 Special Electing Convention ...
for the XVIth Bishop Diocesan of Connecticut is scheduled to convene at 11a.m. May 21, in the CT Convention Center in Hartford and online. You can follow the Convention on the Episcopal Church in CT's YouTube channel here. That same link also provides access to recordings of the six Meet & Greet events, May 9-14. Each nominee has a page with a photo, introduction and video, plus links to their resume and a sermon preached in/for their parish/cathedral; at the bottom of their page are their responses to five essay questions put to them all. Please click on the nominee's name to be taken to their respective page. They are the Reverend clergy Glenna Huber, Jeffrey Mello, Kate Morehead, Tanya Wallace, and Whitney Altopp Please keep the nominees, the Electing Convention including Christ Church clergy and delegatesBob Donahue and Susan Pogue in your prayers. Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel in a Special Convention to elect a Bishop Diocesan for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honor and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. "A Musical Vigil for Peace Benefiting Ukraine" will be hosted by the First Church of Madison, on Saturday, May 21, at 8p.m. The quintet "Kyrie" includes voice, strings and organ. Although Cecelia Parker's Internship with us has concluded, she plans to be with us for worship on Sunday, May 22. If you would like to participate in a "purse" for Cecelia, donations may be included with Sunday offerings or delivered to the Parish Office. Please make checks payable to Christ Church, with "Cecelia" on the memo line. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry released a hearfelt statement about last Saturday's malicious shooting in the neighborhood of Buffalo, NY, in which he grew up. Our Bishops Ian Douglas and Laura Ahrens also sent a message decrying the apparent racial motivation for this mass shooting. Our "Journey Through the Bible" continues on Thursdays. Participants decided to return to an earlier pattern of reading passages together and then discussing them. After a wrap-up conversation about St. Paul, the Thursday group will move into Chapter 23, "Doers of the Word." Feel free to join the conversation Thursday at 9:30a.m. Click here for the Zoom. An ECCT Network is organizing for participation in the Poor People's Campaign: Moral March on Washington, on June 21st. Buses have been reserved, including departure and return to New Haven. Details and registration are available here. Special Requests from the Guilford Food Bank The Food Bank requests help with the items below. Please leave your donations in the bin by the the north (Town Hall-side) door to the Narthex. Thanks for helping our neighbors in need. Baked beans, Canned tomatoes, Pasta Sauce, Cooking oil, Household cleaner, Laundry detergent, Paper towels, Ketchup, Mayonnaise, Muffin mix, White rice Communion in "Both Kinds" Has Returned On Easter Sunday we again began offering the option to receive the consecrated wine at communion. Worshipers may take a sip from the shared chalice, or from an individual communion glass. To avoid crowding, the administration of communion continues at the foot of the chancel steps. Our Bishops strongly urge us to continue refraining from intinction as we have practiced it -- note the 7th paragraph here. They also underscore that receiving in "one kind" is full communion. Need an Antigen Test? The Town provided Christ Church with a case of COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests. These tests are available on a first-come, first-served basis on the Ushers' Table and in the rectory entry hall. Mask Protocols ... ... in Worship: Mask-wearing is optional during inside gatherings of Christ Church. ... in Sunday School: Following the practice in the Guilford Public Schools, mask-wearing is optional -- always exercising special concern for any who are vulnerable. \ 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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 5th Sunday of Easter, May 15:
Pastoral News: Barbara "Bobbi" Sobran DeBruyn died in her sleep on Wednesday night/Thursday morning. She was with us in worship last Sunday, and had socialized and gone for a walk Wednesday evening. Service arrangements are pending. On Saturday, May 14, we will give thanks for the life and witness of Patricia Groves Pitkin Chapman, at 11a.m. Pat died in Florida in February. May they rest in peace and rise in glory. Meet & Greet Bishop Nominees Online Opportunities to "Meet & Greet" the nominees for Bishop Diocesan of Connecticut continue May 13 and 14. You can find the links to watch these and earlier Meet & Greets online here. Learn about the nominees here. Please keep this process, the nominees -- The Reverend clergy Glenna Huber, Jeffrey Mello, Kate Morehead, Tanya Wallace, and Whitney Altopp -- and the Electing Convention in your prayers. Christ Church will be represented at the May 21st Special