May 5, 2024
Photo courtesy of Alethia Oatman
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.)
Revised Common Lectionary Readings for Sunday, May 5, 2024, the Sixth Sunday of Easter (Year B)
Today’s Focus: National Day of Awareness & Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People
Let us join in prayer for:
PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Rob Hagan, Ministry Relations Officer, Presbyterian Foundation
Patricia Haines, Executive Vice President, & Chief Benefits Officer, Board of Pensions
Let us pray
Creator From All Directions, we pray for strength and confidence for Indigenous women who feel invisible but need to know they are strong warriors, for your powerful hand to assist men when they feel helpless to protect and comfort families, and for all Indigenous people as they strive to teach the young people how to protect and prevent harm to their future communities. Help us to give them a voice and support them through our actions in areas where they need it the most. In your most holy name, we pray. Amen.