by the Rev. Christopher Potter, Vicar
I’ve been asked in the last weeks what we can do to assist the people of Ukraine considering the unwarranted attack on their homeland. Some have sent cash through ERD (Episcopal Relief and Development), some are sending supplies and food, while others are devising clever ways to get money directly into the hands of people in Ukraine (by booking a room through AirBnB with no intent of showing up). All of these have real and quick impacts in the lives of the people being attacked. If you are looking for a means to give, you may even put a check to St. John’s in the alms basin this weekend with the word, “Ukraine” in the memo line. Cindy will write one check from all checks received and send it to ERD for direct care to Ukraine.
There is another way for us to show our concern for the lives of our siblings in Ukraine. We can stand with them and profess our concern and commitment to do whatever we can to live as peacemakers. Tonight (Saturday) at 6:30 p.m., many members of a wide swath of faith-communities are getting together to raise our voices for peace and for solidarity. At Temple Beth El (2A Liberty, Aliso Viejo) I will be lending my voice to the cause for peace in Ukraine alongside other people connected (or not) with the Interfaith Council of Greater Rancho Santa Margarita. St. John’s is ably represented in the ICGRSM by Dot Leach, and we have historically loaned our space and prayers with our siblings in annual recognition of the death of people in the OC who have no home.
Will you be present for this? Can you increase the volume of voices from St. John’s speaking words of peace? Will you stand with those who are being forced out of their homes and being separated from their brothers, sons, and fathers? Will you lend your voice to the global outcry against the brutality and terror of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine?
God of peace and justice, we pray for all caught up
in conflicts not of their making.
We pray for those separated from those they love,
anxious for the safety of others more than themselves.
We pray for those in the simple human needs that are overwhelmed in our crisis –
for those in sickness, hunger, or without shelter.
And we pray for those who have died and for those who mourn.
~ The Rev. Cortez-Masyuk from a bomb shelter in Kyiv last week
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We’ll see you at St. John’s this weekend:
• Saturday worship at 5 p.m. in the Chapel
• Sunday worship at 8 a.m. (in-person only)
• Sunday worship at 10 a.m. (in-person and ZOOM)
• Godly Play and Nursery at 10 a.m.
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Daylight Saving Time begins this weekend. Remember to set your clocks forward one hour when you retire Saturday night.
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The Worship Bulletin for Sunday, March 13, 2022
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ZOOM Worship Link – Sunday, 10 a.m.
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Supporting humanitarian response to the crisis in Ukraine
[Episcopal Relief & Development – February 28, 2022] Episcopal Relief & Development is mobilizing with Anglican agencies and other partners in order to provide humanitarian assistance to people fleeing the violence in Ukraine.
Working through the Action by Churches Together Alliance (ACT Alliance), Episcopal Relief & Development will provide cash, blankets, hygiene supplies and other needed assistance.
“Ecumenical and orthodox faith networks are on the ground in the border areas of Poland and Hungary,” said Abagail Nelson, executive vice president, Episcopal Relief & Development. “We will continue to coordinate with these networks, in order to meet the needs of people who have been displaced.”
Please pray for all those affected.
If you would like to support this humanitarian effort, you may 1) write a check to St. John’s, memo note “Ukraine”, and send via mail or drop your check in the offering plate; or 2) donate through the church PayPal link on our website home page, and notate “Ukraine”. St. John’s will forward donations to ERD. Thank you.