A message from our bishops:
Oct. 3, 2016
As our nation approaches its Election Day on Nov. 8, we have a deep yearning for the Holy Spirit to be present in our national life. Individually, we express this yearning in a variety of ways according to personal conscience. Collectively, we are called to express this yearning through prayer.
We must pray that God be at work in our electoral process. We must pray for a peaceful transition, no matter the outcome of our elections. We must pray that the demonization of one another’s opponents which has characterized this election not be further stoked by its outcome. We must pray that all those elected on that day be moved, strengthened and guided by the Spirit, to lead us through fractious and dangerous times. We must pray in gratitude for those who, with sacrifice of self and noble intent, step up to lead our common life.
We the Episcopal bishops in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts call for a vigil period of intense prayer from noon on All Saints Sunday, Nov. 6 through noon on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8. The particulars of such prayer in our congregations will vary according to local parish traditions and planning. For some it may be as simple as concluding the Sunday prayers with an extended Litany for the Nation, or holding a special form of Morning Prayer on Nov. 8. Others may wish to hold extended vigils, with prayer in shifts offering continuous intercession.
Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of this land in the election of officials and representatives, that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. [Book of Common Prayer, p. 822]
The Rt. Rev. Alan M. Gates, Bishop, Diocese of Massachusetts
The Rt. Rev. Gayle E. Harris, Bishop Suffragan, Diocese of Massachusetts
The Rt. Rev. Douglas J. Fisher, Bishop, Diocese of Western Massachusetts
Join a local vigil
Vigil plans of congregations in the Diocese of Massachusetts will be posted here as they become known. E-mail information to news@diomass.org. (For vigil information in the Diocese of Western Massachusetts, click here.)
Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016:
Andover, Christ Church: Evening Prayer, 5 p.m., with the church open for prayer from the end of the 10 a.m. service through the 5 p.m. service
Beverly, St. Peter's Church: Noonday prayers, 12 p.m.
Brookline, All Saints Parish: Evening Prayer with prayers for our nation, 6 p.m.
Brookline, St. Paul's Church: Compline (Night Prayer), 8 p.m.
Buzzards Bay, St. Peter's-on-the-Canal Church: Prayers for our country and the election at the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. services
Cambridge, Christ Church: Holy Eucharist at 7:45 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.; Duruflé Requiem 4 p.m.
Cambridge, St. Peter's Church: Silent prayer vigil, 5-6 p.m., with printed prayer resources provided
Charlestown, St. John's Church: Prayers for the Election, offered during the church's 175th anniversary and rededication service with Bishop Gates, 4 p.m.
Dedham, St. Paul's Church: Prayers for the Election and Our Nation at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. services. Take-home "Prayers for Our Nation" available.
Foxboro, St. Mark's Church: Church open 4:30-8:30 p.m., with Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Our Nation at 5 p.m. and Compline (Night Prayer) at 8:30 p.m.
Haverhill, Trinity Church: Procession at end of Sunday service to place Blessed Sacrament in the chapel where it will be available for meditation and prayer through Election Day. Church open 7 a.m.-7 p.m., with prayer booklets available.
Jamaica Plain, St. John's Church: Service of prayer for the election and our nation, 6 p.m.
Lincoln, St. Anne's-in-the-Fields Church: Noonday prayer, 12 p.m., to follow Rutter Requiem and Reception. Vigil begins with a simple service of spoken prayer, Scripture and silent meditation. Holy Eucharist for Healing and Wholeness, 5 p.m., a service incorporating prayers for the healing of the nation and the laying on of hands for anyone desiring healing for self or another.
Lynn, St. Stephen's Church: Special prayers for the election offered at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., with get-out-the-vote canvassing, 1-3 p.m.
Lynnfield, St. Paul's Church: Joining with the Lynnfield Clergy Collaborative for an ecumenical and interfaith prayer vigil at the Centre Congregational Church (5 Summer Street) in Lynnfield, 1 p.m.
Marblehead, St. Michael's Church: Litany for the Nation at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. services. Choral Evensong with prayers for the nation at 5 p.m.
