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2009

The worship program centered on the Genesis chapter one story, with prayers and litanies recounting the seven days of creation. A reading of James Weldon Johnson’s poem sermon, "The Creation," from the volume God’s Trombones, added another interpretation. The worship centerpiece was a view from space of a broken world being stitched together, surrounded by commercial objects suggesting products that may be used to lessen energy requirements.

The speaker of the morning was Ms. Cheryl Frank, violist and organist, survivor of Hurricane Katrina, who is a member of the Green Brighton Task Force and Chair of that organization’s ColorBrightonGreen.org. Cheryl led our group in an overview of damage being done to our earth, including an emphasis on poorer regions of the world. She helpfully outlined ways we could bring change in the areas of transportation, food, and commerce. She led an interesting “give and take” from attendees. The presentation did not leave guilt feelings, but rather a positive view of what can actually be accomplished individually -not by each one doing it all, but by each one doing some things.

Following a closing litany of prayers, the group gathered with bag lunches and goodies prepared by the host church, over discussion placemats listing ways we might reduce damage to our earth.

Together we supported the Community Food Cupboard of Rochester by donating 121 cans of soup. Women admired a lovely display of lap robes prepared for CWU’s "Warm-up Rochester" Project.

Thanks are due to the day’s program committee and participants: Sue Forsyth, Esther Hammer, Ellen Kimbrough, Gloria Klink, Linda Moore, Eleanor Pope, Joan Rohlin, and Elmira Washington. - Sally Dodgson, 2009 World Community Day Chair (Pro Tempore)

2008

We followed the program from National, with representatives from the Baha’i Faith, Confucianism, Islam, Christianity, Native American Spirituality and Judaism. Our speaker, Ann Abraham, of Step By Step, told of her work with women in prison.

She spoke of the prisoners’ need for Women’s Health Kits, which is a CWU project. The women usually have nothing except the clothes they are wearing when arrested. It was interesting to learn that many babies are born in prison. So there is a great need for diapers and clothes for newborns. Providing clothing, Health Kits and baby items make their life a little easier.

We then broke up into smaller groups for discussions about how we, as Church Women United, can better understand and be helpful to these persons. Some discussion groups were very lively.

We moved to the adjacent room for lunch and more conversation. Several people said it was a Good Day. - Submitted by: Eloise Mulligan, Chair, World Community Day

2006

The devotions were meaningful as they showed that we are all connected to all people on the earth.

Jewish, Muslim and Baha'i representatives told of their beliefs.

At the conclusion of the program a circle of a Community Rainbow was made. Each person was given a colorful paper and this showed we are all connected.

A delicious salad bar was served by the Hospitality committee of the church. Delicious pumpkin pie completed our day "of fellowship and connectedness.

Submitted by Eloise H. Mulligan

Chairperson of Planning Committee