Churches will gather for prayers

A group of Columbia County churches will unite Thursday to hold a National Day of Prayer service.

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The service will be at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Harlem, one of the sponsors. The event also is sponsored by North Columbia Church in Appling, Harlem United Methodist Church and Damascus Baptist Church in Appling.

After a brief worship service, groups will separate to hold prayers for the nation's schools, military, homes, churches, businesses, government and the media, said the Rev. Dan White, North Columbia's pastor.

The local observation of the national event was held last year at Eubank Blanchard Community Center, where North Columbia meets, and this year the other three churches joined in, White said.

"The United States of America is a nation blessed by God," White said. "Our state and county are blessed as well under the providence of God. Let us thank the Lord from whom all these blessings flow and ask for His continued good favor and protection on the land that we love in a special night of prayer as we join with millions of praying people across our fair land."

Those attending may gather for refreshments after the prayer services, White said.

Money and food contributions are encouraged for Columbia County Cares.

First Baptist Church of Harlem is located at 105 W. Milledgeville Road, at the traffic light in Harlem.