Concord's Commemoration of World Day of Prayer

[Dian Pekin]

World Day of Prayer • March 2, 2018

World Day of Prayer (WDP) is a worldwide ecumenical movement of women of many traditions who have gathered each year since the late1800s on the first Friday in March to observe a common day of prayer. A committee of WDP women from a different country each year writes the World Day of Prayer Service. This year’s service was written by women of Suriname. The first 2018 WDP Service will begin at sunrise on March 2^nd in the Pacific region and services will be held around the world throughout the day. Continuing in this annual event will be Concord’s faith communities and concerned men and women in over 170 countries engaging in informed prayers and prayerful actions to diminish injustices suffered by fellow humans, especially women and children,  around the world and to save our planet and its inhabitants. The intergenerational  women's dance group, Skyloom, will add interesting thematic sacred dance elements to Concord’s event. A festive lunch celebrating the people and food of Suriname will follow the service at noon. Suriname is the smallest independent country of South America, nearly 80 per cent of which is tropical rain forest. In the service, the Suriname women make an urgent call to take proper care of our precious planet. Local environmental group representatives will be on hand to provide information about their various projects and programs. There is no charge for this event and reservations are not required.  A free will offering will be accepted to continue various social justice programs and charities. The prayer service will take place at 11:00 a.m. followed by lunch at noon on Friday, March 3^rd at this year's host church, The West Concord Union Church, 1317 Main Street in West Concord. All men, women, and young people are warmly invited.