BY SARA KEDDY

Kings County Register

“We are all God’s sons and daughters; in the Spirit we are one” - Week of Christian Prayer hymn, “Come and Journey with a Saviour”

In its third year, Week of Christian Prayer events planned around a group of Western Kings churches should encourage participants to do at least one thing: celebrate.

“People love it, there’s such enthusiasm for it,” says volunteer organizer Deborah Lonergan-Freake of Christ Church (Berwick/ St. Mary’s).

“I think there’s quite a few people who haven’t missed one event, and we have a good representation.

“Everyone’s welcome.”

Christians around the world will mark the 100th anniversary of this special week, January 20 through 27.

“It used to be when everyone went to church, our differences were more obvious,” says volunteer Michelle Bull, Christ Church (Berwick/ St. Mary’s).

“Now, when 15 per cent of people go to church, we see we have a lot more in common than we realized.

“We can work together.”

Churches from Cambridge through to Auburn are helping organize, host and run nine events in this week’s schedule. There’s everything from meditation to music, kids’ activities to youth events and an informal panel discussion on how different churches ordain their leaders.

“We had a brainstorming session on events we’d like to do and who was available, and there’s material available internationally we can adapt,” Lonergan-Freake says.

Rev. Kay Dean of Aylesford United says the first couple years’ events were harder to organizer, but that’s changed.

“It’s now easier, and the act of even doing this, with seven or eight other clergy and congregation members around the table, has been the most effective and powerful thing.”

Morristown Baptist is new to the group this year, but organizers expect its members - and guests at its own event - will fit right in.

“It’s become a common congregation as we’ve moved from church to church - and, of course, there’s the treats and social time after!” Dean says.

The group of churches has also identified another common concern: support for the community. All events will feature an offering for the Berwick Foodbank.



Sidebar:

Headline: A week together

• January 20 - opening service at Aylesford United, 7:30 p.m. Speaker: Rev’d. Charles Bull, Christ Church (Berwick/ St. Mary’s)

• January 21 - Pray without Ceasing at Christ Church, Berwick, 7:30 p.m. Speaker: Rev’d. Dr. Judith Saunders

• January 22 - Prayer across the Water (international experiences) at Waterville Baptist, 7:30 p.m. Speaker: Tonya Kucey

• January 23 - All who Minister at Cambridge Baptist, 7:30 p.m. A panel discussion on ordination traditions, led by Jim Keith

• January 24 - Taize service of music and prayer, Morristown Baptist, 7:30 p.m.

• January 25 - Youth event at Berwick Baptist, 7:30 p.m. Speaker: Michael Janz

• January 26 - children’s activities, Aylesford United, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

• January 26 - Unity Concert at Berwick United, 7:30 p.m. Musicians, choirs, Pastors’ Chorus

• January 27 - closing service at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic, Berwick, 7:30 p.m. Speaker: Archdeacon Lynn Uzans