Monday, Feb 20, 2023

world mission sunday

Susan Lassen

As we all witness the unimaginable horror of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria our hearts are broken. Is it a coincidence that this Sunday February 19th - the last Sunday in Epiphany - is designated Global Mission Sunday by the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.

This is a day when the church comes together to focus on the global impact of our call to “seek and serve Christ in all persons” (Baptismal Covenant, Book of Common Prayer, p. 305).

In New Hampshire, Bishop Rob asks every congregation to join him in prayer for our global partners in Angola and in the wider Anglican Communion incorporating a prayer from Angola

You asked for my hands

that you might use them for your purpose.

I gave them for a moment, then withdrew them

for the work was hard.

You asked for my mouth

to speak out against injustice.

I gave you a whisper that I might not be accused.

You asked for my eyes

to see the pain of poverty.

I closed them for I did not want to see.

You asked for my life

that you might work through me.

I gave a small part that I might not get too involved.

Lord, forgive my calculated efforts to serve you

only when it is convenient for me to do so,

only in those places where it is safe to do so,

and only with those who make it easy to do so.

Lord, forgive me (us), renew me (us),

send me (us) out as a usable instrument

that I (we) might take seriously the meaning of your cross. Amen.

―Joe Seremane

I was very fortunate to be able to travel with bishop Rob to Angola in December 2019. Our Diocese has been working with the Mother’s Union in a small parish in Southern Angola since 2006.