In the deeply troubled times in which we live, when each day seems to bring reports of yet another atrocity, of another ecocidal bombing campaign, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands more people from their homes, it is certainly tempting to avoid the news.

As Christians, however, we are called to not look away from the suffering of others. We are called to keep our eyes open, to remain informed so that we can lament and pray, and seek whatever ways we can to help alleviate the suffering. For the suffering of another, even when it unfolds on a distant continent, wounds the whole human family. 

Witnessing these wounds can sometimes overwhelm us with despair. When this happens we may need to pull away for a time to protect ourselves. But we can also protect ourselves by praying before we turn to the news, acknowledging our vulnerability and asking for God’s protection. 

I discovered this prayer from Rabbi Irwin Keller and want to share it with you. 

Before Reading the News

My God, the soul you have placed in me is pure and vulnerable. I am afraid that looking at today’s news will be painful. Encircle me in a robe of light so that I can witness the wounds of the world without being wounded myself. Let me learn what I need to know in order to be of my greatest use, without being overwhelmed by despair. I feel your protective light now as I open myself to the world’s suffering and the world’s joys.

Rabbi Irwin Keller also has written a prayer for 

After Reading the News

I am Yours, and all that is in this world is Yours. Today I have read stories and seen images, but my knowledge is incomplete. I don’t know how it all connects. But I know I am connected to everyone; I take joy in their joy; I suffer with their suffering. If there is no role for me to play today then let my learning leave me wiser and better prepared. If there is a role for me to play, let clarity rise up in me to see it, even if that role is a humble one. Lift up the work of my hands, in anything they might do for peace, for justice, for the wholeness of our planet, or for the betterment of my community. . . .

Prayer moves us toward action. After praying in this way, you may feel called to take a small but meaningful step—perhaps by making a donation to a local shelter or food bank, writing a letter to your member of parliament, or sending a note of encouragement to someone working for peace or striving to build greater equity and inclusion in our society. The possibilities are many, and even the smallest act offered in compassion can become part of God’s work of healing in the world.

Image by Humphrey M on Unsplash

Notice is hereby given that Gloria Dei Lutheran Church will hold its Annual General Meeting on Sunday, March 22, 2026 in the Church Hall immediately following the 10am worship service.

All members of Gloria Dei are invited to attend.

The Annual General Meeting will consider the following:

1. To review and accept committee reports for 2025
2. To review and approve the Budget for 2026
3. To elect members for Church Council for 2026.

Rolly French, Council Chair

March 29 - Passion Sunday 10AM with Palm Sunday liturgy followed by procession into the sanctuary. This solemn service will feature a dramatic reading of Matthew's Passion account follwed by celebration of Holy Communion.  This service will be livestreamed. 

April 1 - Maundy Thursday: Soup Supper at 6:00PM followed by Service of Holy Communion around the altar. 

April 2 - Good Friday: Stations of the Cross at 3:00PM. We will gather in the sanctuary and particpate in prayerful procession to the stations of the cross set up around the sancturary and church Hall. Each station we feature traditional prayers together with contemporary stories illustrating how the suffering of Christ continues to be embodied in our world. 

April 4: The Resurrection of Our Lord - 10AM festive service. 

As the Muslim community marks the end of Ramadan we wish them Eid Mubarak and share this beautiful prayer written by K M Zainul Abedin.

Eid-ul-Fitr: Eid Mubarak - A Prayer for Peace

As the crescent moon rises in the quiet sky tonight,
Hearts whisper Eid Mubarak in gentle light.
After days of fasting, patience, and prayer,
The world still trembles with sorrow and despair.

From lands where minarets stand beside wounded streets,
Where faith and hardship silently meet,
Millions bow in prayer with hopeful eyes—
Trusting the Merciful hears every cry.

Eid comes as a festival of mercy and grace,
Calling for compassion in every place.
Not only for one nation, not only one creed,
But for every human heart in need.

Let the spirit of Eid cross borders and walls,
Reminding the powerful that peace belongs to all.
Let the hungry be fed, the fearful be free,
Let justice flow like a boundless sea.

For what is Eid if hearts stay divided?
What joy if humanity stands derided?
The fast we kept was meant to remind
That kindness must guide the heart and mind.

So beneath the same moon shining everywhere,
Let a universal message rise in prayer:
May the drums of war grow silent and cease,
And may this blessed Eid awaken peace.
Eid Mubarak to friends and relations anywhere,
And peace for all humanity, everywhere.