Let Us Pray

Sept. 9 2020

O God, our refuge and strength, our help in times of trouble.
Have mercy on the lands damaged by fires.
Have mercy on the lands
where the weather has destroyed livelihoods.
Protect those who evacuate houses,
and strengthen those who rebuild hope
so that entire communities may face the future without fear.
Amen.
Episcopal Relief & Development
 
Dear Hearts,
    When my brother and I left his home in Estacada, Oregon yesterday evening, for the 40 minute drive to the airport, there were evacuation orders for an area some miles to the north, and another larger area several miles to the south.  The sky was a tumult of grey and orange and pitch black.  Although traffic was heavy for awhile, Kevin knows the backroads, and we got to the airport in an hour.  My flight was able to depart almost on time.
This morning the smoke was clearing in Estacada.  During the day, prepare-to-evacuate warnings were issued.  I just received word that those warnings had become a mandatory evacuation order.  Kevin,Tamara and Erik were packed and ready; with places to go for them, their dogs and even their obnoxious Amazon parrot.  As my sister-in-law says, they're among the fortunate who have options; she urged prayers for those who don't.  Episcopal Relief & Development offers the prayer above for all who are contending with wildfires in western California, Oregon, Washington State, and elsewhere..
Our prayers are also asked for ----
All who are ill including,
Margaret S
for Dale and all others contending
with Covid-19 disease, and for all facing financial hardship because of the pandemic.
May they all know the healing power of
Christ's presence and love.

For the repose of Michael N
and the other 190,000 of our fellow citizens,
who have died of the coronavirus.
Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord, and
may light perpetual shine upon them.

Let us offer prayers of thanksgiving for the birthday of
Mardee Moore.
Bless your servant, as she begins another year,
may she continue to grow in wisdom and grace,

 
Please continue to hold in prayer:
Elena P, Judy & Ed S, Frank, Michael M,  Richard, D, Dave K, Brian A, Jim & Annie, John, Joan G., Lois C., Winnie Z, Bernie and family, Susie & Paul, Pam McG, Julie H,  Murray E., Brooke & family, Kate S., Tracy M., Carl,  Michael S, Joanne N-R,  Madeline H, and Kelly G,
Also: Paul D, Susan S, Linda B, June C, Charlie K, Anne C, Mark S, Angela G, Maria, Bob, Olivia, Lois T, and Jo B.
Please also remember:  St. Luke’s School & Church in Martel (Haiti).

To add names and concerns for Wednesday's and Sunday's intercessions, and this "Let Us Pray" letter, please send them to YFNR at [email protected] with any details you care to share.  Names will then move to the "continuing" list for 30 days, and the longer term list upon request. 

Sunday School Families   Be on the lookout for the return of Digital Sunday School for this Sunday, September 13, and the invitation to a Sunday School lesson and picnic Sunday evening September 20, 5:30-7p.m.

Wednesday Evening Prayers will resume next Wednesday, September 16 at 7p.m..

Thursday Bible Study will resume our conversations with, and about, the saga of Jacob and Joseph next Thursday, September 17, at 9:30a.m.

While I was in Oregon, the mostly peaceful political storms in Portland became both smaller in size and also uglier:  the violence from the left and the right resulted in the deaths of two participants.  One afternoon, my brother and I enjoyed lunch outside a favorite brew pub in the neighborhood where some of the protests had been -- a neighborhood where our grandfather built the family's second auto parts warehouse.  I wish I could report something positive from these protests; however creative some of the street theater may have been, all I could see was a major challenge to the city's resilience.  So, a prayer for Portland, and all communities torn by conflict and violence:
O God,  you have bound us together in a common life.
Help us in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth,
to confront one another without hatred or bitterness,
and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
BCP, p. 824
In the faith, hope and love of Christ,
Harrison+
Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector