May 3, 2024
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 2024 Church Women United celebrations — including Human Rights Day, World Community Day and May Friendship Day — share the theme “What Does the Lord Require of You?” The focus for May Friendship Day is “Love Mercy.” In a world that cries out for healing and justice, the profound act of extending mercy heals hearts and transforms lives, even over generations.
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 212-870-1030.
Carissa Herold, Marketing Associate for Presbyterian Women in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Daily Readings
Today’s Focus: May Friendship Day
Let us join in prayer for:
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Paul Grier, Vice President, Project Regeneration, Presbyterian Foundation
Laurie Griffith, Associate Director, Constitutional Interpretation, Office of the General Assembly
Let us pray
On this day of friendship, help us, God of all mercy, to put our love into action through kindness and care. Soften our hearts as we humbly and joyfully demonstrate your transformative and merciful love for all. Amen.