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PADS of Elgin Inc. along with more than a dozen area churches is hosting a 12-hour community prayer event from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Jan. 6.
In its second year, the prayer event takes place at Messiah Lutheran Church, 500 Church Road, Elgin. The prayer event is followed by a community service at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregation Church, 256 E. Chicago St., Elgin.
During the prayer event, area churches host one hour of prayer at Messiah Lutheran Church. Participants from each church will pray for area homeless men, women and children and the challenges faced by the community’s poor. Prayer requests can be made through PADS of Elgin Inc. or through participating churches. Prayer request cards also are available during the event.
Last year, the 12-hour prayer event attracted more than 100 participants, following a snowstorm. Iced roads and heavy snow did not deter volunteers from commitments to pray for the needs of the Elgin community. Among the participants were homeless men and women, offering prayers for others less fortunate.
“This year’s event promises an even greater response,” said Marlene Daubert, parish ministry associate for Zion Lutheran Church and board member for PADS of Elgin Inc. “The homeless need our community support. Through the prayer event, we can powerfully give as individuals and as a community. Prayer for the homeless among us certainly knows no season but on Jan. 6, the day of Epiphany, we are reminded of Jesus’ poor and humble beginnings. On this day we celebrate that the light of Christ comes to all and we know that there is a special place in God’s heart for these men, women and children.”
Churches participating in the 12-hour prayer event include First Congregational Church, Seventh Day Adventist, Church of the Brethren, Epworth United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church, St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Christ the Lord Lutheran Church, Zion Lutheran Church, First United Methodist Church, Second Baptist Church and West Ridge Community Church.
PADS of Elgin Inc. is a nonprofit, community-based organization, which provides emergency, overnight shelter to homeless men, women and children within Elgin and its surrounding communities. PADS is a catalyst in fostering community and social service agency partnerships, which effectively and efficiently provide coordinated services for short- and intermediate-term customized care, targeting client growth, development and self-sufficiency.
PADS’ shelters are provided through a network of area churches. These churches provide facilities, free of charge, to accommodate the community’s homeless population.
PADS is supported through fundraising events, such as “Winter Harvest for the Homeless,” its annual dinner, dance and auction.
“Winter Harvest for the Homeless” will be held Jan. 21 in the Heritage Ballroom at The Centre, 100 Symphony Way, Elgin. Tickets are $60 per person or $540 per table of 10.
For more information, to make a tax-deductible contribution or to purchase tickets for Winter Harvest for the Homeless, call PADS at (847) 608-9744.
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