The Barton County Association of Churches will offer a prayer service at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan., 20 at the First Presbyterian Church, located at 24th and Washington St. in Great Bend. Each pastor in the 38 churches in Great Bend has received an invitation, sponsors said. The goal is to have at least one representative from every church.
The service is an opportunity to unite in the worldwide observance of the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, which began in 1908 in New York. The 2013 theme, chosen by an International Ecumenical Committee, is “What does God require of us?” (see Micah 6:6-8). The speaker will be the Rev. Lennie Maxwell, First United Methodist Church. The theme reminds everyone that although Christianity today experiences a multitude of differing expressions, they are ultimately reconcilable, sponsors said.
Although the work towards Christian unity is something that takes place throughout the year, the highlighted week of Jan. 18-25 (feast days of St. Peter and St. Paul) focuses one’s attention in a particular way on the call and vision of Christian unity, and celebrates the truth that what unites Christians is greater than what divides them. Let’s “walk the talk” together.
Every person is welcome — those who attend a church and those who do not. The public is invited to come and pray and enjoy fellowship following the service.