WORLD WEEK OF PRAYER
November 13 to 19, 2016
Leaving no one behind
CONTENTS
3Presidents’Message
4Day1:Leavingnoonebehind
7Day2:CreatingSafeSpaces
10Day3: Transformingourleadership
13Day4:Respect,supportandempower
16Day5:BecauseIcount–differentlyabledpeople
19Day6:Intoyourhands–endingchildmarriage
22DayofWorship:AllequalintheimageofGod
26BibleReadingPlan:November2016toOctober2017
WEAREALLCREATEDEQUAL IN THE IMAGEOF GOD
AMESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENTS OF THE WORLDYWCAAND THE WORLDYMCA
Inourworldandinourmovements,thereisbeautyinourdiversity.Wearehumanbeings, representingmanydifferentfaiths,beliefs,cultures,nationalities,ages,backgrounds,classes, racesandethnicities.Thedifferentideas,traditionsandpracticesthatwecontributetoourworld eachandeverydayarethethreadsthatcreatetherichtapestryofoursociety.
Wemaybedifferentinmanyways,yetthevastmajorityofuscanagreeononebasicprinciple,
whichwefindintheBible,aswellasinmanyotherfaith-basedtexts.Andthisis:“Weare
allcreatedequalintheimageofGod.”Equalityisbothabasicprincipleofourfaithanda fundamentalhumanright.
Inajustsociety,wewouldacceptandincludeeveryone,andallofuswouldenjoyequalaccess toeducation,employment,andeverythingweneedtoleadsafe,happyandhealthylivesfilled withdignityandrespect.
Unfortunately,ourglobalrealityisquitedifferent.Millionsofpeoplefacediscriminationevery
daybasedontheirrace,gender,faith,age,nationalityandotherfactors.Millionsofotherslivein conflictzones,whereviolenceisanormalpartofdailylife.Stillothersliveintemporarysituations asrefugees,manyofwhomlackaccesstolife’snecessitiesandarenotabletoexercisetheir basichumanrights.
Andthisisallexacerbatedbypolitical,culturalandevenfaith-basedleaderswhousetheir positionsofinfluenceandtrusttospreadmessagesofhateandtocreatedeeperdivisionsinour society.TheyshouldinsteadusetheirpowertocontributetotheUNSustainableDevelopment Goalsforasafer,morejustandsustainablefuture,whileensuringhumanrightstreatiesarein placeandthattheUniversalDeclarationofHumanRightsisrespected.
Thethemeofthisbooklet,“LeavingNoOneBehind,”isdesignedtohelpusreflectonourdiversity andtodiscusshowwecanbetteraccept,includeandcelebrateindividualsfortheiruniqueness. Atthesametime,itremindsusthatjustasweareallequalinGod’seyes,weshouldbeequalin eachother’seyes.
Weencourageyoutoadaptthisbooklettoyourownlocalcontext.Youcanuseittospark discussionsandaddressissuesthatwillhelpbringpeopletogether.Youcanalsouseitasasource ofinspiration-topray,toreflect,tocollaborate-andultimatelytocreateamoreinclusiveworld. Mostimportantly,wehopeitwillinspireyoutobecomeacatalystforchange.Wecallonyouto providethetransformativeleadershipthatwillpromoteinclusion,preservepeace,justiceand understanding-andensureweareleavingnoonebehind.
Inpeaceandfaith,
DeborahThomas-AustinPeterPosner
President,WorldYWCAPresident,WorldYMCA
DAY 1:
LEAVINGNOONEBEHIND
Luke 10:30b-35:THE GOOD SAMARITAN
“AmanwasgoingdownfromJerusalemtoJericho,whenhewasattackedby robbers.Theystrippedhimofhisclothes,beathimandwentaway,leavinghim
halfdead.Apriesthappenedtobegoingdownthesameroad,andwhenhesaw theman,hepassedbyontheotherside.Sotoo,aLevite,whenhecametothe placeandsawhim,hepassedbyontheotherside.
ButaSamaritan,ashetravelled,camewherethemanwas;andwhenhesaw him,hetookpityonhim.Hewenttohimandbandagedhiswounds,pouringon oilandwine.Thenheputthemanonhisowndonkey,broughthimtoaninnand tookcareofhim.Thenextdayhetookouttwodenariiandgavethemtothe
innkeeper.‘Lookafterhim,’hesaid,‘andwhenIreturn,Iwillreimburseyouforany extraexpenseyoumayhave.”
Reflection: It takes persistent courage both to be inclusive and to be included
ThestoryofthekindSamaritanisonemostofusknowverywell.Manytimeshaveweheard
it–infact,wehavehearditoftenenoughforittobecomesofamiliarthatthereisadangerof forgettingtheradicalmessageitactuallycontains.
Jesuscomesfromacommunitythathasalonghistoryofrivalryandhatredwiththe Samaritans.TheyarenotjustapeopletheJewsdislike–it’stheonegroupofpeoplewhom theywouldnottrustwiththeirenemy’swelfare.It’safeelingthatrunsstronganddeep. Becauseitiswhat“peoplesay,”wedon’treflectontheirtruthanymoreandacceptthe incapabilityorunacceptabilityofawholepeopleorofcertainindividuals.Andwhenwe ourselvesbecomesomeonewhoisleftbehind,lifesometimesseemstoteachusthatwe cannotexpectotherwise.
Thatis,however,wherewearewrong.EachofushasthepotentialtobeaSamaritan–tobe attentiveandtolistentotheworthofthewordsofsomeoneunheard.Tobethereandreach outtothosewhoarenotexpectingahelpinghandanymore.Andevenmore–eachofus hasthepowertokeepstandingupforourselvesandtomakeourselvesvisible.Thebeautyof thisisnotonlythatsomeoneunexpected,likeaSamaritanmaysurpriseus–it’salsothatyou andIwillnotstandalone.Forcourageiscontagious,andotherswillstandwithyou!
Intoday’sworld,weseemanyexamplesofpeopleattemptingtoexcludeothersbased onrace,ethnicity,faithandavarietyofotherfactors-ratherthanembracingthem
fortheuniquegiftstheyhavetooffer.Asoneexample,wearecurrentlywitnessingan unprecedentedrefugeecrisis.Asylumseekerspursuingrefuge,mainlyinEurope,havebeen stoppedanddeniedentranceandbasichumanitarianservicesinvariouscountries,basedon securityconcernsorcountries’desiretopreservetheiridentities.
Regardlessofthepositionofpoliticians,manyofusasindividuals,ascivilsocietyorganisations, aschurchesandastheYMCAsandYWCAshavestoodupforthehumandignityofthese
refugees.Infact,theworldwidemovementsoftheYMCAandYWCAworkgloballytohelp immigrantsandrefugees,whoareoftenexcluded,marginalisedandexploitedorfind themselvesvulnerabletoviolence,rapeandxenophobicatrocities.
TheThessalonikiYMCAinGreece,forexample,hasestablishedaReceptionforRefugeesand AsylumSeekersincollaborationwithotherlocalNGOs.Thehostingcentreislargelyhometo familiesfromSyria,Afghanistan,andIraqwhoarestillwaitingforpermanentplacement.Most familieshavearrivedthroughillegal,high-riskcrossingsbysea.Thecentreoffersthemrefuge, safetyandanintegrationprogrammetoensurethattheyareincludedandacceptedintheir newsocietalhome.
