COMMUNITY & CLUBS:Pray for America

“We invite Daily Pilot readers to join in a community-wide Interfaith National Day of Prayer Breakfast on Thursday, May 3, 2007, as America Unites in Prayer,” said the Rev. Julie Elkins, pastor at First United Methodist Church of Costa Mesa and Newport-MesaIrvine Interfaith Council vice president. “It is the one time of the year when the diverse faith communities from our three cities come together with business and community leaders to pray for our leaders in their own religious traditions.”

The 10th annual prayer breakfast at the Balboa Bay Club begins at 7 a.m. with adjournment by 8:45 a.m. Olympic champion and inspirational speaker Peter Vidmar will provide the keynote speech while leaders from Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist faiths will provide the prayers. The National Day of Prayer is an annual event established by Congress to encourage Americans to pray for the nation, each other and our leaders.

This is one of several activities of the interfaith council for the public that helps to build a community that honors and respects our many voices, said the Rev. Dennis Short, council president and pastor at Harbor Christian Church.

Reservations for the breakfast, at $25 a person, are required by April 30 and may be made by calling (714) 921-8665 or by e-mailing nmiinterfaith@aol.com.

FREEDOM SHRINE DEDICATED

The Exchange Club of Newport Harbor dedicated a Freedom Shrine at Victoria Elementary School on Wednesday.

The Freedom Shrine, sponsored by the National Exchange Club, is a collection of photographic reproductions of 30 original documents from American history. The display includes copies of the Bill of Rights, the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.

Willaim Bechtel, president of the Exchange Club of Newport Harbor, said that this Freedom Shrine is a reminder of the courage, dedication and sacrifices of our forefathers. The shrine has been assembled to help young people learn the importance of preserving our precious freedoms. At the presentation ceremony, Bechtel spoke on the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance. Club member Ed Romeo, who is president of the Oasis Senior Center, conducted the procession and the presentation of the Freedom Shrine documents.

Exchange Clubs across the country have dedicated nearly 11,000 Freedom Shrines in schools, military installations and government buildings since the program’s inception in 1949. The program is one of many community service projects that Exchange Clubs sponsor to encourage patriotism.

BEEF ON THE BAY

The Sons of the American Legion Post 291 is hosting a children’s charity fundraiser on April 28 that features rib-eye steak, corn on the cob, salad, potatoes and Texas entertainment, according to Legion member Rick Bradley. Dinner is being served from 4 to 7 p.m. and costs $20, but $50 will get you dinner and an evening of entertainment until 10 p.m. Tickets are available from Bradley by calling (949) 466-1011. The American Legion Post is at 215 15th St., Newport Beach.

WORTH REPEATINGFrom the Thought for the Day as provided by Greg Kelley of the Newport-Mesa-Irvine Interfaith Council:

“I discovered a long time ago that if I helped people get what they wanted, I would always get what I wanted and I would never have to worry.”

— ANTHONY ROBBINS

SERVICE CLUB MEETINGS THIS WEEK

How are you giving back to your community? Help your community and the world through a service club. For many, service club membership is an extension of our religious beliefs and congregation affiliation.

You are invited to attend a service club meeting this coming week to learn more about opportunity for service. Most clubs will buy your first meal for you as you get acquainted with them.

TUESDAY

7:30 a.m.: The 47-member Newport Beach Sunrise Rotary Club meets at Five Crowns to hear Clare Taber discuss Women’s lives in underdeveloped countries. For details, go to www.newportbeachsunriserotary.org.

Noon: The 22-member Rotary Club of Costa Mesa meets at the Costa Mesa Marriott Suites.

WEDNESDAY

7:30 a.m.: The 10-member Newport Harbor Kiwanis Club meets at Denny’s Restaurant, 290 Bristol St., Costa Mesa.

Noon: The 27-member Orange Coast Exchange Club meets at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club.

6 p.m.: The 55-member Rotary Club of Newport-Balboa meets at Newport Rib Company for a program by Pamela Edwards of Heifer International. For details, go to www.newportbalboa.org.

THURSDAYThe Costa Mesa Orange Coast Lions Club meets at Mimi’s Cafe.

7 a.m.:

Noon: The Costa Mesa Kiwanis Club meets at the Holiday Inn for a joint meeting with the Kiwanis Club of Newport Beach-Corona del Mar. For more information, go to www.kiwanis.org/club/costamesa. The Rotary Club of Newport Irvine meets at the University Club at UC Irvine to hear Gary Spencer talk about “Bike Across USA.” For details, go to www.nirotary.org. The Exchange Club of Newport Harbor meets at the Newport Beach Country Club. For more information, go to https://members.cox.net/nhexchangeclub/index.htm.