Prayer Diary 2010

March Prayer Diary Personal message from Dorothy. March is a special month when we look forward to longer spring days replacing the harsh winter snow. Today [March 1st] it is 7°C in sunny Malvern. I’ve just spoken to my cousin in Perth, Australia where they are celebrating first day of autumn with 37°C.

Thank you for your Prayer Diary contributions. Eleven countries [NCs] and at least two organisations have sent prayer requests, news and information for us to share. I look forward to receiving any requests for prayer for April Prayer Diary by March 30th. Asea in Moldova has sent us these snowdrops and writes Let spring come into your heart

bringing joy, health, love and smile.

The items in March, whether texts, quotes or prayers, are based on ‘Resources for Prayer and Action’ from Mothers’ Union of the worldwide Anglican Church.

Week 1 United Nations Week 2 Women worldwide Week 3 Diversity and Culture Week 4 Commercialisation of childhood Week 5 Work and industry

Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women Co Presidents [email protected], Elena Timofticiuc [email protected] ,[email protected] http://www.efecw.net/pdf/EFECW_flyer_2009.pdf

Prayer Diary 2010

March 1st St David, Patron of Wales

Austria NCs Evelyn Martin Veronika Prüller-Jagenteufel Inge Schintlmeister Co pres 1998-2006

Albania Nicky Crane, an independent missionary in Turan where she has lived for nearly twenty years.

This week United Nations Do the little things that you have seen me do and heard about. St. David May we be faithful in both the small and big things God call us to do.

March 2nd Belarus NCs Irina Gruschewaja Liubou Piarvushyna

Elena Zenkevich Lena Damanevskaya Marina Kazakova Tamara Haikevitsch

Belgium No NCs Katerina Karkala-Zorba Co President 1998 to 2006 Doris Peschke CCME Rüdiger Noll Church and Society Commission of CEC [ CSC] All CSC staff in Brussels Lord, we pray for all who hold office in the United Nations. May they always act with integrity and for the greater good of all nations.

Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women Co Presidents [email protected], Elena Timofticiuc [email protected] ,[email protected] http://www.efecw.net/pdf/EFECW_flyer_2009.pdf

Prayer Diary 2010

March 3rd Bulgaria NC Surpi Satchlian Zoya Krutilin

This week we pray for UN Commission on the Status of Women meeting in New York. Fulata Moyo concerned with Women Church and Society at World Council of Churches will be there and other women from Church organisations. Is someone from your country there? We pray that their voices may be heard as they participate in the Beijing Review.

March 4th Cyprus Sara Vorsganian New Forum Group in Nicosia Christine Vayas , Panayiota Alexandrou Mette Schmidt , Caroline Demitriades Arda Jebejian Baitzar Gazerian,

We give thanks for the good news from Nicosia Forum gained publicity through working with University for lecture Crisis in the Family.

Aline Ashjian , Alexa Abi Habib

“We have actively sought and are actively seeking to make the United Nations an effective instrument of international cooperation.” Dean Acheson Almighty God, by your power, may cooperation between the nations be . achieved.

Croatia NCs Bozena Vincenti Silvia Mikulicic Ljiljana Beric Maja Cincurak Vesna Izakovic Mirjana Hengl Katarina Kruhonja Jarmila Janoska Rozalija Jankovic

Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women Co Presidents [email protected], Elena Timofticiuc [email protected] ,[email protected] http://www.efecw.net/pdf/EFECW_flyer_2009.pdf

Prayer Diary 2010

March 5th World Day of Prayer

Czech Republic NCs Emanuela Blazkova Nadeje Mandysova Jirina Kozderova Marketa Koronthalyova

Denmark NC Ellen Juhl Christiansen

World Day of Prayer is a global, ecumenical movement of informed prayer and prayerful action, organised and led by Christian women who call the faithful together. We especially remember the women of the Cameroons who decided the theme LET EVERYTHING THAT HATH BREATH PRAISE GOD

Ulla Monberg coordinator of Anglican Lutheran Society Else Haviid Pastor of Danish Church in London

March 6th UK/England NCs Brigid Collins and Anthea Cox Core team NCs plus Sheila Brain, Ruth Clarke, Jill King, Dorothy Knights, Janet Wootton

Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women Co Presidents [email protected], Elena Timofticiuc [email protected] ,[email protected] http://www.efecw.net/pdf/EFECW_flyer_2009.pdf

Prayer Diary 2010

Estonia Katrin Oidjarv Meeli Tankler Tiina Vosu

We give thanks for all in the past who have worked to bring about unity between nations. May we be prepared to carry on their work in whatever way we are able.

Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women Co Presidents [email protected], Elena Timofticiuc [email protected] ,[email protected] http://www.efecw.net/pdf/EFECW_flyer_2009.pdf

Prayer Diary 2010

March 7th Finland Eija Kemppi, Leena Makitalo, Tulli Raamat Riitta Rantila, Jatta Viirto,

This week Women worldwide In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there. Mark 15:41

Pirjo-Liisa Penttinen,

Anne Lagerstedt CC

France NCs Geneviéve Candon Odile Leleu Sophie Deicha Claire-Lise Ott

Carla Maurer Strasbourg Staff of CSC of CEC

March 8th Germany NCs Waltraud Liekefett Elisabeth Bücking

Johanna Friedlein CC

We remember in prayer all women throughout the world who have positions of leadership and influence in their country.

German Protestants and Catholics face their own image crises [From ENI News ]Germany's churches may be facing the biggest credibility crisis in their parishes for decades after a bout of unprecedented negative media coverage. At the end of February, Margot Kässmann, the first woman to lead the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), resigned as bishop and leader of the Protestant church grouping after only four months in office, because of a drink-drive offence. In the same week, a Catholic Bishops' Conference consultation in Freiburg addressed the issue of widespread sexual abuse of children by clergy and lay people that surfaced late in January, and damaged the largest church in the country.

Pray for all preparing for the Assembly at Loccum in August Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women Co Presidents [email protected], Elena Timofticiuc [email protected] ,[email protected] http://www.efecw.net/pdf/EFECW_flyer_2009.pdf

Prayer Diary 2010

March 9th

Greece Angela Sestrini (NC) (Catholic) Georgia Tsoulou-Chardas (Orthodox) Katerina Karkala-Zorba (Orthodox) Ioanna Sahinidou (Evangelical) Josianne Soulou (Catholic) Ersie Antoniadou (Evangelical) Also Vivie Mavroska [youth programme at GA] Fotini-Maria Skyvalaki , Nelly Ferentinos

International Women’s Day We pray for all women in every nation. May service through the love of Jesus provide for those who are in need and strengthen those who seek to provide for the needs of others.

Sylvia Nercessian CC [below]

March 10th Hungary Marta Brebovszkyne Pinter Eniko Ferenczy

We are women, and my plea is ‘let me be a woman, holy through and through, asking for nothing but what God wants to give me, receiving with both hands and with all my heart whatever that is.’ Elisabeth Elliot

Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women Co Presidents [email protected], Elena Timofticiuc [email protected] ,[email protected] http://www.efecw.net/pdf/EFECW_flyer_2009.pdf

Prayer Diary 2010

March 11th Ireland No NCs in Ireland Sheila O'Gorman ,Mary RYAN Gillian Wylie, Liz Parkin Delia O’Connor, Heather Godfrey Liz Hewitt, Ann Scully Pauline Kennedy

We pray, through Jesus Christ, for our members who work in Europe and throughout the world, bringing practical help and spiritual hope to those for whom they care. May they never feel alone in their task, but gain strength from God and those they work with.

