In the Episcopal Church and in the Anglican Communion, the last Sunday in Epiphany each year is designated as World Mission Sunday, a time when the church comes together to focus on the global impact of our call to “seek and serve Christ in all persons” (Baptismal Covenant, Book of Common Prayer, p. 305), and on ways congregations can become involved.
This year, World Mission Sunday falls on February 19, 2023.
In New Hampshire, Bishop Rob asks every congregation to join him in prayer for our global partners in Angola and in the wider Anglican Communion on February 19, incorporating the “Angola Prayer” during worship:
You asked for my hands
that you might use them for your purpose.
I gave them for a moment, then withdrew them
for the work was hard.
You asked for my mouth
to speak out against injustice.
I gave you a whisper that I might not be accused.
You asked for my eyes
to see the pain of poverty.
I closed them for I did not want to see.
You asked for my life
that you might work through me.
I gave a small part that I might not get too involved.
Lord, forgive my calculated efforts to serve you
only when it is convenient for me to do so,
only in those places where it is safe to do so,
and only with those who make it easy to do so.
Lord, forgive me (us), renew me (us),
send me (us) out as a usable instrument
that I (we) might take seriously the meaning of your cross. Amen.
―Joe Seremane
To learn more about how our diocesan partnership with Angola, especially with the Mamas in Ondjiva, began with two congregations on opposite sides of the world who shared friendship, dreams and prayers, watch this short video developed by Elizabeth Thomas of the Diocese of London.
For resources from The Episcopal Church, including bulletin inserts, click here.
To learn more about global mission, contact the Rev. Gail Avery, Angola/SDG Committee, or the Rev. Alanna M. Van Antwerpen, our diocesan Officer for Community Engagement!