 January 19, 2021
Dear Hearts, Our Bishops of Connecticut, +Ian Douglas, and +Laura Ahrens, have invited all of us to join them, and the clergy of our Cathedral and Hartford parishes, in a time of collective prayer for our nation and our state capitols. Here's part of the invitation: As Christians following the Prince of Peace, Jesus the Christ, we are compelled to pray and work for peace, with justice, for all. On Tuesday, January 19, at 5 p.m., the eve of the Inauguration, we call on the people and parishes of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut to join us via Zoom in “A Time of Prayer for the Nation.” We can join this time of prayer on Zoom by clicking here. In case you are asked, the Meeting ID: 983 6209 3080, and Passcode: Prayer2021. You can find the service bulletin here. Our prayers are asked for all who are commended to the parish's prayers: All who are ill, including Baby Jack, Patrick and family, Felipe, Diane L, Jim R, Jason, and Philip; and for Buster, Jimmy C, Dale, and all who are contending with Covid-19 disease; for the medical caregivers who minister of God's healing gifts; and for all facing financial hardship because of the pandemic. May they all know the healing power of Christ's presence and love. For the repose of all who have died; including the over 399,000 of our fellow citizens claimed by the coronavirus. Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord; may light perpetual shine upon them. Look with favor, O Lord, on Raysa Cabrejo and RT Trotter as they celebrate their birthdays; may they continue to grow in grace and wisdom. Please continue to hold in prayer: Richard D, Andrew M, Alice M, Elizabeth Ann, Parker, Webb, Jill, Andrew E, Ed C, Pastor Bryan Meyers, Bob C, Carol U, Sue S, George H, Alex & John H, Jeremy H, Shelly, Philippe, Kate, Frank, Jack, Judy & Ed S, Michael M, Richard D, Dave K, Brian A, Annie, John, Joan G., Lois C., Winnie Z, Bernie and family, Susie & Paul, Pam McG, Julie H, Murray E., Brooke & family, Kate S., Tracy M., Carl, Michael S, Joanne N-R, Madeline H, and Kelly G, Also: Paul D, Susan S, Linda B, June C, Charlie K, Anne C, Mark S, Angela G, Maria, Bob, Olivia, and Jo B. Please also remember: St. Luke’s School & Church in Martel (Haiti) To add names and concerns for Wednesday's and Sunday's intercessions, and this "Let Us Pray" letter, please send them to YFNR at harrisoncec@snet.net with any details you care to share. Names will move to the longer term list upon request. Wednesday's Order of Evening will include readings and prayers for our nation and the newly inaugurated President and Vice President. The livestream of the service begins before 7p.m. at www.facebook.com/cecguilford. Thursday Bible Study continues January 21 at 9:30a.m. with the Exodus story of Moses and the "king who did not know Joseph". Join the conversation via Zoom. There are no prerequisites or homework! Our experiment continues -- keeping the side door, closest to the Guild Room, unlocked between 10a.m. and dusk. This provides an opportunity for a quiet moment of prayer in the church, likely alone, as well as to pick up from the chancel table your 2021 Offering Envelopes, and a candle stub to light during prayers at home. And another thing: On Sunday January 17, I preached Part B of the day's sermon during the Garden Service: (It was so grand to gather together in the winter sun!) While Nathanael may have had his epiphany of Jesus as "Son of God" and "King of Israel," Jesus provides another vivid epiphany for us. Drawing on Jacob's vision of angels ascending and descending, Jesus describes himself as the ladder, the means for our connection with God, saying, "...you will see ... angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man."(John 1.51) With these words, Jesus vividly describes his Incarnate role as mediator between God and humanity. That's how seriously God takes us; that's how much God loves us. O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature. Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ ... Amen. BCP, p. 214 May the Light of this season of Epiphanies be with you and yours, Harrison+ Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector
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 January 17, 2021
Prayers in the Garden service will meet at 1p.m. this Sunday, January 17. At least one forecast shows a sunny, if breezy, 45 degrees at that hour on Sunday. Please dress warmly and remember to bring your mask and lawn chair. Digital Sunday School for this Sunday was distributed at noon on Friday. Check out Tyler's introductory video here. It's all interesting; however, his aside about the Epistle certainly helped me. Virtual Coffee Hour... is a great opportunity to "see" one another. The link to YFNR's Personal Zoom Room seems to work well. So, join the conversation via Zoom this Sunday, January 17 at 11:30a.m. by clicking this link. If asked, the Meeting ID: 540 197 1077, and Passcode: 1744AD Intercessory Prayer: Please send the people, birthdays, anniversaries, and concerns you would like included in the Prayers of the People by replying to these announcements or the "Let us pray" message. