For 75 years, Episcopal Relief & Development’s diverse, faithful community has responded compassionately to the suffering in our world. With your partnership, we have grown from our founding in 1940 as a granting agency into a respected international development organization. We strengthen local churches and empower communities to fight poverty, hunger and disease with sustainable, locally-driven solutions. Together, we reach more than 3 million people annually in almost 40 countries.
The Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida celebrates Episcopal Relief and Development Sunday on the First Sunday of Lent.
A Collect for the 75th Anniversary of Episcopal Relief & Development
Loving and merciful God, you bestow your grace on all of your children: Remember our sisters and brothers throughout the world who, in partnership with Episcopal Relief & Development, strengthen communities, empower the poor, nourish the hungry, restore the sick and uplift those affected by disaster; and uphold Episcopal Relief & Development for the next seventy-five years, so that your Kingdom might be known to all people; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Prayers of the People
The following can be added to “The Prayers of the People” in services that have a focus on your congregation’s efforts to make lasting changes in the world. They can be cut and pasted into service bulletins or simply read aloud by the reader. Each matches the forms of “The Prayers of the People” found in the Book of Common Prayer, pages 383–393.
Form I
For our work in the world through Episcopal Relief & Development, that we might partner with others to strengthen communities, empower the poor, nourish the hungry, restore the sick and renew victims of disaster. Lord, have mercy.
Form II
I ask your prayers for our sisters and brothers throughout the world whom we support through the assistance of Episcopal Relief & Development. Pray that all people will be nourished, empowered and restored.
Form III
Guide us to join with Episcopal Relief & Development to build sustainable partnerships that empower the poor, nourish the hungry, restore the sick and renew victims of wars and disasters. Keep us ever mindful of the needs of others.
Form IV
Be with the poor, the hungry and victims of disaster, and help us to partner with them in meaningful and life giving ways that they will be empowered, nourished and renewed.
Silence
Lord, in your mercy
Hear our prayer.
Form V
For all of our partners at home and abroad who we join through the work of Episcopal Relief & Development; that they may discern the assets they need within the abundance of your creation to empower those they serve.
Form VI
For our sisters and brothers around the world whom we partner with through the work of Episcopal Relief & Development; May they be nourished, strengthened and renewed.
Other resources for worship and raising awareness can be found at: http://www.episcopalrelief.org/church-in-action/worship-resources