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Women of Cameroon honored
BOARDMAN
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Participants for a World Day of Prayer service Thursday, wearing colorful scarves and animal-print clothing, play rattles, tambourines, shakers and bells as they walk up the aisle of Bethel Lutheran Church in Boardman. Leading are Joyce Rettenmeir, left, and Ruth Abbott. Their apparel and instruments were a tribute to the women of Cameroon, Africa, who wrote the ecumenical service.
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Annie DeChellis, a greeter and usher at the World Day of Prayer service, reflects on the program written by the women of Cameroon, who used the theme “Let Everything That Has Breath Praise God” from Psalm 150:6.
The World Day of Prayer service at Bethel Lutheran Church opened with a processional of participants wearing colorful scarves and animal-print clothing, as a tribute to the women of Cameroon.
Women of Cameroon wrote this year’s service. Setting a tone of musical solidarity with the African country, the participants played rattles, tambourines, shakers and bells.
“Let Everything That Has Breath Praise God” was the theme for the ecumenical service that proved to be educational, inspirational and motivational.
Delaine DeChellis, hostess with Marilyn Weaver, welcomed about 70 people to the church at 425 Crestview Drive. World Day of Prayer is sponsored annually on the first Friday in March by the World Day of Prayer USA Committee. Bethel had its event a day early because of scheduling conflicts.
Rich Morgan, WKBN TV weather forecaster, offered a lesson about Cameroon, located on the “hinge of Africa.” He said its proximity to the equator makes the climate hot and humid. He delivered Thursday’s forecast of 84 degrees with high humidity.
“The country is about the size of California,” he said, noting its terrain includes mountains, plains, deserts, rainforests and oceanfront. He added that English and French are the main languages with hundreds of local dialects.
Morgan noted that Cameroon produces coffee, bananas and pineapples for export. He said its coffee has an “earthy, chocolate flavor.”
Pastor Bret Rizzo delivered a message based on Psalm 150:6 and the theme of the day. He said there are many ways to praise God, and through our activities, we should use “God-given talents.”
He mentioned the “human tragedy of human trafficking” but said the women of Cameroon continue to look to God’s word for hope. The text of the service offered insight into the lives of these women, many of whom work as market women, called “bayam selams,” and farming.
But women face issues concerning inequality, landownership, trafficking of female children, gender violence and HIV/AIDS.
Though they face many real challenges, the service noted that “Cameroonians consider life to be God’s greatest gift.” And though many struggle to make a living, they praise God for the gift of life.
Garry Adair served as song leader, and LaRue Murray was musician.
Program participants and readers from area churches were Ruth Abbott and Gertrude Roche, Lockwood United Methodist; Joan Binsley, St. Charles; Becky Braun and Rhea Crelin, Westminster Presbyterian; Molly Galano and Janet Smart, St. James Episcopal; Patty Howard, Simon Road Church of God; Pat Johnson, Calvary Baptist; Tim Johnson, Christ Church; Mary Jane Lewis and Joyce Rettenmier, Boardman United Methodist; and Margaret Lorimer, Disciples Christian. Greeters-ushers were Lynnae Rassega and Annie DeChellis.
A lunch followed and continued the theme with West African Chicken-Peanut Soup.
LOCAL OBSERVANCES
World Day of Prayer USA Committee is observing World Day of Prayer today. This year’s theme is “Let Everything That Has Breath Praise God.” The women of Cameroon wrote the program. This year’s service focuses on issues affecting women and children of Cameroon, who are victims of human trafficking, domestic violence and sexual abuse, discrimination concerning ownership of property and HIV/AIDS. Among observances offered by Church Women United are:
Canfield Presbyterian Church: 11 a.m. at 140 W. Main St., Canfield.
St. James Catholic Church: 11 a.m. at 50 Rosemont Road, North Jackson.
Park Vista South Retirement Community: 1:30 p.m. at 1216 Fifth Ave.