Pursuant to the previous message on the WDP (World Day of Prayer), please find below a copy of the Samoan service. Interestingly, in a letter received by fax yesterday afternoon (23 Feb) from Samoa, the secretary of the Women's Fellowship, stated that the language of the Canadian service "did not reflect common prayers in Samoa." That "not only the language but the context of the worship had been changed by the Canadian Women's translation." And that the order of Service from Samoa as re-written by the Canadian Women, "does not reflect the original draft of our service." The letter states "we were not aware of the changes done by the women of Canada, nor did we have any directives that these changes be made." The letter concludes "Let us pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to enlighten us, as we participate in the service of WDP this year 2001." Amen.
I hope this sheds more light of this year's World Day of Prayer Service.
Blessings,
David
P.S. The World Day of Prayer Youth Service as published and circulated by the WICC did not undergo the same theological revisions. Many might find it perfectly suitable for use on Friday March 2nd.
INFORMED PRAYER, PRAYERFUL ACTION (Prepared by the WDP Committee of Samoa) ORDER OF SERVICE Invitation from the Women of Samoa The women of Samoa greet you by saying: TALOFA . Let us practice this greeting-which is pronounced 'TA-LO-FA' In Samoan it means "Welcome and Greetings" and is an offering of love and peace Talofa - you offer a handshake to your neighbour. Talofa Lava - your neighbour responds Please greet your neighbours- Talofa-Talofa Lava TALOFA -We welcome you our brothers and sisters all over the world who join together with us in this World Day of Prayer Service. This year the theme is Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action. In the Samoan language the theme is "Tatalo Faatauanau, E Faaalia I Galuega". We welcome you to Samoa, located in the Pacific Ocean. Samoa comprises two main islands and 8 smaller islands. The Samoan weather is pleasantly warm with some rainy seasons. The Samoan islands are blessed with spectacular beauty, historic sites and unique forests, wildlife and plant life, especially our national flower, Teuila, which is also known in English as ginger. The Samoans are amongst the most hospitable and friendly people in the world. They still live in traditional villages and retain many of the customs and traditions of their ancestors from centuries ago. The social and economic life of a Samoan was originally developed by the Christian Churches. Samoa's motto is "Samoa is founded on God". Sunday observation is crucial to Samoa. Everyone goes to Church on Sunday. All government offices and shops are closed on Sunday. According to Samoan legend, the war goddess, Nafanua prophesied that a new religion would come to Samoa. The arrival of John Williams in 1830, the first missionary from the London Missionary Society to Samoa, was understood to be the fulfilment of the prophecy. The Rev. John Williams was accompanied by Samoans who were in Tahiti: Papu and a Samoan couple, Fauea and his wife, Puaseisei. They helped John Williams with his mission. The first prayer offered on Samoan soil was by a woman, Puaseisei. When Malietoa accepted Christianity he proclaimed peace for his country. We believe that Malietoa's acceptance of Christianity was an example of how his informed prayer developed into Prayerful Action and peace for the community. CALL TO WORSHIP LEADER 1: "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which can never be shaken but endures forever" (Psalm 125). ALL: "I rejoiced when they said to me - Let us go to the house of the Lord". (Psalm 122) Leader 1: Praise and Glory be unto our loving God forever. Come let us worship our God who created us. ALL: God our Creator, You are the source of life. Merciful and loving God, You are the strength for those who are weak. You are the founder of all blessing. You are the light through darkness. We call for the inspiration of the Holy Spirit within our beings, so that we may be able to worship you truthfully. Leader 1: Creator of life, hear our prayer. AMEN. HYMN: UA MANAIA MA LELEI LO TATOU ATUNU'U NEI" ["We rejoice in our country" - we are mindful of God's many gifts to our people.] PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING. LEADER 2: Omnipotent and All-Powerful God, we magnify your greatness. We praise your Holy Name. We thank you for the beauty and abundance to be found in all creation. We thank you the natural wonders to be found in Samoa and in each country of the world. We thank you for the heritage that we share by our faith in you, O God. ALL: Sing: IESU MATOU TE FAAFETAI, FAAFETAI, FAAFETAI (We give thanks to Jesus) (music attached) LEADER 2: We thank you for the Word of God that brought us the saving grace