Loading... There seems to be an unending call upon us for assistance throughout the year, from our own parishioners, to numerous charitable organizations locally and nationally, to our partners in the Anglican Communion at a moment of extreme distress. And, as Holy Week approaches, it is most appropriate that we again turn our attention to the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East, both in prayer and in support. Each year since 1922, special offerings collected during Holy Week from across our church have been sent in aid of the church in the Middle East; this collection has become know as the Good Friday Offering.
In his letter to the church in Rome, Saint Paul has given us an example of Christian duty in response to an understood obligation to the church in Jerusalem. He could not have spoken clearer or more directly than when he said: "...I am going to Jerusalem in a ministry to the saints; for Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to share their resources with the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. They were pleased to do this, and indeed they owe it to them; for if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material things." [Romans 15:25-27] Saint Paul traveled to Jerusalem on what must have been a long and dangerous journey. Today, through the operation of the Good Friday Offering, we are able to send our support directly, with the assurance that it will arrive safely and be appreciated as the wonderful blessing to so many people it is intended to be. And in such a way we also acknowledge our indebtedness to the church in the Holy Land.
The province of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East covers an enormous area- the southern Mediterranean coast from Algeria through to Lebanon and Syria in the east, and down to the Persian Gulf and the Horn of Africa - and yet it is one of the smaller provinces of the Anglican Communion in membership. Outside of the Holy City the countryside is overwhelmingly Islamic and Jewish, and even in Jerusalem the dominant Christian traditions are Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Armenian Apostolic. Yet Anglican bishops staunchly maintain a visible Anglican presence throughout the Middle East, which includes Israel, the Palestinian National Authority, Jordan, Egypt and the North African countries,
Saudi Arabia, the island of Cyprus, Ethiopia and Somalia, and both Iraq and Iran. The entire region is fertile ground for numerous ministries, which are being conducted in very difficult circumstances each day. In addition to assisting Anglican parishes and missions, support received through the Good Friday Offering translates into operating hospitals, schools, orphanages and many other programs, accomplished for the benefit of all people in the province, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim alike.
The witness of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East is highlighted in the special Good Friday Offering materials available from Episcopal Books & Resources, which include a Bulletin Shell, an Offering Envelope and a Poster. Please watch for a special letter from Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, accompanied by an order form for these materials, which will arrive on your desk very soon. And the home page at www.episcopalchurch.org/agr/friday and printing the file you select. Please take advantage of these materials to ensure informed giving by your congregation.
I am aware that some parishes do not take up an offering on Good Friday. If that is the case, may I suggest that you designate another day during Holy Week to gather the collection? Or perhaps you might arrange a special mailing early in Lent, asking your parishioners to generously support the Good Friday Offering and return the envelopes some time during Holy Week.
Your support for the GoodFriday Offering is essential to a continued Anglican witness in Jesus' homeland. As you walk with the Christ from Palm Sunday through Holy Week toward his final victory at the Resurrection, may every blessing be yours.
Faithfully in Christ,
The Rt. Rev. Edwin F. Gulick, Jr.
Bishop of Kentucky
EFG/mgh
