The Taylorville Kiwanis Club held its annual Prayer Luncheon at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium on Tuesday.  From the left:  Kiwanis member Martin Vota, who nominated this year's Outstanding Spiritual Leader Tom Bellegante, who is next to Vota; guest speaker Bill Hope, who was given a Certificate of High Honor by the Kiwanis Club; Kiwanis Spiritual Aims Committee chair Dick Wamsley, who again organized the luncheon; and Kiwanis president Will Perkins.

OUTSTANDING SPIRITUAL LEADER RECOGNIZED AT KIWANIS PRAYER LUNCHEON

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club held their 27th annual Prayer Luncheon Tuesday at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.

Reverend Tom Bellegante of Taylorville was given the Spiritual Leader of the Community award by the Kiwanis Club, for his efforts.  Bellegante was presented the award by Kiwanis member Martin Vota, who nominated him.  Bellegante shared with the Kiwanis Club a death experience that changed his life.

Guest speaker for the event, was World War II veteran and retired Taylorville teacher Bill Hope, who spoke about the power of prayer.  Hope said he found his faith as a 19-year-old gunner in an airplane serving in World War II.

Following Hope's remarks, he was given a “Certificate of High Honor” for his leadership in his church and community, by the Kiwanis Club.

Several guests, including Taylorville mayor Bruce Berry, also attended the event.

Kiwanis member Dick Wamsley chairs the club's Spiritual Aims Committee, and again organized this year's Kiwanis Prayer Luncheon.

The Taylorville Kiwanis Club is part of global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time.  Weekly meetings are held Tuesdays at noon at the Taylorville Memorial Hospital auditorium.  For information on the club, go to taylorvillekiwanis.com.