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day this year is Monday, January 18. The timing strikes me as auspicious. Here's the Collect appointed for the day: Almighty God, by the hand of Moses your servant you led your people out of slavery, and made them free at last: Grant that your Church, following the example of your prophet Martin Luther King, may resist oppression in the name of your love, and may secure for all your children the blessed liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; who lives and reign with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Our vocation, as the Church, to "resist oppression in the name of [God's] love," and to secure the blessings of liberty for all people, continues in the present day. Wednesday's Order for Evening, on Inauguration Day, will include the Prayer Book's "Litany for Sound Government" and intercession "For the President of the United States and all in Civil Authority," along with readings and hymns appropriate to the day. The prelude begins before 7p.m.; join the livestream service here. Thursday Bible Study will begin to read in Exodus about the plagues visited upon Pharaoh and his people to convince him to let the Hebrews go. Join the conversation, at 9:30a.m. Thursday via Zoom. Estimate of Giving Cards: Thanks so much to all who have responded with their Estimate of Giving for our operating budget in 2021! If you need a card, please respond to this message, and one will be in the mail posthaste! Offering envelopes are on the chancel table for those who requested them, and may be picked up between 10a.m. and dusk via the door closest to the Guild Room. Please enjoy a quiet moment of prayer, likely alone, in the church, and pick up a candle stub to light during your prayers at home. Annual Parish Meeting: February 7, 2021: As announced in the January Newsletter, "Plan B" for our Annual Parish Meeting will be to convene it in the Garden following our 1p.m. Prayer Service, and then, for lack of a quorum, to recess it until Sunday, June 6. Our Bylaws provide for this, and has the support of our Bishops and the Chancellor for the Episcopal Church in CT. Nonetheless, we plan to have annual reports ready for distribution for the original meeting day. If you have responsibility or leadership for a ministry or program in the life of the parish, please be writing your report and send it to our Parish Administrator, Donna Tafel, at cecsec@snet.net The replacement Parish House Door has been ordered, and been backordered. In the meantime, the current door has been screwed together and may be used. Thanks to all who are mailing in your offerings! Although our in-person connections remain severely limited, the routine of the parish continues in the new year. Thanks to your faithfulness, we are able to continue our shared life of worship and witness -- even while maintaining appropriate distances. Please continue your financial support of our common life by bringing your offering to the altar, or the parish office, or by mailing to Christ Church, PO Box 574, Guilford, CT 06437. Your offering will be presented at the altar; it will be physically present, as you remain safely at home. In the faith, hope and love of Christ, Harrison+ YFNR  January 13, 2020
Our Presiding Bishop, +Michael Curry, begins his latest "Word to the Church" by quoting the conclusion of Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address. Here's part of it: "With malice toward none; with charity for all: with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in: .... to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations." March 4, 1865 Dear Hearts, I commend to you Bishop Curry's stirring message, "Who Shall We Be." You can find it here in both video and text forms. He draws on the words of Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Henry Emerson Fosdick, and the witness of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela, to make his point: "... we must choose community. Chaos is not an option. Community is our only hope." Our prayers are asked for all who are commended to the parish's prayers. All who are ill, including Baby Jack, Patrick and family, Diane L, Jim R, and Philip; and for Buster, Jimmy C, Andrew M, Dale and all who are contending with Covid-19 disease; for the medical caregivers who minister of God's healing gifts; and for all facing financial hardship because of the pandemic. May they all know the healing power of Christ's presence and love. For the repose of all who have died; including the over 381,000 of our fellow citizens claimed by the coronavirus. Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord; may light perpetual shine upon them. Look with favor, O Lord, on Diana Stovall, as she celebrates her birthday; may she continue to grow in grace and wisdom. Please continue to hold in prayer: Richard D, Andrew M, Alice M, Elizabeth Ann, Parker, Webb, Jill, Andrew E, Ed C, Pastor Bryan Meyers, Bob C, Carol U, Sue S, George H, Alex & John H, Jeremy H, Shelly, Philippe, Kate, Frank, Jack, Judy & Ed S, Michael M, Richard D, Dave K, Brian A, Annie, John, Joan G., Lois C., Winnie Z, Bernie and family, Susie & Paul, Pam McG, Julie H, Murray E., Brooke & family, Kate S., Tracy M., Carl, Michael S, Joanne N-R, Madeline H, and Kelly G, Also: Paul D, Susan S, Linda B, June C, Charlie K, Anne C, Mark S, Angela G, Maria, Bob, Olivia, and Jo B. Please also remember: St. Luke’s School & Church in Martel (Haiti) To add names and concerns for Wednesday's and Sunday's intercessions, and this "Let Us Pray" letter, please send them to YFNR at harrisoncec@snet.net with any details you care to share. Names will move to the longer term list upon request. Wednesday Order of Evening will remind us that the Church has lived through times more turbulent than our own, as we remember the ministry of Bishop Hilary of Poitiers. Bishop Hilary remained faithful to the teaching of the Church during war-ing controversies in the 4th century. The livestream of the service begins before 7p.m. at www.facebook.com/cecguilford. Thursday Bible Study continues January 14 at 9:30a.m. with the Exodus story of Moses and the "king who did not know Joseph". Join the conversation via Zoom. There are no prerequisites or homework! The last of the cream-colored poinsettias are looking for new homes. Feel free to pick one up for yourself or to share with someone. Please use the side door, closest to the Guild Room between 10a.m. and 3p.m. This is also your opportunity for a quiet moment of prayer in the church, likely alone, to pick up your 2021 Offering Envelopes, and a candle stub to light during prayers at home. Presiding Bishop Curry concludes his "Word to the Church" with the first verse of Harry Emerson Fosdick's hymn text, "God of grace and God of glory, on thy people pour thy power." I'll conclude this "Let Us Pray" message with the prayerful final verse: Save us from weak resignation to the evils we deplore; let the gift of thy salvation be our glory evermore. Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, serving thee whom we adore. Hymn #594, v. 4: The Hymnal 1982, May the Light of this season of Epiphanies be with you and yours, Harrison+ Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector  Eastern sages at his cradle make oblations rich and rare;
gold the King of kings proclaimeth, myrrh his sepulcher foreshows. Verse 4 of "Earth has many a noble city", The Hymnal 1982 Text by M.A.C. Prudentius (348-410?) Dear Hearts, Happy New Year and a Blessed 12th Day of Christmas! Although we may be focused on events in Washington, D.C. this January 6, it is also the Feast of the Epiphany. The visit of the Wise Watchers of the Stars, to the Holy Family will claim our attention during our Order for Evening this Wednesday evening. Like our special Advent evenings, we will be inspired by the songs of the day -- including solos. You can join the 7p.m. livestream via www.facebook.com/cecguilford, and find the bulletin here. If you missed Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's New Year's Eve interview with Judy Woodruff on the PBS Newshour, you canwatch and read it here. Thanks to Katherine F. for bringing this to my attention; one learns important things at our virtual Coffee Hours! Our prayers are asked for all who are commended to the parish's prayers: All who are ill, including Diane L, Jim R, Philip, and Richard D; and for Buster, Jimmy C, Andrew M, Brad T, Dale and all who are contending with Covid-19 disease; for the medical caregivers who minister of God's healing gifts; and for all facing financial hardship because of the pandemic. May they all know the healing power of Christ's presence and love. For the repose of Ron Casey, Jack Hilyard and all who have died; including the over 354,000 of our fellow citizens claimed by the coronavirus. Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord; may light perpetual shine upon them. Look with favor, O Lord, on AJ LaFata, Donna LaFata, and Diane & David Barker, as they celebrate their birthdays; may they grow in grace and wisdom in the new year. Please continue to hold in prayer: Andrew M, Alice M, Elizabeth Ann, Parker, Webb, Jill, Andrew E, Ed C, Pastor Bryan Meyers, Sheward, Bob C, Carol U, Sue S, George H, Alex & John H, Jeremy H, Shelly, Philippe, Kate, Frank, Jack, Judy & Ed S, Michael M, Richard D, Dave K, Brian A, Annie, John, Joan G., Lois C., Winnie Z, Bernie and family, Susie & Paul, Pam McG, Julie H, Murray E., Brooke & family, Kate S., Tracy M., Carl, Michael S, Joanne N-R, Madeline H, and Kelly G, Also: Paul D, Susan S, Linda B, June C, Charlie K, Anne C, Mark S, Angela G, Maria, Bob, Olivia, and Jo B. Please also remember: St. Luke’s School & Church in Martel (Haiti) To add names and concerns for Wednesday's and Sunday's intercessions, and this "Let Us Pray" letter, please send them to YFNR at harrisoncec@snet.net with any details you care to share. Names will move to the longer term list upon request. Thursday Bible Study continues January 7 at 9:30a.m. with the Exodus story of Moses and the "king who did not know Joseph". Join the conversation via Zoom. Mitten Tree in the Chancel. Thanks to all who helped "decorate" our parish Mitten Tree! It looks beautiful, thanks to your caring gifts of mittens, gloves, caps, scarves, boots, and coats! After Thursday, the decorations will be packed up for delivery to Chapel-on-the-Green. Angels formerly-under-the-Balcony: Thanks also for your "angelic" and generous gifts for the Town's Heating Assistance Program! Many of our neighbors will be warm this winter thanks to your concern! The opportunity for a quiet moment of prayer