 Announcements for Sunday, January 16, 2022
HELP NEEDED, PLEASE DO WHAT YOU CAN A Plea from the Outreach Committee at Christ Church Last night at the Outreach Committee meeting (conducted via Zoom), Cindy McNamara arrived straight from her work at the V.A Hospital and told the rest of us about the extremely trying conditions there. There is a shortage of staff members – doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists – because so many are out sick with Covid themselves. There is also an acute shortage of blood, both at the V.A. and across the country, resulting in the need for rationing. Winnie Seibert then told of a friend who had recently been diagnosed with leukemia and, on one occasion, could only get half of the blood he needed. WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP? One thing those of us who are not medical professionals can do is to GIVE BLOOD. Click here to find Red Cross Blood Drives in the Guilford area. If you are out of town and would like to give blood – since there is a national shortage – go to the Red Cross web site (https://www.redcrossblood.org/) and enter your zip code to find a Blood Drive near you. Please pass this information on to your friends and relatives. The need is urgent. During these stressful times, we sometimes feel helpless. Giving blood is one simple way we can help those suffering from Covid as well as from other illnesses, and help the medical professionals who have worked so hard and selflessly throughout the pandemic. Christmas Gratitude: Many thanks to all who made our celebrations so special during these challenging times --
Thanks to all who have responded to our Stewardship Program by offering their Gift Estimate cards for 2022! Thanks also to those who are still considering what God is asking you to provide for our shared life and witness in the new year. Please feel free to offer your card during any worship service, or to mail or drop it off during office hours Tuesday-Thursday, or outside of service time daily between 10am and 3p.m. Update from Shoreline Interfaith Resettlement Shoreline Interfaith Resettlement (SHIR) welcomed a family of 11, co-sponsored with Integrated Refugee and Immigration Services (IRIS) on Wednesday, December 29. Thanks to the Education Committee, led by Jennifer Huebner, family members are getting into ESL classes and registered for school; are completing state registrations with the help of Diane Pierpont; and getting to where they need to go with the help of the Transportation Committee headed by Winnie Seibert. Thanks to all Christ Church parishioners who have provided over $6100 in generous financial support! Shoreline Interfaith Resettlement includes First Congregational Church of Guilford, St. George Catholic Church, Temple Beth Tikvah, North Madison Congregational Church, Christ Church, Guilford Rotary Club and other community individuals and groups. In Celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 17: The 37th Annual Branford Martin Luther King Day Breakfastwill begin on-line, Monday, January 17 at 8:30 am. This year's speaker is Chris Wilson, author of The Master Plan; My Journey from a Life in Prison to a Life of Purpose. He's been making the rounds of many talk and news shows, so you night have heard of him. He has an amazing story to tell. Melvin Wilson, co-founder of Tiurnaround Tuesday will join Chris in a panel discussion moderated by Deb Rogala of Community Partners in Action. Tickets are $15 benefiting the Branford Food Pantry, Feed Branford Kids, and Branford Fuel Assistance. Click here to purchase tickets and to view several videos of Chris Wilson (this is particularly helpful if you don't know about him). St. Peter's Church in Cheshire invites children and adults to elevate their voices, as we march for unity, peace and hope in a "Children's March and Bell-Ringing Ceremony for Unity." We celebrate the power of our youth to make a difference and unite us in love. Together, we will march through the streets of Cheshire — socially distancing, sharing food and hot chocolate, and ringing the bells of freedom. Beginning at 1p.m. Monday, January 17, at St. Peter's Church, 59 Main Street, Cheshire. Organized in partnership with the State of Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities and the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity. The Path: Journey through the Bible Chapter 11 -- continues with stories about David, "A Man After God's Own Heart," on Monday at 7p.m., and Thursday at 9:30a.m. Click here for the Zoom. Copies of The Path are available on the Ushers' Table and on the Rectory Entry Hall shelf. Please feel free to join the conversation. Cecelia's Poetry Table & Office Hours ... remain on semester break with Cecelia. 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.
