Staying Safe and Staying Connected
Good Morning Saint Stephen’s Church,
We continue our life of daily prayer. The Lord be with you!
Today’s Prayer
God, who created all things,
And who, above all, is particularly Love,
I supplicate to consent,
According to his pleasure,
That Love now draw the loving soul to herself
In the closest union possible to Love.
The union possible to Love is very close,
But how close, I am the one who does not understand…
All who love must be moved to pity
That Love lets me moan thus
And cry so often: “Woe is me!”
In what season and when
Will Love reach out to me
And say “Let your grief cease”?
“I will cherish you;
I am what was in times past;
Now fall into my arms,
And taste my rich teaching!”
– Hadewijch of Brabant
Hadewijch of Brabant is recognized with a feast day later this month, on April 22. Little biographical info has been retained about Hadewijch, who was a thirteenth century mystic, a poet, and likely a participant in the Beguine movement. The Beguine movement was comprised of women who lived in community and took on vows such as poverty and chastity for a season of time. Her poetry was written in Dutch but shows the influence of French courtly poetry and Latin and French theological texts. A notable feature in Hadewijch’s writing is using feminine language to personify Love.
From Our Prayers of the People
For the special needs and concerns of our congregation.
For people throughout the world: in places of war and strife, and for all victims of violence and oppression.
For the Presidents of Russia and Ukraine, that wisdom and courage may prevail in the cause of peace.
For the people of Ukraine, the people of Russia, and for all who affected by violence and war;
For those who have taken up arms, whether aggressively or defensively, that a spirit of peace may reign in their hearts and in their lands.
For our allies around the world in harm’s way: for those who are still trying to leave Afghanistan and the Ukraine; may God be with them and their families.
For comfort and healing for all who are affected by the Coronavirus around the world: for physicians, nurses, and all others who minister to the sick and the suffering, and for those administering vaccinations, may God grant them wisdom and skill, sympathy and patience, and may God keep them healthy and safe.
For all historical acts of injustice and oppression: especially those perpetrated against native, Black, Hispanic and various Asian Americans in this abundant land, that we may recognize racism in ourselves, in our church, in our society, and recognize the times we have failed to take action.
For a reverence for the earth as God’s own creation: that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others and to God’s honor and glory, and for wisdom, guidance, and persistence as we face the challenges of climate change and work for the flourishing and health of all the earth.
For those on the Parish Prayer Chain: Candace, Daryl, Joan, Charline, Ralph, Mary Ann, Joe, Jeanne, Theresa, Josh, Donald
For our Government Leaders: Joseph Biden, President of the United States; Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York State; Gary McCarthy, Mayor of Schenectady.
For our Church Leaders: Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop; Michael G. Smith and Carol Gallagher, Assisting Bishops; James and Dennie, our priests; Pat, our deacon emeritus and Allison, our Lay Reader.
For those who are imprisoned: those particularly vulnerable at this time, especially the women in the Schenectady County Jail.
For Members who request our prayers for strength and healing: Liz, Kathy, Janet, Marilyn, Eunice, Ruth, Mary Frances, Vincent, Priscilla, Joe, and all their families.
For Joanne – today is her baptismal anniversary!
For all the blessings of this life.
For our dioceses in the Anglican Communion: The Diocese of Kootenay – The Anglican Church of Canada (BC and Yukon Province).
For all who have died: Dorothy Rigley, Robert Malmros, Charles Morrison, and Julia Moss.
For one another.
Something to share
An excerpt from “Knight Errant”
Why then should we miss the opportunity
(If we can conquer Love with love)
And not with ardent longing fare through the storms
In confidence and reliance on Love
And give ourselves to the service of Love?
So should nobility become known to us.
Lo! the day of love is dawning
When men will never fear pain for Love’s sake,
And the pain of Love will never be oppressive.
– Hadewijch
News and Updates
Interfaith Seder – This Thursday, April 7, 2022, beginning at 5:15pm. This Zoom Seder will have the theme “Historical Development of the Seder Through the Ages.” It will be participatory and traditional. Contact – Jack Mintzer, Congregation Agudat Achim – 518-393-9211 – eddirector@agudatachim.org for the link.
Street Soldiers – We will meet this Sunday (4/10) after the 9:30 service to make bagged lunches for street soldiers. Please consider bringing an individually wrapped snack to add to each bag (about 30 altogether – granola bars, chips, a piece of fruit, etc). All are welcome to help. Please meet us in the Parish Hall. Contact Bethany at office@st-stephens.church if you have any questions.
Reminders
If you have an update/news, a prayer or poem or something inspirational you would like us to share with the congregation, please send it to us. Please also send us any prayer requests. We will incorporate these into the Daily Prayers as best we can: james.ross.mcd@gmail.com.
Prayerbook Morning Prayer in Zoom – each morning. Join Dennie and me for an inter-active service of Morning Prayer at 9 am. Time to bring your prayer concerns will be provided. (contact Becky for the link: becky.holder@gmail.com).
If you need a prayerbook, and are not in a position to purchase one, please contact me: james.ross.mcd@gmail.com. I will make sure you have your own Book of Common Prayer.
Masks are optional for all gatherings at the church.
Our office email is: office@st-stephens.church.
Our goal is for all of us to stay in touch and connected.
Irish Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be at your back,
May the sun shine upon your face,
he rains fall soft upon soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Be of good courage. We are in this together, and we will be together again soon. God bless you and may God be with us in the days ahead.