pastoral letter on DC Mayor Bowser's request that residents avoid downtown > St. George's Episcopal Church's Reverend Jenkins

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

St. George's Episcopal Church       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.     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)     Online Resources:   Please find the Book of Common Prayer online here if you do not have one at home.   Diocese of Washington: Diocese of Washington resource hub    Bishop Curry: Weekly meditation series - Habits of Grace     Yours in Christ,   The Rev. Marilyn Jenkins Priest-In-Charge St. Georges DC     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     St. George's Episcopal Church | stgeorgesdc.org ‌ ‌ ‌

 

St.George's Episcopal Church | 160 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 stgeorgesdc.org Sent by revjenkins@stgeorgesdc.org powered by