AYMCAvolunteerdescribedtheexperiencewiththiscentre: “Today,visitingtherefugee hostingcentreinDiavata,Thessaloniki…wasjustanotherdayfullofsmiles,joy,games,fights, andintensefeelings.ItwasthefourthtimeIvisitedthecentre,anditbecamequiteclearto methatthekidshaveembracedusandtreateduslikefamily.
“Assoonaswegotoffthebus,theywelcomedus,theytookusbythehandandledusto
theplacewhereweusuallygatherandplay.Thehoursflewby,andthebittermomentwhen
wehadtoleavearrived.Thegoodbyes,thehugs,andtheweepinggavewaytothejoy ofrenewingourmeetingfornextTuesday.Thechildrenrecognisemostofusnowandthe connectionwehavedevelopedismagic.”
Whenpeoplearedifferentinanyway,theytoooftenfindthemselvesmarginalisedoreven
shunnedbytheircommunity,asCZ,ayoungwomenfromIndia,knowsalltoowell.
“AsayoungHIV-positivesinglemother,Iamnaturallydrawntounderstandtheplightand conditionsofmyfellowHIV-positivewomen,”saidCZ.“IbelieveinGod,thecreator,as someonewhotreatsallpeopleequallyandisjust.Itwasacallingformetoworkinthisfield.
“Attimes,Igetexhaustedphysicallybecauseofmymedicalcondition,butIalwaysrushto peoplewhoneedmyhelp.ThereisalwayssomethingIcandoforthem.Ifindithardtoignore womenwhoarebeingmisjudgedbythesocietyasIamconstantlybeingdiscriminated againstmyself.Mymotivationandinspirationisdrawnfrommyownpersonalexperience,
myparents,andchildrenwhooffertheirblessingsandsupportformywork.Mypassionisto enableotheryoungwomentoovercomesituationsofexploitationandabuse.”
WalkingtogetherinourfaithalsomeansbelievinginGod’screation.Wemustnotforgetthat
God’sworldisbroad,andthereisauniverseineachpersonGodcreated.Forthetruthofthematteristhateachpersonhasastory.Eachcommunityhaswalkedalongway.Each backgroundprovidespeoplewithuniqueandvaluableabilitiesthatarepreciousforthelifeof afamilyoracommunity.
God’screationiswonderful!Itisworthittoshowthebeautyoflifeinallitsformsandcolours, anditisworthittolookbeyondone’sownexperience.
Eachdayanew–wewillmakeourverybestefforttoleavenoonebehind!
Questions for discussion
Let’s ask ourselves:
1. Hearingtoday’sreflections,whatcomestomind?
2. Thisweek,whatcanIdotoreachouttoatleastoneperson
whomotherstendtoexclude?
3. Asacommunity,howcanweensurethatwearebeing inclusiveanddrawingupontheuniqueskillsandexperiences thateveryonehastooffer?
Prayer
Loving God,
Wegivethanksfortheflowofhumanhistory,fortheeventswhich
haveshapedusandoursocieties.
Wegivethanksforalloursistersandbrotherswhohave questionedthathistoryandstruggledforamoreequalworld.
Forthosewhounearththestoriesoftheoppressed,thenameless, theunrecorded.
(Hearuswhenwewhispersomenames.) Wegivethanksandaskforjustice.
Amen
Blessing
SweetGod,Ipraiseyou! Blessedareyou
Whendifferencebecomesrichness, Whendisagreementproducesdialogue, Whenthestormbreaks,
Blessedareyou,forsuchmomentsannouncearainbowofhope
Andinmylife,reconciliation.
DAY 2:
CREATINGSAFESPACES
Luke 15:8-9:THE PARABLE OFTHE LOSTCOIN
“Orsupposeawomanhastensilvercoinsandlosesone.Doesn’tshelightalamp, sweepthehouseandsearchcarefullyuntilshefindsit?Andwhenshefindsit,she callsherfriendsandneighbourstogetherandsays,‘Rejoicewithme;Ihavefound mylostcoin.’”
Reflection: Creating places of understanding, hope and healing
Whatkindofcoinissoimportant,thatyou’dgotocallyourneighbourstocelebratewithyou onceyoufindit,afterithadbeenlost?Itmustbeaspecialsetofsilvercoins,indeed!Wasit moneyintendedforfood?Orwasitasetof10silvercoinsintendedtodecoratethewedding veiloftheoldwoman’sgrandchild?
Maybethestoryspeaksof10coins,because10isameaningfulnumberinthebible.Aswith the10Commandmentsorthe10citiesgiventothe10faithfulservantsinLuke19thenumber
10cansymbolisetheresponsibilityofhumankindtowardsGod.
Whatsignificancecanwegainfromastory,inwhichoneofthe10islost,andthennoeffort issparedtomakethegroupofcoinswholeagain?Surely,allofyoucouldtellofastoryof wholeness,orcompletenesslost.Andsurelyallofyouhaveastory,inwhichyousparedno effort,tomakewhatwasincompletewholeagain.Youallknowhowhardsuchaneffortcan be,andyousurelycannamethepeoplewhostoodbesideyoualongtheway.
YoungwomeninRwandawhoaretrainedaspeereducatorsonSexualandReproductive HealthandRights(SRHR)saythatgirlshaveaneedformoreinformationbeforetheyface sexualabuseorhavetheirfirstsexualexperience.That’swhytheYWCASafeSpacesareso important.TheyprovideaplacetoaccessSRHRinformationandservicesanddiscusssensitive issuesinanon-judgmental,safeandconfidentialenvironment.
Delphine,a15-yearoldRwandangirl,toldtheYWCA:“Girlsinprimaryandsecondaryschools getpregnantanddropout.Thoseresponsibleforthepregnanciesareourfellowstudents. Someofusareevenrapedortrickedbysugardaddies.Butwiththeawarenesswegot(from YWCARwandaSafeSpaces),itwillbedifficultforthem(tobetricked).”
Likewise,theYMCAPowerSpacesarevitalinprovidingyoungpeoplewithsafe,funand inclusiveplacestosettheirownyouthagendaonissuesofimportancetothem.Aroundthe world,theseareyouth-ledandyouth-oriented,withthenatureofeachPowerSpacespecific tothelocalneedsoftheyouth.Someexamplesinclude:innovation(ideastoreality),creative (arts,drama),socialvibe(individualtocivicaction),andYBridges(individualcounsellingto groupsocialissuedialogueandaction).
“Oftenwedonotgettotheheartofissues.Wejustdealwiththeproblems,”saidChipoMellisa
Guse,ayoungexchangeparticipantattheSouthAfricanYMCA.“Somyexperiencewith
thePowerSpaceonYBridgeswasextremelypowerful.Wetalkedabouttherelationships betweenyoungmenandwomen,whatwewantfromeachother,dating,sex,andsexuality. Wefeltsoempoweredandhadacompletelydifferentviewofeachother–adeeper understanding.Ithinkthiscreatesrespectandalsogoesalongwaytopreventingproblems aroundinterpersonalrelationships.”
Godis onewithourbodily,humannatureinthepersonofJesus.Thisimpliesthatnopartofour bodilylifeis tobeunclaimedoris unsanctifiedbyGod:nopartofourbodilylifeis tobesplitoff fromtheself.Ifsomeoneharmsourbody,theyharmourwholebeing.
Sometimes,evenwhenwetrytoprotectourselvesandourlovedonestothebestofour abilities,weexperiencetragedyinourlives.Andinthosemoments,weneedaplaceto gatherourstrength.ToconnecttoGod,toourselvesandtoourcommunity–becauseitisin relationtoothersandtotheworldthatwefindtheenergyandcouragetotakeourentire homeapartifnecessary,evenifwehavetocleanupeverythingtofindthelostcoin,toheal andmakelifewholeagain.
