CELEBRATIONS HISTORY AND OVERVIEW
Celebrations is the term used by CWU to describe ecumenical worship experiences. May Friendship Day, World Community, and the Human Rights Celebration are produced and promoted annually by the National Ecumenical Celebrations Committee.
Each celebration contains an Action component prepared by the Action/Global Concerns Committee.
MAY FRIENDSHIP DAY (MFD) is celebrated on or near the first Friday in May and acts as a catalyst for building healing relationships within the local community. The day of the service may vary to meet the needs of women in a variety of situations. Because MFD focuses on local concerns, units often use it to reach out to women in their communities. A meal is recommended as a way of providing opportunities for sharing, networking, and community building in addition to worship and study. The offering remains with the Local Unit, with a portion sent to the state Unit for support.
WORLD COMMUNITY DAY (WCD) is celebrated on or near the first Friday in November, and focuses on justice and peace in the global society. Themes are chosen by the Ecumenical Celebrations Committee and seek to relate the WDP themes to issues of justice and peace in the United States. Since 2004, every other year is written as a service appropriate for Interfaith participation, providing the opportunity to reach out to our Jewish, Muslim, and other sisters. This is also a time when many units choose to engage in in-depth study of global issues related to the theme. The offering is sent to the national office of CWU for support of the movement.
HUMAN RIGHTS CELEBRATION (HRC) was first instituted in 2006 as a means for local units to celebrate the cause of Human Rights. It may be held on or near December 10th which is Human Rights Day as declared by the United Nations. However, local units may choose their own date and time according to their annual schedule. The heart of the Celebration involves the presentation of the Church Women United Human Rights Award to local individual(s) who have worked for the cause of human rights in a profound way. The theme is chosen by the Ecumenical Celebrations Committee. The offering is sent to the national office of CWU for support of the movement.
Themes for 2008
May Friendship Day "God's Wisdom Inspires Hospitality"
Written by Joan Brown and Pauline Robertson
World Community Day “God's Wisdom Sets Us Free"
Written by Kathleen Clark and Cathy Smith
Human Rights Celebration “God's Wisdom Honors Children”
Written by Marilyn Lariviere and Kristina Peterson
Please send pictures and reports of your celebrations for posting on the Bulletin Board.
Contact Marilyn Lariviere, National Ecumenical Celebrations Chairperson with any questions at 508-775-7781 or mlariv@comcast.net