Slovenian women honoured on World Day of Prayer

Words and photographs Hannah O'Hanlon

 

West Kintyre, Gigha and Southend parishioners were greeted with red carnations at a World Day of Prayer service honouring the women of Slovenia.

 

The national flowers of the Balkan country also adorned a table of symbolic items, including wine, water, bread and salt, around which the ladies sat in A'Chleit Church Hall last Friday.

 

Event coordinator, Pat McMillan, opened the informal afternoon service, titled 'Come - Everything is Ready', by welcoming everyone and saying 'Dober dan', meaning 'good day' in Slovenian.

 

She explained the significance of the symbolic items and the traditional Slovenian red and white colour scheme.

 

Jessie Macdougall and Anne Littleson began by reading the Parable of the Great Banquet before opening hymn 'Moj Psalm' or My Psalm was sung, with accompanist Maggie Young playing the keyboard.

 

Another hymn, 'Le mi' meaning 'Just Us' was performed, after which Elizabeth Ball explained some of the history of Slovenia, one of Europe's smallest and youngest countries.

 

Mrs Ball explained how World Day of Prayer's bible-based trauma healing will help those women who need it most in Slovenia.

 

Mrs McMillan invited everyone to offer 'their treasures in thanksgiving to God', which raised £140.

 

After two songs, 'Pridi' meaning 'Come' and 'Zahvala' meaning 'Thank you', the ladies performed an act of commitment, joining together to read a passage before reciting the Lord's Prayer.

 

Marilyn Shedden gave some information on Feed The Minds, the organisation to which the ladies donated, and how it helps marginalised people transform their lives through adult education.

 

Another hymn was performed, after which local worship leader, Marion McDonald, gave a blessing.

 

A vote of thanks was given by Pat Rawson, convener of the church guild, who paid tribute to the women of Slovenia, as well as the women of west Kintyre - 'the bakers, tea-makers and welcomers' - and all those who organised the event.

 

After the service, an array of home-baked goodies were brought out and the ladies enjoyed a cuppa and a blether.

 

 

The congregation sat round a table of items symbolic to Slovenia. 50_c10wdop01

 

Maggie Young accompanied hymns on the keyboard. 50_c10wdop02

 

Jessie Macdougall and Anne Littleson read the Parable of the Great Banquet. 50_c10wdop03

 

Elizabeth Ball gave a history of Slovenia, one of Europe's youngest countries. 50_c10wdop04

 

Marilyn Shedden spoke about Feed the Minds, the organisation to which the ladies donated. 50_c10wdop05