 Announcements for Sunday, October 24, 2021
The Annual Convention of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut will be held online Saturday, October 23 from 9a.m. to 4p.m. All are welcome to observe and ask questions through the ECCT YouTube Channel. Information about the schedule, resolutions and information sessions can be found on the Convention website. Could you host an upcoming Coffee Hour? As long as clement weather continues, we will have a time of fellowship over coffee and treats in the garden. Please consider hosting; you can sign-up here. Coffee and tea can be made with percolators in the kitchen. We have thermos-carafes for serving, plus paper goods and sweeteners. A table will already be out in the garden. The Path: Journey through the Bible -- After last week's introductory session, we'll begin our journey in earnest this week with Chapter 1, "God Saw That It Was Good." The stories of Creation and the Fall are the first of the Bible's 24 "greatest hits" excerpted for our reading this week. Along the way, pay attention to the "Scenic Views, Points of Interest, and You-Are-Here" notes. We'll continue with parallel introductory sessions at 7p.m. on Monday, October 25, and Thursday, October 28 at 9:30a.m. Two copies remain available for $15 each. We can order more! The Path: A Journey through the Bible is also available on Kindle for $8. Last week's Introductory session was recorded. It is available by clicking here. If you're asked for a passcode, please use Stknb*4e . Hike with our Missionary, Rachel Thomas Come share a hike and prayer with Rachel Thomas, SE & SC Region Missionary on Monday, October 25 at noon. Meet at the Quarry Rd parking lot of Westwoods/Branford Land Trails on the border of Guilford. (Take Leetes Island Rd. toward the shore to Rte. 146 and turn L. Go to Quarry Rd., turn L and go until you see a big (for a trail head) parking area. This parking area holds about 15 cars. You’re invited to bring a prayer or poem to share with the group. Please email Rachel for questions and to let her know if you plan on attending; rthomas@episcopalct.org Vestry approves participation in "Shoreline Interfaith Resettlement" At its October 22 meeting, our Vestry approved our collaboration with Shoreline Interfaith Resettlement and IRIS (Integrated Refugee & Immigration Services) to help resettle a refugee family in the Greater New Haven area. Given the number of Afghan evacuees expected by IRIS, the family will likely be from Afghanistan. With the Vestry's approval, we can now receive gifts toward the $1K matching gift offered by a parish household. Checks should be made out to Christ Church with "Refugees" in the memo line. Christ Church parishioners are already leading the Education team; others are involved with Healthcare and Finance; other volunteer teams include: Housing, Apartment Set-up, Welcome and Cultural Orientation, Transportation and Employment. If you are interested in exploring any of these opportunities, please reply to this message and you'll get connected to the team leaders. Shoreline Interfaith Resettlement includes First Congregational Church of Guilford, Temple Beth Tikvah, North Madison Congregational Church, Christ Church and other community individuals and groups. Calendar Planning Meeting, Thur, Oct. 29, 6:30p.m. Please be sure that your program or ministry area is represented in Thursday's meeting to sketch out the parish calendar for December into the Spring. All Saints'/Veterans' Sunday Flowers Our ECW will place flowers on the altar, November 7, 2021 in honor of veterans and first responders. Although carnations will not be sold this year, veterans or first-responders may be honored by providing their names for the bulletin by November 1. Donations towards the flowers will be gladly accepted, but are totally optional. Intercessory Prayer: Please help shape the Prayers of the People, by replying to this message with the people, birthdays, anniversaries, and concerns you would like included in the Prayers of the People. In addition to our, so far successful, experiment with leaving the door closest to the Guild Room unlocked daily between 10a.m. and at least 3p.m., you may notice a red narthex door standing open during the day. That means that Music Director Mark Sullivan is rehearsing and passersby are welcome to come in for some musical refreshment.