Election Convention by parish clergy, Delegate Bob Donahue, and Alternate Susan Pogue standing in for Delegate Gabrielle Johnson who cannot attend. I'm inviting them to join me in conversation with you during Coffee Hour on May 15 and in a Zoom chat on Monday, May 16, to hear your reactions, thoughts and questions. Growing Hope: Forging Peace Events at Camp Washington May 13-14, Youth Event for middle and high school students Youth are gathering at Camp for an evening of engaging conversation with keynote speaker, Shane Claiborne, beating guns into garden tools around the forge, group art projects, and time to chill and talk around the campfire. Saturday morning includes breakfast & time to wrap up our work from Friday night, as we welcome the larger community to join us for a day of testimony, reflection, experience, and action. See HERE for more information or to register. May 14, All Ages Event for God's Folk Weary of Gun Violence We will gather around the forges as we transform guns into gardening tools and art, and hear from victims and survivors of gun violence, as well as, Shane Claiborne- our keynote speaker, who will offer words of change. Thoughtful conversations will address mental health, safe gun storage and suicide prevention. We will offer our hurts, hopes and dreams to God in song and worship, and end our day with a picnic lunch. Further details and registration are available here. "A Musical Vigil for Peace Benefiting Ukraine" will be hosted by the First Church of Madison, on Saturday, May 21, at 8p.m. The quintet "Kyrie" includes voice, strings and organ. Our "Journey Through the Bible" continues only on Thursdays. Monday evening conversations concluded May 9th. Our Thursday morning conversations have returned to an earlier pattern of reading passages together and then discussing them; so the Thursday group, is still in Chapter 22, "Grace May Abound." Feel free to join the conversations on Monday at 7p.m., and Thursday at 9:30a.m. Click here for the Zoom. Special Requests from the Guilford Food Bank The Food Bank requests help with the items below. Please leave your donations in the bin by the the north (Town Hall-side) door to the Narthex. Thanks for helping our neighbors in need. Baked beans, Canned tomatoes, Pasta Sauce, Cooking oil, Household cleaner, Laundry detergent, Paper towels, Ketchup, Mayonnaise, Muffin mix, White rice Communion in "Both Kinds" Has Returned As previously announced, on Easter Sunday we began offering the option to receive the consecrated wine at communion. Worshipers may take a sip from the shared chalice, or from an individual communion glass. To avoid crowding, the administration of communion continues at the foot of the chancel steps. Our Bishops strongly urge us to continue refraining from intinction as we have practiced it -- note the 7th paragraph here. They also underscore that receiving in "one kind" is full communion. Need an Antigen Test? The Town provided Christ Church with a case of COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests. These tests are available on a first-come, first-served basis on the Ushers' Table and in the rectory entry hall. Mask Protocols ... ... in Worship: Mask-wearing became optional during inside gatherings of Christ Church beginning March 24. This was on the recommendation of our Worship Options Group adopted by the Vestry as they followed developments closely including this guidance from Bishops Douglas and Ahrens beginning in the third paragraph. ... in Sunday School: Following the practice in the Guilford Public Schools, mask-wearing is optional -- always exercising special concern for any who are vulnerable. 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.  4th Sunday of Easter, May 8:
Good Shepherd Sunday & Mother's Day Poetry Retreat for Eastertide ... ... will be offered Saturday, May 7 from 1:30-3:30p.m. in the Parish Hall We will explore Easter themes through poems curated by Cecelia Parker. All are invited to reflect on the hope of new and Risen Life offered in The Resurrection, as well as the lower-case resurrections in our lives. The 4th Sunday of Easter is always Good Shepherd Sunday. We pray the 23rd Psalm, and read Jesus identifying himself as a shepherd in a portion of the 10th chapter of the Gospel according to John. Being the second Sunday in May, the 8th is also Mother's Day. Thanks to the participation of many, our ECW is placing roses on the altar to honor and remember women significant ton our lives, individually and as a parish. They, too, are/were shepherds to us after the pattern of Jesus. Meet & Greet Bishop Nominees This Week Opportunities to "Meet & Greet" the nominees are scheduled across Connecticut starting Monday, May 9 through Saturday, May 14. You can find the links to watch online or register to attend on site here. You can learn about the nominees here. Four were nominated by the Bishop Transition Committee, and one was added by petition. Please keep this process, the nominees -- The Reverend clergy Glenna Huber, Jeffrey Mello, Kate Morehead, Tanya Wallace, and Whitney Altopp -- and the Committee in your prayers. Christ Church will be represented at the Special Convention to elect our next Bishop Diocesan by parish clergy, Delegate Bob Donahue, and Alternate Susan Pogue standing in for Delegate Gabrielle Johnson who cannot attend. I'm inviting them to join me in conversation with you during Coffee Hour on May 15 and in a Zoom chat on Monday, May 16, to hear your reactions, thoughts and questions. Women's Reproductive Health & the Episcopal Church In the event that the leaked draft of Justice Alito's opinion in the case from Mississippi, has you wondering about the Church's teaching with regard to Women's Reproductive Health, it is summarized here. This is a classic Anglican example of the Church seeking a middle way: to both honor the sacredness of human life, and to respect the dignity of women making informed healthcare decisions. Growing Hope: Forging Peace Events at Camp Washington May 13-14, Youth Event for middle and high school students Youth will gather at Camp for an evening of engaging conversation with our keynote speaker, Shane Claiborne, beating guns into garden tools around the forge, group art projects, and time to chill and talk around the campfire. Saturday morning includes breakfast & time to wrap up our work from Friday night, as we welcome the larger community to join us for a day of testimony, reflection, experience, and action. See HERE for more information or to register. May 14, All Ages Event for God's Folk Weary of Gun Violence We will gather around the forges as we transform guns into gardening tools and art, and hear from victims and survivors of gun violence, as well as, Shane Claiborne- our keynote speaker, who will offer words of change. Thoughtful conversations will address mental health, safe gun storage and suicide prevention. We will offer our hurts, hopes and dreams to God in song and worship, and end our day with a picnic lunch. Further details and registration are available here. Our "Journey Through the Bible" Continues We are still on "The Path" through the Epistles, but our conversations have diverged. Our Monday evening conversations will conclude on May 9th with Chapter 24, "The Alpha & the Omega" and the Epilogue. Our Thursday morning conversation has returned to an earlier pattern of reading passages together and then discussing them; so the Thursday group, is still in Chapter 22, "Grace May Abound," or as one participant called it, "Paul's Greatest Hits." Feel free to join the conversations 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 the Rectory Entry Hall shelf. Special Requests from the Guilford Food Bank The Food Bank requests help with the items below. Please leave your donations in the bin by the the north (Town Hall-side) door to the Narthex. Thanks for helping our neighbors in need. Baked beans, Canned tomatoes, Pasta Sauce, Cooking oil, Household cleaner, Laundry detergent, Paper towels, Ketchup, Mayonnaise, Muffin mix, White rice Communion in "Both Kinds" Has Returned As previously announced, on Easter Sunday we began offering the option to receive the consecrated wine at communion. Worshipers may take a sip from the shared chalice, or from an individual communion glass. To avoid crowding, the administration of communion continues at the foot of the chancel steps. Our Bishops strongly urge us to continue refraining from intinction as we have practiced it -- note the 7th paragraph here. They also underscore that receiving in "one kind" is full communion. Need an Antigen Test? The Town provided Christ Church with a case of COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests. These tests are available on a first-come, first-served basis on the Ushers' Table and in the rectory entry hall. Mask Protocols ... ... in Worship: Mask-wearing became optional during inside gatherings of Christ Church beginning March 24. This was on the recommendation of our Worship Options Group adopted by the Vestry as they followed developments closely including this guidance from Bishops Douglas and Ahrens beginning in the third paragraph. ... in Sunday School: Following the practice in the Guilford Public Schools, mask-wearing is optional -- always exercising special concern for any who are vulnerable. 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.  Ekklesia Contemporary Ballet will present their work “Body & Land: A Dance & Dialogue for Eco-Justice” on Sunday, April 24 at 1p.m. on the Guilford Green. "Body & Land" is a contemporary ballet for four dancers set to a modern re-composition of Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” celebrating Creation and exploring climate change through an artistic lens. Family friendly, free, interactive, and open to the community! Bring friends, neighbors, chairs and blankets. In case of rain, the event will be moved into the sanctuary of First Congregational Church on Broad Street.