in the church, likely alone, continues. Please use the side door, closest to the Guild Room between 10a.m. and 3p.m. While you're there, feel free to pick up your 2021 Offering Envelopes, and a candle stub to light during prayers at home. And another thing: In Sunday's sermon, I mentioned the 1938 poster created by the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio to support its work in resettling refugees from the gathering terrors of fascism in Europe. The poster, depicting the Holy Family's Flight into Egypt, has become a well-admired "sermon" on the Christian witness of assisting refugees. You can see it here. Today is another election day in Georgia. Here's the Prayer Book's Prayer for an Election (BCP, p. 822) adapted for today: Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of Georgia in electing their national Senators, 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. May the Hope of Christmas and the Light of the Epiphany be with you and yours, Harrison+ Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector  2nd Sunday of Christmas, January 3, 2021
The Christmas stories and carols continue this Sunday, the Second of Christmas, and Tenth day of Christmas. Thanks to Marsha's care, the poinsettias still look grand, and we'll enjoy again the splendor of the season via our livestream worship at 10a.m. Our Prayers in the Garden service will not meet due to the cold and possible rainfall again this Sunday, January 3. Digital Sunday School is taking a holiday break. Look for it to return for next Sunday, January 10. Mitten Tree: Thanks to all who have so wonderfully decorated our Mitten Tree with mittens, gloves, scarves and caps. These will be shared with our neighbors served by the Chapel-on-the-Green in New Haven after the Epiphany service. You're welcome to continue decorating the Tree between 10a.m. and 3p.m. daily during Christmastide, entering via the door closest to the Guild Room. While you're there, please feel free to enjoy a quiet moment alone in the church. "Angels-under-the-Balcony"-reminders were hung on the Mitten Tree this year. Thanks to all who have contributed this historic "warming" ministry of Christ Church. We continue to receive gifts; checks may be made out to Christ Church with "Angel" or Fuel Fund" on the memo line. Please offer your gift on the altar, the shelf in the Rectory entry hall or mail it to the Parish Office. The call has gone out for announcements and information for our January Newsletter. Please submit the same to our new, newsletter editor, Kate Haggans, and her predecessor, Donna LaFata via cecnewsletter2020@gmail.com About the taped-up Parish House Door: Thanks to the good work of Peter Johnson, this door continued to serve for many years longer than expected; nonetheless, it literally started coming apart this week. It is taped together to keep it from falling into pieces. Please don't attempt to use it! Instead, please use the side door, closest to the Guild Room. The work to replace it will begin shortly. Digital Sunday School is taking a holiday break. Look for it to return for next Sunday, January 10. Virtual Coffee Hour... is a great opportunity to "see" one another. The link to YFNR's Personal Zoom Room seems to work well. So, join the conversation via Zoom this Sunday, January 3 at 11:30a.m. by clicking this link. If asked, the Meeting ID: 540 197 1077, and Passcode: 1744AD Intercessory Prayer: Please send the people and concerns you would like included in the Prayers of the People. by replying to these announcements or the "Let us pray" message. Please consider this the digital version of the clip board on which names and concerns are written when we gather for worship in the nave. The Epiphany is this Wednesday, January 6: We will celebrate the Epiphany in our Order for Evening on that day; the livestream service begins before 7p.m. We'll sing the Christmas carols relating to the visit of the Wise Watchers of the stars of night, and again have special soloists for the occasion. Thursday Bible Study has begun to read in Exodus about Moses and the pharaoh who "did not know Joseph." It's interesting to juxtapose here the Biblical story of God's purposes, and the secular history of the ancients. Join the conversation, at 9:30a.m. Thursday via Zoom. Estimate of Giving Cards: Thanks so much to all who have responded with their Estimate of Giving for our operating budget in 2021! If you need a card, please respond to this message, and one will be in the mail posthaste! Thanks to all who are mailing in your offerings! Although our in-person connections remain severely limited, the routine of the parish continues in the new year. Thanks to your faithfulness, we are able to continue our shared life of worship and witness -- even while maintaining appropriate distances. Please continue your financial support of our common life by bringing your offering to the altar, or the parish office, or by mailing to Christ Church, PO Box 574, Guilford, CT 06437. Your offering will be presented at the altar; it will be physically present, as you remain safely at home. In the faith, hope and love of Christ, Harrison+ YFNR |
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January 2021
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