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 Wednesday Order for Evening ...
this evening, October 20, at 7p.m. We're transferring the Feast of St. Luke the Evangelist Participate in-person with masks, or via the parish's FB page: www.facebook.com/cecguilford Thursday Bible Study We're trying something new! "Hybrid Bible Study" on The Path: A Journey through the Bible Repeat of Monday's Introductory session October 21, at 9:30a.m. You can participate in-person, with masks in the Parish Hall, with open windows and the exhaust fan on; OR you can participate via Zoom. Here's the link Intercessory Prayer: Please help shape the Prayers of the People, by replying to this message with the people, birthdays, anniversaries, and concerns you would like included in the Prayers of the People. In addition to our, so far successful, experiment with leaving the door closest to the Guild Room unlocked daily between 10a.m. and at least 3p.m., you may notice a red narthex door standing open on nice days. That means that Music Director Mark Sullivan is rehearsing and passersby are welcome to come in for some musical refreshment.  Announcements for Sunday, October 17, 2021
The Path: Journey through the Bible -- The books have arrived; so let's get started! As the subtitle indicates, The Path, is a journey through the narrative arc of the Bible from Genesis through Revelation. The Bible's 24 "greatest hits" have been excerpted from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible with helpful "Scenic Views, Points of Interest" and questions for reflection and discussion along the way. We'll begin with parallel introductory sessions at 7p.m.,on Monday, October 18, and Thursday, October 21 at 9:30a.m. Copies will be available for $15 each after Sunday worship and in the Parish Office during office hours (Tuesday-Thursday, 10a.m.-3p.m.) The Path: A Journey through the Bible is also available on Kindle for $8. Continuing our thanks to Behind-the-Scenes Helpers, our ECW will present its 2021 "Pearl of Great Price" Award this Sunday. Outreach recommends participation in "Shoreline Interfaith Resettlement" This potential collaboration of First Congregational Church of Guilford, Temple Beth Tikvah, North Madison Congregational Church, Christ Church, and other community individuals and groups -- including Guilford High's IRIS Club would work through IRIS (Integrated Refugee & Immigration Services of New Haven) to assist in resettling a family of evacuees from Afghanistan. Our participation would involve raising an initial $2,000-$2,500, and connecting interested parishioners with volunteer opportunities. Two Christ Church parishioners have already volunteered to co-chair the Education team; parishioners have indicated willingness to provide $1K as a matching grant; and the Tag Sale put aside like-new household items on IRIS's shopping list. Besides Education, other volunteer teams include: Housing, Apartment Set-up, Welcome and Cultural Orientation, Healthcare, Finance, Transportation, and Employment. If you are interested in exploring any of these opportunities, please reply to this message and you'll get connected to the team leaders. Outreach's recommendation for Christ Church's participation, including the go-ahead to receive funds for "Shoreline Interfaith Resettlement," will come before this week's Vestry meeting. Our Wednesday Order for Evening services will continue at 7p.m. during the weeks ahead. Worshippers are welcome to join in the prayers, readings and hymns either in-person or online. The link is www.facebook.com/cecguilford The Annual Convention of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut will be held online this coming Saturday, October 23 from 9a.m. to 4p.m. Although delegates will participate through a Zoom webinar platform, all are welcome to observe and ask questions through the ECCT YouTube Channel. Information about the schedule, resolutions and information sessions can be found on the Convention website. Intercessory Prayer: Please help shape the Prayers of the People, by replying to this message with the people, birthdays, anniversaries, and concerns you would like included in the Prayers of the People. In addition to our, so far successful, experiment with leaving the door closest to the Guild Room unlocked daily between 10a.m. and at least 3p.m., you may notice a red narthex door standing open during the day. That means that Music Director Mark Sullivan is rehearsing and passersby are welcome to come in for some musical refreshment.  Thank you, Melissa!
