Approximately sixty people from eight churches in Fonthill and guests gathered on Friday, March 7th at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Fonthill. In celebration of the World Day of Prayer, they were greeted by the sound of ocean waves and ladies from the parish who were adorned with floral garlands, or eis as they are known in the Cook Islands.
Sewing together the blossoms of artificial flowers that were donated by friends and relatives, the ladies of our parish replicated the real flower garlands that the women of the Cook Islands create to wear for celebrations. Each year, World Day of Prayer committees from different countries around the world write the service used. For this year, the World Day of Prayer Committee of the Cook Islands wrote this lovely service based on the theme “I Made You Wonderful” from Psalm 139 for the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada and shared their written service with parishes. All offerings and donations collected during these services and online support grants that aid women’s needs across Canada and around the world.
Before the service, a group from our parish met for a Bible study discussion on Psalm 139, “I Made You Wonderful.” The use of centering and connecting exercises, and ocean waves to enhance meditation, were found to be relaxing. The personal stories of Cook Island women and the country background were interesting, and the prayers were peaceful. The hymns “God Who Knows Us,” “Wonderfully Made,” and “Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness” were sung, accompanied by Dianne Williams and Mike Hughes. Along with the World Day of Prayer “Lord of the Dance” video to conclude the service, it made for an uplifting afternoon.
On display was a beautiful shell necklace directly from the Cook Islands that Gertrude Cutress from Pelham Community Church shared from when her husband had worked there.
An island décor reception followed, which included fruit punch, coffee, tea, and goodies all featuring pineapple and coconut, along with animated conversation comparing the Cook Islanders’ problems and needs with our own.
Many thanks must go to all our parishioners who worked together tirelessly to promote and present this spiritual outreach to our community, and to Paul Verroche who took photos. Donations supported World Day of Prayer itself and the WDP grant programs. A list of 2023/2024 grants can be found at wdpcanada.ca/grantprograms for more detailed information.
Next year, the World Day of Prayer 2026 in our community will be hosted by the Kirk-on-the-Hill parish on Haist Street in Fonthill.
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