-
Bring the centenary of the Annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity to the attention of your pastor no later than September 2007.
-
With this encouragement, form – or be a part of a committee that is representative of all the Christian communities that will plan an observance.
-
Establish a calendar of regular meetings. Identify persons responsible for meeting notes and keep all pastors informed of progress.
-
Contact your country's Week of Prayer office for specially prepared resource materials.
In the U.S.: Graymoor Ecumenical Interreligious Institute, Graymoor, PO Box 300, Garrison, NY 10524, (www.geii.org)
In Canada: Commission on Faith and Witness of the Canadian Council of Churches (www.ccc-cce.ca) (Materials available in both English & French)
In Italy: Centro Pro Unione (www.prounione.urbe.it/home_it.html) Via S. Maria dell'Anima, 30, I-00186 ROME, ITALY.
-
Use the resource materials to craft a service that is appropriate and memorable. Don't overlook the gifts and talents of members of participating congregations – e.g. musicians, dancers, singers, artists, etc.
-
Identify a prominent preacher for the principal service and ascertain his/her availability. Discuss and come to agreement about the preacher's stipend as well as any other items – e.g. overnight accommodations, transportation.
-
Invite participants to bring non-perishable food items that can be given to a local food bank or soup kitchen or used clothing to donate to a homeless shelter.
-
Arrange for fellowship and refreshments following the service.
-
Plan to follow the service with a meeting at which the committee evaluates the experience.
-
Consider what the next steps might be to build on what was achieved.