This Sunday we'll thank Melissa Lamoreaux for over 12 years of service as our volunteer bookkeeper. Initially stepping in to help out on a temporary basis, Melissa brought her professional accountancy skills to our parish finances for over 12 years! Over the summer, she worked with our Finance Team to make the transition from in-house to our new contract bookkeepers as smooth as possible. In the meantime, Melissa was one our Behind-the-Scenes volunteers who enabled our parish life to happen! Let's all thank her this Sunday during the 10a.m. service, and in the garden afterwards -- weather permitting. Look for the card to sign. Speaking of "Behind-the-Scenes Helpers:" Last Sunday we thanked Marsha Brown, Cynthia Dwyer and Katherine Frydenborg for their largely unseen help in preparing for Sunday worship. Marsha, who has long arranged Sunday altar flowers, did the Christmas and Easter decorating almost entirely by herself and served as part of the core presenters of our 10a.m. livestream worship. Since in-person, inside worship resumed in June, Marsha has done most of the ushering -- including the post-service tidying up -- pending the return of our usher teams. While we worshiped at 10a.m. only via livestream, there were still linens and silverware to wash, hangings and candles to change, and Katherine and Cynthia did all of that. Since the return of inside, in-person worship, they have also been doing all the setting-up before and cleaning-up afterwards. We thanked them for all of that, and a number of you stepped-up to assist with the cleaning-up and putting-away. The Thank-Yous continued in the garden between and after services. If you'd like to add your gratitude to the cards, please include your message to Marsha, Katherine and/or Cynthia in a reply to these announcements. Our Wednesday Order for Evening services resumed October 6, and will continue at 7p.m. during the weeks ahead. Worshippers are welcome to join in the prayers, readings and hymns either in-person or online. The link is www.facebook.com/cecguilford Thursday Bible Study had its first Hybrid gathering on October 7. We'll continue at 9:30a.m. in the Parish Hall, and online at this link. We will continue our focus on Sundays' lectionary readings from the wisdom and poetical traditions with Job 38 The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) of Christ Churchwill meet Thursday, October 14th, 12 noon at the Maritime Grill for a no-host lunch and a business meeting to discuss future fundraisers and projects. Julie Harris will join us and share her latest book and give us insight into her next book. All Christ Church Women are welcome, and we welcome new and former members. Friends are also welcome. The Bishop Transition Committee, for the next Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, is receiving responses to itsonline survey via this link through 11:59p.m. today, October 8. The survey poses the same questions as in the listening sessions, but you'll be done much more quickly! The Committee hopes to hear from many folks across ECCT to shape the call for our next Bishop Diocesan. "Shoreline Interfaith Resettlement" ... a group of 50+ folks, gathered for a second meeting on October 6, with representatives from First Congregational Church, Temple Beth Tikvah, North Madison Congregational Church, Christ Church and other community members. We heard from Ashley Makar, who assists community co-sponsors resettle refugees through Integrated Refugee & Immigration Services(IRIS). She reported that evacuees from Afghanistan are currently being vetted at US military bases: IRIS is expecting about 400 individuals -- mostly in family groups -- for resettlement in CT in the coming months. So, they are welcoming co-sponsoring groups. Housing and fund-raising are two key concerns, followed closely by the various tasks needed to equip and orient one family. This informational document, and this tasks document from IRIS guided the creation of eight committees for our local collaboration; all now have leaders, and are seeking helpers. Those interested in participating will need to participate in trainings on the evenings of October 25, 26, and 27. Intercessory Prayer: Please help shape the Prayers of the People, by replying to this message with the people, birthdays, anniversaries, and concerns you would like included in the Prayers of the People. In addition to our, so far successful, experiment with leaving the door closest to the Guild Room unlocked daily between 10a.m. and at least 3p.m., you may notice a red narthex door standing open during the day. That means that Music Director Mark Sullivan is rehearsing and passersby are welcome to come in for some musical refreshment.  Friday, Sept. 24, 5-7p.m. Sale Preview & Reception
