prayers for Oceania

The World Council of Churches prayer cycle for Week 34 (19-25 August) includes the people of the Pacific islands: Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Western Samoa and the French Overseas Territories of New Caledonia (Kanaky) and French Polynesia (Tahiti).

We particularly remember our deaconess sisters in Fiji in the Methodist Church of Fiji.

God, good and gracious Healer, be present with our brothers and sisters in Fiji. Thank you for creating them with a culture that values deep, intimate relationship. May we learn from their value of community.
 
"O Lord, our palm trees can no longer hide us from the world. Strengthen our hearts that we may
look with confidence to the future; through Christ our Lord. AMEN."
      (from "With All God's People", WCC Geneva)

Order of Deaconess in Nigeria ordinations

Two Deaconesses were ordained at the at the 46th/11th Biennial Conference in Aba in Abia State. Congratulations and blessings as you continue in ministry. And prayers for the Order of Deaconesses in the Methodist Church of Nigeria, and for the leadership of Ibironke O. Oremade-Oworu. In Ronke's words: 'You have learned Sisters during the years of your training and probation how various and exacting are the services which your calling will require of you. It may fall on you to preach the gospel, to lead the worship of a congregation, to teach both young and old, to nurse the sick........ '

The Prelate pronouncing the Ordination words on the Deaconesses.