Election Season Formation & Worship Resources
November 2nd, 2020
by Keli Shipley Cooper
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Late last night, I tossed and turned. Partially because of our long drive back from Black Mountain, NC, partially because of daylight savings, and partially because of this election season. I'm definitely who people would call a "worrier;" however, this looming anxiety on top of the pandemic has been particularly palpable. I often process my worry through prayer, walking, and writing. Last night, I began thinking through words I wanted to share with you all (even though I said I wouldn't send a spiritual focus today).
Instead of unique words of wisdom, I want to remind you all of some prayer resources and opportunities available this week. One, in particular, is to sign up to "pray throughout election day"- tomorrow, November 3rd. Last night, I kept thinking that there are no moments without someone praying in this world. I don't have the statistics to prove this; however, I imagine with the large amount of people in this world, this is true. So, this call to join others in praying throughout this day is not to ensure that there is prayer at those moments. I'm confident there will be; however, signing up for this time helps us to intentionally set aside 15 minutes for prayer tomorrow.
As mentioned below, prayer comes in all shapes, sizes, words, and actions. I invite you to consider signing up for a 15-minute spot to pray as you prefer- whether that is through words written by others, singing, dancing, walking, silence, etc. We also have a variety of opportunities in person and through streaming to join us in prayer at St. Paul's (see below).
We join with the Episcopal Church who encourages us to pray during each election season. It is not our hope for you to vote for a particular candidate; but rather, this is a call to prayer for our country, our leaders, our community, and our world.
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We invite you to sign up for a 15-minute time to pray throughout Election Day from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. This is an opportunity for you to sign up to pray from wherever you are. We have resources listed in link below that you can use to guide this time of reflection. There are many methods of prayer, which include but are not limited to walking, meditating, reading, singing, and dancing. Please let Keli Shipley Cooper know if you have any questions at kshipleycooper@stpaulsrva.org.
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Monday, November 2nd
9:30 a.m.-10:45 a.m. | Walking Meditation through Downtown Richmond
- Led by the Rev. Gwynn Crichton
- Meet to begin the walk in the Memorial Garden at St. Paul’s
- A prayer walk is an opportunity to attend, to observe and abide in the environment surrounding our church in this moment on the eve of our national election.
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The walking this morning followed this particular route.
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Consider using this prayer booklet to create your own prayer walk either along the route above or throughout your own neighborhood.
12:00 p.m. | Noonday Prayer in the Memorial Garden | Open with physically distant seating. RSVP here.
6:00 p.m. | Evening Prayer | Service will be streamed on Facebook Live
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Tuesday, November 3rd: Election Day
9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. | The church and garden will be open for physically distant opportunities to pray; We will have candle lighting in the church and prayer resources available during this time.
12:00 p.m. | Noonday Prayer in the Memorial Garden | Open with physically distant seating. RSVP here.
6:00 p.m. | Evening Prayer | Service will be streamed on Facebook Live
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#VoteFaithfully Stickers & Magnets
If you would like a sticker and/or magnet, we will have these available for pick up at St. Paul's on Tuesday between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Keli is also happy to mail one or a few to you. Please reply to this e-mail to request how many and where to send them!
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My name is Keli Shipley Cooper and I am the Director of Adult Faith Formation at St. Paul's. We are excited to share stories, readings, Scripture, and practices with you all. In this time of physical distancing, we still join together through prayer and technology as we continue to be the church from at least six feet apart.
We are glad that you are here.
If you would like to respond to or discuss any piece of this devotion, reply directly to this e-mail to connect with Keli Shipley Cooper.
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To receive the "Spiritual Focus of the Week" e-mail each Monday- click the subscribe button and choose the "Spiritual Focus of the Week" list.
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Reminder of Opportunities
Check our website under the ChurchAway page for more information.
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