Itisinthosesafespacesthatwefindthehopeneedednottoshyawayfromtheeffort.Itis hardwork.Ittakespersistentcourage.Butifweknowthereisaplaceofunderstandingand peoplewhowillcelebratealongsideusforeverysuccessalongtheway,wecanfindaway forward.
Delphineknowsthistoo.Sheseeswhathersistershavelost,andshetakesactiontoprotect girlsbyeducatingthem.Andindoingso,shealsocreatesasafespaceforthosewomen
andgirlswhohaveexperienceddamagingsexualrelationsorabuse.Shehelpsthemfindthe abilitytostepforward,tofindhelpandtostarthealing.
Thisisourresponsibility.Wewillcreateplacesthatcanbehome,wherelostcoinscanbe foundagain.Knowthatitispossible!OurfaithfulGod,picturedasanoldwomaninthis parable,willmakeeveryeffort.Shewillstandbyyourside,andwalkwithyouthroughlife.And thedayanyonelostcoinisfoundagain,wewillallrejoicetogether.
Questions for discussion
Let’s ask ourselves:
1. Hearingtoday’sreflections,whatcomestomind?
2. Thisweek,howcanIstandalongsidesomeone,tohelp
supportthemsotheycanhealandbecomewholeagain?
3. Asacommunity,howcanweprovidesafespacesof
understanding,healingandsupport?
Prayer
(Credo:)
Webelieveinlightbeyondourseeing,flowingfromthelifein
God.
WebelieveinstrengtheningpowerofJesus,theRedeemer. WebelieveinthegraceofGod’sSpiritaswejourneyon.
Webelievethatweareinvitedtocelebratethepowerofour solidaritywithallwhostandforloveandhope.
Webelieve. Amen
Blessing
Blessedarethosewhobringhope.Transformthechainsthat imprisontheworldintoabondofsolidarity.Amen
DAY 3:
TRANSFORMINGOURLEADERSHIP
1 Corinthians 1: 26ff: GOD CALLS US
“Brothersandsisters,thinkofwhatyouwerewhenyouwerecalled.Notmanyof youwerewisebyhumanstandards;notmanywereinfluential;notmanywereof noblebirth.ButGodchosethefoolishthingsoftheworldtoshamethewise;God chosetheweakthingsoftheworldtoshamethestrong.Godchosethelowly thingsofthisworldandthedespisedthings—andthethingsthatarenot—tonullify thethingsthatare,sothatnoonemayboastbeforehim.”
Reflection: Empowering others through shared power and decision making
Thetextabove,whichmayseemabstractatfirst,isonethatPaulwroteforaveryspecific communitywithasituationthatisstillrelevanttoday.ThestillquitenewChristiancommunity inCorinthwassuccessfullyestablishedaround50yearsafterChrist,anditwasgrowingwhen Paulwrotehisletter.Themorepeoplejoined,themorediversethecommunitybecame.And intheconvictionthattheywerelivinginGod’skingdomalready,somefeltthattheywere entitledtoacthowevertheywished.
DifferentfactionsstartedfightingamongoneanotherabouthowtobeaChristianinthe RIGHTway,whoisinpowerorwhoshouldbeinpower,whichpeoplecanmakethedecisions thatwillshapetheircommunityandhowmoneyshouldbehandled.Inotherwords:they startedjudgingeachotheraccordingtohumanstandards.
InhislettertoCorinth,Pauldoesnotplaywithabstractmetaphors.Hespeakstotheirconduct quiteliterally.Lookaroundyou,hesays.Whoispartofyourcommunity?Whatroledothey haveinsociety?Whoarethepowerful,andwhoarethevulnerable?
CorinthisaclearexampleofthefactthatGoddoesnotworkwithhumanstandards.God doesnotchoosepeopleaccordingtomoney,power,age,skincolourortherespectthey receiveintheircommunity.God’sreigniscreatedoutofwhatisnothinginoureyes.Thisis God’spowerofcreation–it’swhatwilldriveusforwardintothefuture.
God’skingdomwillbecomevisibleinthemostbeautifulways,ifwetrustinGodandinthose whoseemtobethelowliest–forGodliftsthemup–liftsusup,youandme,tounknown heights.Jesusdidnotholdontopower.Heshareditwithhisdisciplesandempowered
thosearoundhim.Weoftenforget,butitisthepowerthatChristdidnotholdforhimselfthat continuestogivesuswings.
TherearemanyempoweringexamplesofthiswithinboththeYWCAandYMCAglobal movements.
TheYWCAofHonduras,forexample,isusingtheirownBoardtoobtainabroaderviewofthe worldandtoempowerallwomentochangetheworld.WithaBoardofseven,threeofwhom areyoungwomenbetweentheagesof18and30andtwowhoarebetween30and35,the YWCAofHondurasprovidesaperfectexampleofintergenerationalleadership.
“TheYWCAofHondurasactivelyseeksabalancewithinthedifferentgenerations,sowe
canunderstandall thedifferentviewsthatwomenhaveat differentstagesof theirlives”says AndreaMichelleGradizDíaz,a youngwomanfromtheBoardoftheYWCAofHondurasand VicePresidentoftheWorldYWCABoard.
“WerecruityoungwomentoourBoardandprovideyouthwithleadershipandempowerment
skillsthroughoutallourprogramming.”
Viaitsstrongsocialmediapresence,theYWCAofHondurascontinuestogrowandgain
newmemberseveryday,creatingafirmfoundationtoadvocateforgenderequalityandto
educateyouthonSRHRandpreventingviolence.
TheyouthdevelopmentfocusoftheUSAYMCAisonnurturingthepotentialofeverychildandteenbecausethevaluesandskillstheylearnearlyonarevitalbuildingblocksforlife.The CanadianYMCAmodelinvolvesValuesBasedLeadershipTraining(skillssuchascommunication, eventorganisation,andteaching);Volunteerism(opportunitiestotakepartin servicelearning projects,learninggoals,andgroupactivities)andSelf-Government(participantsidentify
theirownprojects,learninggoals,andgroupactivities).In theLatinAmericancontext,
thedevelopmentofleadershipin theYMCAsisdirectlyassociatedwithstrategiesofyouth participationandconstructionofsocialimpact.Thefocusisonresponsibleandtransformational citizenship,whichisdirectlyrelatedtotheYMCAprogrammesin eachparticularlocalcontext.
Aroundtheworld,YMCAshavealsointroducedatransformativereversementoringmodel,in whichayoungpersonandan elderlearnfromandguideeachother.Whiletheeldersshare experienceandspecialisedknowledge,theyouthgainvoice,spaceandtheabilitytoinfluence. Inaddition,astheyouthareclosertothefuture,theycanidentifytrendsandinnovation.
Ayoungmenteecommented:“I havelearnedthatbeingmentoredby anelderwhois responsible,creative,andhasgoodknowledgeaboutmentorship,is a beautifulwayof thinkingandbuildingupopportunitiesonleadershipskills.”
Andaneldermentorsaid: “Pickingthementee’sbraingavemevaluableinsightsonlife, whichisbecomingincreasinglyrelevantformeinthisfast-changingworld.It’saleadership toolthatbenefitstheseniormentee,thejuniorperson,andtheorganisationaswell.Junior mentorscanhelpmanagersunderstandhowtomotivateandretainyoungworkers.Theycan alsosharefirst-handknowledgeofayoungercustomerbase.”