Looks like the weather is cooperating for the Sale Preview and outdoor Reception this evening from 5 to 7p.m. Your $10 ticket includes admission and a free raffle ticket. TheTag Sale will continue Saturday, 9a.m. to 2p.m. (Free admission on Saturday) In addition to all sorts of curated items, there are especially worthy items in the Raffle and the Silent Auction, plus an "Everything for $1 Table" with useful things you didn't know you needed! Please invite friends and neighbors! Between the Guilford Performing Arts Festival and the Friends of the Library Book Sale, there's a lot happening in town. Check out the parking lots beside and behind the church's gardens. Current Worship Service schedule to continue through at least October. At its September meeting, our Vestry adopted this recommendation from the Worship Options Group, as reflected in the column to the left. This includes enjoying a "A Cool Drink Outside" following the 10a.m. service in the good weather outside while it lasts. The plan includes the return of Wednesday, Order for Eveningservices, beginning October 6 at 7p.m. Afghan Refugee Resettlement in Guilford? At the first community meeting on September 22, members of First Congregational Church, St. George Catholic Church, Temple Beth Tikvah, North Madison Congregational Church, Christ Church and other community members, began exploring a community collaboration to co-sponsor an Afghan refugee family with IRIS. Housing and fund-raising were identified as two key issues; then organizing for the various tasks needed to support one family. This informational document, and this tasks document from IRIS were shared. Attendees were encouraged to share information about what is tentatively called "Shoreline Interfaith Resettlement" with their houses of worship, to gauge interest and possible commitment. A next meeting was scheduled for October 6. Chris George, Executive Director of IRIS (Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services) will speak at the Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., in Branford, on Thursday, September 30, at 6:30p.m. A great opportunity to learn the latest on the challenges and opportunities for receiving Afghan families in CT. Bishop Transition Committee, for the next Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, has been holding a variety of listening sessions via Zoom. The next one is scheduled for Tuesday, September 28 at 6:30p.m. These sessions are designed to encourage us to share from our own unique context and experiences across ECCT and in our communities. We will pray, share and discern together where God may be calling us and our next bishop. Learn more and register here. "All Welcome" Tuesday, September 28 at 6:30p.m. Ekklesia Contemporary Ballet is a professional dance company of artist-theologians now based at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Middletown. Their Fall Gala -- Sunday, September 26, 2 p.m. -- will feature a variety of new and re-imagined dances performed on the beautiful outdoor platform of Camp Incarnation's lakeside chapel, and will be followed by a light reception. Ekklesia Ballet has been awarded a Creation Care grant by the Episcopal Church for a work it is developing, called "Body and Land," about the threat posed by the climate crisis to Creation. To see some of the dancers on the chapel platform and to order tickets to the Fall Gala, click here. Camp Incarnation, aka Incarnation Center, is in Deep River, an easy thirty minute drive from the Green. Hint of Lime Brass's performance in the great acoustics of Christ Church's nave on September 22 was recorded, and is available here. In addition to a premiere and a new composition by women composers, and a transcription of a classic standard, the trio performed a setting of the hymn tune Engleberg ("All praise to thee, for thou, O King divine ...) for brass trio and organ! That just about had YFNR in tears. Intercessory Prayer: Please help shape the Prayers of the People, by replying to this message with the people, birthdays, anniversaries, and concerns you would like included in the Prayers of the People. In addition to our, so far successful, experiment with leaving the door closest to the Guild Room unlocked daily between 10a.m. and at least 3p.m., you may notice a red narthex door standing open during the day. That means that Music Director Mark Sullivan is rehearsing and passersby are welcome to come in for some musical refreshment.  Announcements for Sunday, September, 2021:
