‘Understanding’ is theme for annual World Day of Prayer

The ecumenical event is sponsored by Church Women United.

YOUNGSTOWN — “God’s Wisdom Provides New Understanding” is the theme of this year’s observance of World Day of Prayer planned Friday. The program was written by the women of Guyana.

World Day of Prayer, sponsored by Church Women United, is an ecumenical movement of women of many faiths who come together to observe a common day of prayer. Throughout the day, women pray all over the world — beginning with the first sunrise and ending with last sunset.

Observances will be held in the area. For information on individual observances, call the host church. Among locations for programs are:

UCentral Christian Church, 44 S. Main St., Hubbard. Luncheon at noon followed by service at 1 p.m. Speaker will be the Rev. Kathryn Adams, director of Protestant Campus Ministries at Youngstown State University and pastor of Fairview United Methodist Church in Niles.

U Park Vista Retirement Community Chapel, Youngstown. The program, which starts at 1 p.m., will feature Sophia Brooks singing the Lord’s Prayer. Refreshments will follow.

U St. Michael Church, 281 Glenview Road, Canfield. There will be a service at 11 a.m. followed by lunch.

U St. James Church, 50 Rosemont Road, North Jackson. Service will be at 11 a.m. with lunch following.

U Simon Road Church of God, 4750 Simon Road, Boardman. The service is scheduled for 11 a.m. with lunch afterward. Pastor Eddy Howard will deliver a message, Judy Magielski of St. Charles Borromeo Church in Boardman will offer reflections, and there will be a short drama presentation.

U Vienna United Methodist Church, 4265 Warren-Sharon Road, Vienna. The service will be at 11 a.m. followed by a light lunch.

U Zion Hill Church of the Brethren, 14550 New Buffalo Road, Columbiana. The service for Columbiana World Day of Prayer will be at 1 p.m. with speaker Anna Marie Kurtz, a 31-year career Mennonite missionary to Ghana and member of Leetonia Mennonite Church. Participating churches will be Christ Our King Anglican, Grace Congregational, First Presbyterian, First United Methodist, Jerusalem Lutheran and St. Jude Catholic. Refreshments will be served.

Green Township’s World Day of Prayer is planned at 7 p.m. Friday at Calla Community Church, 6482 W. Calla Road. Sandra Maypenny will deliver a message and special music will be presented by Marilyn Chamberlain and Jerry Lomker. An offering will be taken for South Range Council of Church and Community to help the organization provide food and other assistance to township residents.

A community day of prayer is planned Friday at Clarks Mills United Methodist Church, 3813 Hadley Road, Clarks Mills, Pa. Registration will be at 12:30 p.m. followed by a brief business meeting and program at 1 p.m. with special music.