Italy NC Greetj van der Veer

Laura Casorio

March 12th Lithuania NCs Renata Bareikiene Kristina Ivanauskiene also Solveiga, Nijole , Zita and Ruta

Let us remember today the young girls in many countries who have had to take on the role of women in the home and the community, because the adults have been lost through illness and war

Latvia No NCs Vija Herefoss Women who have taken part in Forum Projects Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women Co Presidents [email protected], Elena Timofticiuc [email protected] ,[email protected] http://www.efecw.net/pdf/EFECW_flyer_2009.pdf

Prayer Diary 2010 Women who wish to be more involved in the life of their Church

March 13th Macedonia Aneta Jovkovska Marija Girevska

Malta NC Marvi Bondin

Today focus on one woman in the Bible who you find particularly inspiring. Pray that God would enable you to follow her example.

Today the Swiss Forum holds its Annual meeting in Berne preceded by meeting of the Ruth Epting Fund Trustees . May God bless their time together.

March 14th Moldova

This week Diversity and culture When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

NC Asea Railean Tatiana Pinzari Svetlana Stelea

Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women Co Presidents [email protected], Elena Timofticiuc [email protected] ,[email protected] http://www.efecw.net/pdf/EFECW_flyer_2009.pdf

Prayer Diary 2010

March 15th NETHERLANDS NCs Liesbeth WANHILL Pia TIEMERSMA Martina HEINRICHS, Co President Gisela Hoeve, Treasurer Greet DEN DULK-BARENS FC Marie-Louise VAN WIJK Andante Jop HELLEMANS Femmy Jansen

Creator God, thank you for the diversity of nature which blends together in the beauty of creation. May the diversity of people and cultures also combine in equal beauty.

NORWAY NC

Ronnaug Aaberg Andresen Kristin Aasheim Krunenes Bjorg Helene Granum Elsa Johanne Paulsen, Eva Fidjestøl

March 16th POLAND NCs Ewa Kononienko-Pawlas Jadwiga Znadjek Walentina Perzynska

Portugal No NCs We bring to God today those situations where diversity brings fear and intolerance. Raise up leaders who will stand for the rights of all, whatever their race or culture. Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women Co Presidents [email protected], Elena Timofticiuc [email protected] ,[email protected] http://www.efecw.net/pdf/EFECW_flyer_2009.pdf

l women and .

Prayer Diary 2010

March 17th ROMANIA NCs Noemi Soos Andreea Ghetu

St Patrick, Patron of Ireland As we give thanks for the life of St Patrick, we also pray for Ireland, that the peace so hardwon, would continue as the months and years go by.

Sonia Aldea CC Zsuzsi Soos Elena Timofticiuc Co President Judita Vincze Eva Bajenaru E F E C W England Forum Day 2010 Mihaela Rabu Wed March 17th 10.30am- 4 pm Holland House with Elena Timofticiuc HOME FROM HOME? Christian women responding to migration 2010,

March 18th

Today we pray for those who are working to arbitrate between those of different cultures and outlook. May they have the skills, discernment and understanding to bring about resolution.

RUSSIA NCs Marina Shishova Svetlana Chernyaeva Tamara Tatcenco

Pray for Co Presidents and Treasurer meeting in England

March 19th SERBIA New NC is MARIJA PARNICKY Evangelical Methodist Church Julia Vidovic Central Committee of CEC Julia Ghandour Schal Eva Berenji Irenke Beres-Fenyszarosi

Cultural differences should not separate us from each other, but rather cultural diversity brings a collective strength that can benefit all of humanity. Robert Alan, American writer, artist and social activist.

Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women Co Presidents [email protected], Elena Timofticiuc [email protected] ,[email protected] http://www.efecw.net/pdf/EFECW_flyer_2009.pdf

Prayer Diary 2010 Erzebet Boban-Varnus Vijera Suhanek Ludmila Juricova

March 20th SLOVAKIA NC Daniela HORINKOVA Nata HOVORKOVA CC Loving God, forgive me when I feel threatened by diversity instead of enriched. Help me to revel in difference rather than hide behind the familiar.

