John Coffelt, Editor

Coffee County’s National Day of Prayer ceremony was held at the Courthouse on May 1 with participation by 17 community leaders.

Manchester First Methodist Pastor Stephen Lee, acting as master of ceremonies, said “in a world running on empty – empty promises, empty pursuits, empty hearts – God invites us to pour out our fears, burdens and uncertainties and be filled with something greater, hope.”

During the event, Tennessee Senator Janice Bowling, Tullahoma Mayor Lynn Sebourn and Vice Mayor Mark Messick prayed for local government.

Coach Danny Thomas prayed for educators, and Coffee County Central High School senior Joel Baker prayed for youth. Rev. Dana Brooks prayed for churches.

Director Life Choices Terri Bryan prayed for families, and Julie Giffen of Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital prayed for the medical community.

Tiffany Clutter of Thunder Radio prayed for the media. Manchester Police Chief Bill Sipe prayed for first responders and his wife Tina Sipe prayed for their families. Chaplin John McKelvey prayed for members of the military. Moving Forward Ministries’ Maggie Kavanaugh prayed for businesses. 

Dr. Neil Loeffler prayed for Israel, Alabaster House of Prayer Pastor Alex Robertson offered the closing prayer and Seth Mesaros led the music.

John has been with the Manchester Times since May 2011. John has won Tennessee Press Association awards for Best News Photo and placed in numerous other categories. John is a 1994 graduate of Tullahoma High School, a graduate of Motlow State Community College and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Middle Tennessee State University. He lives in Tullahoma, enjoys painting, dancing and exploring the outdoors.