Dear Brothers and Sisters,
ALLELUIA! YES! A reminder that Easter joy is still with us! Keep those Alleluias coming!
Alas, not everything in the world around us sings Alleluia. There are many concerns that weigh heavily, not least the state of our country. A friend posted this wonderful prayer for our nation from our Prayerbook. I’ve updated the language, but if you prefer the original, you can find it on page 820. I am inviting you to join all of us in using this prayer at least once a day, better yet, in the morning and in the evening. We all have responsibilities for helping to make our country strong and just, but what those might be can be guided by God. So, let’s all begin with prayer.
A Prayer for our Country
Almighty God, you have given us this good land for our
heritage: We humbly pray that we may always be a people
mindful of your favor and glad to do your will.
Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and
pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion;
from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way.
Defend our liberties, and fashion into one united people the multitudes
brought here from many kindreds and tongues.
Fill with the spirit of wisdom those to whom we entrust
the authority of government in your Name, that there may be justice
and peace at home, and that, through obedience to your law, we
may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth.
In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness,
and in the day of trouble, do not let our trust in you fail;
all this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
And now for some exciting news! Recently, a small Hispanic Seventh Day Adventist congregation had to leave the building where they have been meeting for some time, because the landlord plans to convert it to apartments. They hoped that we might be able to rent space to them. Since they are Adventists, their worship is on Saturday, followed by (of course!) their version of our coffee hour, which is lunch. Our Vestry and their Board have agreed that we would try it for 90 days. The Diocese has given its blessing and will be meeting with me to lay out requirements. Obviously, among other things, they must have their own insurance, and
complete our Safe Church clearances and training.
Of course, we will have to make a few adjustments, as will they. But it is an exciting step for St. Margaret’s and will open a door for us to a part of our community which is growing. In addition, it is a wonderful embodiment of our mission statement: “The St. Margaret’s Church family welcomes all people, reaches out to the community, and grows as we share our life in Christ.”
Their first day with us will be Saturday, May 3. In general, they will be with us on Saturdays from 9:00-3:00. And we’ve already worked out ways that they can worship downstairs when we need the church on Saturdays. Or have their gathering meal in another place if we need the downstairs.
Prayers for our new brothers and sisters from Luz de Esperanza (Light of Hope).
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COMING UP!
- May 3, 10:00 Training for LEMs/LEVs at St. Margaret’s
- May 5, 7:00 p.m. Monday Book Study: Bp. Mariann Budde’s How We Learn to Be Brave
- May 18, 10:30 Street Medicine Presentation (at coffee hour)
- **Wednesdays, noonday prayer via zoom at 12:00