Morley van Yperen, Ekklesia's resident theologian, will be our preacher at both services. Perhaps of more significance to us, Morley is also Jennifer Huebner's daughter! Communion in "Both Kinds" Returns As previously announced, on Easter Sunday we began offering the option to receive the consecrated wine at communion. Worshipers may take a sip from the shared chalice, or from an individual communion glass. To avoid crowding, the administration of communion continues at the foot of the chancel steps. Our Bishops strongly urge us to continue refraining from intinction as we have practiced it -- note the 7th paragraph here. They also underscore that receiving in "one kind" is full communion. Poetry Retreat for Eastertide ... ... will be offered Saturday, May 7 from 1-3p.m. We will explore Easter themes through poems chosen by Cecelia Parker. All are invited to reflect on the hope of new and Risen Life -- in this conversation with Cecelia. Our "Journey Through the Bible" Continues We are still on "The Path" following the events of our Lord's Resurrection. Our Monday evening conversation has pulled ahead, and will be focusing on Chapter 22, "That Grace May Abound." While the Thursday group, moves into Chapter 21, "Filled with the Holy Spirit." Feel free to join the conversations on Monday at 7p.m., and Thursday at 9:30a.m. Click here for the Zoom. Copies of The Path are available on the Rectory Entry Hall shelf. Special Requests from the Guilford Food Bank The Food Bank requests help with the items below. Please leave your donations in the bin by the the north (Town Hall-side) door to the Narthex. Thanks for helping our neighbors in need. Baked beans, Canned tomatoes, Pasta Sauce, Cooking oil, Household cleaner, Laundry detergent, Paper towels, Ketchup, Mayonnaise, Muffin mix, White rice Episcopal Election Update The Bishop Transition Committee has announced their nominees for the next Bishop Diocesan of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut. You can learn about them here. Any nominations made by petition are now receiving background checks. Opportunities to "Meet & Greet" the nominees will be scheduled across ECCT during May 9-14. Please keep this process and the Committee in your prayers. Need an Antigen Test? The Town provided Christ Church with a case of COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests. These tests are available on a first-come, first-served basis on the Ushers' Table and in the rectory entry hall. Mask Protocols ... ... in Worship: Mask-wearing became optional during inside gatherings of Christ Church beginning March 24. This was on the recommendation of our Worship Options Group adopted by the Vestry as they followed developments closely including this guidance from Bishops Douglas and Ahrens beginning in the third paragraph. ... in Sunday School: Following the practice in the Guilford Public Schools, mask-wearing is optional -- always exercising special concern for any who are vulnerable. 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 Palm Sunday, April 10:
Poetry Retreat for Lent ... ... will be offered Saturday, April 9 from 1-3p.m. in the Rectory. We will explore Lenten themes through poems chosen by Cecelia Parker. All are invited to reflect on their Lenten journeys -- and the parts of life that feel like Lent -- in this conversation with Cecelia. Palm Sunday Preparations for all ages ... ... will be happening Saturday, April 9 from 2 to 5p.m. Soup-making, brownie-baking, and palm-cross crafting are among the planned activities in the Parish Hall and Kitchen. These are all in preparation for our observance of Palm Sunday including the after-worship Soup Lunch. Ecumenical Blessing of the Palms Returns! Our traditional Ecumenical Blessing of the Palms with our neighbors from St. George Catholic Church and First Congregational Church will be back on the Green at 9:45a.m. on Palm Sunday, April 10. Hurray! Palm Sunday Soup Lunch & ECW Bake/Craft Sale ... will follow the 10a.m. service on April 10. Soup, brownies, and coffee will be served in the Parish Hall after the service. We look forward to gathering again for a meal together! Also in the Parish Hall, our ECW will be offering for sale their home-made baked goods, Easter crafts and more. All items will be packaged for your enjoyment, or to give as a gift. Help Ukrainian Refugees ... ... via a collection at Christ Church organized by Dorota Xeller (our Director of Children's Ministries) April 3 -10. All collected items will be