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United Reformed Church representative on the National Committee: Mrs Josie Owens 1 'Challenged to Reconcile' was the theme of this year's service and could not have been more appropriate for the country of Romania. Bordered by Moldavia to the east, Ukraine to the north, Hungary to the west and Serbia to the south west, Romania has faced not only its own problems but those suffered by its neighbours. 2 Since the end of the Ceausescu dictatorship in 1989 the country has seen many changes and the people struggle even now to bring stability and harmony to their lives. It is a long and often painful journey to reconciliation with the past when the present future is still uncertain. 3 We were privileged to have with us at our planning meeting a member of the committee responsible for the writing of the service. She shared with us the difficulties facing the Romanian people. We heard from her about the beauty of the country from the Carpathian Mountains to the resorts of the Black Sea which the country is trying hard to promote to the tourist industry to help with struggling economy. But we were also told of the hard-ships still facing the people. Gabriella expressed deep gratitude to the people from this country that send aid to Romania helping the orphanages and hospitals, without this many more people would indeed suffer. 4 Romania can be considered a Christian country, for 99% of the inhabitants are members of one of the Christian denominations. Two religious worlds overlap, the Eastern Orthodox and the Western Catholic and Protestant Christianity. Church attendance is high. 5 Over 2,500 services were held in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in churches, cathedrals, hospitals, nursing homes and schools, where many teachers use the children's service material for assemblies. Day conferences and preparation days still grow in number with over 40 booked already for 2003. 6 Next year 2003 the National Committee of England, Northern Ireland and Wales are host to the International meeting of the Women's World Day of Prayer, where delegates from 180 countries will take part. One of the important items will be to choose the themes and countries that will prepare the services for future years. 7 The service for 2003 has been prepared by the women of the Lebanon with the theme 'Holy Spirit, Fill Us'. 8 More information about the services and conferences along with service material can be obtained from the office, Women's World Day of Prayer, Commercial Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2RR, Telephone/Fax 01892 541411, email address office@wwdp_natcomm.org
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