Anglicans respond to Haiti with prayers, gifts and songs

Beth Baskin, PWRDF

Horrific images of destruction in Haiti are flashed across television screens and printed in newspapers but stories of hope and solidarity are also emerging.

The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund is the recipient of the generosity of Anglicans in Canada. As of February 4 we had received $ 679,907.98 in donations primarily from individuals. Donate now

Not only are Anglicans contributing financially to PWRDF, they are praying and singing and applying their creative talents to support relief and rehabilitation work in Haiti. Last Sunday St. Alban’s Anglican Church, Richmond, like many other parishes used the PWRDF information in their announcements and worship. The Sunday School class composed the following prayer and have committed to collecting change for the next two Sundays for PWRDF. They agreed to share their prayer with Anglicans across the country:

A Prayer for Haiti

Loving God, today we pray especially for the country of Haiti and all its people.
We are sad for all who have died and pray that help will come soon for the hungry and the injured and homeless. We are thankful that Canada and many other countries are able to help. Let us pray every day for Haiti, asking God to take care of the people. Let us look for ways we can help too. Amen.

Allison Lynn, a gospel singer and member of St. John’s York Mills in Toronto has decided to give $5 from every CD she sells over the next 10 days to PWRDF. You can check out this generous offer by visiting her blog.

All Saints Cathedral in Edmonton usually holds an evening prayer service in the Taize style on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Last week, two or three days ahead of time, the conversation turned to the earthquake and a decision was made to focus the prayers and givings on the people of Haiti. Reverend Chelsy Stevens, assistant curate, coordinated the service and found ecumenical prayers for Haiti on the internet that were read by members of the congregation. The usual meditative style of worship with candlelight was maintained and other unlit candles were lit during the service to remember those in Haiti who had lost their lives. Attendance that usually numbers 25 to 30 people increased to 45 and $1,166 was collected in the offering, while some attendees made their donations by phone or on-line after the service.

We know of at least two events planned in the next few weeks that are designed to raise funds and offer prayers. The Parish of Isle aux Morts-Fox Roost-Margaree in Western Newfoundland led by Reverend Duncan Granter is planning to host a regional prayer service on Sunday, January 31 and the Parish of St. Peter’s in Calgary led by Reverend Richard LeSueur is hosting a fundraiser on Saturday, January 30.

Know that Anglicans across Canada are praying, acting and giving to support the people of Haiti immediately and for the longer term.