Thanks for Welcome Back Sunday Celebration! What fun we had on September 12, as we gathered in Jesus's Name for the new school year! Profound thanks to the organizers of the celebration: Lisa Ste. Marie, Beth Brause, Bet Cummiskey, Bob Donahue, Donna LaFata, and Susan Tillier, Thanks also to those who pitched in to help with set-up, serving and clean-up. Speaking of clean-up: Special thanks to Anthony LaFata and his crew for clearing away the old shed and all the yard debris deposited behind it! They made a big block of stone into a feature, spread grass seed and hay to cover, restoring that corner of the yard "A Cool Drink Outside" will follow the 10a.m. service again this Sunday. We'll continue to enjoy the good weather outside while it lasts. The "Return to Coffee Hour" was planned for this Sunday in the days before the delta variant spiked those plans. United Nations International Day of Peace will be observed on the Green, Tuesday, September 21 at noon. Local dignitaries will speak and clergy lead the prayers. Afghan Refugee Resettlement in Guilford? First Congregational Church will host a gathering this Wednesday, September 22 at 3p.m. in their sanctuary to explore a community collaboration for co-sponsoring an Afghan refugee family with IRIS. Interested individuals and representatives from the larger community are all invited to attend. Chris George, Executive Director of IRIS (Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services) will speak at the Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St., in Branford, on Thursday, September 30, at 6:30p.m. A great opportunity to learn the latest on the challenges and opportunities for receiving Afghan families in CT. Breaking News: "Hint of Lime" Brass Trio will perform in Christ Church's nave this Wednesday, September 22 at 7p.m. Attend in person or via livestream. With a range from light classical to transcriptions of popular tunes to compositions by contemporary composers, Hint of Lime happened to be in New England, had an available evening, and a member of the trio, Sarah Ford, has performed here on several occasions. Free will donations accepted. Tag Sale This Friday and Saturday, Sept. 24-25 After months and months of sorting and organizing and storing, the Tag Sale will open with a Pre- Sale Reception on Friday, 5-7p.m. Your $10 ticket includes admission and a free raffle ticket. The Tag Sale will continue Saturday, 9a.m.-2p.m. (Free admission on Saturday) In addition to all sorts of curated items, there are especially worthy items in the Raffle and the Silent Auction, plus an "Everything for $1 Table" with useful things you didn't know you needed! Ekklesia Contemporary Ballet is a professional dance company of artist-theologians now based at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Middletown. Their Fall Gala -- Sunday, September 26, 2 p.m. -- will feature a variety of new and re-imagined dances performed on the beautiful outdoor platform of Camp Incarnation's lakeside chapel, and will be followed by a light reception. Ekklesia Ballet has been awarded a Creation Care grant by the Episcopal Church for a work it is developing, called "Body and Land," about the threat posed by the climate crisis to Creation. To see some of the dancers on the chapel platform and to order tickets to the Fall Gala, click here. Camp Incarnation, aka Incarnation Center, is in Deep River, an easy thirty minute drive from the Green. Intercessory Prayer: Please help shape the Prayers of the People, by replying to this message with the people, birthdays, anniversaries, and concerns you would like included in the Prayers of the People. In addition to our, so far successful, experiment with leaving the door closest to the Guild Room unlocked daily between 10a.m. and at least 3p.m., you may notice a red narthex door standing open during the day. That means that Music Director Mark Sullivan is rehearsing and passersby are welcome to come in for some musical refreshment. June 29, 2021
Almighty God, whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul glorified you by their martyrdom: Grant that your Church instructed by their teaching and example, and knit together in unity by your Spirit, may ever stand firm upon the one foundation, which is Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Dear Hearts, Today the Church gives thanks for the life and witness of the two greatest leaders of the Early Church. St. Paul and St. Peter. Although they each have their own feast days in January -- the Confession of St. Peter and the Conversion of St. Paul, today we remember that, although sometimes at odds with one another, they were united in their unwavering witness to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. They were martyred in Rome in 64 A.D. Peter and Paul are the two figures depicted on either side of Jesus in the stained glass window over Christ Church's altar. The official name of Washington National Cathedral, is the Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul; the towers on the cathedral's west front are named for St. Peter and St. Paul, one to the north and the other to the south. They each have their own individuality and integrity, and they present a unified witness to the world. Let us also pray for all who have been commended to the prayers of the parish: All who are ill or in distress, including Bill, Jude, Jonathan, and family members of the victims of the tower collapse in Florida; and for all who are contending with Covid-19 disease; for medical caregivers ministering of God's healing gifts; and for all facing financial hardship. May they all know the healing power of Christ's presence and love. For the victims of the Champlain South Tower collapse; and for all who have died, including the over 604,000 of our fellow citizens claimed by the coronavirus. Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord; may light perpetual shine upon them. Let us offer thanksgivings for the birthdays of Bob Cairns, and Winnie Seibert May they continue to grow in wisdom and grace. Please also continue to pray for Jim F, Kelly F & family, Aunts Chris and Margie, John P, Craig L, Carol U, Maureen S, Eugenia, and Ann S, Elizabeth, Jim R, Kevin, Danielle, Amy B, Virginia, Sonny P, Alex M. Maryanne M, Diane L, Dale, Buster, Jimmy C, Patrick and family, Felipe, Richard D, Alice M, Elizabeth Ann, Parker, Webb, Jill, Andrew E, Ed C, Pastor Bryan Meyers, Bob C, 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, Lois C., Winnie Z, Bernie and , 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: Susan S, Linda B, Charlie K, Anne C, Mark S, Angela G, Maria, Bob, and Olivia; 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 for Evening will offer readings, hymns and prayers to mark the Eve of the Church's commemoration of Pauli Murray, the legal scholar and civil rights activist who became the first African American woman ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church. She is also the namesake of one of Yale's new Colleges.The livestream of the service will start just before 7p.m. via www.facebook.com/cecguilford. This service will conclude our Wednesday evening services for this program year. Planning and helping to offer them has been one of the anchors and highlights of my week over the past 15 months. Thanks to all who participated and made it part of their week! Thursday Bible Study has concluded its academic year, and begins summer vacation. Thursday morning Bible Study will return on September 16. Vacation Bible School Dates: As promised, drum roll please, today's the day to announce the dates of our Vacation Bible School for the summer of 2021: They are -- Monday-Friday, August 16-20! Mark your calendars, and be thinking of whom you could invite to participate. Last "Let Us Pray" Letter? Together with the Wednesday Order for Evening service, this letter began as a way to stay connected in prayer during the week. Thanks to those of you who told me you found it helpful, and sometimes even interesting. I have felt that writing it was an important way for me to stay in touch with you. That said, this letter will go on sabbatical and vacation with me during July and August. There will be more news about the summer, and plans for the fall, in the July newsletter out later this week. In the faith, hope and love of Christ, Harrison+ Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector  "Lemonade in the Shade," follows the 10a.m. service. Stop by the table in the shade out the north door (Town Hall-side). for ato greet visitors and catch up with fellow parishioners. Please also consider providing lemonade or iced-tea, and sign-up on the clipboard.
Calendar Planning Meeting for the fall will begin in the Parish Hall at 11:45a.m. with windows and fans turned on. Our goal will be to combine the dates that our programs and groups have for their events, to avoid conflicts, and to aid parish communication. Please be sure that your group or ministry is represented at this meeting! We'll try to get to December 31st in 45 minutes! Sunday Morning Worship: 9a.m. Morning Prayer in the Garden. Please remember a lawn chair, and to watch your distance. Service moves into the Parish Hall with open windows in case of rain. 10a.m. Holy Eucharist. Two options: 1. Participate inside the nave; 2. Participate via livestream. For the inside, in-person option, please remember to wear a mask, and maintain distance between "bubbles" of families and friends. Communion will be distributed in one kind (wafers) to those who wish to receive at the Children's Altar; Spiritual Communion prayer will remain available. Notwithstanding the historic importance of the common cup in Anglicanism, our Bishops assure us that communion in one kind (i.e. wafers) does make for a full communion. Our Outreach Team thanks all who used their gifts of hospitality by providing snacks (or funds) to support the mission of CT Violence Intervention Program with at-risk teens in New Haven. All your contributions have been delivered and the window sills are bare again. This Sunday concludes this appeal. And remember, if you'd prefer to provide a donation, the Team will shop for you. Our Outreach Team was instrumental in helping plan and support this past week's Youth Mission Challenge. Our 13 youth participants and YFNR all learned and did a lot thanks to Jenifer McShane, Debbie & Antonio Greco, Winnie Seibert, Suky & Rodger Bryan, Jennifer Huebner, Page Pelphrey, and First Congregational Church's Chaplain Charlotte White. On Sunday morning, we'll bless the five backpacks for men newly released from incarceration assembled by our youth during Monday's Challenge. Sunday School is now on summer vacation. Nonetheless, the Sunday Paper, Jr. -- a cartoon re-telling of Sunday's gospel for all ages -- remains available. There are insights here for all ages! The dates in August for Vacation Bible School will be announced on Tuesday morning. Tag Sale Donations of housewares and small furniture items (i.e. they'll fit in your trunk) may be left in the former nursery Monday-Friday, 10a.m.