St. Andrews United Methodist Church will host a "Blessing of the Badges" service at 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 30.
The "Blessing of the Badges" service will honor men and women who serve local communities in law enforcement, fire and rescue agencies.
Borrowed from a Roman Catholic celebration called the "Blue Mass" -- referring to the blue uniforms worn by so many public safety personnel -- the service at St. Andrews will provide a chance to honor and pray for God's protection on those who protect and serve.
The church will also remember law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency personnel who have fallen in the line of duty during this special service of worship.
During the service, the men and women of the various agencies will be asked to come to the front of the church and be recognized. They will then be asked to kneel and, together with the congregation, the pastor will ask God's blessing upon each of them and the badges they are wearing or carrying.
The service is open to all area law enforcement, fire and rescue agencies. Personnel are encouraged to come to St. Andrews dressed in their uniforms. Each officer will be recognized, along with the agency in which they serve.
Orangeburg County Sheriff Larry Williams and Orangeburg Department of Public Safety Chief Wendell Davis will address the congregation, assembled officers and agency representatives during this service.
The people and pastor of St. Andrews United Methodist Church invite and encourage everyone to join law enforcement, fire and rescue personnel and their families at the first annual "Blessing of the Badges."
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