“Keep watch, dear Lord, over those who work, or watch, or weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, and shield the joyous.; and all for your love’s sake. Amen.” 

Book of Common Prayer, p. 134

What does it mean to ‘Shield the Joyous’? 

To shield the joyous is to keep them lifted up in prayer so that they might be able to remain in the midst of their joy, rather than experiencing the harmful effects of evil in the world. Of course, we all eventually must experience hardships, yet, this prayer asks God to allow for those in the midst of joy to remain there, at least a little while longer.

 When we think of the joyous, we think of our children, first. We love to see them run and play in safe spaces, enjoying God’s creation and one another in fellowship. Then, we think of those who seek thin spaces in which they reach out and touch the face of God. Many of these people have found those moments to occur on these holy grounds of St. Crispin’s. So, how can we ensure a safer environment?

 By adding a security gate, we will be able to protect our kids, the guests of St. Crispin’s, and the staff from potential harm. Please donate to the safety and security of the joyous; your gift will help to ensure that our beloved guests and campers will be given an added measure of solace each night while they sleep, thus giving rest to the weary while also doing that which we long for in our prayers…

…to shield the joyous, all for God’s love’s sake.