A SWAT Team Demonstration Highlights "Law Enforcement Appreciation & Prayer Day" at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit

Detroit church will have police vehicles displayed across its pulpit area as it honors and prays for law enforcement officers from all over the Greater Detroit area.

DETROIT, April 14, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Now this is a "different" church service: A Michigan State Police vehicle on one side of the pulpit, police motorcycles parked on the other, and the Detroit SWAT Team rappelling down from the rafters. On this day, Greater Grace Temple may be the safest place in Detroit. This is all happening at the church's 13th annual Law Enforcement Appreciation and Prayer Day on Sunday, April 15th at 11:00 a.m.

An abundance of uniformed police officers, deputies, military personnel, firefighters, federal agents and other law enforcement personnel will fill the pews, along with judges, and elected officials from across the Detroit metro area. Congressman Hansen Clarke and Wayne County Sheriff Bennie Napolean will also be on hand. Every year the church sets aside this day to honor and pray for the area's law enforcement personnel.

"We must continually offer encouragement and prayer for those who we hold accountable for keeping and maintaining the peace in our society," says GGT Pastor, Bishop Charles H. Ellis III. "These officers lay their lives on the line daily to keep our communities safe. We want to let them know their work is appreciated."

As they did during the "Auto Workers Prayer," which made headlines around the world, including the front page of the New York Times and Wall St. Journal, GGT will have police vehicles displayed across its pulpit area as a backdrop for the event.

Greater Grace Temple, civic leaders and concerned citizens will take this time to honor Detroit metropolitan law enforcement personnel, and offer a special prayer for their safety on the job. There will also be a special remembrance, a "Lighting of the Candles," for those officers who lost their lives in the line of duty. The service will conclude with the officers participating in an "anointing ceremony," symbolizing the conferring of God's authority and protection upon their lives.

Bishop Ellis began "Law Enforcement Appreciation Day" in 1999 following the tragic shootings of two Detroit police officers. Patrolman Shawn Bandy was killed in that incident. Civic leaders and law enforcement personnel from around the Detroit area packed the church for the service. Families of slain officers, including the Bandy family, were also in attendance.

After this week's service, a special reception is planned with refreshments for all in attendance. In addition, each officer will receive a small gift of appreciation from the church. Greater Grace Temple is a 6,000 member church located at 23500 W. Seven Mile in Detroit, MI. For more information, visit www.greatergrace.org or call 313-543-6000.

SOURCE Greater Grace Temple