11th Annual Columbia Heights Prayer Breakfast

May 5, 2010

On Wednesday May 5, 2010, Tim Utz participated in the 11th annual Columbia Heights, Minnesota prayer breakfast at Murzyn Hall. The 7:00 a.m. event hosted over 150 participants from all sectors of the community. Columbia Heights Mayor Gary Peterson provided great leadership as the Master of Ceremonies. The VFW Post 230 presented colors, City Manager Walt Fehst welcomed the community, Police Captain Lenny Austin read an Old Testament scripture, and Sherri Jenson from Public Works read from the New Testament.

The Keynote speaker Reverend G. Mark Denyes from Emmanuel Christian Center in Spring Lake Park, Minnesota, presented a compelling message from the Bible, challenging individuals to participate in the community, and not be selfish but generous with the bounty God has provided America.

Dotti Penate Sosa, visiting her family from Argentina, sang the special music as her mother, Dorothy Penate, played the piano. The Reverend Bob Lyndes of Crest View Senior Communities delivered the invocation, while Malcolm Watson presented a prayer for the community, state and nation. Kaye Stickler made the beautiful centerpieces on the tables, and Colombia Heights Cable recorded the event for broadcast locally.

Mayor Gary Peterson presented several hard working folks keys to the city. A highlight to the event was when the Mayor shared his love for and appreciation of his wife's help over 35 years. When she came from the kitchen and refused to accept her key to the city, Gary good naturedly said that was a first for him in presenting a key to someone and it was refused. Many community businesses sponsored tables, including Jeff, Bobby and Steve's Auto World, Northeast Bank, McAlpin Insurance
Agency, Agro-K. and VFW Post 230, to name a few.