DIXFIELD – Thirty-five area women gathered inside the Dixfield Congregational Church Tuesday afternoon for three hours.

There was a lot of singing, organ music and reflective readings in English, and the language of people from Panama.

Tuesday’s session was a rehearsal for the big event, a 60-minute World Day of Prayer, which begins at 2 p.m. Friday, March 5, in the church.

Program Director Nancy O. DeMilner said this year’s World Day of Prayer, which occurs on the same day in over 170 countries, is written by the women of Panama. It is based on the theme, “In Faith, Women Shape the Future.”

DeMilner said readers and singers from different River Valley area churches present the service, which includes hymns, prayers, scripture readings, and information about Panama.

The event in Dixfield concludes with a ceremonial passing of pottery from hand to hand throughout the congregation.

“Whatever country is chosen to write the service, also offers a few lines in the country’s native language,” DeMilner said.

“So this year, while most of the service is done in English, a few lines are also said in Spanish and Guayani, the language of a native Indian tribe in Panama,” she added.

The event, which is sponsored by Church Women United, is free and open to people of all denominations. Refreshments and fellowship are to follow the ecumenical celebration of informed prayer and prayerful action.

tkarkos@sunjournal.com

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