Local Women Lead World Day of Prayer Service

Women from across the community gathered at Grand Avenue United Methodist Church to participate in the World Day of Prayer 2026, joining millions of Christians worldwide in a global movement of faith, reflection, and unity.
This year’s theme, “I Will Give You Rest: Come,” drawn from Matthew 11:28–30, invited participants to pause, reflect, and respond to Christ’s call to find rest from the burdens of life while also extending compassion and support to others.
The service was led by Reverend Nan Nelson, who guided the congregation through prayers, scripture readings, and reflections that connected the global mission of the World Day of Prayer with the shared experiences of communities everywhere.
World Day of Prayer is an international movement organized by Christian women and observed in more than 170 countries. Each year, women from a different country help shape the worship materials and share their stories. The 2026 program highlighted the voices and experiences of women from Nigeria, bringing awareness to the challenges many women and families face there, including poverty, limited access to education for girls, and health concerns affecting mothers and children.
Local women played key roles throughout the service, offering prayers, readings, and reflections that helped bring the program to life.
Among those participating were Wanda Mayfield, who opened the service with a musical prelude, and Phyllis Orlicek, who served as song leader during the hymns of praise and worship.
Scripture was read by Agnes Jackson, sharing the words from Matthew that form the heart of the day’s message:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”
The program also included readings and prayers shared by several community members, including Maude Nobles London, Nancy Stewart, Terri Maier, Kay White, and Jalicia Wyatt, each contributing to the service’s message of hope and resilience.
Through stories reflecting the burdens faced by women around the world—including systemic oppression, religious persecution, and economic hardship—the service emphasized the importance of faith, compassion, and collective prayer.
Participants were reminded that prayer is not only about seeking comfort, but also about responding with action.
The congregation joined together in a unified call to serve others, affirming:
“Bear one another’s burdens, as Christ bears ours.”
The gathering reflected the heart of World Day of Prayer—a movement that encourages believers everywhere to pray together, learn about the challenges facing others, and work toward justice and peace.
For those who attended, the service served as a meaningful reminder that while challenges may differ across cultures and nations, the power of prayer and community continues to bring people together in faith, hope, and love.