Church celebrates World Day of Prayer

A'Chleit Church joined the global celebration of World Day of Prayer on Friday March 6.

 

The service was held at A'Chleit but in keeping with the ethos of the event it involved many more people. The order of service was compiled by the women of Zimbabwe and the local interpretation involved contributors from Clachan, Gigha and Southend as well as A'Chleit.

 

A spokesperson said: 'A salient point of this service is that it is unchanging and worldwide, so participants are aware that they are part of an international initiative and that as one service ends another group in another time-zone will be repeating the same prayers and singing the same hymns. It can be a humbling experience.'

 

The group at A'Chleit was extremely fortunate in that one of the members, Anne Parkhouse, had worked in what was then Rhodesi,a so was able to transport those present to the heat, sounds and experiences of another culture, and they were also able to admire the various artefacts she had brought along.

 

'Her obvious affection for the country enabled us to relate more readily to what we were learning,' said the spokesperson. 'About 40 people of West Kintyre can now say “Hello” in the languages of the Shona people and of the Ndebele people. This was a most uplifting afternoon.'

 

Pat McMillan, who organised the event, managed to attract a wide range of readers and other contributors. The singing, accompanied by Maggie Young on the electronic organ, was uplifting, and enhanced by the fact that gradually more men are attending.

 

Refreshments provided by members of Killean and Kilchenzie Guild, were served by Helen Steel, Jill Lines and Janet Hamilton.

 

The collection for the Scottish committee for the World Day of Prayer raised £168.