From: St. Georges DC
<revjenkins@stgeorgesdc.org>
Sent: Tuesday, January 5, 2021 2:54 PM
Subject: The Rev Jenkins - Pastoral Letter
Mayor Bowser and Bishop Budde's
request
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St. George's Episcopal Church
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Dear
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I hope
that you enjoyed Christmas and that the beginning of this New
Year is treating you well. I am excited about beginning a new
year with St. George's as we continue our mission on the corner
of 2nd and U. As we enter this new year as citizens and residents
of DC, there are a few things that are taking place this week for
which Mayor Bowser has requested our help in keeping safe.
Mayor
Muriel Bowser has requested that residents avoid the downtown
area this week for two known protests that will take place; Tuesday's US Senate runoff
elections in Georgia,
and Wednesday's congressional meeting
to certify President-elect Joe Biden's victory over President Donald Trump.
"Speaking
during a news conference on Monday, Bowser asked protesters to
refrain from violence, regardless of their political views, and
again urged residents to avoid the downtown area this week, as
well as "people who are coming here to look for
confrontations." (CNN news report)
Bishop
Budde has also requested that we abide by the Mayor's wishes to
keep our city as safe as possible. Bishop Budde writes to us,
"As
protesters gather in our city today and tomorrow, we are united
in our prayers and concern. We pray especially for those of you
who serve congregations downtown and in the path of protests.
Like you, I am keeping vigilant and praying for peace. Mayor
Muriel Bowser is emphatic in her directive, for the safety of
all, that Washington, DC residents stay away from the protests if
at all possible, and that we not engage with those who might be
prone to violence. Peaceful protest is everyone’s right in this
country, one that we respect and honor. But there are concerns
that some coming to Washington present a threat to public
safety. Please abide by the Mayor’s guidance."
Let us,
St. George's, join our Bishop and others in prayer.
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Prayer For
Peace
Almighty
God, kindle, we beseech thee, in every heart the true love of
peace, and guide with thy wisdom those who take counsel for the
nations of the earth, that in tranquillity thy dominion may
increase till the earth is filled with the
knowledge
of thy love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and
reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now
and for ever. Amen.
Prayer For our Country
Almighty
God, who hast given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly
beseech thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful
of thy favor and glad to do thy will.
Bless our
land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners.
Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and
arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and
fashion into one united people the multitudes brought hither out
of many kindreds and tongues. Endue with the spirit of wisdom
those to whom in thy Name we entrust the authority of government,
that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through
obedience to thy law, we may show forth thy praise among the
nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts
with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our
trust in thee to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
Together: Let us ask God to guide us, Jesus to abide in us,
and the Holy Spirit to strengthen us. "God of Grace and God
of Glory...grant us
wisdom, grant us courage for the facing of this hour." (Hymn 594 - The Hymnal 1982)
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Yours in
Christ,
The Rev.
Marilyn Jenkins
Priest-In-Charge
St.
Georges DC
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Peace I
leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give you what
the world gives you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do
not let them be afraid. John
14:27
Wishing
you the peace of God during this time of anxiety. -- The Rev.
Jenkins
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St.George's Episcopal Church160 U Street NWWashington, DC 20001 stgeorgesdc.org
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