two children. "This is a nationally recognized day and I think there's value in participating, being part of a larger community. Even though there's a lot of people we haven't met, there's still a sense of community, a sense of togetherness, a sense of fellowship."

Local government officials also showed their support as citizens and church members.

Lake Zurich Mayor John Tolomei said he prayed for guidance for his board "to recognize Christ's example of being a humble servant and always think first of servitude."

Mike Siri, an Ela Township trustee and a former Lake Zurich Unit District 95 school board member said elected officials could use the prayer support.

"This is incredible to see the community come together like this, just breaking down the walls of the churches and coming together in the spirit of God and praying," he said