Middleboro, Church of Our Saviour: Prayers for an Election and Our Government during 10 a.m. service
Newton, Grace Church: The Grace Church choir and musicians from the New England Conservatory will perform John Rutter's "Requiem" to mark All Saints Day, 4 p.m., with Compline (Night Prayer) in the chapel at 5:45 p.m., with special prayers for the election, the safety of all candidates and voters, fair and transparent election processes and a peaceful and just future for all who call this nation home.
North Andover, St. Paul's Church: Church open for prayer from the end of the 10:30 a.m. service through 7 p.m.
Plymouth, Christ Church: Litany for Sound Government offered during 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. services
Randolph, Trinity Church: Church open for prayer following 10 a.m. service through Service of Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament at 6 p.m.
Salem, Grace Church: Church open 9 a.m.-7 p.m., with regularly scheduled service of Holy Eucharist at 10:30 a.m. and a special service for peace and justice at 5 p.m. as part of the weekly Celtic service.
South Yarmouth, St. David's Church: Noonday Prayer, 12:15 p.m.; Evening Prayer, 5:30 p.m.; Compline (Night Prayer), 8:30 p.m.
Stoneham, All Saints' Church: Special prayers for our nation and for the election at the 10 a.m. service
Topsfield, Trinity Church: Prayer vigil, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Westford, St. Mark's Church: Prayers for the Nation, 10 a.m.
Winchester, Parish of the Epiphany: Prayer service, 7:45 p.m.
Wrentham, Trinity Church: Evening Prayer with special prayers for the nation and election, 4 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 7, 2016:
Acton, Church of the Good Shepherd: Meditative candle-lit service, 7:30-8:30 p.m. All are welcome to come by at any time during that hour to light a candle, join in the prayers (silently or aloud) and take some time for contemplation and reflection.
Andover, Christ Church: Church open for prayer, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Bedford, St. Paul's Church: Election Eve Compline Service and Time of Quiet Reflection, 7:30 p.m., inspired by the Night Prayer service from A Prayer Book for New Zealand. All are welcome to gather, light candles, enjoy times of silence, hear words of comfort and inspiration from our tradition and name hopes and concerns for national unity, reconciliation and healing following this election season. The gathering is expected to last about half an hour.
Beverly, St. Peter's Church: Church open for prayer, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with Noonday Prayers at 12 p.m.
Beverly Farms, St. John's Church: Church open for prayer 9 a.m.-7 p.m., with hour of community prayer and reflection at 7 p.m., with hymns, prayers and silence, ending with Compline (Night Prayer)
Boston, Emmanuel Church: Noonday prayer in Lindsey Chapel, 12 p.m.
Brookline, All Saints Parish: Morning Prayer, Noonday Prayer, Evening Prayer and Compline (Night Prayer) with prayers for the nation, 7 a.m., 12 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Brookline, St. Paul's Church: Morning Prayer at 7 a.m.; Noonday Prayer at 12 p.m.; Compline (Night Prayer) at 8 p.m.
Buzzards Bay, St. Peter's-on-the-Canal Church: Church open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. for prayer, with copies of a variety of prayers available for those who would like to use them
Cambridge, Christ Church: Morning Prayer, 8 a.m.; Noonday Prayer, 12 p.m.; Evening Prayer 5:15 p.m.; Contemplative Prayer, 6 p.m.
Charlestown, St. John's Church: Prayer Vigil 6-7 p.m., with church open for continued prayer 7-9 p.m.
Danvers, All Saints' Church of the North Shore: Vigil in the chapel, 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. People are invited to come in and offer prayers--either silently, out loud or on paper--throughout the day. Special service of light, from 7 to 7:30 p.m., during which a unity candle will be lighted and the prayers offered in writing during the day will be read. The service will be streamed live via www.facebook.com/AllSaintsNorthshore so people everywhere can offer prayers online, in real time.
Dedham, St. Paul's Church: Church open for prayer and meditation 9 a.m.-4 p.m. A time of silent prayer at 6 p.m., ending with Compline (Night Prayer) and Prayers for our Nation at 7 p.m. Take-home "Prayers for Our Nation" available.
Dover, St. Dunstan's Church: Election Eve Prayer Service, 7 p.m.
