Service of Prayer and Self Denial Worship Center with items representing continents where United Method-ist Women are working with women, children, and youth. The display includes an African necklace (necklace in left portion of display) from Grace Musaka, a United Methodist Women Regional Missionary and creator of the 2021 Call to Prayer and Self Denial program.
The Hamilton Park UMC’s United Methodist Women’s unit (UMW) held the annual ‘Call to Prayer and Self-Denial’ program for 2021 on July 24. The program was virtual. This year’s theme was ‘She Leads: Empowering Women to Make a Difference.” The objective of the program was to highlight UMW service programs and to encourage women to continue to give thoughtfully in order to make a difference in the lives of women, children, and youth around the world.
As a part of the program, a worship center was set up to serve as an altar. The table included items from different parts of the world, with at least one item to represent each continent.
The program opened by attendees listening to music reflective of Christian unity. Readers shared the theme scripture from Numbers 27:1-8 and scriptural reflections. They were also led in discussion of the scripture through guided questions and an activity.
According to one participant, “The program was beautiful, but it was not just for show. The reflection on the scriptures was an opportunity to encourage the members to take action by making a donation that supports programs of the UMW and serving others.”