Itispossible.Wecantransformourleadershipmodelstosharepoweranddecisionmaking. Godshinesbrightlyonusandgivesusthestrengthweneedinordertoshare.Andinthat sharing,God’screationtakesshapeandchangeseverything.
Questions for discussion
Let’s ask ourselves:
1. Hearingtoday’sreflections,whatcomestomind?
2. Thisweek,howcanIempowersomeoneelsebysharingmy
powerordecisionmakingabilities?
3. Asacommunity,howcanweensurethatourleadersreflect thediversityamongusandthatwearesharingpowerand decisionmaking?
Prayer
O God, you are gracious.
Youbringustogetherwithvariedresponsibilitiesandgifts. Youchallengeustorespondtoyourcall.
Sustainusandhelpustosustaineachother.
Weofferourthanksandaskmercyaswenamethosepeoplein ourliveswhomweadmireandtowhomweowegratitude.
(Momentofsilencefornamingthosepeople) Wegivethanksforallthatisgood.
Wegivethankstoyou,lovingCreator.
AndwegivethanksforJesusofNazarethwhoinlivingasoneof usmadeyourloveknowntoallofus.
Wegivethanks. Amen
Blessing
Maytheywholoveyoubelikethesunwhenitrisesinitsstrength. Amen
DAY 4:
RESPECT,SUPPORT
ANDEMPOWER
Exodus 2: 16-22:THE STORYOFTHE PRIESTOF MIDIANAND HIS DAUGHTERS
NowthepriestofMidianhadsevendaughters,andtheycameanddrewwater andfilledthetroughstowatertheirfather’sflock.Theshepherdscameanddrove themaway,butMosesstoodupandsavedthem,andwateredtheirflock.When theycamehometotheirfatherReuel,hesaid,“Howisitthatyouhavecome homesosoontoday?”Theysaid,“AnEgyptiandeliveredusoutofthehandof
theshepherdsandevendrewwaterforusandwateredtheflock.”Hesaidtohis daughters,“Thenwhereishe?Whyhaveyoulefttheman?Callhim,thathemay eatbread.”AndMoseswascontenttodwellwiththeman,andhegaveMoseshis daughterZipporah.Shegavebirthtoason,andhecalledhisnameGershom,for hesaid,“Ihavebeenasojournerinaforeignland.”
Reflection: God blesses men who respect and protect women
Violenceisprevalentincommunitiesallaroundtheworld,andeachcommunityhasitsown responsetothisviolence.Forexample,inLatinAmerica,“#NiUnaMas(Notonemore)“isa mottothat’sbecomingalltoocommon.
Inthespringof2015,a 14-yearoldArgentiniangirl,Chiara,wasbeatentodeathbyher16- yearoldboyfriendandburiedin thegarden.Shewaspregnantatthetime.Chiarawasjust oneofmorethan280femicides(themurderofwomen)in Argentinathatyear,in a country whereawomaniskillednearlyevery30hours,usuallybyanintimatepartner.
TheYWCAofArgentinaprovidessafespaceswherewomencandiscussgender-based violence,aswellasa“homeawayfromhome”inBuenosAireswhereyoungpeoplecan work,live,study,shareandgrowinafriendlyandsecureenvironment.
Zeina,amotherofthreefromLebanon,hasalsoexperiencedtheimpactofviolencefirst hand.Herhusbandisadrugaddictwhousedtoviolateherphysically,emotionallyand sexuallyeverysingleday.Asaresult,shesufferedfrommentalandphysicalhealthproblems. Herfamilyrefusedtoshelterhersince“awomanshouldstaywithherhusbandevenifitcosts herownlife”.
ZeinathenlearnedabouttheNationalYWCAof Lebanon’sshelterwhereshereceivedsocial andpsychologicalsupport.Sheregainedherdignityandhealth,andbecameeconomically self-sufficientafterparticipatinginvocationaltrainingatoneoftheYWCAcentres.
It’simportanttorememberthatourhealthisanintegralpartofourwholeness.Ittakes intoaccountourpersonalexperience,butalsothecreativeacceptanceofthoseparts ofourselveswhichwesometimeshateorwhichmaycauseusdespair.Beinghealthyis
somethingwedonotachievealone,butinrelationtoGodandtothosearoundus.We
arehealthywhenwerespecteachother,supporteachother,empoweroneanothertobe equals,andbuildjustpeace.Weempoweroneanothertobefree,aswewerecreatedtobe.
Whatisourcalling? Inourbiblicalpassagetoday,Moseswasstillintheformativestageofthe missionGodhadgivenhimtodeliverthepeopleofIsraelfromEgypt,thelandofcaptivity, and takethemtothePromisedLand.Partofhistrainingforthisgreatmissionlayinthelandof MidianwherehetookrefugefromPharaohafterherealisedthathislifemightbeindanger. WedonotknowwherethislandwasbecausetheMidianiteswereanomadicpeople.When theiranimalshadgrazedonalltheavailablegrass,theymovedontootherlandsthatstillhad pasture.
Whilewanderingaroundinthatland,Mosessoonstumbledacrosssomeshepherdswhowere harassingwomen.Theshepherdsusedtheirmasculinitythewrongway.Theywantedtheir animalstodrinkthewaterfromthewellfirstand,becausetheyweremorepowerful,they harassedthewomen.Perhapstheydidthisoftenandgotawaywithit.Butnotthistime.Moses didnotsitbackandwatch.Heswungintoactionandsavedthewomen,helpedthemwith theirwork,andsentthemsafelybackhome.
WedonotknowhowMosesrescuedthesewomen.Didhesimplyrebuketheshepherdsordid heactuallyfight?WhatweknowisthatMoseswascourageous.Heputhislifeontheline.This ishowmuchherespectedthewomen.
WhatstartedasanincidentaldisplayofMoses’godlycharacterendedupwithhimmarrying oneofthewomen.Thefatherofthewomen,Reuel(latercalledJethrointheBible),upon hearingofMosesandhiskindgesture,knewthatMoseswasthekindofmanhewanted
hisdaughterstomarry.So,henotonlyofferedhima hometolivein,buthealsogave hisdaughterZipporahtoMosesasa wife.Mosesnowhad“thepriestofMidian”ashis father-in-law.
Withthiscourageousact,Moseswentfromawanderingandhomelessstrangerinaforeign landtohavinganewhome,anewwife,andanewfamily.Thisisbutoneexampleofhow Godoftenblessesmenwhorespectandprotectwomen.
ViolencelikethekindthatChiara,Zeinaandthewomenintoday’sBiblereadingall experiencedornearlyexperiencedcanhappenanywhereifweloseoursenseofjustice,ifwe failtoshowcarefulconsiderationtoothersanddonotlistentoGod.Violencebeginswithus, ourhouseholds,andourcommunities--andthenspreadsglobally.TodayGodrequiresustobe peacemakers-torespect,empowerandsupporteachotherandtohelppreventviolencein allitsforms.
Questions for discussion
Let’s ask ourselves:
1. Hearingtoday’sreflections,whatcomestomind?
2. Thisweek,howcanIsupportsomeonewhohasexperienced
violence?
3. Asacommunity,howcanwetakeactiontoprevent violence,whileensuringwedonotbecomecomplacentina worldplaguedbyviolenceinmanyforms?
Prayer
Isaiah 32:16-18
TheLORD’sjusticewilldwellinthedesert,
hisrighteousnessliveinthefertilefield.
17Thefruitofthatrighteousnesswillbepeace;
itseffectwillbequietnessandconfidenceforever.
