Women's World Day of Prayer 2008

Norbury was the host church this year for a service prepared by Christian women of Guyana on the theme of Understanding God’s wisdom. I wrote to the Guyana Embassy requesting any brochures or posters. We received quite a number, and used them to provide people with information and visual aids.

February 29th was rehearsal day. Do these ever go to plan? There are always a few hiccups. Some of us needed to learn that the “loop” system is for people with hearing aids. Wendy Sykes was at the piano, Christine Locke lead the choir in some of the most difficult and unknown hymns we have ever had. (By the way, we did not choose the hymns.)

March 7th, Norman and Maureen, Wendy and I decorated the church pillars with pictures of birds and waterfalls. On the front of the choir stalls was a poster of the Guyanan capital, Georgetown, showing the magnificent cathedral. In front of where I sat as leader, we placed their flag, painted by Sue Chapman.

In the narthex, there was another flag of Guyana, more posters and a table which displayed demerara and white sugar, a booklet about rum, one of their main exports, and a commemorative brochure about white and brown rice grown in Guyana. There were coconut cakes, pieces of Bounty bar and coconut biscuits. Thank you to the ladies who made these.

Ladies were welcomed, handed service books and palm crosses and invited to sample the goodies. Our choir ladies were joined by five ladies from our sister churches. Norman was at the sound desk. As leader, I welcomed everyone on behalf of the clergy and congregation of Norbury. We all stood as the banner was brought forward by Chris from St Peter’s and handed to Cath Palmer to hold for 12 months. We are very grateful to Kitty Curbishley for the superb flower arrangements in the colours of the flag and banner.

Ann Smith was our speaker and she gave a talk, illustrated by slides, about the life of women in Guyana and how they became independent. It really held everyone’s interest. Our thanks to the readers and those who took part in the Bible group, but none of us was brave enough to do the dance as suggested. My thanks to Wendy, my co-representative for all she did as well as playing the piano. Thanks also to the ladies of the choir for singing so beautifully. The service ended with the hymn The day Thou gavest. What an awe-inspiring thought it was that over a period of 24 hours this hymn had been sung throughout the world. Cath Palmer, carried the banner, and led the choir out of the church Each lady was given a daffodil plant as a memento of the service

In the Legh room the ladies in the kitchen served tea, coffee and biscuits as everyone mixed and chattered. The collection amounted to £144. Our sincere thanks to all who helped in any way and to all who came to support us. You made our work worthwhile.

Irene Davies and Wendy Sykes