Friday is the World Day of Prayer, and a special service will be held at Sarnia's Redeemer Lutheran Church to mark the occasion.
The day of faith is observed every year on the first Friday of March, and the service is the same worldwide.
Coordinator Sheila Ginn said the local gathering is put on by the Women of Redeemer. This year's theme was chosen by the Christian Women of Palestine.
She said together they're pursuing justice, peace, love, and reconciliation by standing together in prayer and action.
"We celebrate the theme 'I beg you … bear with one another in love', based on Ephesians 4:2," said Ginn. "World Day of Prayer is an international, interchurch event that began around 100 years ago. It bridges social, geographic, and political barriers in 146 countries."
Ginn said the message of patience and peace is especially important today.
"It's a sad commentary, but this is why we're trying to show one another that it means something to be of faith," she said.
Donations will be collected in support of the Women’s Inter-Church Council of Canada, one of the original founders of the prayer movement. Friday's service starts at 1:30 p.m. at the church at 429 Indian Road N., at Hickory Avenue.
It's expected to last for about an hour, and everyone is welcome to attend.
A different Sarnia church will host the 2025 service under the theme "I Made You Wonderful", put together by the Cook Islands.
