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Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD)
Mary Kelsey, Coordinator marymkelsey@gmail.com
February 2011
 As the new diocesan coordinator for Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) and as a newcomer to the Diocese of Iowa, I admit I am overwhelmed and impressed by the mission and outreach that is taking place in this diocese. Truly, you understand the importance of global relief and mission.
Coming from the small diocese of Northern Michigan, our global partnerships primarily included Honduras and Haiti. My experience with global mission began with my first visit to Honduras immediately following Hurricane Mitch. I joined with other bishops’ spouses in partnership with what was then the Presiding Bishop’s Fund for World Relief (which is now ERD).
Since then I have returned to Honduras more than 20 times, and have also traveled to Belize to assist in relief work. I continue to support ERD because I have seen, first hand, what an amazing organization it is. In 2009, Episcopal Relief & Development reached more than 2.5 million people in over 40 countries around the world.
My life has been changed by the experience of working alongside local people, cleaning up, rebuilding, and being a part of that fresh start. If you ever have an opportunity to participate in a relief project with ERD, I highly recommend it. However, you do not need to travel elsewhere to make an impact.
Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday is the first Sunday in Lent, which is March 13 this year. At the 2009 General Convention, Lent was officially designated as a time to encourage us to remember and support the life-saving work of ERD. We are asked to join together not just on March 13, 2011, but also throughout the Lenten season, to pray for those living in need.
Here are some suggestions for preparing for your ERD Sunday:
- Order free 2011 Lenten Meditations booklets for your congregation http://episcopalmarketplace.org/Products/Episcopal-Relief-Development
- Consider dedicating a special offering in support of the ERD mission to assist people impacted by poverty worldwide. All gifts from these events will be designated to Episcopal Relief & Development’s Global Needs Fund. This fund enables the agency to reach those most in need around the world.
- Consider incorporating a special sermon and prayers for world relief and development
- For more ideas http://www.er-d.org/IdeasERDSunday/
If you would like assistance preparing for your ERD Sunday or for any other information regarding Episcopal Relief & Development, please contact me at marymkelsey@gmail.com.
About Episcopal Relief & Development
In partnership with the worldwide Church, Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) supports local, long-term initiatives that address poverty, hunger, disease, economic development and disaster response where the need is greatest. Contributions can be mailed to Episcopal Relief & Development, P.O. Box 7058 Merrifield, VA 22116-7058, or you may donate online.
ERD’s mandate is found in Matthew 25: 37-40:
For I was hungry and you gave me food,
I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink,
I was a stranger and you welcomed me,
I was naked and you gave me clothing,
I was sick and you took care of me,
I was in prison and you visited me…
Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the
Least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.
As the official relief and development agency of the Episcopal Church, ERD receives support from the National Episcopal Church through in-kind contributions which keeps administrative overhead low. The contributions of the National Church mean that 92 cents from each dollar that ERD receive goes directly towards its programs. This ratio is phenomenal as most other organizations send on average about 75% of their gifts into program.
All of Episcopal and Relief and Development’s international programs are now designed to address the Millennium Development Goals. In the fall of 2007, ERD is launching the MDG Inspiration Fund, in partnership with Jubilee Ministries and the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church, to raise $3 million to fight malaria and other preventable diseases. Over the next two years, from 2007-2009, the Executive Council has designated $924,000 and ERD will identify additional contributions to reach a goal of $1 million for the MDG Inspiration Fund. The $1 million will be used to inspire individuals, congregations and dioceses to contribute $2 million with the aim of raising a total of $3 million by 2009.
Episcopalians can most effectively achieve the MDGs through ERD, which works through provincial and diocesan Anglican program partners worldwide. ERD carefully monitors these programs to ensure their effectiveness.
Congregations can choose a variety of ways to support the work of Episcopal Relief and Development. Direct, unrestricted donations are always important as they allow the Board of Directors immediate access to funds so they can grant money in emergency relief situations, as well as for development needs. Other means include donating funds designated to a particular area of need, selecting from the GIFTS FOR LIFE catalog, or purchasing Bishops Blend Coffee. (Bishops Blend is a fair traded, shade grown, product, provided by a non-profit company, Pura Vida.)
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