Greensburg houses of worship unite for coronavirus prayer initiative

Greensburg’s houses of worship have different doctrines, but they all have one thing in common, according to the Rev. Kevin Haley of First United Methodist Church.

“We all have these different theologies, different backgrounds, but we all pray,” Haley said.

Seven of the city’s religious institutions have teamed up for a prayer initiative as Westmoreland County coronavirus cases continue to rise.

“We really need to pray for the county,” Haley said. “This is hitting us hard.”

First United Methodist got firsthand experience with the virus recently, according to Haley. It temporarily closed this month after two of its members tested positive.

Haley proposed the idea for a united prayer effort to the Greensburg Ministerium, a longstanding local consortium.

Each of the seven participating congregations will take one day a week on which its members will make a special effort to pray for the county and its residents struggling with the pandemic.

“We thought it would be great because then in each house of worship we can ask our women’s sewing circles, or our choirs, or our day cares — all our people — to lift up prayers,” said the Rev. Donna Havrisko of Westminster Presbyterian Church.

These prayers usually will take place during existing services or events, or while members are going about their normal day, Haley said.

The initiative began Friday with Congregation Emanu-El Israel. The synagogue set aside a time for prayer during its evening Shabbat service, which is being held virtually during the pandemic.

“I think it’s really nice that we can all come together,” Rabbi Leonard Sarko said. “This is a common cause regardless of religious affiliation.”

Participating organizations plan to use the hashtag #praytogether on social media to share their efforts.

“It’s really cool to see the Jewish folks, Catholic folks, Lutherans, Methodists, Presbyterians, all coming together,” Havrisko said. “It’s just a really great way to reach across the aisles.”

Congregation Emanu-El’s online services are open to the public, Sarko said. Friday’s Shabbat service begins at 7:30 p.m. Information about how to participate can be found online at ceigreensburg.org.

Participating in the prayer initiative are:

• Sundays: Otterbein United Methodist Church

• Mondays: Westminster Presbyterian Church

• Tuesdays: Sisters of Charity at Seton Hill

• Wednesdays: Harrold Zion Lutheran Church

• Thursday: First United Methodist Church

• Fridays: Congregation Emanu-El Israel

• Saturdays: First Evangelical Lutheran Church