18Mypeoplewillliveinpeacefuldwellingplaces, insecurehomes,
inundisturbedplacesofrest.
Blessing
Maywegointothisdaywithasmileonourfaces,withourheads heldhigh,
floatingslightlyabovetheground,becauseeachofusknows“I
amloved.”
Maythisknowledgeempowerustoturntheworldaroundand sharetheloveweweregiven.
MayGodwholooksuponuswithloveandtendernessblessusall. Amen
DAY 5:
BECAUSEICOUNT–
DIFFERENTLYABLEDPEOPLE
1Corinthians 12: 4-11
“Therearedifferentkindsofgifts,butthesameSpiritdistributesthem.Thereare differentkindsofservice,butthesameLord.Therearedifferentkindsofworking, butinallofthemandineveryoneitisthesameGodatwork.
NowtoeachonethemanifestationoftheSpiritisgivenforthecommongood.To onethereisgiventhroughtheSpiritamessageofwisdom,toanotheramessage ofknowledgebymeansofthesameSpirit,toanotherfaithbythesameSpirit,
toanothergiftsofhealingbythatoneSpirit,toanothermiraculouspowers,to anotherprophecy,toanotherdistinguishingbetweenspirits,toanotherspeaking indifferentkindsoftongues,andtostillanothertheinterpretationoftongues.All thesearetheworkofoneandthesameSpirit,andhedistributesthemtoeach one,justashedetermines.”
Reflection: We are all created in God’s image
Todaywegatherto celebratetheHolySpirit!Todaywegatherto celebratethegrandworkof ourGod!Todaywegatherto celebrateeachotherandthefullnessanddiversitywebringinto ourcommunities.
WhathappinessthatGodthecreatorofusallhasmadeeachofusinGod’simage.What happinessthattherearethoseamonguswhosee,otherswhohear,andothersagainwith thepowertoputwordstothoseimagesandsounds.Because,brothersandsisters,Godhas createdeachandeveryoneofusuniquely.
Truly,whatgreatgiftsthereareamongyou!Andwhatbeautifulwayshavewe foundandwill wekeepfindingtouseallofthosegifts.Youmaysaythat’sanexaggeration,orthatthereare exceptions,butthatisdefinitelynotso.
Letmeshareastorywithyou.AfterDiane,ayoungwomanfromtheSolomonIslands, contractedTBmeningitisatagefour,shewasleftwithadisability.Asayoungwoman,she joinedtheYWCARiseUp!programmewhereshelearnedthatshehadtherighttospeakout inhercommunity,tostandupinfrontofpeopleandtosaywhatshewantedtosay.
“Atfirstpeopledidn’treallyunderstandme,butIkepton.Aftera while,peoplestartedtorealisetheymustrespectmebecauseI speakconfidentlyaboutcommunityissuesandmakesense.
Inmycountry,peoplelookdownonpeoplewithdisabilities,butonceIknewabouthuman rights,Itoldthem:‘Iknowmyright,Iknowmypotential,andIhavearoletoplayjustlikeany otherhumanbeinginmysociety’.Myadvicetoothersis:Donotstopuntiltheylistentoyou.
Eventually,theywilllistentoyou.”
Godcanworkinmysteriousways.Sitawaisamentalhealthcrusaderwhousesherjourneyas arapesurvivorlivingwithbothepilepsyandbipolardisordertoprovidepeopleinAfricawith theinformationandsupporttodealwithdailylifeandmanagementalhealthconditions.She foundedanddirects“MyMind,MyFunk”(MMMF),amentalhealthinformationandsupport hub,whichranKenya’sfirstfreementalhealthsupportline.
“Idonothaveanyschoolinginmentalhealthorpsychologyorpsychiatry,exceptfor advocacysessionsIdidwithBasicNeedsandthetraumainformedframeworktrainingby GlobalTraumaProject,”saidSitawa.“Idroppedoutofactuarialschoolinmysecondyear duetomyillness,butwhatIoffertotheuniverseismyexperienceof14yearslivingasarape survivorwithadualdiagnosisofepilepsyandbipolardisorder.
“IdothisbecausewhenIgotrapedandwhenIgotbothmydiagnoses,Iwishedtherewas asafespacewherepeoplehadsharedtheirnarrativesthatIcouldtapintoandgetthe strengthtomoveforward...IdefinitelyhopetoseeadaywherepeopleinAfrica(andof Africandescent)livingwithmentalhealthconditionsandtheirfamilieswillhavethatspace, wheretheycanhaveaccesstoinformationandappropriatesupport.”
Sitawahasmanagedtoshowtheworldanimportanttruth:Sheisablessingformanyandhas demonstratedgreatabilitiesthatotherscannotdreamtohave.
Shehassomethingspecial.Notdespiteherexperiencesor“disorders”,butbecauseofthem
–sheseesandhearswhatothersdon’t.Sheisabletospeaktoothersinsimilarsituationsusing wordstheyneedtohear;wordsthatgivehopeandstrength;wordsthatoffercompanionship.
Thisisparticularlyimportantatatimewhenmanyyoungpeoplegloballyidentifymental healthasagreatchallenge,accordingtotheWorldYMCA’sOneMillionYouthVoices Research.Depression,memorylossandepilepsyareallhealthissuesthatthepublichealth systemstendtooverlook.Andbecausethereisastigmaaroundtheseissues,finding information,servicesandsupportcanbedifficult.
Thisisexacerbatedamongpeoplelivinginsituationsofwarorconflictoramongpeoplewho areexperiencingpost-traumaticstressdisorderafterexposuretoconflict.Researchshows
thatarmedconflictis a contributortomentalillness.Inaddition,mentalillnesscanalsocause peopletobecomeperpetratorsofviolence.ThisiswhyYMCAsaroundtheworldhavebegun toincorporatementalhealthmorecentrallyintotheiroverallhealthoutreachandservices.
Wearealldifferent.Weallhaveourchallengesandourgifts.However,Christgavethegood newstoallofus.Therearenoexceptions.WewereALLmadein theimageofGod.Godis good.AndGodiscreative–neverwillGodceasetoamazeuswiththewayshechoosesto bringushope.
Soletuscelebrate,letustrustinGodandbejoyful,andletusletuseeachother’sgifts,which
Godhasgiven,totransformourselves.Together,wewillsee,hearandspeakofitall!
Questions for discussion
Let’s ask ourselves:
1. Hearingtoday’sreflections,whatcomestomind?
2. Thisweek,howcanIreachoutandsupportsomeonewhois
differentlyabled?
3. Asacommunity,howcanweensurewearelookingatthe differentabilitiesamongusasgiftsandincorporatingpeople whoaredifferentlyabledintoourcommunities?
Prayer
MaytheloveofthefaithfulCreator,thepeaceofthewounded
Healer,thejoyofthechallengingSpirit,
ThehopeoftheThreeinOnesurroundandencourageyou. Todayandforever,
Amen
Blessing
ThroughtheSpiritweareremade.TheSpiritchallengesustolive asforgiven,joyfulpeopleofGod.Goforwardintransforming power.
Amen
DAY 6:
INTOYOURHANDS–
ENDINGCHILDMARRIAGE
Luke 11 33-36:The Lamp of the Body
“Noonelightsalampandputsitinaplacewhereitwillbehidden,orundera bowl.Insteadtheyputitonitsstand,sothatthosewhocomeinmayseethelight. Youreyeisthelampofyourbody.Whenyoureyesarehealthy,yourwholebody alsoisfulloflight.Butwhentheyareunhealthy,yourbodyalsoisfullofdarkness. Seetoit,then,thatthelightwithinyouisnotdarkness.Therefore,ifyourwhole bodyisfulloflight,andnopartofitdark,itwillbejustasfulloflightaswhena lampshinesitslightonyou.”
