Huntington Student Creates Prayer Boards for Community

Lydia Murphy of Huntington was troubled by the negativity in our country since the November election.

“With all the disagreeing about politics and all the negative emotions, people have forgotten to be respectful and kind to one another,” Murphy said.

Now, the 8th grade student wants to make a difference and do something to make a positive impact in her community. With help from her parents and family friends, she has created two community prayer boards located on the grounds of the Centerport United Methodist Church. She hopes all members of the community will share positive prayers and write messages of hope, encouragement and peace.

The community prayer boards were dedicated in a special ceremony at Centerport United Methodist Church on Sunday. One of the prayer boards is located in front of the church’s sanctuary on Little Neck Road, and the other is placed on Prospect Road at the base of the Ecumenical Path which runs from behind CUMC (across from Our Lady Queen of Martyrs).

The community prayer boards represent one of Murphy’s confirmation class projects at Centerport United Methodist Church. Students are encouraged to take part in community service activities, but in Lydia’s case, she created her own initiative.

“When Lydia mentioned her idea to me, I was filled with joy. In these difficult times, when division and power try to separate us, Lydia has found a very meaningful way to bring us ALL together. These community prayer boards can be a way for our entire community to come together, to pray for our world, our community, and even ourselves. One person's idea and commitment can begin to make a change that will radiate beyond our local area. We are so thankful for Lydia and all those who helped make this idea a reality. And we hope that everyone comes and adds a prayer throughout this month," said Pastor Roy Grubbs of Centerport United Methodist Church.

Lydia’s father Tom Murphy and her mother Lynn, her confirmation class sponsor Laura Perks and her husband Bill, and local artist Philip Jordan assisted with the design and construction of the prayer boards. Plans are to keep them in place for the month of April. Each prayer board is protected from the weather with a canopy roof and is stocked with markers. Riverhead Building Supply donated the building materials.

At the dedication ceremony on Sunday, Murphy spoke to those gathered about why she wanted to create the boards and encouraged everyone to post a positive prayer. She also asked everyone to spread the word that the prayer boards are for all members of the community.

“If this makes one person happy or brings them peace, then it works,” said Murphy, who was the first to write on the prayer board in front of the church: “I pray that this board brings happiness and positivity to everyone in the community.”

For more information, contact (631) 261-5222. Centerport United Methodist Church is located at 97 Little Neck Road in Centerport.