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 Advent Outreach Opportunities: If it's Advent at Christ Church, then you can count on us being concerned about keeping our neighbors warm during the cold days ahead. The Mitten Tree welcomes gloves, caps, scarves, coats, and yes mittens, for our neighbors served by the Chapel on the Green in New Haven.
This Sunday, December 19, we'll receive our annual "Angels Under the Balcony" offering for the Town's Heating Assistance Program. The Town's program actually began over 100 years ago at Christ Church with the beneficence of Julia Leete Newhall. The door closest to the Guild Room is open ourside of worship times, from 10a.m.-3p.m. for you to help 'decorate' the Mitten Tree, or to leave an "Angels" offering on the altar. Please put "Angels" or "Heating" on the memo line of a check. Supporting victims of Tornadoes in the central U.S.: Episcopal Relief & Development supports the rescue and relief work underway following last week's brutal tornadoes. You can donate to ERD's US Disaster Fund by donating here. Wednesday Order for Evening in Advent will include special organ music for the season. You are welcome to participate in-person or online via www.faceook.com/cecguilford at 7p.m., December 22. "Grateful for All God's Love" Thanks to all who have responded to our Stewardship Program for 2022. Thanks to all who have offered their Gift Estimates! Thanks also to all who are still considering what God is asking you to provide for our shared life and witness in the coming year. Please feel free to offer your card on Sunday morning. Outside of service times, the side door, closest to the Guild Room, is open daily between 10am and 3p.m. so you may have personal prayer-time in the church, and to offer your Giving Estimate on the altar. Update from Shoreline Interfaith Resettlement Shoreline Interfaith Resettlement (SHIR) is ready to welcome a large family, co-sponsored with Integrated Refugee and Immigration Services (IRIS): Very little is known about the family of 11, other than the two parents, four daughters, ages 20, 19, 13 & 5, and five sons, ages 15, 11,10, 9 & 7 -- and that they are expected after December 27. Thanks to all Christ Church parishioners who have provided such generous financial support! Thanks to SHIR's donors, the house is fully furnished, and there's outerwear for all. Shoreline Interfaith Resettlement includes First Congregational Church of Guilford, St. George Catholic Church, Temple Beth Tikvah, North Madison Congregational Church, Christ Church, Guilford Rotary Club and other community individuals and groups. Episcopal Church Women Announcements: The ECW are offering their “Cookie-Less Cookie Boxes" again this year. Pick-up yours now in the parish hall to support the ECW's high school scholarship program. Holiday cardholders will also be available on the table in the Parish Hall. There will be honor-system collection boxes for each. Christmas Wreaths: Only one remains available; check it out in the Rectory garage. If you ordered one but haven't picked it up, it's also in the garage with your name on it. Cecelia's Poetry Table Be sure to check out this week's Poetry Table on Sunday -- the last until January 16. "You can look forward to it under the balcony with copies of poems on different topics that I hope God may use to speak into your life." Cecelia's Office Hours will also return in January, following her semester break. Tag Sale's Christmas Pop-up Sale continues in the Parish Hall..Come see our costume jewelry display in the Parish Hall! All items are reasonably priced. Please use the RED box on the table for your “honor system” payment. Thank you from your Tag Sale Team! The Path: Journey through the Bible -- Chapter 8 -- continues on Monday, December 20; the next Thursday gathering will be on December 30. These session will have parallel discussions about the era when Israel was ruled by the "Judges," and includes some outrageous characters, as well as the story of Samson and Delilah. Click here for the 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.  Announcements for
Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 2021, & The First Sunday of Advent, November 28, 2021 Thanksgiving Day Worship at 10a.m. Let us join together in giving thanks for our many blessings, including God's abiding presence through days of sorrow and hardship, as well as for the beauty and bounty of God's Creation. We'll sing the great hymns of Thanksgiving, hear Governor Wilbur Cross's classic and timely Thanksgiving proclamation of 1936, and offer the Great Thanksgiving. You can participate in-person and online. Have a Blessed and Safe Thanksgiving! Harrison+ First Sunday of Advent, November 28 begins a new year in the life of the Church, and also begins the celebration of Hanukkah for our Jewish neighbors -- another celebration of light against the darkness of the world. Thanks to our Altar Guild team, this Sunday the Advent wreath returns, as do our beautiful indigo hangings and vestments. If you follow these things, we'll move into Year C in the Revised Common Lectionary -- the cycle of readings we share with liturgical English-speaking denominations for Sundays and major holy days, and Year 2 in the Prayer Book's Daily Office lectionary. . "Grateful for All God's Love" -- our Stewardship Program for 2022 -- began to receive our Giving Estimate Cards on Christ the King Sunday, with a powerful and challenging sermon from the Rev. Ellen Tillotson. Thanks to all who offered their Gift Estimates for 2022. As previously noted, we will continue to receive cards throughout Thanksgiving Week and into Advent. Outside of service times, the side door, closest to the Guild Room, is open daily between 10am and 3p.m. so you may have personal prayer-time in the church, and to offer your Giving Estimate on the altar. Gift cards for Thanksgiving Food Baskets -- Again this year, the Guilford Food Bank invites us to provide grocery store gift cards between $10 and $25 for their Holiday Food Basket program. The Food Bank will provide supported households “with a turkey, fresh vegetables and a gift card for participants to purchase their own non-perishables according to their own dietary needs and family traditions.” Your gifts may be left on the altar, placed in an offering basin, or delivered to the Parish Office. Please make checks payable to Christ Church with "Food Basket" on the memo line, and we'll purchase cards for you. This is the Guilford Food Bank’s one appeal to support their food basket programs for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Thanks to all who have responded so generously! Big News from Shoreline Interfaith Resettlement Shoreline Interfaith Resettlement (SHIR) has received confirmation of a family for to co-sponsor with IRIS: A family of 11 - parents, four daughters, ages 19, 17,13 & 5, and five sons, ages 15, 11,10, 9 & 7! This week SHIR signed a lease for a four-bedroom house in New Haven's Beaver Hills neighborhood. Thanks to all Christ Church parishioners who have provided such generous financial support! As you can imagine, the needs for this family will be significant! Other ways to help: SHIR is asking for coats/hats/gloves and NEW underwear, socks and pajamas. Please leave them by the Children's Altar. The needed furnishings have been received. Shoreline Interfaith Resettlement includes First Congregational Church of Guilford, St. George Catholic Church, Temple Beth Tikvah, North Madison Congregational Church, Christ Church and other community individuals and groups. Episcopal Church Women Announcements: Dear Ladies of Christ Church, You all are invited to the ECW's December 9th Annual Christmas Luncheon! Fliers are available in the church and parish hall, and just outside the parish office. The ECW will also offer their “Cookie-Less Cookie Boxes" again this year. Reserve yours now in the parish hall or on December 3rd, to support the ECW's high school scholarship program. Holiday cardholders will also be available on the table in the Parish Hall. There will be honor-system collection boxes for each. Christmas Wreaths may be ordered on Sunday morning; forms are available in the church or outside the Parish Office, and sample bows are displayed next to more forms in the Parish Hall. Wreath decorating will happen on Thursday, December 2, between 3 and 6p.m.; all are invited! Wreaths may be picked up then, or during the Chili-to-Go Event between 5 and 7p.m. on Friday, December 3. Christmas Market -- December 3, 5-7p.m. Your Tag Sale Team is trying something new! Come and see ouroutdoor Christmas Market during Chili-to-Go, and the Wreath and Cookie-Box Sales. The Market will feature holiday entertaining and decorating items, as well as NEW gifts and holiday baskets. Proceeds will fund needed building improvements. Thank you for your support! From Cecelia: Poetry Retreat/Poetry Table Hello Christ Church! As a lover of the arts and creativity, I often find that one of the ways I most easily connect with God is while reading or writing poetry. There's just something about these little packets of words that seem to hit right where and when I need them to. Poetry, for me, is often an answer to prayer and it is a gift I would love to bring