Yesterday afternoon, following telephone conversation with Pr. Susan Horton, Christ the King Lutheran, Fort McMurray, I prepared and forwarded via our synod e-list a prayer request for those in or near Fort McMurray. At that point voluntary and mandatory evacuations had been announced. Later in the evening I spoke with Pr. Susan again. The city was under mandatory evacuation and she was on the road outside of Fort McMurray. Her husband, Cliff, remained with other workers north of the city.
This morning Pr. Susan continues her journey to Edmonton. And presently Cliff, and other workers, are to be taken further north and then flown to Edmonton.
Word has been received via social media from many of the members and friends of Christ the King who are safe and awaiting further news.
Later this morning Canadian Lutheran World Relief will be issuing an appeal for funds to support relief efforts in Fort McMurray. Please send your contributions directly to CLWR, 600-177 Lombard Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3B 0W5.
Additionally the Red Cross is seeking financial contributions. A registration center opened last evening at midnight at Northlands, Edmonton for Fort McMurray residents to register, to receive accommodations and other needs. UofA, Edmonton is also providing accommodations.
Perhaps the following might guide our common prayer:
Emergency workers (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 85):
God of earth and air, water and fire, height and depth, we pray for those who work in danger, who rush in to bring hope and help and comfort when others flee to safety, whose mission is to seek and save, serve and protect, and whose presence embodies the protection of the Good Shepherd. Give them caution and concern for one another, so that in safety they may do what must be done, under your watchful eye. Support them in their courage and dedication that they may continue to save lives, ease pain, and mend the torn fabric of lives and social order; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Protection through life (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 86):
O God, full of compassion, we commit and commend ourselves to you, in whom we live and move and have our being. Be the goal of our pilgrimage, and our rest by the way. Give us refuge from the turmoil of worldly distractions beneath the shadow of your wings. Let our hearts, to often a sea of restless waves, find peace in you, O God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A prayer of Julian of Norwich (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 87):
In you, Father all-mighty, we have our preservation and our bliss. In you, Christ, we have our restoring and our saving. You are our mother, brother, and savior. In you, our Lord the Holy Spirit, is marvelous and plenteous grace. You are our clothing; for love you wrap us and embrace us. You are our maker, our lover, our keeper. Teach us to believe that by your grace all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well. Amen.
"The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit" (Romans 15:13).
In Christ Jesus -
Shalom,
+ Larry
If you have a rostered leader prayer request or celebration announcement you wish to share with the Synod, please contact the Synod office with your details. (780-439-2636 / 866-430-2636 / darla@albertasynod.ca)
