There was great joy across Canada as thousands were able to gather in person for World Day of Prayer (WDP) 2023 services featuring the theme – “I have heard about your faith”. For many, it was a chance to not only pray and learn about Taiwan but to meet with ecumenical friends that had not been seen for two years because of COVID concerns.
The Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada (WICC) provided many resources on the WICC website to ensure that the service was available to all, including those not able to gather in person. A one-hour WDP service was produced by WICC with volunteer leaders, readers and musicians from across Canada. Contacting TV Channels across Canada started earlier this year after incredible positive feedback last year. Overall, the WDP 2023 service video was broadcast on over thirty community television channels, but it was aired many more times. This video service continues to be available on wicc.org and via the WICC YouTube channel. Kids Pray Too is also available for viewing. This special children’s World Day of Prayer service presented by youth is a great resource for grandparents, Sunday School classes and summer camps.
Thanks for all your feedback. It helps us plan for next year. One service coordinator commented as follows:
“This year’s video presentation was amazing. The speakers were clear and the number of times we were invited to participate in prayers and hymns was wonderful. All participants were fully engaged. I hope these video services can continue. In our cluster of five churches, it is very difficult to find people to participate in person as readers etc. They are getting too old, and their voices are weak and hard to hear. Can we continue to have a video service yet gather together for discussion and fellowship afterwards?”
WICC is committed to keeping service coordinators informed about World Day of Prayer. The WDP Field Reps played an essential part in WDP Coordinator support again this year. They provided help to those who were new to the coordinator role, challenged by technology, or needed ideas for promoting WDP.
Over 250 individuals attended online events in November and January to learn about WDP 2023 resources. It was encouraging to hear from service coordinator evaluations, that 75% read We-Connect, our e-newsletter, and 91% follow the WICC Facebook page to stay informed and engaged.
Donations from World Day of Prayers services are used to fund WDP for next year and support grant projects designed to bring social justice to women and families in Canada and internationally. By distributing WDP service information online rather than print format, the saved revenue goes towards grants. The 2023 grant applications are currently being reviewed and will be approved by the WICC Board at the end of June. See http://wicc.org/grant-programs/grant-stories/ to read the inspirational grant stories of project just completed.
Christian women from Palestine wrote the 2024 World Day of Prayer service – “I beg you … bear with one another in love” from Ephesians 4: 1-7. Please join others on or around Friday, March 1, 2024 in this worldwide prayer movement.