-3p.m. and Saturday, 10a.m.-noon. Wednesday's Order for Evening will celebrate the Eve of the Commemoration of Pauli Murray, Episcopal priest, legal scholar, civil rights activist, and Yale College namesake. Join our livestream prayers and hymns, Wednesday evening, June 30, at 7p.m. This week's service will conclude our Wednesday Order for Evening services -- at least for the summer. Thursday Bible Study is now on summer vacation. The walls of Jericho have tumbled down, and, to conclude the book bearing his name, Joshua has led a ritual to renew the Covenant. The Thursday group does plan to gather socially on occasion during the summer. Regular study gatherings will resume on September 16. Intercessory Prayer: Please help shape the Prayers of the People, by replying to this message with the people, birthdays, anniversaries, and concerns you would like included in the Prayers of the People. We are continuing our experiment with leaving the door closest to the Guild Room unlocked between 10a.m. and at least 3p.m. Please enjoy a quiet moment of prayer, likely alone, and pick up a candle stub for prayers at home. Thanks to all for your faithfulness! Thanks to your faithfulness, we are able to continue our shared life of worship and witness with renewed hope. Please continue your financial support of our common life by bringing your offering to a service, or by mailing to Christ Church, PO Box 574, Guilford, CT 06437. In the faith, hope and love of Christ, Harrison+ YFNR  Sunday, June 20, 2021, Fathers' Day: Our Youth Mission Challenge are actually three challenges this Monday-Wednesday June 21-23: These challenges for our rising, continuing and graduated high schoolers involve: Assembling Re-Entry Bags for those newly released; Meal Prep of to-go meals for the CT Violence Intervention Program; and Lunch for Community Soup Kitchen at Christ Church, New Haven. Typically 9a.m. to noonish. It's not too late to let YFNR know of your interest! Sunday Morning Worship: 9a.m. Morning Prayer in the Garden. Please remember a mask, a lawn chair, and to watch your distance. Service moves into the Parish Hall with open windows in case of rain. 10a.m. Holy Eucharist. Two options: 1. Participate inside the nave; 2. Participate via livestream. For the inside, in-person option, please remember to wear a mask, and maintain distance between "bubbles" of families and friends. Communion will be distributed in one kind (wafers) to those who wish to receive at the Children's Altar; Spiritual Communion prayer will remain available. Last Sunday, we experimented with "Lemonade in the Shade," following the 10a.m. service, in place of a Virtual Coffee hour, or gathering inside under the balcony; and it was well-received. Fingers crossed that the weather will permit it again this Sunday. Our Outreach Team invites us all to use our gifts of hospitality to support the mission of CT Violence Intervention Program with at-risk teens in New Haven. Let's help get the young folks' attention by providing snack items for program participants. Please leave contributions on a window sill in the nave, or, if you'd prefer to provide a donation, the Team will shop for you. Sunday School is now on summer vacation. Nonetheless, the Sunday Papers will continue once I learn how to post them. Look for this week's midweek. Thanks to all who provided a card and/or a donation for a farewell "purse" for Tyler Jarvis. Our gifts, plus a donation from the Rector's Discretionary Fund, brought the "purse" to $950! Was great to welcome our next Director for Children and Youth Ministries, Dorota Xeller, to our staff meeting, on Tuesday! Look for announcements on June 29 for the dates of Vacation Bible School and about the return to in-person Sunday School in September. Wednesday's Order for Evening will celebrate the Eve of the Nativity of John the Baptist. Join our livestream prayers and hymns, Wednesday evening, June 23, at 7p.m. Thursday Bible Study did not quite make it, last week, to when the walls of Jericho , "... came tumbling down" in the Book of Joshua. We'll begin with that at 9:30a.m. Thursday, June 24 via Zoom. Intercessory Prayer: Please help shape the Prayers of the People, by replying to this message with the people, birthdays, anniversaries, and concerns you would like included in the Prayers of the People. We are continuing our experiment with leaving the door closest to the Guild Room unlocked between 