of Jesus Christ. We thank you for the men and women who dedicated their lives to bring the Gospel to different parts of the world. ALL: Sing: IESU MATOU TE FAAFETAI, FAAFETAI, FAAFETAI (We give thanks to Jesus) (music attached) LEADER 3: God of inspiration, we thank you for utilizing women in different ways, and for the talents and various gifts you have given to us for the common good of our countries and the world. We thank you for the enabling power of the Holy Spirit who made it possible for us to serve you better. ALL: Sing: IESU MATOU TE FAAFETAI, FAAFETAI, FAAFETAI (We give thanks to Jesus) (music attached) LEADER 3: We give thanks for the contribution of Samoan women to the expansion of the Gospel through various Christian churches. [Invite WDP Committees to add a prayer of thanksgiving for the contribution of women in their own churches and communities.] ALL: Sing: IESU MATOU TE FAAFETAI, FAAFETAI, FAAFETAI (We give thanks to Jesus) (music attached) LEADER 3 O God, we thank you for the courage and vision of those women who strive to establish World Day of Prayer Fellowship of Christian Women in Samoa and in the world. . ALL: Sing: IESU MATOU TE FAAFETAI, FAAFETAI, FAAFETAI (We give thanks to Jesus) (music attached) LEADER 3: We give thanks for the remarkable opportunity for the Ecumenical Women's Fellowship of the Churches of Samoa to lead the World Day of Prayer Service this year. ALL: Sing: IESU MATOU TE FAAFETAI, FAAFETAI, FAAFETAI (We give thanks to Jesus) (music attached) LEADER 3: God of all time, we give thanks for Your wonderful guidance in all places of the world. We thank you for your faithfulness from the beginning of time and through every age and millennium ALL: Sing: IESU MATOU TE FAAFETAI, FAAFETAI, FAAFETAI (We give thanks to Jesus) (music attached) Leader 3: We give you thanks for your wonderful guidance upon the people of Samoa. We know you are faithful. O God. As begin this first year of the new millennium, we place our confidence in You that you will continue to guide the people of Samoa and all the nations of the world. ALL: Sing: IESU MATOU TE FAAFETAI, FAAFETAI, FAAFETAI (We give thanks to Jesus) (music attached) LEADER 3: We give thanks for our Saviour, Jesus Christ who died on the cross and rose from the dead for our redemption. ALL: May Praise and Glory be unto your name forever and ever. AMEN. KAVA CUP CEREMONY ADAPTED FOR WDP 2001 Directions: WDP Committees are invited to adapt according their local circumstance this ceremony of welcome and of being accepted into Samoan Community. A fuller description can be found in the background information. Select Narrator Orator who speaks on behalf of Samoa and the hosting committee Responding Orator speaks for all who gathered for WDP service. Preparation Texts will need to be written by each WDP Committee according to the suggestions made by the Samoan WDP Committee Kava Ceremony Narrator: In Samoan culture, there is no moment more sacred, no moment more full of life than the Kava Ceremony. It is the heart of Samoan culture. It portrays some of the loveliest elements of the Samoan character. The Kava Ceremony is a special reception offered to guests and friends. It is the expression of friendship and the love that the Samoan people want to share with their visitors. When visitors arrive, arrangements are immediately made for a Kava Ceremony. The leading orator (tuua) of the village will notify the chiefs and orators. He asks them to meet at the place of welcome bringing a Kava Root. The Kava Root from which the Kava is prepared is the treasured possession of a Samoan Chief and Orator. This treasured possession will become the material that unites us, one to another in friendship. The coconut is also precious to Samoan culture and it can be substituted for the Kava Root. Samoan women invite us to adapt this ceremony for our local conditions. The ceremony has two orators. One orator speaks on behalf of Samoa and the local host. The other orator responds and speaks on behalf of the community. It is customary in Samoa, to express your support and approval of what is said, by saying in the Samoan language - Malie-Well said. In this adaptation of the Kava Ceremony there are three parts: Preparation and Presentation of the Kava or Coconut or Other Symbol Welcome Speech Response We are now ready for the Kava Ceremony Presentation and Proclamation of the Kava Roots: Host Orator: We present to you the Kava roots [or coconut or other symbol]. They are our proof that you, our guests, have been accepted and received as friends and even more as sisters and brothers. 1. Welcome Speech [Lauga o le Fesilafaige: (Speech itself)] Host Orator: With this symbol the women of Samoa welcome you (include your country's name) in the Name of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. As we come together we are united in our Kava Ceremony. All barriers have been overcome and we are together in oneness. 