Twenty-five people gathered in the Methodist Church in Holsworthy on Friday, March 4, at 2.30pm for the 2022 World Day of Prayer service.

A spokesperson said: “After holding a service on-line last year, it was lovely to be able to meet together again in person for this year’s service.”

Formerly the Women’s World Day of Prayer, now simply the World Day of Prayer, this is a women led global Ecumenical movement involving people in over 120 countries around the world.

Each year the service is written by a different community and the day of prayer is always the first Friday in March. The wave of prayer begins as the sun rises over Samoa in the Pacific, and it ends some 36 hours later back in the Pacific as the sun sets over American Samoa.

The service this year was prepared by the Christian women of the WDP Committee of England, Wales and Northern Ireland (Scotland has a separate Committee). The theme was “I know the plans I have for you”, a short phrase from verse 11 in the 29th chapter of the Book of Jeremiah.

The spokesperson continued: “In stories, songs, prayers, music and a bible reading, we were encouraged to consider what God might be saying to us, and what hope He has for our future. A small packet of seeds, given to everyone who attended, was to remind us that much can grow from small beginnings.”

The service was led by Margaret Coles, Liz Squire and Helen Young, assisted by several members of the congregation, and the music was ably masterminded by Shirley Davis.

A collection taken after the service raised £135 for the work of the WDP movement. Tea was served in the schoolroom after the service.

The spokesperson added: “Please do consider joining us next year on Friday, March 3. The service has been prepared by the Christian women of Taiwan and the theme will be ‘I have heard about your faith’.”