Community gathers for prayer vigil over Capitol invasion

Bishop Charles Sims of Calvary Community Church says a prayer of renewal during a Prayer for Our Nation event in the courtyard at First Christian Church in Columbus, Ind., Thursday, Jan 7, 2021. Mike Wolanin | The Republic

COLUMBUS, Ind. — As she witnessed the U.S. Capitol being stormed by an armed and chaotic mob Wednesday, a local woman say she experienced a range of emotions that included a sense of helplessness.

“When I feel anger, disappointment and despair, I can either lash out and rant on social media, which serves no purpose – or find the most peace when I’m quiet and when I pray,” said Jill Goble, a member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Columbus.

That motivated Goble to be one of more than 40 local residents who gathered outside First Christian Church Thursday for what was described by organizers as a “Prayer for Our Nation” event.

Six ministers from throughout Bartholomew County asked for divine assistance, intervention and love one day after the first breach of the U.S. Capitol in over 200 years, which resulted in four deaths, including a woman shot to death by Capitol police.

Each pastor offered thoughts and prayers in five different aspects of Christian life — repentance, reconciliation, renewal, restoration and revival.

For more on this story, see Friday’s Republic.