2.. O Taeao: (A Recall of Historical Events) [The host orator links coming to the WDP service with some incidents of the past taken from your own history. In Samoa the arrival of the early missionaries is always acknowledged, as well as their contribution to the country. Reflect on what events you would recall from your history, nationally, and locally] 3 Faalalolalo ( Apology) [A regret and apology is conveyed in case the ceremony does not measure up to the kind of welcome the guests deserve.] 4 Moomooga Lelei (Prayer) [Now comes a Prayer and an Appeal to Almighty God. The prayer seeks God to bless and grant to all good health and fortune for such occasion. You are encouraged to shape a prayer that is important for your community either nationally or locally.] Narrator: Reflection Through this welcome speech a partnership is being developed. Our Samoan sisters and brothers have greeted and received us whole heartedly into Samoan life. The Samoan Community has opened up themselves to us, their sisters and brothers. They have acknowledged our presence and our contribution. In our reply, first in accepting the Kaca cup and then through the orator, we acknowledge that we have come to know them. We are part of them. We identify with them. In this Kava Ceremony we find great significance for the WDP theme: "Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action". We have become informed. We not only learn about one another, we enter into one another's lives. We come to understand one another. And we have prayed together. We will continue to pray together. Thus we can now draw on God's wisdom and see how we can act together on behalf of the whole community.. The Acceptance of the Kava Cup or Coconut or Other Symbol Narrator: We will now circulate a small cup of Kava or a coconut or other symbol. When you receive the cup lift it up. In your heart, pray for God's blessings to be granted to the community or to an individual. If you would like to symbolize the sacrificial libation, the you may pour out a drop or two of the liquid. As you receive the cup or coconut you are invited to say: "Ia Manuia", "with all our blessings" And the community will respond Ia Soifua (which also means) "with all our blessings" [After the cup, coconut or other symbol has been brought to all the persons who will receive it, the Narrator speaks.] Narrator: With these words we affirm that all the prayers that have been offered are also our prayers, too. In this ceremony we are taking a spiritual food and drink for a prayerful purpose. We remind ourselves that when we pray, we pray as member of a whole body, the body of Christ. Lauga - Tali: (Responding Orator) [The reply made by the visitors will follow a similar pattern: Thanks for the welcome, recalling important historical moments, an apology and prayer. Every effort is made to show their appreciation of the welcome. The Responding Orator reciprocates the thoughts expressed by the hosting Orator. For countries that have a diverse ethnic community, you may want to ask a member of one of the communities to respond.] Hymn: Faafetai I Le Atua Le Na Tatou Tupu Ai (Thank you God our Saviour) Scripture- 1st Reading: Esther 4:1-17 When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went through the city, wailing with a loud and bitter cry; he went up to the entrance of the king's gate, for no one might enter the king's gate clothed with sackcloth. In every province, wherever the king's command and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting and weeping and lamenting, and most of them lay in sackcloth and ashes. When Esther's maids and her eunuchs came and told her, the queen was deeply distressed; she sent garments to clothe Mordecai, so that he might take off his sackcloth; but he would not accept them. Then Esther called for Hathach, one of the king's eunuchs, who had been appointed to attend her, and ordered him to go to Mordecai to learn what was happening and why. Hathach went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king's gate, and Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, and the exact sum of money that Haman had promised to pay into the king's treasuries for the destruction of the Jews. Mordecai also s\gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show it to Esther, explain it to her, and charge her to go to the king and make supplication to him and entreat him for her people. Hathach went and told Esther what Mordecai had said. Then Esther spoke to Hathach and gave him a message for Mordecai, saying, "All the king's servants and the people of the King's provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law- all alike are to be put to death. Only if the king holds out the golden sceptre to someone, may that person live. I myself have not been called to come in to the king for thirty days." When they told Mordecai what Esther had said, Mordecai told them to reply to Esther, "Do not think that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews. For if you keep silence at such a time as this, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another quarter, but you and your father's family will perish. Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this." Then Esther said in reply to Mordecai, "Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will also fast as you do. After that I will go to the king, though it is against the law; and if I perish, I perish." Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him. PRAYER OF CONFESSION LEADER 4 Introduction: Sa is the Samoan word that means sacred. Sa is also the nightly vespers or devotional time of prayer that is taken very seriously in Samoa. As darkness draws near, around 6:15, a village gong sounds or there is a conch call, signifying that the village should prepare for Sa. When the second gong sounds families begin to pray together. Fifteen minutes later a third gong sounds to end Sa. Let us offer our prayer of confession: God of mercy, we confess those times when we lacked faith and self-discipline and did not turn to You in prayer. All: E! Lou Alii, Ua Ou Sese [Lord, forgive us]- [See attached music] LEADER 4: God of mercy, we confess those times when our selfish ways and personal attitudes hindered our progress towards unity and understanding in our families, in our communities and amongst all people worldwide. All: E! Lou Alii, Ua Ou Sese [Lord, forgive us] -[See attached music] LEADER 4: Loving God, we confess those actions that brought hardship and suffering on children whether in our homes, in our communities and in the world. Loving God, forgive us for those times when we would not see and respond to the needs of children every where. All: E! Lou Alii, Ua Ou Sese [Lord, forgive us] -[See attached music] LEADER 4: God of life, forgive us when we would not help ourselves or others to reject anything that is dangerous to our own health and the health of others. All: E! Lou Alii, Ua Ou Sese [Lord, forgive us] -[See attached music] LEADER 4: Lord, forgive us our failure to enhance and promote through the labours of our hands the talent and capabilities that are God's gifts to everyone. All: E! Lou Alii, Ua Ou Sese [Lord, forgive us] -[See attached music] LEADER 4: Forgive the leaders of Churches, leaders of government, and all people of the world for our weaknesses to bear witness for you. ALL: Lord, please hear our prayer, as we offer it through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour AMEN. HYMN- "Agaga paia, Afio Mai" (Come Holy Spirit, Come.) Scripture-- 2nd Reading: Matthew 15:21-28 Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, "Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon." But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, "Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us." He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel." But she came and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, help me." He answered, "It is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs." She said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table." Then Jesus answered her, "Woman great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed instantly. HYMN: AFAI E TE AVATUA I SE USO O IESU SINA MEA ITITI (For offering) MESSAGE: "INFORMED PRAYER, PRAYERFUL ACTION" In Samoan: "Tatalo Faatauanau, E Faaalia I Galuega" HYMN: AMUIA TAGATA UMA UA LAGONA E LATOU O LE TALA I LE OLA. (Blessed are those who hear the good news) PRAYER OF INTERCESSION PUASEISEI: In Samoa, my name is Puaseisei and it is the name of the flower, Gardenia which you stick in your hair or behind your ear and is usually worn by Samoan women. Puaseisei offered the first prayer on Samoan soil. I invite you to join with me as we pray: O God, let the Spirit of the Lord assist us to understand the theme better, INFORMED PRAYER, PRAYERFUL ACTION. May the theme rekindle our hope in order to become messengers of the Gospel through prayers. Let your Spirit inspire us in order that we may spread your Word for your praise. ALL: Ou Te Tagi, Lou Tama E, Ia Te Oe Ia Ou Ola Ai (Loving Father, may your spirit empower us in Informed Prayer.) (music attached). SAVAII My name is Savaii and I am named after the biggest island of the Samoan group. It can be reached by boat and aeroplane. The highest mountain is Mt. Silisili which is found in Savaii. I invite you to join with me as we pray. Prince of Peace, we pray for peace amongst nations, so that we can live in harmony, and unity. Teach us to uphold justice in our decision making. ALL: Ou Te Tagi, Lou Tama E, Ia Te Oe Ia Ou Ola Ai (Loving Father, may