Multiple services for World Day of Prayer
Welsh cakes, Bara-brith and Scones? What do these all have in common - delicious eating from England, Wales and Northern Ireland and all featured as refreshments for World Day of Prayer held on March 4.
On one day each year around the globe goes a wave of prayer. In over 170 nations people from all walks of life gather as church communities to hear stories and read prayers provided by delegates from that year's nation of focus. This year the focus was England, Wales and Northern Ireland. True stories revealed some of the needs of women in these countries in particular. Special prayer was also offered for Ukraine and those experiencing floods here in Australia.
This World Day of Prayer is held near to the first Friday in March annually.
Five regional services were held at Bunyip, Drouin, Neerim South, Trafalgar and Warragul. Drouin had more than 70 attendees with a great display of colourful posters and souvenirs.
At Warragul two of the congregation dressed in traditional costume for the occasion. A guest speaker from England was pre-recorded for the Warragul service hosted by the Church of Christ.
Event organiser Robyn Rowney said that although it was a short message, it presented a challenge as to what a small group of people can do when God gives them compassion for the poor.
Those attending heard how in Truro, Cornwall, a few friends began distributing Cornish pasties to the homeless, later adding Christmas hampers for needy families. Starting with just 40 it grew to become a community event without any hype to 2500 hampers last year.
The Lord's Prayer was led in Welsh by Dilys Price at St Ignatius' Catholic Church, Neerim South. The service there was led by Kath Fusinato and Isobel Simon read the scripture. Guest speaker was Deacon Mark Kelly of Drouin. A light lunch and fellowship was enjoyed after the service.
At the Drouin Uniting Church Trevor and Mavis Sampson showed their Welsh wooden spoon given by Trevor to Mavis at their wedding. It is decorated with symbols of love and is carved from one piece of wood. Mavis Sampson from England, Maire Finlay from Northern Ireland and Trevor Sampson from Wales were the guest speakers. Rhonda Banks and Mary Spong played the organ during the service.
In Bunyip the hosting church was St Thomas' Anglican where the prayers were followed by a light lunch in takeaway noodle boxes while the gathering at Trafalgar was led by members of St John's Catholic Church.