World Day of Prayer 2021

In 2021 the World Day of Prayer on Friday 5 March will be different from the usual colourful, lively service taking place in a church building. This year it is more likely to be on zoom or YouTube.

The Christian women from the archipelago of Vanuatu in the South Pacific, 2000 miles east of Australia, have prepared this year’s service. Their chosen theme is “Build on a Strong Foundation.” This is based on the Bible passage in Matthew chapter 7 verses 24-27.

The land is important to the people of Vanuatu. The soil is fruitful and the climate temperate. However, the islands are prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and cyclones.

In 1980 the Republic of Vanautu was founded as a parliamentary democracy. The motto they chose was “In God We Stand”.

The Islands of Vanuatu have many beautiful sandy beaches, coral reefs with tropical fish and forests full of colourful birds, fauna and flora.

The global World Day of Prayer starts at Tonga in the Pacific Ocean. It crosses continents, Asia, Africa, the landmass of Europe. It then moves onto the Americas before ending back in the Pacific at American Samoa.

As of February 2021, there has been one recorded case of Covid19 on the Islands. The effect of the pandemic however is devastating to the local people who rely on tourism. Another blow to the income of Vanuatu is that people are unable to go to Australia to help bring in their harvests.

Prayer is therefore directed at good stewardship of the natural resources, safe water, building communities and peace with justice.

The World Day of Prayer website has more information

World Day of Prayer worship

We are all invited to join the World Day of Prayer pre-recorded service from Vanuatu on YouTube

Churches Together in Cheadle Hulme will be celebrating the World Day of Prayer on Friday 2 July. We have decided to delay our shared worship so that we can plan to join together in person after we emerge from the latest coronavirus lockdown. Our celebration will take place at the United Reformed Church on Swann Lane at 2pm.