First United Church, Waterloo

Growing Generosity Doesn’t Have to Stop Because Your Team Can’t Meet Rev. Brenna Baker, Community of Faith Stewardship Support Staff, has some stewardship strategies to propel your community of faith through the lazy days of summer

As we hear reports of successive massive earthquakes that have hit Venezuela on Wednesday evening, June 24, The United Church of Canada is concerned for all those affected, particularly those who have lost their homes and their lives. The United Church is hearing from ACT Alliance members about the impact to understand how best to offer our support. Please include the people of Venezuela and other countries in the region in your prayers. We pray:

God who rejoices with those who rejoice and weeps with those who weep,
We know that you are weeping with those who grieve the destruction of homes, hospitals, bridges,
and the loss of precious lives in Venezuela.

O God, we are powerless before the destructive forces of nature.
Yet we trust that your heart grieves with your people.
In compassion, you move to ease their pain,
to tend to numbing sadness,
and to bring balm to unbearable sorrow.

Work through your people, O God,
that your will may be done—
that healing may happen,
and that what has been lost may be rebuilt.

O God of hope, draw communities together.
In the unity of your Spirit, may we find comfort, renewal, and strength.

Amen

[Image credit: chrispecoraro / iStock]