to Christ Church during my time here. That being said, you can look forward to a poetry table located under the balcony with copies of poems on different topics that I hope God may use to speak into your life. Additionally, you can look forward to a Poetry Retreat, now moved to Saturday December 11th from 11-1 where we will talk and experiment in more depth with the ways poetry can connect us with God, each other, and ourselves. Tag Sale Jewelry Pop-up Sale Come see our costume jewelry display in the Parish Hall! There were many nice pieces left from our September sale and all items are reasonably priced. Display will be refreshed with new items frequently, so check back often. Please use the RED box on the table for your “honor system” payment. Thank you from your Tag Sale Team! The Path: Journey through the Bible -- Chapter 5 -- will resume on Monday, November 29 and Thursday, December 2 with a discussion of the first part of the first group of stories about the King-who-did-not-know-Joseph, the Israelites, and Moses. Click here for the Zoom link to both. 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. The door nearest the Guild Room is unlocked daily between 10a.m. and at least 3p.m., for a time of quiet in the church or to listen to Mark rehearse.  Announcements for
Christ the King-Stewardship Sunday November 21, 2021 "Grateful for All God's Love" -- our Stewardship Program for 2022 -- culminates this Sunday, Christ the King Sunday, with the Rev. Ellen Tillotson preaching and leading us in offering our Giving Estimate Cards on the altar. Cards were mailed on Tuesday with an encouraging letter from Vestry Member Sandy Beatty; additional cards will be available on Sunday morning. Gift Estimate cards will be received throughout the coming Thanksgiving Week. Outside of service times, the side door, closest to the Guild Room is open daily between 10am and 3p.m. for your personal prayer-time in the church. Gift cards for Thanksgiving Food Baskets -- Again this year, the Guilford Food Bank invites us to provide grocery store gift cards between $10 and $25 for their Holiday Food Basket program. The Food Bank will provide supported households “with a turkey, fresh vegetables and a gift card for participants to purchase their own non-perishables according to their own dietary needs and family traditions.” Your gifts may be left on the altar, placed in an offering basin, or delivered to the Parish Office. Please make checks payable to Christ Church with "Food Basket" on the memo line, and we'll purchase cards for you. This is the Guilford Food Bank’s one appeal to support their food basket programs for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Big News from Shoreline Interfaith Resettlement Shoreline Interfaith Resettlement (SHIR) has received confirmation of a family for us to co-sponsor with IRIS. Much to our surprise thefamily is a family of 11 - parents, four daughters, ages 19, 17,13 & 5, and five sons, ages 15, 11,10, 9 & 7! With the extensive support received and many volunteers ready to give their time, energy and shared skills SHIR is confident that we will be able to provided assistance and guidance to all the members of the family. IRIS advises to expect them within two weeks. The Housing Committee is hard at work to secure a house for the family. Thanks to all Christ Church parishioners who have responded so generously with financial support! We're passing along over $3K, with more on its way; as you can imagine, the needs for this family will be significant. Other ways to help: SHIR is asking for coats/hats/gloves and NEW underwear, socks and pajamas. Please leave them by the Children's Altar. If you have like-new furniture to donate, please reply to this message and you'll be connected to the Furnishings Committee. Shoreline Interfaith Resettlement includes First Congregational Church of Guilford, St. George Catholic Church, Temple Beth Tikvah, North Madison Congregational Church, Christ Church and other community individuals and groups. Episcopal Church Women Announcements: Dear Ladies of Christ Church, You all are invited to the ECW's December 9th Annual Christmas Luncheon! Fliers are available in the church and parish hall, and just outside the parish office. The ECW will also offer their “Cookie-Less Cookie Boxes" this year. Reserve yours now in the parish hall or December 3rd, he ECW's high school scholarship program. Holiday cardholders will also be available on the table in the Parish Hall. There will be honor-system collection boxes for each. Christmas Wreaths may be ordered on Sunday mornings; forms are available in the church or