Lenten Program

< 2019 Lenten Program Overview Collect Day #25 ARTHUR L. HILSON O Lord of sea and sky, we remember today the Reverend Arthur L. Hilson who fought for our country and educated and counseled many throughout his life in the ways of grace and strength; may we too follow this gentle pastor who was too blessed to complain even as he endured discrimination for the color of his skin and even now join in the standing room only salute to…

Collect Day #40, VALERIE CUNNINGHAM O Almighty God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: grant that we may honor the work of Valerie Cunningham who brought to light the history of the black community in Portsmouth, NH. Through her dedication to the truth may others be able to recognize the achievements and contributions that many people in the black community have brought to the State of New Hampshire; through Christ our Lord, in the unity of…

Collect Day #39, THE EMERSON REED FAMILY O blessed God, whose desire is that all humans be seen as equal in each other’s eyes: help us to remember the dedication and courage of Emerson Reed and his family as they worked to navigate racial tensions in order to be of service and integrate organizations and the military in New Hampshire and beyond. May we continue to honor their successes and struggles; through Jesus Christ who taught us to live together…

Collect Day #38, LIEUT. ROBERT O. GOODMAN, JR. O God, creator and protector of all: We thank you for the courage of Liet. Robert Goodman, Jr. and the many soldiers of color who seek to protect this country while suffering at the hands of our perceived enemies. May his service and courage inspire others to work for peace and the safety of all humanity; through the blessing of Jesus Christ, your son, and our Lord. Amen. DAY #38, March 29,…

Collect Day #37, LIONEL JOHNSON Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: help us to remember at all times your earnest desire for justice for all your people; The gentle courage of your faithful servant Lionel Johnson laid the foundation for civil rights and equal opportunities regardless of birth. Leadership and thoughtful determination has allowed us who follow in his footsteps, signposts for the road ahead; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. DAY #37, March…

Collect Day #36, DR. ALBERT C. JOHNSON Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit your faithful people are governed open our hearts to all people: Remind us to use the gifts that You have given us in the service of others without judgement. Show us through the lives of your saints that to give faithful service to your children is right and just. Teach us by the example of Dr. Johnson who gave freely of his medical skill and harnessed…

Collect Day #35, ELIZABETH ANN VIRGIL Oh loving God whose constant love surrounds us with your everlasting presence help us to be reminded of this in our daily lives: We follow in the steps of the Saints who have expressed their love for you with faith and action. Elizabeth Ann Virgil and her Mother Alberta Curry Virgil trusting in your faithful love encouraged learning and by their life example demonstrated to us who follow the certainty of Your love; Through…

Collect Day #34, CAESAR PARKER O loving and gracious God, who created each and every one of us with Your unlimited Love: we lift up your servant Caesar Parker who was bold and unafraid to face a new challenge and his mixed-race children who suffered prejudice for being seen as different; Help us to see each other in the same loving light in which You created us that we love and embrace all humankind; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who…

Collect Day #33, LYDIA CHESLEY DIXON & JAMES DIXON Holy God, in whose Son is revealed in the beauty and breadth of the human family; Strengthen and sustain us, just as you did for your servants Lydia & James. Give us the courage to persevere in the face of injustice, oppression and all that enslaves and seeks to make invisible the glory of your Creation; and pray that we, through their worthy example, may receive the inspiration of your Holy…