The 2021/22 theme for Anglican women, Community: Care . . . Courage . . . Compassion, invites women and men to explore what community means to them. If we were not already thinking of a broader view of community beyond our own geographic boundaries, a global pandemic that is nearing its two-year anniversary, coupled with a world-wide climate crisis, has certainly highlighted that we are our brother’s keeper, more than ever in times of crises.
We are still in the Epiphany season with its emphasis on “showing forth”. While we may not have been able to observe the recent Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (Jan. 18 – 25, 2022) with the theme: We saw the star in the East, and we came to worship, in ways that have been a feature in more “normal” times, the week certainly carried a theme very appropriate for the “showing forth” aspect of Epiphany in a time of crisis. The epiphany of the birth of Jesus as God incarnate brought light, hope and unity to the world at a time of darkness and uncertainty. As we face new challenges and struggles in our current day, the theme for 2022 showed that Christ’s light has not left us; it shines as brightly as ever, having called Christians everywhere to come together and follow the path of Jesus. But what of those of other faith traditions? Following soon after the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is World Interfaith Harmony Week, an annual event observed during the first week of February (1 – 7). It is a week that seeks to build bridges across boundaries of faith traditions. World Interfaith Harmony Week was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2010. In its resolution, the General Assembly, pointed out that mutual understanding and interreligious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace and established World Interfaith Harmony Week as a way to promote harmony between all people, regardless of their faith.
Looking ahead to March, the first international event in Lent 2022 is the World Day of Prayer (Fri. Mar. 4/22). The annual World Day of Prayer is one aspect of the Women’s Inter-Church Council that advocates for peace and reconciliation. The Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada (WICC) is Canada’s only national ecumenical council, with representatives from 10 church partners, focusing on bringing hope to women touched by injustice, especially those experiencing gender-based violence. Through grant programs, WICC assists vulnerable women and children by supporting grassroots work in Canada and worldwide.
The theme in 2022 for the World Day of Prayer (WDP) is: I Know the Plans I Have for You from Jeremiah 29:1-14. In the midst of all the uncertainties we are living under, the WDP 2022 theme emerges like a balm of confidence. It is an invitation to place our trust in God in times of suffering. The program for the World Day of Prayer has been prepared by a team in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (EWNI) and is based on the letter that the prophet Jeremiah wrote to the exiles in Babylonia. The exiles were in a context of suffering, uncertainty, and opposing views on how to respond to the moment. The World Day of Prayer provides an opportunity to come together (either in person and/or virtually) to hear the stories of women who feel excluded, to listen to the fear of a child refugee, and learn to see the context of a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and multi-faith society, such as we have in Canada (and many other parts of the world).
This theme is especially relevant for parishes in our diocese, given that the WDP theme draws on the same source as the title for the Anglican Church Women Annual Project 2021/22, Marguerite Centre: A Future with Hope. Jeremiah 29:11 – For, surely, I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.
This is an opportunity to remind you again of the importance of the Anglican Church Women Annual Project 2021/22, Marguerite Centre: A Future with Hope and the fact that the solicitation of support for this project transcends the seasons and is open to all (not just women or the women’s groups). It is truly an equal opportunity for giving! The funds raised will support for a year a woman recovering from addiction in an environment that fosters the healing of mind, body, and spirit. Cheques are payable to the ACW Board, Annual Project in the memo line, and can be directed to the Board Treasurer, Marjorie Davis at 204 – 111 Pebblecreek Drive, Dartmouth, NS B2W 0L1. Individual donations of $20 or more receive an income tax receipt. We thank all those who have already contributed and thank those in advance who will be. Your support means the world to the Board – we couldn’t be successful without you.
The Marguerite Centre is restoring the dreams of women caught in the vicious cycle of addiction, trauma, and abuse. – CH, past resident. The restoration of dreams means a Future with Hope!
Right after the World Day of Prayer, we have a Board established day that focuses on the ministry of women, often in collaboration with men: Women’s Ministry Sunday (March 6/22). We encourage parishes to honour the ministry of women within the church and the community on that Sunday (or another Sunday if that works better for the parish). Early March, with International Women’s Day, always on the 8th, puts a lens on the many accomplishments of women, so it is an opportunity for the Diocese of NS & PEI to do the same with Women’s Ministry Sunday. Whether Women’s Ministry Sunday is celebrated on March 6, or another day, please know that the Anglican Church Women Board appreciates your ministry as you seek to serve Christ “in the parish, community, diocese, nation, and the world” (Anglican Church Women Purpose), especially in these times of limited in-person worship and contact. We are very grateful for your faithful service and for exemplifying the care, courage, and compassion of the Anglican Church Women’s 3 C’s of Community!
