Editor, The Independent:
Over a year ago I was presented by a group of our local ministers in Perry with a request that they be allowed to provide an invocation before the beginning of meetings of the Perry City Council. Working together with the local ministers’ association we identified an invocation policy that allowed for this service to our community and which treats all religious groups the same. This policy has been a blessing to our community and our elected city officials.
Since we put this policy in place other churches that were not part of the original group have joined in. Spots are scheduled ahead of time but future opportunities are always available for other qualified religious organizations that may wish to be a part of this wonderful opportunity. Any group who may be interested is invited to contact the City Clerk or myself for more information.
Having found such blessing in getting acquainted with our local church leaders, I have decided to begin a tour to meet the members of our community of faith in the Perry area. I plan to visit one by one our local churches that participate in providing an invocation for the city on Sundays when I do not have assigned duties at my home church.
This last Sunday I was privileged to worship with Pastor Tallon and the faithful folks at Perry Assembly of God at 12523 S. M-52, just south of the City of Perry. I was encouraged by their warm Christian welcome and by the opportunity they allowed me to sing and worship with their community of faith, appropriately focused on Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice. I want to extend my thanks to the Pastor, members and congregation of Perry Assembly of God. God used you to bless my Sunday and I am grateful. Very truly yours,
James A. Huguelet
Mayor for the City of Perry