Mary Ellen James, a dedicated Christian who believed fervently in the power of prayer, and who perhaps had the vision of a worldwide movement, started in the US in 1887 what is known today as the Woman's World Day of Prayer.
On the first Friday of each March, Christian women in over 180 countries and islands assemble to pray with and for each other, and the needs of the people of the world. Services of prayer are invariably beautiful, inspirational and challenging and are prepared by women of a different country each year and are translated into more than 60 languages and 1,000 dialects. The women of much-troubled Indonesia have prepared the service this year.
The theme is based on Talitha Kumi - "young woman stand up" - the reported words of Jesus to the daughter of Jairus, a leader of the Synagogue, in the Gospel according to Mark, Chapter 5.
The first services in Ireland in this connection were held in Dublin, Dun Laoghaire and Greystones in 1934. Today in Ireland over 200 services are held in rotation in churches of various denominations, and in a few homes for the elderly.
On February 27th, the Sunday before the Woman's World Day of Prayer on March 3rd, a shortened form of service will be televised by RTE 1 at 11.15 a.m.
From the generous offerings at services, financial aid is given to the Irish School of Ecumenics, Corrymeela Centre for Reconciliation, National Bible Society for Ireland and others. A very substantial donation was made in 1999 to a Venezualan refuge for those dying of AIDS.
At the close of the 19th century, the Boys' Brigade was formed with the object of advancing Christ's kingdom amongst boys; promoting habits of obedience, reverence, discipline and self respect. For the first time, the 32nd Company of the Boys' Brigade met in Howth Road schools, attached to the Clontarf Presbyterian church. The centenary of the company will be recognised in a varying number of appropriate and appealing events.
The centenary inspection and display in the Mount Temple Comprehensive school on Friday, April 14th, promises to be special. On April 15th a celebration dinner and dance will be held in the Portmarnock Hotel for all past members and their friends. At a special thanksgiving service in the Clontarf Presbyterian church on April 16th the company plaque will be unveiled. A golf outing has been arranged for May 25th at the Holyston Golf Club.
Past members of the company especially, and friends wishing to be associated with any of the events or seeking fuller information should contact Keith Lewis, tel 01-336689.
Under the auspices of the Mission to Seafarers (formerly the Missions to Seamen) what is known as the Flying Angel Centre is located in the port area of Alexander Road. The centre is a comfortable Portakabin. It has a sitting-room a kitchenette, an office, a small shop and two telephones. The centre is open every day between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., except Saturday. Volunteers staff the centre every evening.
A co-ordinator for this most valuable Christian service is urgently sought.