Letusbetheoneswhobringlightintothebodyofthecommunity,andname whatisdark,andcareforthebody.
Reflection: Let’s open the gates and let our lights shine
Whilemostyounggirlswerebusyplaying,five-yearoldMaria,fromTrinidadTobago, wasmeetingherfuturehusband.Atagenine,shewasmarried,andbyage11shewas pregnant—thefirstof25pregnancies.
InTrinidadandTobago,althoughthelegalageforcivilmarriageis18,girlsasyoungas12are stillgettingmarriedbasedonreligiousexceptions.Infact,it’satraditionsomefaithleaders vigorouslydefend,withoneclericclaiminghehimselfmarriedachildbrideyearsago.
TheYWCAofTrinidadandTobagoisastrongadvocateforzerotoleranceforviolenceagainst womenandgirlsinallitsforms,includingchildmarriage.Theorganisationstates:
“Childmarriageisanunacceptableviolationoftherightsofgirlsandyoungwomen,with long-termnegativeconsequencesontheirhealthandwell-being.Itisaformofsexual violenceperpetratedonyounggirlswhohavenotyetachievedsexualmaturity.”
Increation,inJesus,andinallthewaysGodencountersusduringourlives,Godbringslight tous.WeknowtheGospelsandallthebiblicaltextstellingofencounterswithGod.Weknow howfarGodgoes,togivelandtothedispossessed,toraisethepoor,toliftuptheoppressed. Weknowtheworthgiventochildren–daughtersandsonsaresocherished,thatdivine rewardsaremeasuredbythem.Andonlytotheworstofenemiesgoespunishmentthat destroysfuturegenerations.
Yetwhydopeople,families,andevencommunitiesgiveawaytheirchildrentoexperience
suchmisery?
Brothersandsisters,mayallofourheartsbleed,callandcryoutattheinjusticeofafatelike
Maria’sfromTrinidad.Herlightwasnevergivena standtoshine.Thisis a stainofdarknessthat weneedtonameandfight against-notonlyinTrinidad-forchildmarriageisatraditionthat wecanfindineverysinglecountryinourworld.
Povertyleaveslittleroomfordignity.Evenworse–itleavesalotofspaceineachstomachto trytofill.Itishardforfamiliestocareformanychildren,andtheeasywayistohaveoneof thosecherishedchildrentakeninbyanotherfamily.
Butthepricewepayforthatkindofreliefistoohigh,anditistheyoungdaughter,thechild weshouldbeprotecting,whoispayingit.Wemustnotletthatkindofdarknessseepintoour livesandourdaughter’slives!
Instead,Godcallsonustostandupforoneanother.Letusbuildtraditionsthatarelife-giving, asGodhassentJesustoustogiveusawaythatprotectslife.Letusbuildcommunitiesin whichwecareforeachother’schildrenaswellasforourown.Letusbuildrelationshipsin whichthereisspacetonamewrongdoing,andspacetolearnfromitandgrowintobetter people.Letuslookupononeanotherwithkindeyesandhandsreadytohelp.
Donotlosehope,for“hopedoesnotputustoshame,becauseGod’slovehasbeenpoured
outintoourheartsthroughtheHolySpirit,whohasbeengiventous(Rom5:5).”
Letusbetheoneswhobringlightintothebodyoffamiliesandintothecommunity.Letus findastrongvoicetonamewhatisdark,sothatitmaybechanged.Letustakeeachother bythehandandcareforthebodieswelivein.Letusbegentletoeachotherandprotect ourchildrentogether.ForourhandswerecreatedbyGod,fortheworld.Ourheartsare surroundedbyGod’spresence.Letusopenallgates,sowemaybefloodedbyGod’slove.
Andmayouractionseachdayshowtendernessandgracesothatourlightmayshine brilliantly.
Questions for discussion
Let’s ask ourselves:
1. Hearingtoday’sreflections,whatcomestomind?
2. Thisweek,whatcanIdotonamewhatisdarkandhelp
someoneelse’slightshine?
3. Asacommunity,howcanweprotectourchildrenandbetter
careforeachother?
Prayer
LovingGod,removefromourlivesfalsereligionandfalse
confidence
anddependenceonthings
thatdonotreachoutto theothers. Andteachustoabidein yourlove. Amen
Blessing
Lookatyourhands.
Seeandtouchthetenderness, TheyareGod’sownfortheworld.
Lookatyourfeet.
Seethepathandthedirection. TheyareGod’sownfortheworld.
Listentoyourheart.
Seethefireandthelove.
TheyareGod’sownfortheworld.
Lookatthecross.
SeeJesusoursaviour. God’sownfortheworld.
ThisisGod’sworld.
WewillserveGodinit.
DAY OF WORSHIP:
ALLEQUALINTHEIMAGEOFGOD
Proposal and guidelines for Celebration - WORSHIP
Pleasenotethatyoucanscheduleyourdayofworshipatanypointduringtheweek.
I) GATHERING - CALLTO WORSHIP
Duringtheopeningmusic,theBibleorthebookofthegospelsmaybebroughtforwardandplacedeither
ontableoraltar,togetherwithcandlesandflowersorothersymbolsdependingonthelocalcustom.
Inthewordsofwelcome,thepersonpresidingwelcomeseveryoneattending.
Opening prayer
EverydaycourageisallIask.
Weareinchargetogether.Notascontrollers,butasalivingprocess. Wearenotthereyet,but
IwillnotletwhatIthinkdestroywhatIbelieve.
Enthusiasmandalivenessareconnected–itisjustfinetohavebothofthem.
II) WORD
Reading: Luke 15: 3-7:
Oneormorepeoplecanreadthistext,repeatingthesametext.Youcanalsouse mimeorotherformsoftheatre.Inaddition,itmaybepossibletointegrateicons, photosorvideorelatingtothetextortoaskpeopletodrawapictureofthestory. Thequestionsattheendoftheproposedmessagearefordiscussion.
Beforeandafterthesermon/messageandcredo,youcandefinetimeforsinging,musicandsilence.
Luke 15: 3-7 (NIV) ThenJesustoldthemthisparable:
4 “Supposeoneofyouhasahundredsheepandlosesoneofthem.Doesn’the leavetheninety-nineintheopencountryandgoafterthelostsheepuntilhe findsit?
5 Andwhenhefindsit,hejoyfullyputsitonhisshoulders
6 andgoeshome.Thenhecallshisfriendsandneighbourstogetherandsays,
‘Rejoicewithme;Ihavefoundmylostsheep.’
7 Itellyouthatinthesamewaytherewillbemorerejoicinginheavenoverone sinnerwhorepentsthanoverninety-ninerighteouspersonswhodonotneedto repent.”
Reflections
God’sworldismeanttobeoneofabundanceforallpersons,withfundamentalrightsand dignityforbothwomenandmen.
Weaffirmthepromotionofgenderequalityandjusticefromahumanrightsperspective.
Wemaintainthatthecontributionsandempowermentofwomenandgirlsofallagesare fundamental,asevenwithsomenotableadvancement,themajorityofwomen’slivesarestill characterizedbyeconomicandpoliticalmarginalization,poverty,andviolence.Although womenmakesignificantcontributions,societyundervaluestheirfullpotentialandabilityas decision-makers.
