All Souls Anglican Portland

"And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray..." -The Gospel of Matthew

This year will see the return of a beloved All Souls practice for Holy Week, The Garden Vigil. Following our Maundy Thursday service until sunrise on Good Friday, members of the All Souls family will watch and pray throughout the hours of darkness at an Altar of Repose. This "keeping watch" in the silent church building is in remembrance of Christ's experience of surrender in Gethsemane, and forms a special, intimate part of our Holy Week. (There are eleven, one hour-long slots in memory of the eleven disciples who remained after the betrayal of Judas Iscariot.) The altar will contain a Book of Common Prayer, a Bible, a kneeler, and iconography suitable for the occasion.

Space is limited for to one individual or couple per slot, in keeping with the spirit of loneliness and quiet that rests at the core of this unique Vigil in the Anglican tradition. DM for more details on how to sign up.

ICYMI - World Mission Sunday just happened and we hosted a "mini missions snackquet".

During Prayers of the People we included special requests from those in our congregation involved in missions:

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. We pray for the N family in G country – especially for [their] work in counseling and psychotherapy, and [their] work in primary care and diabetes care. Watch over them and their [family]. Be their
Rock and Shield amid gang violence and political uncertainty. Give them guidance and wisdom as they consider starting a house church, and a new medical project in [place]."

Reader -- Lord, in your mercy:
People -- Hear our prayer.

"The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. As you moved in Nebuchadnezzar’s heart, we pray that you will move in the hearts of leaders of Russia and Ukraine to bring peace in their conflict. We trust in your Word, no matter how long the darkness, the night cannot be endless. Your Word teaches us to believe in the victory of light."

Reader -- Lord, in your mercy:
People -- Hear our prayer.

"You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. We pray for the [family] ministry with immigrants and refugees [locally]. Grant them strength and grace to support and comfort those who live in uncertainty and fear..."

Reader -- Lord, in your mercy:
People -- Hear our prayer.

"I am the Light of the World. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life. As Jesus shone the light of gospel, bringing healing for illness and forgiveness of sins, we pray that you would declare that same power and light amongst the peoples of East Asia. Enable those who you have sent to share the good news of Jesus to be faithful witnesses for you amongst East Asia’s peoples."

Reader -- Lord, in your mercy:
People -- Hear our prayer.