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Women’s World Day of Prayer
United reformed Church representative on the National Committee: Mrs Josie Owens
1 The service material for 2001 was prepared by the women of the lovely islands of Samoa, one of the smallest countries in the world. Samoans live simply and life centers round the family. Religion is one of the most important aspects of Samoan culture and the islands’ motto ‘Founded on God’ was very much reflected in the service material. About 99% of Samoans are Christian. Every day at 6pm the gong sounds for ‘sa’, the daily prayers, when the whole community stops for 15 minutes of prayer. Sundays are strictly observed as holy days and church attendance is very high. In the service this year was the ‘Cava’ ceremony. This is an important part of the Samoan culture, where visitors are welcomed to the island. This is a special reception offered to guests and friends as an expression of friendship and the love the Samoan people want to share with their visitors.
2 Over 325,000 copies of the order of service have been used in over 3,000 services held in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Services have been held in Churches, Cathedrals, Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Church Halls and Schools - where many teachers use the Children’s material for assemblies. Day conferences and preparation days for the service have again been in demand with over 50 this year, and many already booked for 2002.
3 In July last year we held our Millennium conference at High Leigh. This proved to be a resounding success and was enjoyed by the 130 ladies, from all parts of the country. Amongst those attending were the three past and present United Reformed Church representatives, myself as present national committee member, Mrs Ruth Bowyer, my predecessor, and her predecessor, and former chairperson of the national committee, Mrs Jean Whillis.
4 The service for 2002 comes from Romania with the theme ‘Challenged to Reconcile’.
5 Further information on conferences and material related to the service, Bible study notes, background information from the country preparing the service, speakers notes, children’s service sheets, can all be obtained, free of charge, from the office, Women’s World Day of Prayer, Commercial Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 2RR.
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