Developed in collaboration with Grow Christians, the 2020 Lenten Meditations focus on the spiritual lives of children and how they can inform the prayers and meditations of all Christians. These booklets and other resources including hope chests, pew envelopes, bulletin inserts and special prayers are available online. Supporters are encouraged to sign up for daily email meditations in English and Spanish and, new this year, to subscribe to the meditations as podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Sound Cloud and Google Play.
In addition to the Lenten Meditation, Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, encourages congregations and supporters to support the One Thousand Days of Love campaign through the observance of Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday on March 1, 2020.
“Lent is a time of reflection and of following Jesus, demonstrating his love for the world,” said Presiding Bishop Curry. “I invite all congregations to devote a Sunday in Lent to reflect on the transformational work of Episcopal Relief & Development, particularly their work with children, and to tangibly demonstrate God’s love by giving generously to support One Thousand Days of Love.”
At the 2009 General Convention, Lent was officially designated as a time for dioceses, congregations and individuals to remember and support the work of Episcopal Relief & Development. Although the first Sunday in Lent is the official day of observance, churches may hold a special service on any Sunday.
Globally, 155 million children under the age of six are not reaching their full potential due to inadequate nutrition and healthcare. One Thousand Days of Love is a three year, $3 million grassroots Church-wide fundraising campaign dedicated to expanding Episcopal Relief & Development’s programs for children up to age six. The campaign launched in September 2019 and will run for 1,000 days until May 31, 2022.
“In Matthew 18, Jesus calls children the greatest among us,” said Chad Brinkman, Director, Campaign for Episcopal Relief & Development. “Your support of the One Thousand Days of Love campaign will enable Episcopal Relief & Development to expand initiatives that benefit these greatest among us — children — around the world.”