General News
2 March, 2026
World Day of Prayer to unite Stawell churches
STAWELL churches will come together this week for the annual World Day of Prayer service, with this year’s global focus turning to women in Nigeria. The service will be held at St Peter’s Lutheran Church, 25 Scallan Street (opposite Woolworths), at 2pm on Friday, March 6.
Local organiser Lorraine Simpkin said the event rotates between denominations each year as part of an inter-church fellowship.
“Each year it goes around to different churches,” she said.
“Last year it was held at St Pat’s, the year before at Uniting — we all have to take a turn of hosting it. So it’s our turn this year.”
World Day of Prayer is observed in more than 170 countries and islands worldwide, with a shared theme prepared annually by women from a different nation. This year’s service has been written by women in Nigeria and carries the theme: “I will give you rest: Come.”
Mrs Simpkin said the Stawell service would include information about Nigeria and the stories behind this year’s theme, with much of the content presented visually.
“We’ve got little books sent to us, and most of the service will be on an overhead,” she said. “Each person will probably be given a little booklet.”
The program will also feature a guest speaker who has recently returned from Nigeria.
“We’ve got a guest speaker coming who’s just come back from Nigeria, so that should be interesting,” Mrs Simpkin said.
While the focus is international, Mrs Simpkin said the event also strengthens local church connections.
“We have a thing called an inter-church fellowship,” she said.
“Two members from each church meet regularly, always working together on different things.”
Mrs Simpkin, who has been part of the St Peter’s congregation for more than four decades, said the church has been part of Stawell for about a century.
“We’ve been there for about 100 years or so,” she said.
She said all members of the community were welcome to attend, regardless of faith background.
“Women and men are all welcome,” she said.
Refreshments will be served in the church’s Sunday School House following the service.
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