10a.m. and at least 3p.m. Please enjoy a quiet moment of prayer, likely alone, and pick up a candle stub for prayers at home. Thanks to all for your faithfulness! Thanks to your faithfulness, we are able to continue our shared life of worship and witness, and look with renewed hope to the future. Please continue your financial support of our common life by bringing your offering to a service, or by mailing to Christ Church, PO Box 574, Guilford, CT 06437. In the faith, hope and love of Christ, Harrison+ YFNR p.s. Honoring Juneteenth: A Celebration of Resilience! Click here for our Bishops invitation to learn about, and respond to, the history of this newest national holiday. Juneteenth celebrates the liberation of enslaved people in Texas on June 19th, 1865, almost two and one half years after the proclamation of the Emancipation Proclamation. Slavery would not end throughout the country until the ratification of the 13th Amendment almost six months later. Our struggle continues to live into our Baptismal Promise "to respect the dignity of every human being." June 16. 2021
Almighty God, look with favor upon your servants who are celebrating the completion of their studies, and the commencement of their next endeavors: We thank you for all the people who have supported them on their journeys so far; for having brought them through 15 difficult months, and we beseech you to continue to sustain them in your Spirit with joy and wonder in all your works. Amen. Dear Hearts, From where I'm sitting, I can see the preparations underway on the Green for tomorrow's graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2021. As much fun as last year's graduation parade may have been for the Class of 2020, this return to the Green is certainly worthy of giving thanks! I understand that promotion ceremonies are happening today at our elementary and middle schools. Congratulations to the students and their parents! On Sunday, we celebrated our graduating seniors: Matthew Cabrejo, Sabrina Doria, Keelyn Ervin, Megan McNamara, Juliette Perez, Sophia Perez, Olivia Ste. Marie, Hannah Tillier, and Lauren Walczyk. May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen you, as you seek to discover and strengthen your gifts in the service of God's Creation. Let us also pray for all who have been commended to the prayers of the parish: All who are ill, including Jim F, Kelly F & family, Levi, Suzanne K, Aunt Chris and Aunt Margie; and for all who are contending with Covid-19 disease; for medical caregivers ministering of God's healing gifts; and for all facing financial hardship. May they all know the healing power of Christ's presence and love. All who have died, including the over 600,000 of our fellow citizens claimed by the coronavirus. Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord; may light perpetual shine upon them. Let us offer our thanksgivings for the birthdays of Dennis Burke, Jude Iovanna and Joan Stewart, May they continue to grow in wisdom and grace. And celebrate and give thanks for Guilford High School's Women's LaCrosse State Championship Team, including Ella Clarke and Hannah Tillier! We thank you for challenges that call on our best efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments that satisfy and delight us all. Please also continue to pray for John P, Craig L, Carol U, Maureen S, Eugenia, and Ann S, Elizabeth, Jim R, Kevin, Danielle, Amy B, Virginia, Sonny P, Alex M. Maryanne M, Diane L, Jason, Peter, Dale, Buster, Jimmy C, Patrick and family, Felipe, Richard D, Alice M, Elizabeth Ann, Parker, Webb, Jill, Andrew E, Ed C, Pastor Bryan Meyers, Bob C, 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, 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: Susan S, Linda B, Charlie K, Anne C, Mark S, Angela G, Maria, Bob, and Olivia; 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 for Evening will offer readings, hymns and prayers to mark the commemoration of Bishop Joseph Butler, a 18th century theologian celebrated for his faithful and well-reasoned proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thelivestream of the service will start just before 7p.m. via www.facebook.com/cecguilford. Thursday Bible Study continues June 17 at 9:30a.m. with the story of how the walls of Jericho came tumbling down, in the Book of Joshua. Join the conversation via this Zoom code. There are no prerequisites or homework! Our revised worship schedule will continue all summer: 9a.m. Morning Prayer in the Garden 10a.m. Holy Eucharist, in-person and via livestream In place of the Virtual Coffee Hour, we'll share "Lemonade in the Shade" following the 10a.m. service. Thank you for your patience as we finesse the details of our re-gathered worship. In the faith, hope and love of Christ, Harrison+ Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector |
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October 2021
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