outside the Parish Office, and sample bows are displayed next to more forms in the Parish Hall. Wreath decorating will happen on Thursday, December 2, between 3 and 6p.m.; all are invited! Wreaths may be picked up then, or during the Chili-to-Go Event between 5 and 7p.m. on Friday, December 3. Christmas Market -- December 3, 5-7p.m. Your Tag Sale Team is trying something new! Come and see ouroutdoor Christmas Market during Chili-to-Go, and the Wreath and Cookie-Box Sales. The Market will feature holiday entertaining and decorating items, as well as NEW gifts and holiday baskets. Proceeds will fudn needed building improvements. Thank you for your support! From Cecelia: Poetry Retreat/Poetry Table Hello Christ Church! As a lover of the arts and creativity, I often find that one of the ways I most easily connect with God is while reading or writing poetry. There's just something about these little packets of words that seem to hit right where and when I need them to. Poetry, for me, is often an answer to prayer and it is a gift I would love to bring to Christ Church during my time here. That being said, you can look forward to a poetry table located under the balcony with copies of poems on different topics that I hope God may use to speak into your life. Additionally, you can look forward to a Poetry Retreat, now moved to Saturday December 11th from 11-1 where we will talk and experiment in more depth with the ways poetry can connect us with God, each other, and ourselves. Tag Sale Jewelry Pop-up Sale Come see our costume jewelry display in the Parish Hall! There were many nice pieces left from our September sale and all items are reasonably priced. Display will be refreshed with new items frequently, so check back often. Please use the RED box on the table for your “honor system” payment. Thank you from your Tag Sale Team! As requested by 9a.m.'s regular worshippers, this service will remain at 9a.m. However, the morning's cold temperatures will often move the service inside the Parish Hall. Windows will be cracked open and the exhaust fan turned on. The Path: Journey through the Bible -- -- will take a Thanksgiving Week Break and next meet on Monday, November 29 and Thursday, December 2. 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. The door nearest the Guild Room is unlocked daily between 10a.m. and at least 3p.m., for a time of quiet in the church or to listen to Mark rehearse.  Announcements for
Sunday, November 14, 2021 Saturday Fall Clean-up is happening, as I write this message. The Junior Warden's goal is to tidy the Green-facing parts of the yard. Your help would be welcome! This Sunday we welcome the Rev. Rachel Thomas, Missionary for our SouthCentral Region. This is an opportunity to get better acquainted with Rachel+, and to be encouraged by what God is up to in our Region and our neighboring SouthEast Region, which Rachel+ also serves. Gift cards for Thanksgiving Food Baskets -- Again this year, the Guilford Food Bank invites us to provide grocery store gift cards between $10 and $25 for their Holiday Food Basket program. The Food Bank will provide supported households “with a turkey, fresh vegetables and a gift card for participants to purchase their own non-perishables according to their own dietary needs and family traditions.” You are invited to contribute grocery gift card(s) between $10 and $25, or a check to Christ Church, with “Food Bank” on the memo line, and we’ll purchase the gift cards for you. Your gifts may be left on the altar, placed in offering basin, or delivered to the Parish Office. This is the Guilford Food Bank’s one appeal to support their food basket programs for Thanksgiving and Christmas. As requested by 9a.m.'s regular worshippers, this service will remain at 9a.m. However, the morning's cold temperatures will often move the service inside the Parish Hall. Windows will be cracked open and the exhaust fan turned on. Could you host an upcoming Coffee Hour? The forecast again suggests that we could gather for coffee on Sunday in the full sun! If you could make coffee for a gathering on November 14, or a future Sunday, please sign-up here. Coffee 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. "Fall Bach!" Recital a triumph! Music Director Mark Sullivan's "Fall Bach!" Recital, on November 7, received a well-deserved standing ovation from an almost full-house. Thanks to all who attended and who welcomed the many visitors. The Canterbury cap also tips to Mark himself, for all the extra preparations he invested in creating this terrific event! The Path: Journey through the Bible -- Last week's journey gave us an