For one afternoon, as winter drew to a close, their thoughts were centred on a tropical island — but not for the reason one might expect.
A group of about 75 people gathered at Christ-King Catholic Church on the afternoon of Friday, March 13, for the annual World Day of Prayer service.
Each year, the international service focuses on a different nation, and this year’s service offered prayers for the people of the Bahamas, the country made up of more than 700 islands, cays and islets, located north of Cuba in the Atlantic Ocean.
To North Americans, the very name of the country may conjure up images of cruise ships and lazy days lounging on the beach.
However, modern-day Bahamians face a variety of social challenges, ranging from the impact of frequent tropical storms to the reality of domestic abuse against women and children.
Trish Foesier, a parishioner who led the service, said that learning about these issues in other countries helps to unite Christians across the world.
“We’re struggling with (some of) the same stuff in Canada,” she said. “We need worldwide prayer.”
The service, which is put together by representatives from the featured country, consisted of songs, prayers, Scripture readings and spoken liturgy.
Those in attendance also watched a short video that featured scenes from the Bahamas, while a narrator talked about the history and development of the nation, its current situation and challenges, and some of its unique features.
The theme for this year’s service was “Jesus said to them, ‘Do you know what I have done to you?’,” taken from John 13:1-17, in which the Lord washes his disciples’ feet to demonstrate a life of selfless service to them.
“In the Christian church, we are all servants of the Lord,” said Father Donatus Ihekwoaba, who welcomed the guests at the opening of the service. “Jesus gave us an example to follow.”
The service in Stettler is held in a different church each year, alternating between the town’s Catholic, United, Anglican and Lutheran congregations. In addition, members from several local churches took part in leading the service.
A four-piece band — consisting of local residents Gail Boulding and Breanna Kirk, and Red Deer-based missionaries Ashley Boulding and Helen Seaville — led the hymns and worship songs during the service.
Offerings were collected to support the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada and its projects at home and around the world.
A lunch followed the service in the adjacent parish hall. Next year’s service will focus on the island of Cuba.