Churches in Fruitland plan to honor heroes Sunday

Five Fruitland-area churches are planning a prayer service to honor their heroes. Though the event is being held after the National Day of Prayer, observed Thursday, it is tied to that event.

The churches will hold the service at 6 p.m. Sunday at Fruitland Community Church.

Since the war with Iraq is over, the churches wanted to go a step further and honor all heroes, from law enforcement to military personnel, said the Rev. Dave Schaffner, pastor of St. John's United Church of Christ.

The idea for such a prayer service has been germinating for about three months, said the Rev. Mike Parry of Fruitland Community Church.

The service also will focus on helping as the military begins rebuilding the nation. Collections will be taken to send items to military personnel and the Iraqi people. Donations of sunscreen, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hand wipes and other sanitary items will be collected.

Prayers will be offered for local heroes like firefighters, police and sheriff's deputies. Military heroes also will be honored and prayers uttered for political leaders.

At the conclusion of the service, there will be prayers for peace.

Two firetrucks from the Fruitland Fire Department, a National Guard vehicle and a Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's patrol car will be parked in the church's lot during the service.

The VFW also will have a color guard to present the flags.

The prayer service, which includes hymns and music by the St. John's church choir should last about an hour.

A fellowship will follow.