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Resource Library

    Resource for Learning About and Supporting Ukraine


    Updated December 22, 2022
    Originally posted April 18, 2022

    Find resources below for prayer, learning, giving and engaging with the topic of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

    New Worship Resource: Brief Service of Worship in Time of Ukraine-Russian War

    PRAY

    A Prayer for Ukraine from Rev. Beth Richardson, Dean Emeritus of The Upper Room Chapel
     
    God makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. …
    God breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    God burns the shields with fire.
    God says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”
     
    Psalm 46:9-10 (NRSV)
     
    God of peace,
    Russia has invaded the Ukraine and war seems inevitable.
     
    Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
     
    God of wisdom,
    Rain down your Spirit onto the leaders of the world
    That they might find a way where there is no way.
     
    Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
     
    God of comfort,
    Wrap the grieving ones in your cloak of consolation.
     
    Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
     
    God of courage,
    Be present with all those who are in harm’s way.
     
    Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.
     
    Amen.
     
    We join the Church ecumenical in Ukraine and beyond who have turned to the words of the Psalmist.  On a week when we are powerfully reminded that we are dust, we turn again to our Savoir, our Sustainer to ask for refuge, rescue, and peace:
     
    Psalm 31
    In you, LORD, I take refuge;
    let me never be put to shame.
     
    In your righteousness deliver me;
     
    incline your ear to me;
    make haste to rescue me!
     
    Be my rock of refuge,
     
    a stronghold to save me.
     
    For you are my rock and my fortress;
    for your name’s sake lead me and guide me.
     
    Free me from the net they have set for me,
    for you are my refuge.
     
    Into your hands I commend my spirit;
    you will redeem me, LORD, God of truth.
     

    LEARN

     

    GIVE

    • UMCOR is encouraging gifts to Advance #982450 UMCOR-International Disaster Relief and Recovery. Gifts to this fund will be used to support those remaining in Ukraine AND those who have fled the violence and are now in neighboring countries. UMCOR has already used funds from this Advance to send immediate relief to Ukraine and to Poland, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia. Gifts to Advance #982450 can be made in the following ways:
      • Online at https://umcmission.org/advance-project/982450
      • By toll-free telephone: 888-252-6174
      • By check made out to Global Ministries/UMCOR with “Advance #982450-Ukraine” written on the memo line, either mailed and addressed to Global Ministries/UMCOR, GPO, P.O. Box 9068, New York, NY, 10087-9068 or given at or through any United Methodist church
    • Use these fliers in worship to encourage giving to the Advance.

    ENGAGE

    • Pope Francis called for a day of fasting and prayer on Ash Wednesday. Bishop Shawn McKnight of the Jefferson City amplified that message: https://krcgtv.com/news/local/bishop-calls-for-prayers-and-fasting-for-ukraine. Bishop Farr encourages all Missouri Methodists to recommit to the faith through the disciplines of fasting, prayer and alms this Ash Wednesday, in unity with the people of Ukraine and all who suffer the ravages of war.