CANORA - St. Andrews United Church was the site of the World Day of Prayer service in Canora on March 14.
This year’s service was prepared by a group of ecumenical Christian women from the Cook Islands in the Pacific Ocean with the theme, “I Made You Wonderful.”
The Canora service began with each attendee receiving a program and a symbolic gardenia-like flower to put in their hair from Judy Schick, the event co-ordinator.
The sanctuary was decorated with several quilts crafted by the local quilting group, A Common Thread. Quilting is a craft also enjoyed by the women of the Cook Islands. Sanctuary decorations displayed on the entrance table included several artifacts related to the Cook Islands. Gratitude was expressed to the members of A Common Thread for the display.
The service began with the sound of ocean waves followed by a welcome chant led by Judy Schick, Val Morozoff and Joy Stusek; “Turou, Turou Ora mai Oro mai nei ekoko.” (Welcome, welcome; come all, come all the whole world).
Schick opened by leading the welcome, “Kia Orana,” meaning “Hello and welcome to the World Day of Prayer 2025 service.” Kia Orana is a Maori phrase used as a greeting. It means, “May you live long and well, may you shine like the sun and dance like the waves.”
The service continued with all those present performing centering exercises to connect mind and body. Following the singing of the hymn It’s a Song of Praise to the Maker, a video was viewed featuring Cook Islands.
Scripture was read from Psalm 139, followed by three stories.
God Knows Us, followed by a song of the same name, was about Mii, a 15-year-old dealing with the pain and uncertainty of losing loved ones to COVID-19.
The second story, God is With Us, featured Vainiu, a young girl who learned the Maoii language, but later had to adapt when everyone was encouraged to learn English. The story was followed by the hymn, I Have Called You by Your Name.
Story three, God Made Us Wonderful, shared the experiences of Dr. Dawn, and how the Cook Islands healthcare system is overcoming the obstacles of limited medical supplies and equipment, and still able to move their focus from infectious diseases to creative medicine. The song of praise, Wonderfully Made, brought an end to the stories.
Others who shared various readings during the service were: Iris Bodnarchuk, Sharon Ciesielski, Connie Dunbar and Doris Kopelchuk.
The service included intercessory prayers and the offering.
“We were blessed by the witness of Christian women in the Cook Islands,” said Val Morozoff. “The three stories have connected us to their lives.”
World Day of Prayer is a movement led by Christian women that unites the world in prayer.
“As we pray with our sisters from Cook Islands we are moved to prayerful actions,” said Morozoff. “Giving our financial resources is one way we can act so all women and girls can live with dignity and respect.”
In Canada, these offerings fund the World Day of Prayer and grants for projects in Canada and other countries that restore hope to other women touched by injustice.
All in attendance greeted one another with “Kia Orana,” followed by the viewing of the video The Lord of the Dance.
The benediction Go Now in Peace ended the service.
A time of fellowship and lunch followed. The menu included lime cookies, coconut bites, key lime pudding and a variety of fruit; pineapple, bananas, watermelon and papaya.
“Thank you to all those attended,” concluded Morozoff.
Next year, Nigeria is slated to prepare the World Day of Prayer service with the theme, “I will give you rest, come.”
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