PITTSTON — Each year, Rev. Samuel Washington, pastor of the Pittston’s Perspective Church, holds a brief ceremony at Pittston City Hall to commemorate National Day of Prayer. This year the program got bigger when it was held May 4 at Pittston’s new amphitheater located behind the Pittston Memorial Library.

“We used to just have a few city officials at City Hall and this year we wanted to do it bigger,” Rev. Washington said.

This year, the National Day of Prayer was held May 2, but since Rev. Washington wanted to have the event at the new amphitheater, the date would be changed to May 4. The title of the event then changed to the Pittston Day of Prayer.

“We wanted to inaugurate the amphitheater and really start pulling the local clergy and community together instead of our church doing it,” Rev. Washington said. “We wanted to reach out and be universal, you know, it’s not about my church, my faith. Prayer is the essential part of all of our lives, the one place that connects us all and we felt this (amphitheater) would be the perfect place.”

Related Video

Ellen and Bob Price, of Dupont, were thanked for being involved in the 2019 program. It was Ellen’s idea to have the event at the amphitheater with Bob handling the publicity.

Local officials who participated in the Pittston Day of Prayer were Pittston’s Mayor Michael Lombardo, U.S. Congressman Matt Cartwright, PA State Rep. Michael Carroll, Luzerne Co. Councilman Matt Vough, District Magistrate Alexandra Kokura Kravitz, and Pittston City Councilman Michael Lombardo.

In addition to Rev. Washington, area clergyman who spoke were Fr. Joseph Elston, of St. John the Evangelist/St. Joseph Marello; and Fr. Gary Mensinger, of St. Michael Byzantine Church.

“It’s important to remember why we are here today, and that is faith – faith in God, faith in each other and faith in the community,” Vough said. “Today is the to count the blessings that have been bestowed upon us and today is the day of prayer, where we come together and build a special bond.”

Kokura Kravitz reflected on quotes she has gathered throughout her life. “I would just encourage everyone on this National Day of Prayer to let your grace bring you to reality, let it guide you in your faith, let it guide you in your decisions, let it guide you how you treat people.”

Councilman Lombardo publicly thanked Rev. Washington for serving as chaplain for the Greater Pittston City Ambulance Association, citing an incident last year when members of an the ambulance crew were injured in an accident and Rev. Washington was one of the first people to step forward to offer comfort and support.

“We are very excited about the people that decided to align themselves with today,” Rev. Washington said. “We hope this event gets bigger and bigger.”

Pastor Washington would like to create a local clergy association in the near future to further bring the denominations together.

St. John Family Choir headed by Sr. Kieran Williams, IHM led musical selections and Edward Ackerman served as master of ceremonies.

The new amphitheater, located behind the Pittston Memorial Library, served as the site of the Pittston Day of Prayer ceremony May 4.
https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/web1_Prayer1.jpg.optimal.jpgThe new amphitheater, located behind the Pittston Memorial Library, served as the site of the Pittston Day of Prayer ceremony May 4. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Rev. Samuel Washington and his Perspective Church have been the driving force behind the National Day of Prayer. This year, the church celebrated the Pittston Day of Prayer at the city’s new amphitheater.
https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/web1_Prayer2.jpg.optimal.jpgRev. Samuel Washington and his Perspective Church have been the driving force behind the National Day of Prayer. This year, the church celebrated the Pittston Day of Prayer at the city’s new amphitheater. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Pittston City Councilman Michael Lombardo thanks Rev. Samuel Washington, back right, for acting as spiritual leader of the Greater Pittston Ambulance Association.
https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/web1_Prayer3.jpg.optimal.jpgPittston City Councilman Michael Lombardo thanks Rev. Samuel Washington, back right, for acting as spiritual leader of the Greater Pittston Ambulance Association. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

St. John’s Family Choir led by Sr. Kieran Williams, IHM, performed musical selections.
https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/web1_Prayer4.jpg.optimal.jpgSt. John’s Family Choir led by Sr. Kieran Williams, IHM, performed musical selections. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Jon Price on guitar accompanies Erin McLaughlin for songs, ‘Ten Thousand Reasons’ and ‘Way Maker.’
https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/web1_Prayer5.jpg.optimal.jpgJon Price on guitar accompanies Erin McLaughlin for songs, ‘Ten Thousand Reasons’ and ‘Way Maker.’ Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch
Event held at city’s new amphitheater

By Tony Callaio

For Sunday Dispatch

Reach the Sunday Dispatch newsroom at 570-991-6405 or by email at sd@psdispatch.com.