Dear Truro family,
Lent has traditionally been a season when we are invited to fast, pray, repent, and give generously (almsgiving). Current events invite us into those practices right now in unique ways.
First, we invite you to give.
We would like to invite you to give, and to give generously, to the Anglican Relief and Development Fund. The ARDF is our denominational branch that works with partners locally and abroad in times of crisis, and they are currently accepting donations for work in Ukraine.
A very generous family in our church has provided a matching grant of up to $100,000 to kickstart the ARDF’s relief work in Ukraine on behalf of Truro Anglican church. We ask that you consider giving generously toward that match, for the good of those suffering and the glory of God. You can give directly to that work here.
Second, we invite you to pray.
Below is a collect from our Book of Common Prayer (collect 28, pg. 654) and a Collect for Ukraine written by one of our church members that may help you pray:
28. For the peace of the world
Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: Kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all people the true love of peace, and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Collect for Ukraine
Lord, we recall how you saved your people throughout history, delivering the Israelites from the great empires of their day. You brought our ancestors to this land to live as free people and, by your grace, they built a more free and peaceful world. You are the sword and shield of free people, the strength of all who fight for a just cause.
We ask you today to stand with Ukraine in its own struggle for freedom. Give strength to its soldiers, safety to its people, and wisdom to its leaders. Help them preserve their country and achieve a just peace. Strengthen their faith in this, their darkest hour, and let them give glory to you for their successes. We ask this in your holy name. Amen.
In Christ,
Your Truro Clergy