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Faithful in Valley unite for World Day of Prayer
YOUNGSTOWN — Every day around the world, people pray. World Day of Prayer, observed Friday, holds a special place in the cycle of prayer.
Each year, a different group of representatives of Church Women United write the text of the service, which is celebrated in 170 countries and regions.
The women of Papua New Guinea penned the text of this year’s service on the theme, “In Christ, there are many members, yet one body.”
Papua New Guinea (PNG), a country in Oceania in the eastern half of the island of New Guinea, is located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. CWU there celebrated World Day of Prayer at sunrise, and the observance continued through sundown around the globe.
Prayer brought some 65 people together in the chapel at Park Vista Retirement Community, 1216 Fifth Ave. Shirley Megown, president of Church Women United of the Youngstown Area, welcomed them. “By God’s grace, we are able to be united,” she said.
She told the gathering that PNG is a land of some 800 languages, cultures, traditions and beliefs, just as many other nations. Faith unites them.
The program cited passages from Romans 12:4-13, which in part, read, “For as in one body, we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us. ...”
The passage points out what binds people together and what makes each person an individual.
The program also highlighted some of problems faced by PNG, but noted they are shared by many countries around the world. The program showed how 800 women of PNG were able to end a 15-year-old conflict in Bougainville Province because they united in faith to attain peace.
Health care was another issue highlighted, linked to poverty in the country.
Another issue, global warming, was illustrated as information was shared on how the islands seem to be sinking in the sea and salt water is ruining crops.
Hymns in harmony with the day’s theme included “Welcome, Let’s Walk Together,” “They Will Know We Are Christians By Our Love” and “Many Gifts, One Spirit.”
Soprano Sophia Brooks sang The Lord’s Prayer and inspired the group with her voice.
Megown explained that CWU observes World Day of Prayer at various sites and churches. “It can be anywhere. ... Having it here at Park Vista adds another element,” she said.
Jackie Burley, also of CWU, said, “This gives the residents a chance to participate.”
One resident, Mary B. Smith, participated for many years as an active member of CWU. Smith, who also served as CWU president, said World Day of Prayer is an important vehicle that shares information and promotes prayer.
“I was interested to hear the part about global warming,” said Smith, who taught biology at Youngstown State University for 43 years. “I think it also shows how our world is getting smaller."
Of the ecumenical gathering, Smith said, “This is a good way to get people together of different faiths. It keeps people involved.”
Audrey Jewell, a resident of Park Vista, said she attended the event because “I think we need more prayer in the world today.
“This is a learning experience about another country. We have to learn to love another. ... This gives hope,” she said.
The ecumenical celebrations chairman, Kathleen Johnson, concluded, “What we need more than ever today is prayer.”
World Day of Prayer observances also were held at St. Vincent de Paul Church in Vienna, St. James Catholic Church in North Jackson, Canfield United Methodist Church, Calvary Baptist Church in Boardman and St. Patrick Church in Hubbard.
CWU welcomes members of all faiths. The cost is $5. Meetings take place four times a year at Protestant Family Service, 496 Glenwood Ave. Meetings are planned at 10 a.m. May 11, Sept. 16 and Nov. 9.
linonis@vindy.com