Manymigrantsaredeniedtherightsandservicesguaranteedtocitizens,andcannot accesslegalprotection.Weaffirmtheneedtomotivateallhumanbeingstopartnerin endingviolenceanddiscriminationthroughpositivegenderawarenessandhumanrights
education.Ourmovementscontinueprovidingclearandrelevantresponsestoradicalization, divisionandthelackofhopethatmillionsofpeopleexperiencedaily.Wearethankfulto everyoneacrossourworldwhohelpstobuildcommunities,andpreservepeace,justiceand understanding.
Asweencourageyoutospendtimeinreflection,wealsoencourageyoutogivevoiceto vision.ThevisionofanequalworldwasanintegralpartoftherecentOlympicGamesinRiode Janeiro,withthewords:“InthisOlympicworld,weareallequal”.
Wearenotleavinganyonebehind.Orarewe?
Questions for discussion
Let’s ask ourselves:
1. Hearingtoday’sreflections,whatcomestomind?
2. Thisweek,whatcanIdotoreachouttosomeonewhois
marginalizedorundervaluedinmycommunity?
3. Asacommunity,howcanweensurethatweareincludingall membersofourcommunityandtreateveryonewithdignity andrespect?
Credo
(Reader):WelivetheGospelofJesusChristandbearwitnesstoit withourwordsanddeeds.
(All):WelivetheGospelofJesusChristandbearwitnesstoitwith ourwordsanddeeds.
(Reader):Wemeetpeopleofdifferentbeliefsandfaithswith respect,seekingdialoguewiththem.
(All):Wemeetpeopleofdifferentbeliefsandfaithswithrespect, seekingdialoguewiththem.
(Reader):Wearecommittedtobuildinguphumanityandpeace intheworld.
(All):Wearecommittedtobuildinguphumanityandpeacein theworld.
(Reader):Welookforavisionforourworldbeingtogetherina
waythatisstrongerthanfearorselfishness.
(All):Welookforavisionforourworldbeingtogetherinaway
thatisstrongerthanfearorselfishness.
(Reader):WeplaceourtrustintheHolySpirit.
(All):WeplaceourtrustintheHolySpirit.
III) PRAYERS OFTHANKSGIVINGAND INTERCESSION
Theseareinspiredbythematerialpreparedfortheeachdayoftheweekofprayer.They celebrateGodinhospitalitytowardsusmanifestedinJesusChrist.Theyareatonceprayersof requestunitedbyfaithandbythecommonwitness.
Helpus,dearGod,nottobecomepartoftheproblembycolludinginsilenceand turningablindeye.
Wepraythatourhomesmaybefreeof oppressionandplaceswherechildrengrow upto becomemenandwomen,co-equal,withhealthyself-esteemrespectingone another.
DearGod,wethankyouforblessinguswiththegiftoflifeanddignity. Helpustoputourfaithintoactionsothatitbringshealingtotheworld.
Wepraywiththosesufferingfromanyillnessofbodyandmind. Makeussupportchannelsofhealing.
Leadustoactjustly,tobeagentsofhopeandrenewal.
God,weputourhopeinyouandpraiseyouforJesus’promise,“See,Iamwithyou alwaysevenuntotheendoftime.”
Amen
Music
IV) SENDING EXPRESSES OUR DESIRETOASK FOR GOD’S BLESSING FORTHE PRESENTAND FUTURE
ClosingBlessing:
TheblessingofGod
TheeternalgoodwillofGod
TheshalomofGod
ThewildnessandthewarmthofGod beamongandbetweenus
nowandalways. Amen
Source: The New Women Included- a Book of servicesand Prayers by St Hilda Community
1996 ISBN 0-281-04950-5 U.K
OR:
TheloveofthefaithfulCreator
ThepeaceofthewoundedHealer
ThejoyofthechallengingSpirit ThehopeoftheThreeinOne Surroundandencourageyou Today,tonightandforever.
Amen
BIBLEREADINGPLAN:
November 2016 to October 2017
November 2016 / December 2016 / January 20171. / 2 Corinthians 7:2-16 / 1. / Isaiah 60:15-22 / 1. / Psalms 104
2. / 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 / 2. / Isaiah 61:1-6 / 2. / Luke 3:1-6
3. / 2 Corinthians 8:16-24 / 3. / Isaiah 61:7-11 / 3. / Luke 3:7-14
4. / 2 Corinthians 9:1-15 / 4. / Luke 3:15-20
5. / 2 Corinthians 10:1-11 / Psalm 68:1-19 / 5. / Luke 3:21-38
Isaiah 62:1-5 / 6. / Luke 4:1-13
Psalm 90 / Isaiah 62:6-12 / 7. / Luke 4:14-21
2 Corinthians 10:12-18 / Isaiah 63:1-6
2 Corinthians 11:1-15 / Isaiah 63:7-16 / 8. / Psalm 72
2 Corinthians 11:16-33 / Isaiah 63:17–64:3 / 9. / Luke 4:22-30
2 Corinthians 12:1-10 / Isaiah 64:4-11 / 10. / Luke 4:31-37
2 Corinthians 2:11-21 / 11. / Luke 4:38-44
2 Corinthians 13:1-13 / Psalm 68:20-36 / 12. / Luke 5:1-11
Isaiah 65:1-10 / 13. / Luke 5:12-16
Psalm 51 / Isaiah 65:11-16 / 14. / Luke 5:17-26
2 Peter 1:1-11 / Isaiah 65:17-25
2 Peter 1:12-21 / Isaiah 66:1-4 / 15. / Psalm 4
2 Peter 2:1-11 / Isaiah 66:5-14 / 16. / Luke 5:27-32
2 Peter 2:12-22 / Isaiah 66:15-24 / 17. / Luke 5:33-39
2 Peter 3:1-9 / 18. / Luke 6:1-11
2 Peter 3:10-18 / Psalm 130 / 19. / Luke 6:12-16
Luke 1:1-17 / 20. / Luke 6:17-26
Isaiah 26:7-19 / Luke 1:18-25 / 21. / Luke 6:27-35
Isaiah 56:1-8 / Luke 1:26-38
Isaiah 56:9-12 / Luke 1:39-56 / Psalm 3
Isaiah 57:1-13 / Luke 1:57-66 / Luke 6:36-42
Isaiah 57:14-21 / Luke 1:67- 80 / Luke 6:43-49
Isaiah 58:1-9a / Luke 7:1-10
Isaiah 58:9b-14 / Luke 2:1- 14 / Luke 7:11-17
Luke 2:15-20 / Luke 7:18-23
27. / Psalm 24 / Luke 2:21-24 / Luke 7:24-35
28. / Isaiah 59:1-15a / Luke 2:25-35
29. / Isaiah 59:15b-21 / Luke 2:36-40 / 29. / Psalm 9
30. / Isaiah 60:1-14 / Luke 2:41-52 / 30. / Luke 7:36-50
Psalm 121 / 31. / Luke 8:1-3
Psalm 16
Luke 8:40-56
Luke 9:1-9
Luke 9:10-17
Luke 9:18-27
