Police Officers, Deputies, And Other Law Enforcement Personnel Converge On Greater Grace Temple For "Law Enforcement Appreciation & Prayer Day"

DETROIT, April 1, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Now this is a "different" church service:  A Michigan State Police vehicle on one side of the pulpit, police motorcycles parked on the other, and the pews filled with uniformed police officers and law enforcement personnel from around the Detroit area.  This is all happening at Greater Grace Temple's 16^th annual Law Enforcement Appreciation and Prayer Day on Sunday, April 6^th at 10:30 a.m.

An abundance of police officers, deputies, military personnel, firefighters, federal agents, emergency personnel, along with their families, will gather at the church.  They will be joined by numerous judges and elected officials from across the Detroit metro area on this special day. We are expecting the Detroit Deputy Police Chief Lashinda Houser along with the members of the Detroit's city council. This year we will honor the Michigan State Police for their efforts across the state and their 16-years of assistance with our Law Enforcement Day.  Every year the church sets aside this day to honor and pray for the area's law enforcement and emergency personnel. 

"We must continually offer encouragement and prayer for those who we hold accountable for keeping and maintaining the peace in our society," says GGT Pastor, Bishop Charles H. Ellis III.  "These officers lay their lives on the line daily to keep our communities safe.  We want to let them know their work is appreciated."

As they did during the "Auto Workers Prayer," which made headlines around the world, including the front page of the New York Times and Wall St. Journal, GGT will have police vehicles displayed across its pulpit area as a backdrop for the event.  Judge Vonda Evans will participate in a special dramatization of a court sentencing and the effects that it has on the families involved.

Greater Grace Temple, civic leaders and concerned citizens will take this time to honor Detroit metropolitan law enforcement personnel, and offer a special prayer for their safety on the job.  The service will conclude with the officers participating in an "anointing ceremony," symbolizing the conferring of God's authority and protection upon their lives.

Bishop Ellis began "Law Enforcement Appreciation Day" in 1999 following the tragic shootings of two Detroit police officers.  Patrolman Shawn Bandy was killed in that incident.  Civic leaders and law enforcement personnel from around the Detroit area packed the church for the service.  Families of slain officers, including the Bandy family, were also in attendance.

After this year's service, a special reception is planned with refreshments for all in attendance.  In addition, each officer will receive a small gift of appreciation from the church.   Greater Grace Temple is a 6,000 member church located at 23500 W. Seven Mile in Detroit, MI.  For more information, visit www.greatergrace.org  or call 313-543-6000.

SOURCE Greater Grace Temple

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