overview of Abraham and Sarah's story -- including some tough parts where neither comes off looking good; yet, God remains faithful. This week, in Chapter 4, we move forward through the adventures centering on their grandson Jacob and great-grandson Joseph. Our parallel sessions continue at 7p.m. on Monday, and Thursday, at 9:30a.m. Here's the link for both. Additional copies of The Path are on order; it's not too late to join! "Shoreline Interfaith Resettlement" Update With the Vestry's approval, we are receiving gifts of financial support to help resettle a refugee family in the Greater New Haven area. Although our matching challenge has been met, (Thanks so much!) additional funding will certainly be needed. Checks should be made out to Christ Church with "Refugees" in the memo line. Given the number of Afghan evacuees expected by IRIS, the family will likely be from Afghanistan. Christ Church parishioners are already leading the Education and Transportation teams; others are involved with Healthcare and Finance; other volunteer teams include: Housing, Apartment Set-up, Welcome and Cultural Orientation, 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, St. George Catholic Church, Temple Beth Tikvah, North Madison Congregational Church, Christ Church and other community individuals and groups. From Cecelia: Poetry Retreat/Poetry Table Hello Christ Church! As a lover of the arts and creativity, I often find that one of the ways I most easily connect with God is while reading or writing poetry. There's just something about these little packets of words that seem to hit right where and when I need them to. Poetry, for me, is often an answer to prayer and it is a gift I would love to bring to Christ Church during my time here. That being said, you can look forward to a poetry table located under the balcony with copies of poems on different topics that I hope God may use to speak into your life. Additionally, you can look forward to a Poetry Retreat, now moved to Saturday December 11th from 11-1 where we will talk and experiment in more depth with the ways poetry can connect us with God, each other, and ourselves. Tag Sale Jewelry Pop-up Sale Come see our costume jewelry display in the Parish Hall! There were many nice pieces left from our September sale and all items are reasonably priced. Display will be refreshed with new items frequently, so check back often. Please use the RED box on the table for your “honor system” payment. Thank you from your Tag Sale Team! 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. The door nearest the Guild Room is unlocked daily between 10a.m. and at least 3p.m., for a time of quiet in the church or to listen to Mark rehearse.  Giving Thanks for the Faithful Departed
November 2, 2021 Dear Hearts, David Moore died Monday morning as the sun rose. He had been well and active, and then things changed. We will give thanks for his life and witness -- and the joy he took as a lector -- on Saturday, November 20, at 11a.m. David will also be among the Faithful Departed for whom we will be giving thanks this Wednesday evening. Let us keep David, Mardee, their children and extended family, in our prayers. For the time being, cards, rather than calls, to Mardee would be appreciated. O Lord, grant to your servant David entrance into the realms of light and joy Wednesday Evening Prayers on November 3 at 7p.m., will be our parish remembrance of "All the Faithful Departed" -- especially those "whom we love but see no longer" and who died within the last year. You'll find the bulletin here on Wednesday. You can join the prayers, hymns and readings in-person or via livestream at www.facebook.com/cecguilford. To add names and concerns for Wednesday's and Sunday's intercessions, please send them to YFNR at rector@christchurchguilford.org. Our Journey through the Bible will continue Thursday Morning via this Zoom link. Reading Chapter 2 of The Pathwill take you through the high points of human disobedience in Genesis chapters 4 through 11. Please feel free to join the conversation Thursday morning, November 4 at 9:30a.m. Today is also Election Day 2021. Let us pray: Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives; that by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill you purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. For an Election, BCP, p. 822 In the faith, hope and love of Christ, Harrison+ Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector  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. 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. |
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