Presiding Bishop Michael Curry Invites Church-Wide Observance of Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday, February 14

Episcopal Relief & Development Press ReleaseJanuary 21, 2016

The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church, invites all Episcopalians to join in observing Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday on February 14, the first Sunday in Lent.

“I urge all congregations to devote the first Sunday in Lent to reflecting on the life-giving work of Episcopal Relief & Development and giving meaningfully to support this vital ministry,” Presiding Bishop Curry said. “As the season of Lent calls us to re-examine our priorities, let’s unite in truly seeking and serving Christ in all persons, through the important work of Episcopal Relief & Development.”

Lent was designated by the 2009 General Convention of The Episcopal Church as a time for remembering Episcopal Relief & Development’s work to heal a hurting world. Although the first Sunday in Lent is the official day of observance, congregations may hold a special service on any Sunday.

Episcopal Relief & Development offers an online toolkit of worship resources for congregations and groups wishing to participate in the commemoration, including:

  • Lenten Meditations booklets in English and Spanish
  • Bulletin inserts in English and Spanish
  • Prayers in English and Spanish
  • Checklist for organizers
  • List of resources to order from Episcopal Marketplace

The Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday online toolkit is available at episcopalrelief.org/Sunday.

“Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday is a special opportunity to bring prayerful support of our work and that of our partners into your worship,” said Sean McConnell, Episcopal Relief & Development’s Senior Director of Engagement. “In addition to using our Lenten Meditations during this season, you and your congregation can also connect more deeply with the Church’s work worldwide by holding these vital ministries in your prayers throughout the year with Walk in Love.”

Now in its second year, Episcopal Relief & Development’s Walk in Love prayer guide follows the Anglican Cycle of Prayer in lifting up each diocese of the Anglican Communion over the course of 12 months. Congregations and individuals wishing to receive weekly emails may sign up online at episcopalrelief.org/WalkInLove.

Digital resources for Lent and Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday can be downloaded from episcopalrelief.org/Lent. Printed Lenten Meditations booklets in English and Spanish, as well as hope chests, offering envelopes, prayer cards and other materials, may be ordered from Episcopal Marketplace online or by calling 1.866.937.2772. Orders should be placed by February 1 for delivery to most locations by Ash Wednesday, though expedited shipping is available.

For over 75 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has served as a compassionate response to human suffering in the world. The agency works with more than 3 million people in nearly 40 countries worldwide to overcome poverty, hunger and disease through multi-sector programs, using the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a framework. An independent 501(c)(3) organization, it works closely with Anglican Communion and ecumenical partners to help communities create long-term development strategies and rebuild after disasters.