Duxbury, St. Margaret's Chapel (30 Harden Hill Road): The Sisters of St. Margaret will offer Compline by Candlelight at 7:30 p.m., preceeded by a half-hour of silent prayer. All are welcome to come and pray with the sisters.
Foxboro, St. Mark's Church: Church open 12-8:30 p.m., with Holy Eucharist at 12 p.m., Evening Prayer at 6 p.m. and Compline (Night Prayer) at 8:30 p.m.
Groveland, St. James's Church: Together with All Saints' Church in West Newbury will be offering a collaborative service of Compline (Night Prayer), 7:30 p.m. at St James's Church, and will be participating in a virtual prayer vigil for individuals and families to hold an hour of prayer if they are not able to join worship in person.
Haverhill, Trinity Church: Church open 7 a.m.-7 p.m., with prayer booklets available and Blessed Sacrament available for meditation and prayer in the chapel.
Holbrook, St. John's Church: Ecumenical Election Eve Prayer Vigil, 6 p.m.
Lexington, Church of Our Redeemer: Prayer service with prayers for our nation and the election, 7 p.m.
Lincoln, St. Anne's-in-the-Fields Church: Morning Prayer, 9 a.m., in the side chapel. Church will be open all day for quiet prayer and reflection. Taizé Evening Prayer, 7 p.m., offering song, Scripture and silence in the ecumenical tradition of the monastery at Taizé.
Lynn, St. Stephen's Church: Chapel open 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Marblehead, St. Michael's Church: Church open for individual prayer and reflection, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Medford, Grace Church: Compline (Night Prayer) with Prayers for Our Nation, 7 p.m.
Melrose, Trinity Church: Evening Prayer, 7 p.m.
Middleboro, Church of Our Saviour: Candlelight Evening Prayer Vigil, 7 p.m.
Milton, Church of Our Saviour: Compline Prayer Vigil for the Election, 7 pm.
Nantucket, St. Paul's Church: 24-hour prayer vigil begins at 7 p.m. Concludes Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m., with Holy Eucharist at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 8.
Natick, St. Paul's Church: Church open for prayer, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., with Compline (Night Prayer) and Prayers for Our Election, 7:30-8 p.m.
New Bedford, Grace Church: A time of silent prayer at 6 p.m., ending with Compline (Night Prayer) and Prayers for Our Nation at 7 p.m.
Newton, Grace Church: Compline (Night Prayer) in the chapel, 7:30 p.m., with special prayers for the election, praying for the safety of all candidates and voters, for fair and transparent election processes and for a peaceful and just future for all who call this nation home.
North Andover, St. Paul's Church: Church open for prayer, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., followed by Evening Prayer, 7 p.m.
Plymouth, Christ Church: Morning Prayer, 7:30 a.m., and Evening Prayer, 6 p.m., with prayers for the nation and election. Church open for prayer from 7:30 a.m. through Evening Prayer.
Randolph, Trinity Church: Evening Prayer, 7 p.m.
Rockland, Trinity Church: Service of prayer, Scripture and hymns, 7 p.m. ASL interpretation will be provided.
Salem, Grace Church: Church opens at 8 a.m. with Morning Prayer and remains open through the 5 p.m. service of Evening Prayer
Sandwich, St. John's Church: Joint Election Vigil Service with First Church (UCC), Sandwich, at St. John's, 7 p.m.
Southborough, St. Mark's Church: Election Eve Eucharist, 7 p.m.
South Yarmouth, St. David's Church: Morning Prayer, 8 a.m.; Noonday Prayer, 12:15 p.m.; Evening Prayer, 5:30 p.m.; Compline (Night Prayer), 8:30 p.m.
Stoughton, Trinity Church: Election Eve Evening Prayer Service and Vigil, 6 p.m.
Topsfield, Trinity Church: Prayer vigil 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Wakefield, Emmanuel Church: Evening Prayer and Candlelight Vigil for the Nation, 7 p.m.
Waltham, Christ Church: Lutheran-Episcopal prayers for election eve, 6:30 p.m.
Wareham, Church of the Good Shepherd: Evening Prayer, with prayers for our nation and the election, 7 p.m.