delivered to St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church in New Haven for shipment via Warsaw to Lviv, Ukraine. Items being sought are: Aspirin, First-aid Kits, Neosporin, Saline wound wash, Toothpaste, Bandages, Gauze, Vaseline, Medical tape, and Men's white socks -- all new and in original packaging, please. Please bring your donations to a box in the narthex or to the Children's altar. The Path of Holy Week ... ... is where our "Journey through the Bible" has brought us. Our Monday evening conversation has pulled ahead, and will be focusing on Chapter 20, "We Have Seen the Lord!" While the Thursday group takes more time with Chapter 19 titled "Crucify Him." Feel free to join the conversations 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. Episcopal Election Update The Bishop Transition Committee has announced their nominees for the next Bishop Diocesan of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut. You can learn about them here. Nominations may now be made by petition through April 14. Opportunities to "Meet & Greet" the nominees will then be scheduled across ECCT during May 9-14. Please keep this process and the Committee in your prayers. Need an Antigen Test? The Town provided Christ Church with a case of COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests. These tests are available on a first-come, first-served basis on the Ushers' Table and in the rectory entry hall. Lent Madness concludes the "Holy Kitsch" round today with a toss-up between Thomas Villanova and Thomas Aquinas on their way to the "Golden Halo." Don't know about them? All the more reason to follow LentMadness.org here. And yes, the whole concept is total "madness," and also inspiring and delightfully clever! Mask Protocols ... ... in Worship: Mask-wearing became optional during inside gatherings of Christ Church beginning March 24. This was on the recommendation of our Worship Options Group adopted by the Vestry as they followed developments closely including this guidance from Bishops Douglas and Ahrens beginning in the third paragraph. We will continue distributing communion in one-kind for the balance of Lent, and from the Children's altar. ... in Sunday School: Following the practice in the Guilford Public Schools, mask-wearing is optional -- always exercising special concern for any who are vulnerable. 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.  An Interfaith Prayer Vigil for Ukraine...
... will be offered on the Green in Guilford on Sunday, April 3 at 5p.m. Chiefly organized by an interfaith group of lay folks, the service will include Ukrainian speakers, songs, prayer and togetherness. Help Ukrainian Refugees ... ... in a collection at Christ Church organized by Dorota Xeller (our Director of Children's Ministries) April 3 -10. All collected items will be delivered to St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church in New Haven for shipment via Warsaw to Lviv, Ukraine. Items being sought are: Aspirin, First-aid Kits, Neosporin, Saline wound wash, Toothpaste, Bandages, Gauze, Vaseline, Medical tape, and Men's white socks -- all new and in original packaging, please. Please bring your donations to the Children's altar. Poetry Retreat for Lent ... ... will be offered Saturday, April 9 from 1-3p.m. in the Rectory. We will explore Lenten themes through poems chosen by Cecelia Parker. All are invited take a break on your Lenten journey for this conversation with Cecelia. Palm Sunday Preparations for all ages ... ... will be happening Saturday, April 9 from 2 to 5p.m. Soup-making, brownie-baking, and palm-cross crafting are among the planned activities in the Parish Hall and Kitchen. These are all in preparation for our observance of Palm Sunday including the after-worship Soup Lunch. The ECW will gather on Thursday, April 7 at 11a.m., in the Parish Hall to organize for their Bake & Craft sale which will happen during the Soup Lunch. The Path continues ... ... this week as our "Journey through the Bible" takes us to Jesus' teaching and the events of his "last week" in Chapter 19 titled "Crucify Him." We will see how far we get in the parallel conversations 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. Episcopal Election Update The Bishop Transition Committee's nominees for the next bishop of the Episcopal Church in CT will be announced the "Week of April 4." Yes, that is a change of date. Please keep this process and the Committee in your prayers. Need an Antigen Test? The Town provided