The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-04-23
CHURCHES PLAN
 THANK-OFFERING
Collections Contemplated on Sunday Following Day
 When Peace Comes

A great thank offering for victory. to be taken in the churches of America on the Sunday following the day on which peace is proclaim ed in Europe. was suggested today by Rev. Robbins w. Barstow, DID,. Director of the Service Commission of the World Council of Churches. Dr. Barstow proposes that the peo- ple of all churches of America thus translate their rejoicing into tan- gible help for the rebuilding Of church life and Christian service programs in Europe. In this. way American Christians would strengthen the forces of religion as a safeguard against future wars. He further suggests that a similar offering be taken for relief and re- mobilization in Asia following ceSsa- tion of hoStilities in the pacific.
 Dr. Barstow said: "The vast ma jority of Americans will want to give devout and humble thanks to God for the sparing of additional slaughter and the opening oppor- tunity to build lasting peace. l think they will welcome the oppor- | tunity, too, for great outpouring of substance as 8 true thank-offer- ing to be given to the Lord and used for the healing of the wounds of the war and strengthening all those institutions and influences ot religion that must play part in our planning and living if we are to avoid another catastrophe.
 It is hoped that church officials oi all denominations will give their en- dorsement to the plan and that lo- cal ministers may present this pro- posal to their people. Offerings should be forwarded to the appro- priate agency for the ministry oi reconstruction and rehabilitation. In the case of the Protestant churches the offering for Europe would be sent through the Commission fol World Council Service, 297 Fourth avenue, New York 10, N. Y. For Asia 1t would be the Church Committed for Relief in Asia, 287 Fourth ave- nue, New York 10. N. Y.
 A similar plan has been an- nounced by the Archbishop of Can- terbury, speaking for all Protestant denominations in the British Isles An offering will be taken in Eng land on VIE day for restoration o1 church life in continental Europe The English churches. though they themselves have suffered so much damage and destruction, are expect ing to raise $4,000, ,000 to help restore the work of their sister churches on the continent.
 The following prayer has beer suggested for use in the American churches on the occasion when such offerings are taken and will appear on coin cards which will be used ir churches of many denominations: Almighty and all m erciful
 Father:
 We lift our voices in glad re-
 (joicing; we bow before Thee
 in prayerful gratitude.
 Keep us humble in victory, but
 strong in the determination
 that the lessons and sacrifices
 of this war now passed shall
 not have been in vain.
 We remember before Thee all
 those who have sacrificed
 their lives, their youthful
 dreams and ambitions, that
 Christians everywhere might
 have yet another chance to
 build Christian world.
 We remember the innocent victims
 of our world madness - espe-
 cially the little children. May
 our Christian concern in the
 days to come restore to them
 their trust in God and in hu-
 man brotherhood.
 We remember those who were our
 enemies. Let us so magnify
 Thy name, so wholeheartedly
 serve Thee, that all people
 may be won to Thy allegiance
 and all mankind praise Thee
 with one accord.
 Grant us the strength and loyal
 hearts to learn to do Thy will. Save us from arrogance and
 selfish pride. for Thine alone
 is vengeance and victory.
 Keep us ever mindful that Thine,
 too, o Lord, is the Kingdom
 and the Power and the Glory
 forever, and that our highest
 l. l. 4va