Women’s World Day of Prayer

The service this year, held on Friday 5th March, was prepared by the women of Panama with the theme ‘In faith, Women Shape the Future’. A theme reflected in the prayers and readings as Panama faces the many economic and social changes in their country. This year is especially important for the women of Panama as they celebrate 50 years of their participation in the World Day of Prayer. Panama is a mainly Christian country where 85% of the population are Roman Catholic.

The services were well attended with over 350,000 orders of service used at the many different services held throughout England, Northern Ireland and Wales. Service and information sheets are produced for the Welsh speaking churches. Services were held in cathedrals, churches, halls, hospitals, nursing homes, and schools where the special children’s service sheets, along with the teachers’ notes are used at assemblies. The children’s information is also used in many Junior church groups.

Day conferences and preparation days have continued to increase to the extent that there are now three conference co-ordinators arranging conferences in different areas of the country.

From 26 August to 3 September 2003 the National committee hosted the International Quadrennial conference at Swanwick. Over 200 representatives from the national committees of 90 countries joined together. It was particularly good to greet ladies from the former Eastern block countries. Amongst the many special events was the service held at Derby Cathedral, a truly international service with languages and music from all the continents.

The service for 2005 has been prepared by the women of Poland with the theme ‘Let Our Light Shine’.

Scottish Committee Report

On 5 March 2004, the World Day of Prayer Services were held throughout Scotland from Caithness in the north, Orkney and Shetland to Dumfries and Galloway in the south. Throughout the day, over 730 services were held in churches, church halls, sheltered housing, schools, prisons, hospitals and nursing homes. It was estimated that some 26,500 attended, many of whom were men.

During the year the Scottish Committee have been involved in some innovations. Two ‘Awareness Days’ were arranged in Kirkcaldy and Perth. There was also a 24 hour retreat which resulted in the work on the 2005 Service being mainly completed. Those present also spent time in study and prayer and getting to know other members better. It was a very worthwhile experience which, it is hoped, will be repeated this coming autumn, when our plans for the 75th Anniversary Celebrations in April 2005 will be completed.