On Friday, March 1, the women of France invited us to join with them in the World Day of Prayer celebration, praying under the theme, “I was a Stranger and You Welcomed Me.”
Each year the World Day of Prayer service brings with it a feeling of curiosity. We learn about the theme and the focus country. We are challenged, inspired and encouraged.
Our experience of being a stranger and then being welcomed empowers us to build connections and create community where all are welcomed.
Christians in more than 170 countries around the world and 2,000 communities across Canada gathered on this World Day of Prayer to pray and act in solidarity with the people of France.
This is the 19th year the World Day of Prayer service has been celebrated on Gabriola Island.
This year the service was hosted by the Church on the Rock at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 1 at the HOPE Centre in the Gathering Place building, 790 North Road, Gabriola Island. Four churches and the Gabriola Ecumenical Society participated.