Good morning readers and I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and blessed New Year!
My four-legged friend Toby woke David and I at 5.00am today so, after a yawn and a much needed cuppa, I decided that this was an excellent time to write my first Blog of 2018.
As Methodist Women in Britain we look forward to a year of new opportunities, role changes and ways of working together with other partners in God’s mission.
One organisation we have worked alongside for many years of course is the ‘Women’s World Day of Prayer’ organisation. Our WWDP National Committee representative, Irene Hayes, is a member of the MWiB Forum having taken over in January 2017 from Elizabeth Burroughs who is now the Chairperson of the UK WWDP National Committee.
The origins of WWDP date back to the 1860’s when ‘Christian women the USA and Canada initiated a variety of cooperative activities in support of women’s involvement in mission at home and abroad. It’s first service in England was in 1932. This international organisation has an interesting history which you can read about on its website (https://www.wwdp.org.uk/day-of-prayer/?tab=#tabs-5) along with information about its continuing work through supportive grants to many areas of Christian missional initiatives at home and abroad.
Two years ago my daughter Becky went along to ‘Y-PRAY?’ a weekend conference in Northampton. This was a new WWDP initiative for younger women (18- 40 years). Becky thoroughly enjoyed the weekend, making new friends and returning with fresh ideas about prayer and worship.
Following its success, Y-PRAY is happening again this year on 4th-6th May 2018 the flyer is pictured above. With leaders Emily Owen, Helen Pollard and Steve Price this promises to be an exciting and fulfilling weekend.
Please pass on this information to anyone you know who may be interested. The application form can be found on the WWDP website and MWiB are offering bursaries of £60 towards the cost for those who feel they would like to attend but have a limited income.
Well, Toby the four-legged friend has now curled up in his basket and is sleeping soundly – so maybe it’s time for breakfast!
Wishing you every blessing, Sandra
