Last year’s inaugural prayer breakfast supporting local schools’ staff and students was so well-received that Rob and Ruth Griepentrog decided to conduct the event again this year. It is set for 6 a.m. May 2 at IMMI Conference Center, 18880 N. East St. May 2 also is the National Day of Prayer.
The event, which is organized by OnSite International, will feature community members leading prayer in support of the school system, including public and private staff, administration, students and organizations that support the schools, such as the Westfield Youth Assistance Program and Student Impact.
“Our keynote speaker this year is Kyle Miller. He’s the coordinator for social and emotional learning in the Westfield school district,” said Rob, OnSite International executive director. “He’s going to be speaking a lot on what kids today are experiencing, different from what we did when we were kids. Kids today are really no different than when you and I were kids, but what’s changed a lot is the culture and environment they’re in, and because of that, we as adults have to adapt on how we approach and communicate with children today.”
The Griepentrogs want to see students, families and community members who may not have children in the local schools attend the event.
“In terms of who we would love to see there, it’s open to the entire community,” Rob said. “We would love families, students. I know it’s early morning, and we would love to see students there, families, grandparents, whoever wants to just to come together and support our schools.”
“You don’t have to have a student in schools or be a teacher to come,” Ruth said.
Residents from outside of Westfield are welcome. Rob said last year, the breakfast drew people from surrounding areas, including Indianapolis.
“It is very early, but we are intentional in that. Very few people have a reason to not come at 6 a.m.,” Ruth said. “Few calendars are full. It makes it available to students, available to teachers and faculty. So often when we do events in the evening or during the day, everyone’s schedule is full, but there’s very few things happening at 6 a.m.”
The Griepentrogs hope surrounding communities conduct similar events in the future. Last year, approximately 150 people attended.
The event is free, but RSVPs are required. Breakfast will be provided by Jug’s Catering. To RSVP, visit prayonsite.org/event-info/2nd-annual-westfield-community-prayer-breakfast.
