Episcopal Relief & Development 75th Anniversary Lenten Meditations Available in English and Spanish
January 12, 2015
The 75th Anniversary edition of Episcopal Relief & Development’s Lenten Meditations is now available in English and Spanish for the 2015 Lenten season.
This year’s meditations, authored by a diverse group of Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion leaders, center on the five “I Believe” statements at the core of Episcopal Relief & Development’s 75th Anniversary efforts:
- I believe that everyone should have access to clean water.
- I believe that no one should go hungry.
- I believe that all children and families deserve a healthy start in life.
- I believe that no one should live in poverty.
- I believe that together we can heal a hurting world.
“These five ‘I Believe’ statements encompass our commitment to those living in poverty and without the basics for life” said Sean McConnell, Director of Engagement. “For the past 75 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has worked with partners to counter scarcity and imbalance, first through urgent relief to refugees and now through long-term development programs as well. Lent is a time to reflect on Jesus’ call in Matthew 25 to care for those in need, and to redouble our efforts to live compassionately and uphold the dignity of every human being.”
Commemorating 75 years of working together to heal a hurting world, congregations across The Episcopal Church will join hands in mission on February 22, the first Sunday in Lent, for Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday. On this day, Episcopalians are invited to pray for those living in poverty and dedicate a special offering for where help is most needed, through the 75th Anniversary Fund.
A special bulletin insert is available in English and Spanish for congregations participating in Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday.
“I am deeply grateful for the many individuals and congregations who keep Episcopal Relief & Development and its partners in their prayers throughout the year,” said Rob Radtke, the organization’s President. “This 75th Anniversary year is a special opportunity for Episcopalians to focus their Lenten spiritual practices on efforts to alleviate poverty, hunger and disease, through the daily meditations and on Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday.”
The 2015 Lenten Meditations booklets can be ordered in English and Spanish from Episcopal Marketplace, or downloaded in PDF format from Episcopal Relief & Development’s website at episcopalrelief.org/Lent. Individuals wishing to receive daily email meditations may sign up online.
Printed Lenten Meditations booklets and other resources should be ordered from Episcopal Marketplace by February 4 for delivery by Ash Wednesday, February 18. Orders may be placed online or by calling 1.866.937.2772.
Lent was officially designated at the 2009 General Convention as a time to encourage dioceses, congregations and individuals to remember and support the life-saving work of Episcopal Relief & Development. Although the first Sunday in Lent is the official day, congregations may observe Episcopal Relief & Development on any Sunday during the Lenten season.
“Christians take time during this season of reflection to consider how their lives mirror Jesus’ teachings of compassion, justice and sacrificial giving,” McConnell said. “Episcopal Relief & Development helps Episcopalians live out these values by connecting them to global needs and creating opportunities for deeper engagement on issues that impact us all. We are grateful and proud to work together toward a thriving future for communities worldwide.”
Episcopal Relief & Development works with more than 3 million people in nearly 40 countries worldwide to overcome poverty, hunger and disease through multi-sector programs that utilize local resources and expertise. An independent 501(c)(3) organization, Episcopal Relief & Development works closely with Anglican Communion and ecumenical partners to help communities rebuild after disasters and develop long-term strategies to create a thriving future. In 2014-15, the organization joins Episcopalians and friends in celebrating 75 Years of Healing a Hurting World.