Luke 9:28-36
Luke 9:37-45
Luke 12:13-21
Luke 12:22-34
Luke 12:35-48
Psalm 6
Leviticus 1:1-9
Leviticus 8:1-13
Leviticus 9:1-24
Leviticus 10:1-11
Leviticus 16:1-22
Leviticus 19:1-18
Psalm 22:1-22
Luke 22:7-23
Luke 22:24-30
Luke 22:31-38
Luke 22:39-46
Luke 22:47-53
Luke 22:54-62
Luke 22:23-32
Luke 22:63-71
Luke 23:1-12
12. Psalm 18:1-2012. Psalm 10
13. Luke 9:46-5013. Leviticus 19:31-37
14. Luke 9:51-5614. Leviticus 25:1-12
15. Luke 9:57-6215. Leviticus 25:35-43
16. Luke 10:1-1616. Luke 18:31-43
17. Luke 10:17-2017. Luke 19:1-10
18. Luke 10:21-2418. Luke 19:11-27
Luke 23:13-25
Luke 23:26-31
Luke 23:32-49
Luke 23:50-56
Luke 24:1-12
Luke 24:13-35
Luke 24:36-49
Psalm 18:21-51
Luke 10:25-37
Luke 10:38-42
Luke 11:1-4
Luke 11:5-13
Luke 11:14-23
Luke 11:24-28
26. Psalm 15
27. Luke 11:29-36
28. Luke 11:37-54
Psalm 34
Luke 19:28-40
Luke 19:41-48
Luke 20:1-8
Luke 20:9-19
Luke 20:20-26
Luke 20:27-40
Psalm 84
Luke 20:41-47
Luke 21:1-4
Luke 21:5-19
Luke 21:20-28
Luke 24:50-53
Colossians 1:1-8
Colossians 1:9-14
Colossians 1:15-20
Psalms 116
Colossians 1:21-23
Colossians 1:24-29
Colossians 2:1-7
Colossians 2:8-15
Colossians 2:16-19
Colossians 2:20-23
Luke 21:29-3830. Psalm 23
May 2017 / June 2017 / July 20171. / Colossians 3:1-4 / 1. / Acts 5:12-16 / 1. / Acts 13:26-43
2. / Colossians 3:5-11 / 2. / Acts 5:17-33
3. / Colossians 3:12-17 / 3. / Acts 5:34-42 / Psalm 12
4. / Colossians 3:18–4:1 / Acts 13:44-52
5. / Colossians 4:2-6 / Psalm 118:1-14 / Acts 14:1-7
6. / Colossians 4:7-18 / Psalm 118:15-29 / Acts 14:8-20a
Acts 6:1-7 / Acts 14:20b-28
7. / Psalm 19 / Acts 6:8-15 / Acts 15:1-21
8. / Joel 1:1-20 / Acts 7:1-16 / Acts 15:22-35
9. / Joel 2:1-11 / Acts 7:17-29
10. / Joe l 2:12-17 / Acts 7:30-43 / Psalm 7
11. / Joel 2:18-27 / Acts 15:36–16:5
12. / Joel 3:1-5 / Psalm 29 / Acts 16:6-15
13. / Joel 4:1-21 / Acts 7:44-53 / Acts 16:16-24
Psalm 45 / Acts 7:54–8:3
Acts 8:4-25 / Acts 16:25-40
Philippians 1:1-11
Acts 1:1-14
Acts 1:15-26
Acts 2:1-13 / Acts 8:26-40
Acts 9:1-9
Acts 9:10-19a / Philippians 1:12-18a
Psalm 1
Acts 2:14-28
Acts 2:29-36 / Psalm 13 / Philippians 1:18b-26
Philippians 1:27–2:4
Acts 2:37-41
Psalm 30 / Acts 9:19b-31
Acts 9:32-43
Acts 10:1-23a / Philippians 2:5-11
Philippians 2:12-18
Philippians 2:19-30
Acts 2:42-47
Acts 3:1-10
Acts 3:11-26 / Acts 10:23b-33
Acts 10:34-48
Acts 11:1-18 / Philippians 3:1-11
Psalm 26
Psalm 47
Acts 4:1-12 / Psalm 28 / Philippians 3:12-16
Philippians 3:17-21
Acts 4:13-22 / Acts 11:19-30
Acts 12:1-17 / Philippians 4:1-9
Philippians 4:10-23
28. / Psalm 27 / Acts 12:18-25 / Acts 17:1-15
29. / Acts 4:23-31 / Acts 13:1-12 / Acts 17:16-34
30. / Acts 4:32-37 / Acts 13:13-25
31. / Acts 5:1-11 / 30. / Psalm 21
31. / Acts 18:1-22
August 2017 / September 2017 / October 2017
1. / Acts 18:23–19:7 / 1. / Numbers 11:24-35 / 1. / Psalm 67
2. / Acts 19:8-22 / 2. / Numbers 12:1-16 / 2. / Luke 14:7-14
3. / Acts 19:23-40 / 3. / Luke 14:15-24
4. / Acts 20:1-16 / Psalm 119:49-56 / 4. / Luke 14:25-35
5. / Acts 20:17-38 / Numbers 13:1-3.17-33 / 5. / Luke 15:1-7
Numbers 14:1-25 / 6. / Luke 15:8-10
Psalm 11 / Numbers 14:26-38 / 7. / Luke 15:11-32
Acts 21:1-14 / Numbers 14:39-45
Acts 21:15-26 / Numbers 17:16-26 / Psalm 25
Acts 21:27-40 / Numbers 20:1-13 / Luke 16:1-9
Acts 22:1-21 / Luke 16:10-18
Acts 22:22-30 / Psalm 119:57-64 / Luke 16:19-31
Acts 23:1-11 / Numbers 20:22-29 / Luke 17:1-10
Numbers 21:4-9 / Luke 17:11-19
Psalm 14 / Numbers 21:21-35 / Luke 17:20-37
Acts 23:12-35 / Numbers 22:1-20
Acts 24:1-21 / Numbers 22:21-41 / Psalm 5
Acts 24:22-27 / Numbers 23:1-12 / Luke 18:1-8
Acts 25:1-12 / Luke 18:9-17
Acts 25:13-27 / Psalm 119:65-72 / Luke 18:18-30
Acts 26:1-23 / Numbers 23:13-30 / Ezekiel 1:1-21
Numbers 24:1-25 / Ezekiel 1:22-28
Psalm 62 / Numbers 27:12-23 / Ezekiel 2:1–3:3
Acts 26:24-32 / Luke 12:49-53
Acts 27:1-12 / Luke 12:54-59 / Psalm 32
Acts 27:13-26 / Luke 13:1-5 / Ezekiel 3:12-21
Acts 27:27-44 / Ezekiel 3:22-27
Acts 28:1-16 / Psalm 20 / Ezekiel 4:1-8
Acts 28:17-31 / Luke 13:6-9 / Ezekiel 7:1-13
Luke 13:10-17 / Ezekiel 7:14-27
Psalm 17 / Luke 13:18-21 / Ezekiel 8:1-18
Numbers 6:22-27 / Luke 13:22-30
Numbers 9:15-23 / Luke 13:31-35 / 29. / Psalm 69:1-16
Numbers 10:11-36 / Luke 14:1-6 / 30. / Ezekiel 10:1-22
Numbers 11:1-23 / 31. / Ezekiel 11:14-25
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Wewouldliketothankthefollowingteamofwriters,theologiansandcontributorsfortheirworkindevelopingthecontent forthisyear’sWorldWeekofPrayerbooklet:
World YWCA Faith Reference Group
Nora Bandixen (Switzerland)
Donnalie Cabey (YWCA of US Virgin Islands) Juli Dugdale, World YWCA
Kathleen Maksymec, World YWCA Pirjo-Liisa Penttinen (YWCA of Finland)
World YMCA
Carlos Sanvee, Advisor to the Secretary General
Gil Harper, Executive Secretary, Africa Alliance of YMCAs
Dr. Rev Conrad Mbewe, Member of the Executive Committee. World YMCAs
Design by the World YWCA and Bertha Clark Design.