Christmas G.R.I.P.P. prayer event set for Dec. 3

By Susan Johnson

Copy Editor

Greater Rockford In Prayer and Praise (G.R.I.P.P.), an interdenominational organization of local Christian churches, will hold a
City-wide Call to Worship and Intercession

at 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 3, at 611 N. Court St., Rockford.

G.R.I.P.P. President the Rev. Robert Griffin explained that the organization, founded in 1997, was launched to bring together various churches in Rockford to pray for revival and intercede for the transformation of the city. Various guest clergy and volunteers will participate in the prayer meeting. Some Christmas refreshments will be provided, and carol singing will be included in the activities.

The Rock River Times inquired about topics the prayer meeting wants to address. The Rev. Griffin replied,
The whole passion behind our work is that the church (including Protestant and Catholic) has renewal. Nationally, [the church] has 80 percent flatlined and declined, according to George Barna [polling organization]. When you consider the age of the church, it is on the decline, so we are praying that the church will be renewed and strengthened. I did my doctorate on this subject, and with every major renewal in history, there is radical social transformation that follows. We are praying for the church to be renewed, and we’re praying for the transformation of this region. Topics would include addressing crime, homicides, our school district that needs a lot of help with truancy and expulsions, school dropouts. We also pray for jobs in the region and the marketplace. We are concerned that this [Rockford] be a great place.

The event is free and open to the public. These gatherings, normally held on the first Thursday of each month, are built upon the foundation of prayer efforts in the area over 12 years, sponsored by Rockford Renewal Ministries and a denominationally-diverse team of Christian clergy. For more information, call (815) 962-6246.

From the November 25-December 1, 2009 issue