Local CWU Chapter Joins Others For World Day Of Prayer Service

By Shannon Hicks

With a message of challenge and encouragement, the Reverend E. Sue Klein addressed those who attended last week’s World Day of Prayer service at Newtown United Methodist Church.

Rev Klein was the guest speaker for Church Women United’s annual March event, a service that was celebrated simultaneously around the world on Friday, March 5. The Newtown event was presented by Church Women United/Newtown-Bethel.

“We live in a world where it’s easy to recognize that life is not fair,” Ms Klein said. “One way to make anyone’s life better is to give to others.”

Ms Klein has been playing organ for seven years at Garner Correctional Institute. She said she loves making music for the prison’s inmates. A deacon at NUMC, she has been the musician for many CWU/Newtown-Bethel events and provides much of the music for NUMC Sunday services.

“They seem to know what true freedom is: it’s in the heart,” Ms Klein said. “They know also that they can only live in the moment.”

Ms Klein’s remarks were part of a service that had been prepared by the World Day of Prayer Committee of Panama. This year’s World Day of Prayer theme was “In Faith, Women Shape the Future.” Through prayers — of thanksgiving, for forgiveness, and for discipleship — hymns and readings, attendees learned from presenters a small part of Panama’s history, the role of women in world history, and prayed for a strong future for all.

The Reverend Terry W. Pfeiffer, pastor of Newtown United Methodist Church, opened Friday’s service by welcoming those in attendance. As its name implies, Church Women United presents programs that are open to people of all faiths. (What’s misleading about the name sometimes is that its programs are also open to men as well as women.)

“Church Women United is committed to building a life better for the communities in which you live and serve, and we welcome all of you,” said Rev Pfeiffer.

After leading a prayer Rev Pfeiffer turned the floor over to CWU/Newtown-Bethel co-president Darlene Jackson. Mrs Jackson offered background information about CWU and then offered notes about the service.

The Reverend Janice Touloukian, associate minister of Newtown Congregational Church, led an opening prayer.

Before introducing the Rev E. Sue Klein, second CWU/Newtown-Bethel co-president Jeane Roberts first recognized Margaret Warner, who was attending the service. Mrs Warner was the first Key Woman for Trinity Episcopal Church when the Newtown chapter was formed in 1958.

Mrs Roberts then introduced Rev Sue Klein who is also a longtime CWU/Newtown-Bethel member. Ms Klein joined CWU before she was ordained.

Participants on Friday included Barbara Chamberlain who will be the guest organist, along with CWU-Newtown/Bethel members Peg Forbell, Barbara Gates, Norma Gray, Mrs Jackson, Linda Manganaro, Mrs Roberts, Doris Schoonmaker, and Pat Stroud.

The service was followed by light refreshments and fellowship in a meeting room at the Methodist church.