Some of the only non-virtual events for this year’s World Day of Prayer are being held on the island.

Celebrated in more than 170 countries, World Day of Prayer is an international, inter-church organisation which enables people to hear the thoughts of women from all parts of the world.

A committee is based in New York and there are national committees in each participating country. Regional conferences meet to consider the service and then local groups make their plans.

Women of the Republic of Vanuatu (in the South Pacific Ocean) have prepared this year’s service. The area is vulnerable to tropical storms, earthquakes, cyclones, tsunamis and active volcanoes.

Taking place on Friday March 5, there will be events in the following island locations:

Castletown Methodist church, Arbory Street, Castletown at 11am - coffee and cake from 10am.

Ebenezer Hall, Kirk Michael at 2pm.

Trinity Methodist Church, Douglas at 7.30pm.

St Olave’s Anglican Church, Ramsey at 7.30pm.