Svatava Klenovskaü

Anna ADAMOVICOVA

SPAIN Mª del Pilar Yuste Cabello Carmen Beunza Teresa NUIN Teresa RODRIGUES DE LECEA Eva GOMEZ -PINA Maria-José ARANA

March 21st SWEDEN NCs Annika Damirjian Carin Gardbring

This week Commercialisation of children And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. Matthew 18:5

Ragni Lantz Co Pres ’94 to ‘98 Else-Brit LÖFDAHL

March 22nd SWITZERLAND NCs Eva-Maria Fontana-Hübner Ruth Barmet

Let us pray for all parents and carers of young children, that God will give them the strength and discernment to protect them from unwise and unhealthy influences.

Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women Co Presidents [email protected], Elena Timofticiuc [email protected] ,[email protected] http://www.efecw.net/pdf/EFECW_flyer_2009.pdf

Prayer Diary 2010

March 23rd UK/SCOTLAND NCs Constance Robertson Beryl Cowling

Lord Jesus, you used a child as an example of how we should behave to enter your kingdom. Protect our children from those who would threaten all that makes them childlike.

Alison Elliot Shelagh Kesting CC of CEC Margaret Clark Sally Beaumont

March 24th CC meets in Hannover CC=Coordinating Committee Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women

UKRAINE NCs Evelina Hryhor‘yan Svitlana Povtoreva Lusine Gevorgya There is an increasing political and social consensus that something needs to be done to safeguard children from the worst excesses of direct marketing and the pressures of commercialisation. Archbishop Rowan Williams

March 25th Lady Day Luke 1 26-38 CC meets in Hannover

U K/WALES NCs Ali Green Catherine James

We pray for older children and teenagers that peer pressure would be a force for good in rejecting wrong marketing and advertising.

Beth Bailey, Sue Jones Judith Morton, Gillian Pengelly Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women Co Presidents [email protected], Elena Timofticiuc [email protected] ,[email protected] http://www.efecw.net/pdf/EFECW_flyer_2009.pdf

Prayer Diary 2010

March 26th CC meets in Hannover

EUROPE’S MIGRANT CHURCHES Doris Peschke [CCME] Roswitha Goldner in Geneva Rita March Action Fighting all forms of racism and discrimination Take a moment to pray for specific children that you know, that God would shield them from harmful influences and pressures, and that they would be able to enjoy their childhood fully.

March 27th CC meets in Hannover

Sister organisations CEC Conference of European Churches ECG European Contact Group on Urban Industrial Mission ELA European Lay Academies EAALCE Ecumenical Association of Academies & Laity Centres in Europe ENYA Ecumenical Network for Youth Action EPIL European Project for Interreligious Learning ESWTR European Society for women in Theological Research EYCE Ecumenical Youth Council in Europe FLC Fellowship of the Least Coin WDP World Day of Prayer in Europe YWCA Young Women's Christian Association WCC World Council of Churches WUCWO World Union of Catholic Women's Organisations

We pray that God would raise up wholesome and godly role models for children.

Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women Co Presidents [email protected], Elena Timofticiuc [email protected] ,[email protected] http://www.efecw.net/pdf/EFECW_flyer_2009.pdf

Prayer Diary 2010

March 28th CC meets in Hannover

PROJECTS and CC

This week Work and industry Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24

March 29th European Countries with No NCs Dear God, we pray for the work we will undertake today, whether paid employment or not. May we know the satisfaction of completing a job well done.

Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women Co Presidents [email protected], Elena Timofticiuc [email protected] ,[email protected] http://www.efecw.net/pdf/EFECW_flyer_2009.pdf

Prayer Diary 2010

March 30th Links with other parts of the world This year we have already seen on our TV screens catastrophes of earthquakes in Haiti and Chile, of floods and other disasters from extreme weather in many places including France and Madeira. Meanwhile war devastates the lives of many women and children. May our prayers and loving practical concern continue after the pictures have faded away.

We intercede today on behalf of those who are working for unfairly low wages, particularly those in developing countries.

March 31st Links with other Faiths We remember those who are actively looking for employment. May they know your encouragement and be successful in their search.

May the grace of Jesus Christ, the love of God and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all evermore Amen

Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women Co Presidents [email protected], Elena Timofticiuc [email protected] ,[email protected] http://www.efecw.net/pdf/EFECW_flyer_2009.pdf