Report for PACT web site: Women’s World Day of Prayer 2010

The women of Cameroon provided us with an exceptionally inspiring service this year, which was well supported by the churches of PACT.

About 80 women, and a few brave men, gathered at the United Reformed Church in College Street for a very special time of worship and praise, shared with people in 170 different countries world-wide.

The church was decorated with the green, red and yellow of the Cameroon flag, and a variety of African craft items, including a curious giraffe watching from the vestibule! [Not a real one, of course] Many thanks to those who let us borrow their treasures for the occasion.

The service called for twenty-two (!) readers so there was plenty of opportunity for different churches to be involved. At the beginning of the service the readers, most of them wearing something akin to African costume (some in the genuine article) processed into the church, shaking or tapping simple musical instruments to echo the beat of “We are marching in the light of God “. This colourful and joyous procession set the tone for the worship that followed.

The speaker was the Rev. Ann Hughes, who picked up the theme of the service : “Let everything that has breath praise God”. She reminded us that this should be at all times and in all places, good or bad, whatever our feelings. The women of Cameroon, despite having many more problems than we have, nevertheless find plenty for which they can give thanks. To quote from the service: “We praise the Almighty, if for nothing else, for the gift of life.” Their faith and their joyful exuberance ran right through the worship they had prepared for us. The congregation’s singing, ably led by our pianist, Julie Balchin, echoed that spirit.

The offering taken during the service raised over £300, much of it gift-aided. Nationally, after meeting the costs of organising the Day of Prayer itself, this is used to support a wide range of UK and international charities, including work in the country providing the service.

After the service most people gathered in the Church Family Centre for refreshments and the opportunity to see photographs of Cameroon, displayed on the screen there, or to spend some time (and money?) at the Fairtrade and Unity Bookshop stalls.

It was, altogether, a memorable occasion.

Photographs taken before, during and after the service

Thanks to all who helped with the preparations and those who took part in the service
Women's World Day of Prayer: 5 March 2010 Women's World Day of Prayer is a global, ecumenical movement of informed prayer and prayerful action, organised and led by Christian women who call the faithful together on the first Friday in March each year to observe a common day of prayer and who, in many countries, have a continuing relationship in prayer and service. The service is written by a different country each year and that country then becomes the focus of the world's prayers on the day itself. This year the women of Cameroon lead us on the theme “Let everything that has breath praise God”. Cameroon is set almost on the equator, between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, just where the West African coastline ‘turns’ southwards. Inland, it has extensive frontiers with, among others, Chad, the Central African Republic and Congo, and it has more than 240 ethnic groups and languages. A very diverse country, its people are presented with many challenges. Although the constitution promotes equality between men and women there is still a long way to go to achieve it. The symbol of the Women's World Day of Prayer was designed in 1982 for the service prepared by women of Ireland, both north and south, and was then adopted as the International Logo. The design comprises arrows converging from the four points of the compass, four figures kneeling in prayer, the Celtic cross and a circle representing the world and our unity through all our diversity. The service in Petersfield was held this year at the United Reformed Church in College Street on Friday 5 March at 1:30 pm. The speaker was the Rev'd. Ann Hughes. Many women (and two men!) came along to learn more about this fascinating country and share in its people’s joy and exuberance, as reflected in the service of praise.

Visit the Women's Word day of Prayer web site

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