The Most Holy Redeemer Church hosted this year’s World Day of Prayer service in Sawbridgeworth. It was held on 4 March at 10:30 am and the event was attended by members of the various Christian communities in the area. Various church leaders, including the Reverend Simon Vivian of the Parish Church of Great St Mary and our own Fr Antonio were also present.
The overall theme of the service was “I know the plans I have for you”, highlighting God’s promise to humanity. The service moved from “darkness” to “light”, from negative places to positive hope we find in God and God’s plans for us. Candles were used as symbols of light shining through darkness and sunflower seeds were given to everyone as symbol of God’s hope.
The service comprised prayers, hymns, intercessions and reflections. There were also stories of hope, illustrating the plights of three women from different parts of the world and their inspirational fight for survival. There was also a strong focus on Ukraine. In his closing address, Fr Antonio invited those present to make a Lenten resolution to pray for the people of Ukraine and to do what they can to give practical assistance. He said: “God’s plan for us is to know him, love him and serve him in this world and to be happy with him forever in the next. Synonymous to loving and serving God, brother and sisters, is loving and serving our neighbours and right now our neighbours in Ukraine need our prayers.”
We congratulate Jean Roxby and her team for doing such a great job in organising the event!