Foothills residents are coming together this weekend to share in what is almost a century-old tradition of prayer.

The High Country Ministry is inviting women, men and children to participate in International World Day of Prayer for Women in the Millarville Community Church on March 1 at 1 p.m. World Day of Prayer was founded in 1922 and brings people together the first Friday in March to pray.

“It’s a very powerful prayer,” said Millarville Community Church member Sue Robertson, who is helping to organize the Millarville event this year.

This year’s theme was selected by women in France and is based on the scripture by Matthew 25: 31-46 “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” The theme is selected by a different country each year and the hour-long service is created by the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada complete with hymns, scripture readings, a skit and even recipes, said Robertson.

The High Country Ministry brings 50 to 75 people together for the international event and involves the St. James Anglican Church in Priddis, Millarville Christ Church, Millarville Community Church, the Black Diamond Gospel Chapel, St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in Black Diamond and St. George’s Anglican Church and the Lewis Memorial United Church in Turner Valley.

“The churches get together and have input into the music and services,” she said. “Everything is set up. We just have to fit in all the things.”

Robertson said women in France created a DVD showcasing the different issues in France from immigration to domestic problems while keeping a focus on the importance of being welcoming to strangers. The French women are asking for prayers of support.

“It’s very well thought out,” she said. “I think it took the ladies just over a year to put it all together and get the theme they wanted.”

Robertson said those in attendance will be asked to share with the person beside them about an experience of being a stranger and feeling welcomed. The International World Day of Prayer for Women at the Millarville Community Church is open to anyone interested in attending.

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