Watertown, Church of the Good Shepherd: Multifaith Prayer Service on the Eve of the Election, 7 p.m., a non-partisan gathering of people of many faiths will offer time to prepare hearts and minds for the day ahead. "We will pray for ourselves as voters, for the safety of all candidates and voters, for fair and transparent election processes and for a peaceful and just future for all who call this nation home. Prayers, poetry, song, silence, and some tea to follow."
West Newbury, All Saints' Church: Together with St. James's Church in Groveland will be offering a collaborative service of Compline (Night Prayer), 7:30 p.m., at St. James's Church in Groveland
Weston, St. Peter's Church: Ecumenical service offered by the Weston Clergy Association at First Parish (349 Boston Post Road), 6:30-7 p.m. Compline (Night Prayer) with prayers for the election, at St. Peter's, 8 p.m.
Winchester, Parish of the Epiphany: Chapel open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for personal prayer
Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016:
Amesbury, St. James's Church: Morning Prayer at 8 a.m. and Evening Prayer with Organ at 7 p.m.
Ayer, St. Andrew's Church: Church open for prayer, 7 a.m.-12 p.m. Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church of Groton will join St. Andrew's in prayers and vigil during the morning. At noon, the clergy of both churches will lead a prayer service with a litany for our national life.
Belmont, All Saints' Church: Church open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. with Evening Prayer at 7 p.m.
Beverly, St. Peter's Church: Church open for prayer, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with Noonday Prayers at 12 p.m.
Beverly Farms, St. John's Church: Church open for prayer, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
Boston, Emmanuel Church: Church sanctuary and Lindsey Chapel open for prayer and quiet reflection, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., with Noonday Prayer in Lindsey Chapel at 12 p.m.
Boston, Trinity Church: Day-long prayer vigil, with Taizé prayers throughout the day, at 8:30 a.m., 12:10 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Brookline, All Saints Parish: Holy Eucharist at 7 a.m.
Brookline, Church of Our Saviour: Holy Eucharist at 12 p.m.
Brookline, St. Paul's Church: Church open for prayer and meditation, 7 a.m.-9 p.m., with Holy Eucharist at 8 p.m.
Buzzards Bay, St. Peter's-on-the-Canal Church: Virtual prayer vigil while polls are open, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., with members signed up to pray hourly from wherever they are
Cambridge, Christ Church: Morning Prayer, 8 a.m.
Charlestown, St. John's Church: Church open for prayer 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
Chelsea, St. Luke's-San Lucas Church: Morning Prayer at 8 a.m. and Evening Prayer at 6:30 p.m.
Chestnut Hill, Church of the Redeemer: Church open for prayer 7 a.m.-7 p.m., with Morning Prayer, 7 a.m.; Noonday Prayer, 12 p.m.; Evening Prayer, 5 p.m.; and Compline (Night Prayer), 7 p.m.
Cohasset, St. Stephen's Church: Election Day Vigil, 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Concord, Trinity Church: Noonday Prayer in the chapel, 12 p.m., and Compline (Night Prayer) in the chapel, 7 p.m. Both services will include silent reflection and prayers for the nation and for peace.
Dartmouth, St. Peter's Church: Church open for prayer, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with Holy Eucharist at noon
Dedham, St. Paul's Church: Church open for prayer and meditation 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Noonday prayer at 12 p.m. Take-home "Prayers for Our Nation" available.
Duxbury, Church of St. John the Evangelist: Church sanctuary open 6 a.m.-8 p.m. for anyone to come and spend time in prayer and contemplation. Printed prayer materials will be available for people's use.
Duxbury, St. Margaret's Chapel (30 Harden Hill Road): The chapel will be open for the 7:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist and will remain open through Evening Prayer at 5 p.m. The Sisters of St. Margaret offer this as space for prayer and meditation on this important day.
Edgartown, St. Andrew's Church: Church open 7 a.m.-6 p.m. for prayer and meditation, with Morning Prayer at 8 a.m.
Foxboro, St. Mark's Church: Church open 12-8:30 p.m., with Holy Eucharist at 12 p.m. and Compline (Night Prayer) at 8:30 p.m.
