National Day of Prayer

On Thursday May 6, nearly 200 people made their way to the Indiana State House to take part in the annual National Day of Prayer ceremony at the Indiana State House.  The north atrium of the State House was nearly full of visitors as community leaders offered up prayers for our nation.

Major Richard Amick, Divisional Commander for the Indiana Salvation Army, was one of those leaders asked to pray.  Major Amick offered prayers on behalf of our caregivers and disaster response workers.  Many other civic leaders also lead prayers, including Indiana Republican Leader, Brian Bosma.

The historic atrium was filled with music as the Herron High School Concert Choir performed several patriotic and spiritual pieces.  They finished with “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and recieved a standing ovation from those in attendance.

Althought the National Day of Prayer was officially observed in 1952, the idea of praying as a nation has been part of our history.  In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln designated April 30 as “a day of national humiliation, fasting, and prayer.”  He went on to say:

“…it is the duty of nations as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.”

Comics Care at IUPUI

The Comics That Care: Auggie Smith, Mike Polites, Marques Bunn, and Stan Chen. Over 2 hours of laughter echoed through the IUPUI Campus Center as The Department of Communication Studies, the Communication Club, and the Salvation Army presented the 4th annual Comics That Care charity event to benefit Central Indiana’s Homeless Children. Some of the area’s funniest professional stand-up comedians donated their time, including the headliner, a Bob and Tom Show favorite, Auggie Smith. Smith, has been doing comedy for over 15 years and has been seen on Comedy Centeral . Other comedians performing were some of Indy’s funniest folks including: Stan Chen, Marques Bunn, and Mike Polites.

In addition to performing stand-up comedy, Polites is also a Lecturer in Communication Studies at IUPUI. Polites says that “as faculty members at IUPUI, we pride ourselves on getting our students to realize the importance of helping out the community. With all of the comedians graciously donating their time, proceeds from the comedy show will assist in bringing much-needed resources to the growing homeless population in Indianapolis. I’m so proud of the efforts that my students have put forth in coordinating this very special and very funny event. In these tough times, everyone can use a laugh.”