Christ Church with a case of COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests. These tests are available on a first-come, first-served basis on the Ushers' Table and in the rectory entry hall. Lent Madness will conclude the second round on Monday, with Oscar(Anskar) in competition with Thomas Aquinas for the "Golden Halo." Don't know about one or either? All the more reason to follow LentMadness.org here. And yes, the whole concept is total "madness," and also inspiring and delightfully clever! Mask Protocols ... ... in Worship: Mask-wearing became optional during inside gatherings of Christ Church beginning March 24. This was on the recommendation of our Worship Options Group adopted by the Vestry as they followed developments closely including this guidance from Bishops Douglas and Ahrens beginning in the third paragraph. We will continue distributing communion in one-kind for the balance of Lent, and from the Children's altar. ... in Sunday School: Following the practice in the Guilford Public Schools, mask-wearing is optional -- always exercising special concern for any who are vulnerable. 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. Trivia Night on March 26 was great fun! Thanks again to organizers Beth Brause, Lisa St. Marie and Susan Leonard. Lenten Music for Voice and Organ on March 27 was an inspiring highlight to our Lenten journey. Many thanks to Leila Mustakos and Mark Sullivan! If you missed this moving event, you can find it here on Youtube. The recital begins after an introduction by me which you should feel free to skip! Be warned that when the recital does begin, while the sound is great, you won't get to see the musicians -- the balcony remains empty. Thanks to today's garden crew -- Michael Haggans and Tony Piscatelli assisted by groundskeeper Paul Ferraro. They tidied the public areas and spread mulch. Be sure to thank them! With gratitude and hope, Harrison+ Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector  Announcements for Sunday, March 13:
CT VIP Speaker: This Sunday, please help welcome Mr. Leonard Jahad, who founded and serves as Executive Director of the Connecticut Violence Intervention Program out of his commitment to serving vulnerable young people. CT Bishops' address the Invasion of Ukraine .... and offer statements and resources from across the Church here. Among them is Episcopal Relief & Development which is working with Anglican and interfaith partners in Europe to provide humanitarian assistance to those fleeing the invaders. Click hereto provide resources for blankets, hygiene supplies and other needed aid for the refugees. Plaster Repairs in the Nave will begin ... ... Monday, March 14! The repairs will address damaged plaster and peeling paint on the north side of the nave. The repaired areas will be repainted to match the existing paint. The work will take about 10 days, and involve temporary relocation of some pews; some seating will be disrupted on March 20. Many thanks to Tag Sale Team! This endeavor is funded by their hard work in 2019-21. The Path Moves into the New Testament This week's "Journey" in Chapter 18 takes us into Jesus "Proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom" through healings and miracles. The invitation to observing a holy Lent included "reading and meditating on God's holy Word." Might this be a Lenten practice for you to take on? Feel free to join the conversation Monday at 7p.m., or 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. Community-wide Diaper Drive You'll be seeing signs all over town for a Diaper & Food Drive culminating in a collection on Saturday, April 2. We will have a collection bin for that drive in the church beginning Friday, March 18. So, you can participate by bringing diapers and wipes (our chosen focus) with you to worship on March 20 and 27, or dropping your donations off via the Guild Room door at other times. Did you know? SNAP funds cannot be used to purchase hygiene products like diapers and wipes; and the folks needing assistance with diapers are those with the least access to laundry facilities. Need an Antigen Test? The Town provided Christ Church with a case of COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests. These tests are available on a first-come, first-served basis on the Ushers' Table and in the rectory entry hall. Lent Madness not only introduces us to those who were "the light of the world" in their generations," but the occasion for a chuckle. For example: March 11's