The Start of the 2012 Indiana General Assembly is right around the corner.  For the eighth year in a row, the Indiana Capitol Commission is hosting a prayer service to start off the legislative session.  Last year more than 300 people attended this important event, which numerous churches have promoted because it is important to pray for those in authority over us. 

Matthew Barnes, a very gifted and talented young man, leads the Capitol Commission of Indiana. He has a servant's heart for ministry within the limestone walls of your Indiana State House.  Matthew is one of the most respected people in the capitol.  His dedication to serving the needs of legislators and staff as a volunteer chaplain has inspired other pastors across the nation to follow his calling here in Indiana.  Matthew is appreciated for his service, and to his credit, he is recognized as a non-partisan resource there purely for soul care needs of legislators.  Many legislators have unique needs and pressures that come from working in downtown Indianapolis far away from their homes and families.

The Capitol Commission prayer service is open to anyone who supports the goals of this ministry (which is funded solely through private donations.)   The service begins at noon on the main floor of the State House on Wednesday, January 4th.  Here is the line up for the service:

Welcome and Opening Prayer - Rev. Matthew Barnes
Prayer for Families - Pastor Robert Gaillard - Indianapolis,
?Prayer for Pastors and Churches - Pastor Mark Ward - Tipton,
Prayer for Judicial Branch - Founder of the Judicial Family Institute - Mrs. Jan Aikman Dickson?
Prayer for the Military/Safety Personnel - Rep. Randall Frye - Retired IFD
Prayer for the Media - Newspaper columnist, author and speaker - Columnist Lori Borgman
Prayer for Staff and Lobbyists - Mr. Matthew Randall?
Prayer for the House - Rep. Peggy Welch?
Prayer for the Senate - Sen. Dennis Kruse
Prayer for the Executive Branch - Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman?
Closing Prayer - Pastor Kelly Barnes - Sunman, IN