On Thursday, May 5, 2016, Associated Ministries will hold their annual interfaith observance or the National Day of Prayer. This unique gathering is one of the very few interfaith observances held on this day anywhere in the country.

Join community and faith leaders at the May 5th gathering, coming together in community to lift up the needs of our nation and local community.  Presenters at this year’s gathering include:

  Rev. David T. Alger
  Rev. Stephanie McCarthy, Agnus Dei Lutheran Church
  Merilee Tanbara, Community Partnership, Tacoma Public Schools
  Rev. Kojo Kakihara, Tacoma Buddhist Temple
  Joanna Moore, Chairman of the Board, Pierce County Chamber of Commerce
  Rabbi Bruce Kadden, Temple Beth El
  Kent Keel, University Place City Council
  Etga Ugur, Islamic Center of Tacoma
  David Zeeck, Publisher, Tacoma News Tribune
  Mary Rhine, Tahoma Unitarian Universalist Congregation
  Rev. Douglas Thomison, Retired U.S. Army Chaplain
  Cpt. John Konugres, U.S. Army Chaplain
  Rev. Dr. Eric Jackson, Pastor, Bethlehem Baptist Church
  Maedeh Yazdani, Baha’i Faith
  Rev. Dave Wright, Chaplain, University of Puget Sound

The National Day of Prayer was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of the United States Congress, and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman.  It is a day that transcends differences, bringing together citizens from all backgrounds. This annual observance held on the first Thursday of May, invites people of all faiths to pray for our nation. It is estimated that more than 30,000 observances are organized annually throughout the country. 

In Pierce County, the 2016 interfaith observance of the National Day of Prayer will be held on Thursday, May 5, at 7:00 pm in the Wheelock Student Center Rotunda at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma. The structure for this year’s gathering will be to unite people of all faiths to pray specifically for seven “spheres of influence” within our community: faith communities, families, education, businesses, media, military and government. Additionally, local faith leaders will lead those assembles in a time of prayer for the needs of each sector, incorporating their own faith traditions.

2016 Observance – May 5, 7:00 p.m.

University of Puget Sound – Wheelock Student Center Rotunda

Download:  Press Release