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RSSPlan an Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday
A day to remember those in need.
Congregations are invited to commemorate Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday on the first Sunday in Lent—February 26, 2012, or another convenient Sunday during the Lenten season.
At the 2009 General Convention, Lent was officially designated as a time to encourage dioceses, congregations and individuals to remember and support the life-saving work of Episcopal Relief & Development. We invite all Episcopalians to join together on Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday, and throughout the Lenten season, to pray for those living in need.
Please also consider dedicating a special offering in support of our mission to assist people impacted by poverty worldwide. All gifts from these events will be designated to Episcopal Relief & Development’s Global Needs Fund. This fund enables the agency to reach those most in need around the world.
To help your church fight against extreme poverty and disease, organize an Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday. Here’s how:
Step 1: Speak with your rector or church leadership about celebrating Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday. Choose the first Sunday in Lent, another Sunday during Lent, or any Sunday during the year when you’re able to focus attention on the challenges of global poverty and disease.
Step 2: Select a team of people and a leader who can help brainstorm, advertise and organize the event. Coordinate the event by using our online tools such as this downloadable checklist for your Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday.
Step 3: Speak with your Episcopal Relief & Development Diocesan Coordinator and let him/her know your church is planning an Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday. If you need your Diocesan Coordinator's email address or phone number, contact our Church Engagement office at churchengagement@er-d.org.
Step 4: Promote the event with a bulletin insert or Sunday service leaflet and on your website. Explain briefly the purpose of Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday. Use the suggested text in the sample announcement to help you draft this message.
Prior to the event:
Order red plate envelopes to collect a special Episcopal Relief & Development offering. To place an order, order online at Episcopal Marketplace, call 1.866.937.2772 or email sales@episcopalmedia.org.
Create awareness by offering information on:
- Episcopal Relief & Development programs and the different regions where we work — Use this information to educate your church on our worldwide Church partnerships that assist those in need.
- Bishops Blend Coffee and Tea (optional) — Serve our featured products at your coffee hour and on the day of the event. Educate your church on the importance of supporting growers of fair trade, organic, shade-grown coffee and tea. Order Bishops Blend for your church from Pura Vida's wholesale site.
On Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday:
Make an announcement from the pulpit. Take a few minutes to highlight the importance of Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday and the special offering in support of the organization. This can be done by the Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday team, or by another lay leader or the rector. Use the announcement for suggested wording.
Collect an Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday offering. If you have red plate envelopes available, place them in the pews for the special offering. Offerings can also be made using the bulletin insert response form (place in an envelope) or the response form and envelope included in the Lenten Meditations booklet. Let the congregation know about the importance of their contribution (see this announcement for suggested wording).
Include a special sermon and prayers in your service.
Use our Lenten materials to guide an Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday Educational Hour, Adult Forum or children’s lesson.
Other Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday materials are available online at Episcopal Marketplace. Please indicate that you are calling about an Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday celebration.
More resources are available on our Lenten Resources page.
Please adapt these suggestions to suit the needs of your congregation, and be as creative as you like. If you have questions or need assistance, please contact us.
