Minute for Mission: May Friendship Day

Image

May Friendship Day, a Church Women United initiative, is most often celebrated on the first Friday of May. The observation honors the bonds and shared priorities of Christian women around a theme of shared concern. Continually observed since 1933, May Friendship Day is also the traditional celebration of the Fellowship of the Least Coin (FLC) (presbyterianwomen.org/what_we_do/nurture-faith/fellowship-least-coin), an ecumenical, global peace and prayer movement that was begun after the second world war as a way for women everywhere — regardless of their circumstances — to participate in a unified family of faith, strengthening bonds of friendship while working toward peace through the power of prayer and community. Many FLC worship services are held in September.

The 2026 Church Women United celebrations — including World Day of Prayer, Human Rights Day, World Community Day and May Friendship Day — share the theme “Shelter Me,” inspired by Psalm 24:1 (NIV) (“The Earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”). The focus for May Friendship Day is “Protect,” based on Isaiah 32:16 (NIV), and focuses on home. As disciples of Christ, we are called to confront the urgent crisis facing many of God’s children — a safe place to call home. Together — individually and through our churches — we can offer dignity and hope to our neighbors in need through prayer, compassion, advocacy, and tangible support through trusted ministries and programs. 

For more information about May Friendship Day, visit churchwomenunited.net.

Carissa Herold, Marketing Associate for Presbyterian Women in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff:

Rebecca Cox, Stewardship Officer, Stewardship & Funds Development, Administrative Services Group
Elma Osmanovic, Production Clerk II, Hubbard Press 

Let us pray:

Compassionate One, with humble hearts, we ask for strength, wisdom and unflagging compassion to care for all who have no safe place to call home. Help us as we help our neighbors in need so that all can “abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places” (Isaiah 32:18). Amen.

Minute for Mission: May Friendship Day

May Friendship Day, a Church Women United initiative, is most often celebrated on the first Friday 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 2025 Church Women United celebrations — including World Day of Prayer, Human Rights Day, World Community Day and May Friendship Day — share the theme “God’s Daughters Living Powerful Lives,” based on Proverbs 31:30. The focus for May Friendship Day is “Life is better with friends,” based on Colossians 3:12. As followers of Christ, we are moved by Jesus’ special care of his friends, such as Lazarus and sisters Mary and Martha, and their tender care for Jesus.

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 about May Friendship Day, visit churchwomenunited.net or call 212-870-1030.

Carissa Herold, Marketing Associate for Presbyterian Women in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)         

Let us join in prayer for:

• Christine Long, Church Consultant, Tacoma, WA, Board of Pensions
• Ivy Lopedito, Mission Associate I, Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations, Interim Unified Agency 

Let us pray:

We are called to love and care for your people, dear One, and are grateful for the ones whom we call friends. We pray that we model friendship in ways that are pleasing to you, reflecting your radical love and light to your people. Help us extend your warmth and care so that all feel welcomed into friendship and community. Amen.

Minute for Mission: May Friendship Day

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.)

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.

Minute for Mission: May Friendship Day

May 6, 2022

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 2022 Church Women United celebrations — including World Community Day and May Friendship Day — share the theme “It’s Up to You in 2022.” The focus for May Friendship Day is “A Call to Serve.” In a world that cries out for healing and reconciliation, it’s up to each of us to reflect God’s generous love through prayerful advocacy and compassionate service.

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 678-705-3711.

Carissa Herold, Marketing Associate for Presbyterian Women in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Kerry Rice, Deputy Stated Clerk, Office of the Stated Clerk, Office of the General Assembly
Meg Rift, Associate for Curriculum Development, Presbyterian Publishing Corporation

Let us pray

Loving God, on this day of friendship, help us to live in such a way that reflects your love to your people. We humbly pray that our actions and words bring healing and reconciliation to all, on this day and all days. Amen.

Minute for Mission: May Friendship Day

May 7, 2021

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 2021 Church Women United celebrations — including World Community Day and May Friendship Day — share the theme “Becoming One in 2021.” The focus for May Friendship Day is “Making Room at the Table.” In a world that cries out for healing and reconciliation, the simple and profound act of welcoming all to the banquet heals lives and transforms communities.

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 212-835-1507.

Carissa Herold, Marketing Associate for Presbyterian Women in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Let us join in prayer for: 

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Debra Jones, Administrative Services Group (A Corp)
José jones,   Presbyterian Mission Agency

Let us pray:

Loving and Generous Creator, we are deeply humbled by your extravagant and all-encompassing welcome. Heal our hearts and help us extend ourselves in love and welcome to others, as you have extended yourself to us. Amen.

Minute for Mission: May Friendship Day

May 1, 2020

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 2020 Church Women United celebrations — including World Community Day and May Friendship Day — share the theme “Vision for the Future.” The focus for May Friendship Day is “Vision for the Future: Agree to Differ.” In a world of suffering, the time is now for us to serve as the hands and feet of Christ, no matter our differences. 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 212-835-1507.

Carissa Herold, Marketing Associate for Presbyterian Women in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Let us join in prayer for: 

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff

Debbie Cassady, Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program
Molly Casteel, Office of the General Assembly

Let us pray:

Loving Creator, in a world of suffering and need, we respond to your call for mercy. Guide us as we advocate, nurture, support and serve “for just such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). Amen.