Arlington Heights to hold virtual prayer breakfast
Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes and the volunteers on the Prayer Breakfast Planning Committee have unanimously decided that the 34th annual Arlington Heights community prayer breakfast Feb. 4 will be virtual. Prayers, speakers and performances will be broadcast live, and those attending will be able to dress casually and enjoy breakfast in the comfort of their homes while watching and listening.
Exact details are still being finalized but the committee is hoping for widespread attendance. Tickets to cover costs of production will be offered at a discounted price.
Among those confirmed to participate are keynote speaker John Camardella, World Religions teacher at Prospect High School and an Education Fellow at Harvard Divinity School's Religion and Public Life Program.
Prayers and scripture readings will be said by The Orchard's Pastor Brad Wetherell (invocation), local designer and workplace strategist Mara (Silverman) Hauser (Old Testament reading), Northwest Community Hospital President and CEO Steve Scogna (New Testament reading), and former Arlington Heights Village Trustee Carol Blackwood (closing prayer).
Music will be performed by staff and students from the Metropolis Center for Performing Arts, violinist Tara Hayes, and musicians from The Orchard.
Mayor Hayes will deliver remarks reflecting on prayer and these strange times we are experiencing due to the COVID-19 virus and other events that have changed what people have considered customary. Jon Ridler of the Arlington Heights Chamber of Commerce will again serve as emcee, though his role in a virtual setting may be a little different.
Lutheran Life Communities is the primary sponsor for the event. Krystle Seifert King is leading the team of volunteers.
The prayer breakfast committee has been meeting since September to consider alternatives. Given the uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, it was decided to go ahead with the breakfast on the traditional date of the first Thursday in February, which coincides with the National Prayer Breakfast that has been held since 1953.
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