May 7, 2021
May Friendship Day, a Church Women United initiative, is most often celebrated on the first Friday of the month of May around a theme of shared concern for Christian women and their communities. The predecessor to May Friendship Day, May Fellowship Day, began in 1933 after two Christian women’s groups planned gatherings based on similar concerns: child health and children of migrant families. These groups united and over the years eventually became what we now know as Church Women United. The May celebration has been continually observed since 1933; in 1999, Church Women United changed the name from May Fellowship Day to May Friendship Day.
The 2021 Church Women United celebrations — including World Community Day and May Friendship Day — share the theme “Becoming One in 2021.” The focus for May Friendship Day is “Making Room at the Table.” In a world that cries out for healing and reconciliation, the simple and profound act of welcoming all to the banquet heals lives and transforms communities.
Christian women’s groups from many denominations (including Presbyterian Women, which encourages participation in and support of Church Women United) will participate in May Friendship Day throughout the United States during the first days of May. For more information, visit churchwomenunited.net or call 212-835-1507.
Carissa Herold, Marketing Associate for Presbyterian Women in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Daily Readings
Morning Psalms 96; 148
First Reading Deuteronomy 31:30-32:14
Second Reading Romans 14:13-23
Gospel Reading Luke 8:40-56
Evening Psalms 49; 138
Today’s Focus: May Friendship Day
Let us join in prayer for:
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Debra Jones, Administrative Services Group (A Corp)
José jones, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Let us pray:
Loving and Generous Creator, we are deeply humbled by your extravagant and all-encompassing welcome. Heal our hearts and help us extend ourselves in love and welcome to others, as you have extended yourself to us. Amen.
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