Everyone is invited to pray together at the start of the new year.

All are invited to pray for community, elected officials, schools, first responders and more at the 14th annual Community Prayer Service at 10 a.m. Jan. 4 at Grace Bible Church, 250 N. Main St.

In case of inclement weather, the service will be postponed to the following Saturday Jan. 11.

Winchester Mayor Ed Burtner and former Clark County Judge-Executive Henry Branham started the tradition in 2006, and ever since the two have organized the service at churches throughout the community in January.

“It is intended to begin the new year with people of all denominations, several denominations coming together, both ordained and lay people,” Burtner said. “… It’s a way for the community to start out the new year with a community prayer event.”

The service is held at a different church every year. Several community organizations participate in the ceremony every year, and dozens of people of all ages, ranging from children to some in their 80s attend.

“We generally have a good turnout,” Burtner said.

Clark County Judge-Executive Chris Pace will open the service.

During the hour-long service, featured prayer leaders will lead attendees in prayer for different groups. Prayer leaders for this year’s service include Rev. Jim Trimble leading prayer for schools, students, teachers, staff administrators and parents; Terri Davidson leading prayer for volunteers, churches, nonprofits and help groups; Rev. Raymond Smith leading prayer for courts, jails, fire departments, EMS personnel, law enforcement and first responders; Rev. William Newell leading prayer for those in the military — active duty, retired veterans and reservists; Dickie Everman leading prayer for those in distress; and Rev. Don Stanley leading prayer for elected officials, appointed officials and civil government.

Following the prayer leaders, Burtner will take prayer requests from those in attendance and give a closing. Rev. Lee Cruse will give the benediction.

Burtner said the event is a way for the community at large, across denominations and among various backgrounds, to start the year off on the right footing.

“It’s a good way to start the new year,” Burtner said. “It reflects the community’s desire to contemplate and pray over different aspects of the community.”