Greetings! Happy May!
Now that it’s just past May 1st, did you and your congregation remember to let Covenant 5 know which resolution from General Convention you’d like to address locally? No? Well, there’s still time. And, if you’re unsure about just how to work with the resolutions, join us at Ministry Fair this Saturday, May 3rd from 9 – 4:15 at St Paul’s, Lansing. Walk-ins are welcome!! The Nuts and Bolts Blog people will be doing a workshop all about working with the resolutions to make them relevant to our call to mission. Join us!
Back to the Covenant 5 deadline…I’m quite sure that if you contact them and let them know that you are still working in your congregation to determine the most appropriate plan, they will be delighted! Here’s the link again so that you have all the information that you need – http://www.covenant5.org/Cov_5_Dioc_Church.php#GC_Resolution_Texts
Here’s an update on an issue we’ve reported on before in the blog. It is wonderful to see how local congregations have found ways to support the efforts in South Sudan. Perhaps, some in our Household would like to initiate similar outreach efforts. The need is very great as violence continues in this young country. This article comes from the most recent issue of the “House of Deputies Newsletter:”
Episcopalians Raise Awareness for South Sudan
“We can pray, we can bear witness, we can give.”
Earlier this week, Episcopal News Service reported on work across the Episcopal Church to raise awareness about the plight of people in South Sudan, where civil conflict between the South Sudanese army and rebel troops loyal to former deputy president Riek Machar has killed thousands and displaced more than a million people since late last year.
The 2012 General Convention reaffirmed advocacy for peace in South Sudan with Resolution A019.
Deputy Bonnie Perry of the Diocese of Chicago is among those who have longstanding relationships in South Sudan. She spoke Sunday at a vigil at St. James Cathedral, which was attended by Bishop Joseph Garang Atem of the Diocese of Renk, South Sudan.
“This vigil comes out of relationships with our friends in Sudan,” she told Episcopal News Service. “When people we know and love are in danger, we can do three things: we can pray, we can bear witness, and we can give them our financial resources. Right now, the church in Renk is overwhelmed by the needs of internally displaced people and returning refugees. They need all three kinds of help from us.”
Learn more about the Episcopal Church’s work in South Sudan from the American Friends of the Episcopal Church of Sudan (AFRECS) and give to Episcopal Relief & Development’s South Sudan Fund.
Find our more about the current conflict in South Sudan from the New York Times
Here’s the link to the full article from the Episcopal New Service which goes into more detail – http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2014/04/28/global-network-aims-to-raise-awareness-stop-the-genocide-in-south-sudan/
On May 1st, the Episcopal News Service continued the story reporting that a “high level ecumenical delegation” will arrive in South Sudan on May 2nd to meet with church leaders and government officials urging peace and reconciliation as the country faces an imminent threat of hunger and malnutrition among its people. Here is the link to the article from the ENS – http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2014/05/01/ecumenical-delegation-to-visit-south-sudan-amidst-conflict/
These are our brothers and sisters in South Sudan. Perhaps we can’t be there to help out in person but we can spread the news and share in times of prayer and support:
Lord Jesus, you said to us,
“I leave you peace. My peace I give you.”
Look upon our sisters and brothers in Sudan, and grace them with your peace.
Send your Spirit to guide them continually.
Give them the wisdom they need to forge a future where all will know your true peace.
You call all of us out of slavery, oppression, and persecution so that we may have life in abundance.
Grant us peace with one another. Give peace among ethnic groups.
Give to their leaders your wisdom to put an end to all hostilities.
Bring relief to all those suffering from lack of food and water and raise up eager workers to bring the necessary provisions that might bring an end to the famine of so many.
Help us to work together for the good of all that we might be your hands your eyes and your voice in this place.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
~ Judith Schellhammer, chair, Resolution Review Committee, Diocesan Council
Thanks, Judith, for making this so easy for everyone!