November 14, 2013
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
Our
thoughts and prayers are with the people of the Philippines as they
struggle to recover from Super Typhoon Haiyan. The loss and destruction
in the Philippines has brought us to our knees in prayer. We
particularly hold in prayer our sisters and brothers in Christ in The
Episcopal Church in the Philippines, especially the Most Rev. Edward Malecdan, Prime Bishop, as they seek ways to reach out and care for all affected by the typhoon.
We
your bishops have committed $2500 out of our emergency relief funds to
help the people of the Philippines through Episcopal Relief and
Development. We commend Episcopal Relief and Development as one way that
our Church can be of assistance to the Philippines at this time. More
information on Episcopal Relief and Development, including service
bulletin inserts, can be found through this link.
We
offer the following prayers for all whose lives have been devastated by
Super Typhoon Haiyan and ask that you, your parishes, and your local
communities reach out to our sisters and brothers in the Philippines in
need at this time.
O
merciful Father, who hast taught us in your holy Word that You do not
willingly afflict or grieve humanity. Look with pity upon the sorrows
of the people of the Philippines for whom our prayers are offered.
Remember them, O Lord, in mercy, nourish their souls with patience,
comfort them with a sense of your goodness, lift up your countenance
upon them, and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP p. 831, modified)
O
Lord our heavenly Father, whose blessed Son came not to be served but
to serve: Bless, we beseech thee, all who, following in his steps, give
themselves to the service of others; that with wisdom, patience, and
courage, they may minister in his name to the suffering, the friendless,
and the needy; for the love of him who laid down his life for us, the
same thy Son our Savior Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee
and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen. (BCP p. 209, modified)
May the peace, hope, and life of Jesus' Resurrection surround the people of the Philippines.
Faithfully,
Ian, Laura and Jim
The Rt. Rev. Ian T. Douglas
The Rt. Rev. Laura J. Ahrens
The Rt. Rev. James E. Curry