your spirit empower us in Informed Prayer.) (music attached). UPOLU My name is Upolu and I am named after the second biggest island in the Samoan group. The seat of government and all government and business related offices are in Upolu. The Samoa capital Apia is in Upolu. I invite you to join with me as we pray: Loving God , reach out your helping hand to those who suffer through hunger and poverty. We pray for those whose lives are affected by deadly diseases that are still without cure. We ask, O God, to help us to provide a healthy environment so that we may enjoy it and live without fear. ALL: Ou Te Tagi, Lou Tama E, Ia Te Oe Ia Ou Ola Ai (Loving Father, may your spirit empower us in Informed Prayer.) (music attached). Manano: My name is Manano. I am named after one of the small in habitant islands. They are well known as good fishermen. There are no vehicles or pets kept on the island. I invite you to join with me as we pray. We call upon you O God, to help us in these times with so many climatic changes that are affecting our well being. Kindly empower us to stop the destruction of our natural resources. ALL: Ou Te Tagi, Lou Tama E, Ia Te Oe Ia Ou Ola Ai (Loving Father, may your spirit empower us in Informed Prayer.) (music attached). APOLIMA My name is Apolima and I am named after the least inhabitant island in Samoa. Here, too, you will find good fishermen. Communication and transportation are very poor - it can only be reached by an outboard motor boat. I invite you to join with me as we pray. O God, we plead for your blessings on the roles of women in society. We pray for all those women whose lives have been affected by violence and war crimes. ALL: Ou Te Tagi, Lou Tama E, Ia Te Oe Ia Ou Ola Ai (Loving Father, may your spirit empower us in Informed Prayer.) (music attached). NU'UTELE: My name is Nu'utele and I am named after one of the uninhabited islands at the eastern end of Upolu. There are many species of sea birds in Nuutele. I invite you to join with me as we pray. O God our Father, we ask that you continue to call upon men and women of Samoa for your missionary work. We also need your blessings on all Theological Institutes for preparing our future ministers for Your work. ALL: Ou Te Tagi, Lou Tama E, Ia Te Oe Ia Ou Ola Ai (Loving Father, may your spirit empower us in Informed Prayer.) (music attached). NUUSAFE'E In Samoa my name is Nuusafe 'e and I am named after one of the special and well known diving sites on the Southern coast of the Upolu island. It is another uninhabited island. I invite you to pray with me. God of mercy, we commit the youth of today to your loving care. We pray that they continue to practice and preserve their cultural values. ALL: Ou Te Tagi, Lou Tama E, Ia Te Oe Ia Ou Ola Ai (Loving Father, may your spirit empower us in Informed Prayer.) (music attached). NU'ULUA: My name is Nuulua and I am named after one of the smaller inhabited islands. I am well know for good sea bird nesting grounds. I invite you to pray with me. God, the leader of our Samoan nation, we ask for the guidance of Your Holy Spirit for Samoa's forthcoming Parliamentary elections. Give us wisdom to elect leaders who honour You truthfully, and are willing to serve others with humbleness. ALL: Ou Te Tagi, Lou Tama E, Ia Te Oe Ia Ou Ola Ai (Loving Father, may your spirit empower us in Informed Prayer.) (music attached). NUULOPA My name is Nuulopa. I am named after the smallest island in the Samoan group. It is an uninhabited island that lies between Manono and Apolima. I invite you to join with me in prayer. We pray O God, for our church leaders worldwide, to work in cooperation for the growth of your kingdom. May the Spirit of our Lord lead them as they proclaim Your Word throughout the world. We pray for your blessings on our Government leaders in their decisions and policy making, for the common good of your people. EVERYONE: THE LORD'S PRAYER which in Samoan language is (Lo Matou Tama E!) Samoan Lord's Prayer: [please note the computer often changes small "i" to upper case] Lo matou Tama e, O i le lagi Ia Paia lou suafa Ia oo mai lou malo Ia faia lou finagalo I le lalolagi E pei ona faia i le lagi. Ia e foai mai ia tei matou i le aso nei a matou mea ai e tatau ma le aso Ia e faamagalo mai ia tei matou ia matou agasala, E pei o i matou foi ona matou faamagalo ina atu O e ua agaleaga mai ia tei matou Aua foi ete taitaina i matou i faaosoosoga Ae ia e laveai i matou mai le leaga Aua e ou le malo ma le mana Atoa ma le Viiga e faavavau, faavavau lava. Amene. Our Father in heaven, hallowed by your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen. HYMN: "Lo ta Nu'u Ua ou Fanau Ai" (Our country is our Heritage) BENEDICTION May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Love of God and the Communion of the Holy Spirit be with us now and forever more. AMEN.