The Ventura Family YMCA is celebrating YMCA National Week of Prayer November 9th through November 13th. Each day’s events will begin at noon with a light lunch followed by a 10-15 minute message and prayer time. Everyone in the community is invited and encouraged to come and enjoy the messages and fellowship that will be shared by pastors from local churches in the community.

The week activities will kick off on Monday, with Pastor Rob Orth from ACTION Ministries to speak on the topic of hope during difficult times. Tuesday, Pastor Jim Duran from The River Community Church will have a special discussion about teens and how we can all help them survive in the world. Wednesday, Pastor Leonard Dewitt from Ventura Baptist Church will discuss seniors and Veterans, in observance of Veterans Day. Thursday, Pastor Chon Torres from Lighthouse Christian Fellowship will speak on family and the importance of unity. On Friday, Pastor Sam Gallucci from the Kingdom Center Harbor Community Church will wrap up the week with a discussion on community and working together.

This is the second year that the Ventura Family YMCA will be participating in the YMCA National Week of Prayer. In addition to the noon time meetings the YMCA is hosting a special Hip Hop Service on Wednesday, November 11th from 6-7:30 pm with dancers from the MTV hit show “Americas Best Dance Crew” along with other talented dancers performing.

The Week of Prayer is an annual event to celebrate the spirituality of the YMCA movements around the world. This week is a tradition that dates back from 1904 when local YMCA’s unite to consider their work in the context of the Bible. YMCA is an organization with a heritage based on Christian principals that serves individuals and families of all religions, races, and creeds. Everyone is welcome to come and participate in activities during Week of Prayer regardless of their spiritual background.

Pastor Jim Duran from the River Community Church has been an active participant in the YMCA Week of Prayer and knows how beneficial the week can be for everyone.

“This is one of my favorite events of the year because real people get together and pray over real stuff, things that are happening in our life today. When people attend this event, they realize that they are not alone in their situations and others are willing to partner with them in prayer. And I know that prayer works” said Duran.

If you are interested in celebrating in the YMCA National Week of Prayer please feel free to contact Margo Byrne, Executive Director of The Ventura Family YMCA at 805-642-2131 Ext 17 or email margo.byrne@ciymca.org. Or visit www.ciymca.org/ventura.