The women of Egypt invite people around the world to join them for this year’s World Day of Prayer celebration on March 7.
In Vernon, the annual celebration takes place at All Saints Anglican Church, where people of all faiths are welcome to pray under this year’s theme, “Streams in the desert,” written by the women of Egypt.
Each year, the World Day of Prayer service brings with it a feeling of curiosity: what will challenge inspire and encourage us? What will we learn about the theme and the focus country? What will we learn about ourselves?
Through the voices of urban, rural, young and older Egyptian women, the World Day of Prayer committee of Egypt introduces their country on a human scale, revealing Egypt as they live it: a country with one foot firmly planted in the past, teetering on the cusp of modernity, searching for the next step.
The World Day of Prayer has its roots in an ecumenical day of prayer organized by women in Canada and the United States in 1920. This event became the international World Day of Prayer in 1922, and Christians around the world began celebrating it on the first Friday of March.
In Canada, the World Day of Prayer is coordinated by the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada. In Vernon, a number of churches are involved in the celebration: Knox Presbyterian, All Saints Anglican, Trinity United, First Baptist, Roman Catholic Churches Our Lady of the Valley and St. James, Peace Lutheran and St. John’s Lutheran.
All are welcome to attend the World Day of Prayer service and learn more about the culture and heritage of Egypt. Join Christians in more than 170 countries around the world and 2,000 communities across Canada who will gather on the World Day of Prayer to pray and act in solidarity with the people of Egypt.
In Vernon, this year’s service takes place March 7 at 1:30 p.m. at All Saints Anglican Church, 3205-27th St. (parking off 26th Street). For more information, call local coordinator Joan Vinson at 250-558-5708.