Haverhill, Trinity Church: Church open 7 a.m.-7 p.m., with prayer booklets available and Blessed Sacrament available for meditation and prayer in the chapel.
Lincoln, St. Anne's-in-the-Fields Church: Morning Prayer, 9 a.m., in the side chapel. Church open all day for quiet prayer and reflection. Holy Eucharist, 12 p.m., in the side chapel.
Lynn, St. Stephen's Church: Chapel open 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m., with evening service with chant healing liturgy at 7:45 p.m. Get-out-the-vote canvassing during the day.
Marblehead, St. Michael's Church: Morning Prayer, 8 a.m.
Mattapan, Church of the Holy Spirit: Together with St. Michael's Church in Milton, Compline (Night Prayer), 7:30 p.m.
Middleboro, Church of Our Saviour: Morning Prayer, 6:30 a.m.
Nantucket, St. Paul's Church: 24-hour prayer vigil concludes at 7 p.m., with Holy Eucharist at 5:30 p.m.
Natick, St. Paul's Church: Church open for prayer, 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m., with Compline (Night Prayer) and Prayers for our Nation, 7:30-8 p.m.
Newburyport, St. Paul's Church: Morning Prayer, 7 a.m.
North Andover, St. Paul's Church: Morning Prayer and Holy Eucharist, 8:30 a.m., with church open for prayer through 7 p.m.
Plymouth, Christ Church: Morning Prayer, 7:30 a.m., and Evening Prayer, 6 p.m., with prayers for the nation and election. Church open for prayer from 7:30 a.m. through Evening Prayer.
Salem, Grace Church: Church opens at 8 a.m. with Morning Prayer and remains open through the 5 p.m. service of Evening Prayer
South Yarmouth, St. David's Church: Morning Prayer, 8 a.m.; Noonday Prayer, 12:15 p.m.; Evening Prayer, 5:30 p.m.; Compline (Night Prayer), 8:30 p.m.
Topsfield, Trinity Church: Prayer vigil 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Waltham, Christ Church: Church open for prayer and reflection
Weston, St. Peter's Church: Church open for prayer and meditation, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., with Compline (Night Prayer) with prayers for the election, 8 p.m.
Winchester, Parish of the Epiphany: Chapel open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. for personal prayer, with service of Evening Prayer at 7 p.m.
Woods Hole, Church of the Messiah: Church open for quiet, rest and prayer, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Copies of prayers from a variety of faith traditions available for those who wish them.
Wednesday, Nov. 9:
Beverly, St. Peter's Church: Prayers for peace, 12:10 p.m.
Chelsea, St. Luke's-San Lucas Church: Church open at 8:30 a.m.
Dartmouth, St. Peter's Church: Church open 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with Holy Eucharist at noon
Milton, St. Michael's Church: Morning Prayer, together with the Church of the Holy Spirit, Mattapan, 6:30 a.m. at St. Michael's
Salem, Grace Church: Church open 9 a.m.-9 p.m., with prayers for peace at 9 a.m. and Holy Eucharist at 6 p.m.
South Yarmouth, St. David's Church: Holy Eucharist, with prayers for healing, 8 a.m.
Join via social media
• Use #DioMassPrays and visit our Facebook event page.
Resources
Additional resources will be posted here as they are made available.
• Prayers for a Nation in a Time of Anxiety, written by the Rev. Joseph O. Robinson, Rector, Christ Church Cambridge, available here
• An Ecumenical Prayer Service for Election Eve/Day - from the Council on Christian Unity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
• Forward Movement has created bulletin inserts and a resource for praying each day from Oct. 9 through Nov. 8, available here.
• Prayers for the Election - compiled by the Rev. Shannon Kelly Ferguson, Episcopal Church Missioner for Campus Ministry, and included among the resources available on the Episcopal Church Public Policy Network's #EpiscopaliansVote page.
• A half-page handout to help publicize the vigil is available here.
• Colleagues in both Massachusetts dioceses collaborated on this guide for use in youth group conversations about the election and as preparation for our dioceses' joint pre-election walk-and-talk event on Oct. 22. Come walk and talk with us!
Praying hands graphic: www.istockphoto.com