match-up between Gonzaga and Villanova; no, not the universities, but the Jesuit Aloysius Gonzaga and the Augustinian Thomas of Villanova. If you subscribe here, it's not too late to help elevate one of them to the next round, on their way to receiving the "Golden Halo." And yes, the whole concept is total "madness," and also delightfully clever! Mask Protocols ... ... in Worship: Our Worship Options Group and Vestry are following developments closely. Although infection numbers have vastly improved, Guilford remains a "red" zone on the CT Department of Public Health map. Therefore, following the State's advice for inside gatherings, our mutual expectation of mask-wearing in worship remains in place for another Sunday. ... in Sunday School: Following the practice in the Guilford Public Schools, mask-wearing is optional -- always exercising special concern for any who are vulnerable. 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.  Lent Begins:
The flowers are gone, the purple hangings are in place, the word "alleluia" is absent from our worship, prayers of confession return, and we will begin Sunday's 10a.m. service with the Great Litany -- a tradition for the First Sunday in Lent. As the season and the world are confronting the reality of evil, I confess to a bit of delight in the Great Litany's petition, "That it may please thee ... finally to beat down Satan under our feet"! (BCP, p.152) Lent Madness is another way to mark Lent and to celebrate those who were "the light of the world" in their generations." It will come daily to your email inbox if you subscribe here. It's not too late to help elevate either Olaf or Kateri Tekakwitha to the next round, on the way to receiving the "Golden Halo." And yes, the whole concept is total "madness," and also great fun! Support Ukrainian Refugees ... ... through Episcopal Relief & Development: ERD is working with Anglican Partners in Europe and the ACT Alliance to provide humanitarian assistance to those fleeing the invasion of Ukraine. Click here to provide blankets, hygiene supplies and other needed aid for the refugees. Next Sunday We'll Welcome Leonard Jahad... ...Executive Director and founder of the Connecticut Violence Intervention Program. During the 10a.m. service, he will tell us about CT VIP, and the significant difference the program is making in the lives of vulnerable young people. The Path Moves into the New Testament This week's "Journey" in Chapter 18 takes us into Jesus "Proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom" through healings and miracles. The invitation to observing a holy Lent included "reading and meditating on God's holy Word." Might this be a Lenten practice for you to take on? Feel free to join the conversation Monday at 7p.m., or 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. ECW Sponsored "Fill A Bag" ... ... as their Pre-Lenten Project: A few gallon-sized bags with a list of needed toiletry items remain available as you enter the nave, and by the Guild Room stairs. Monetary donations are also welcome; the ECW will do the shopping for you. These bags are a great help to folks living on the margins of plenty. Please return filled bags when you can. Need an Antigen Test? The Town provided Christ Church with a case of COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests. These tests are available on a first-come, first-served basis on the Ushers' Table and in the rectory entry hall. Mask Protocols ... ... in Worship: Our Worship Options Group and Vestry are following developments closely. Although infection numbers have vastly improved, Guilford remains a "red" zone on the CT Department of Public Health map. Therefore, following the State's advice for inside gatherings, our mutual expectation of mask-wearing in worship remains in place. ... in Sunday School: Following the practice in the Guilford Public Schools, mask-wearing will-be optional -- always exercising special concern for any who are vulnerable. 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.  Poetry Workshop is coming up ...
... next Saturday, February 26, from 11a.m. t 1p.m. Led by our seminarian Cecelia Parker, we'll focus on Epiphany themes: "We'll read poems, discuss them, and perhaps write our own. I would love to see you there!" Light refreshments will be served. Perhaps there's a poem from Cecelia's Poetry Table, available after both Sunday services, that you would like to discuss with her during her Office Hours. Feel free to drop in for a visit with Cecelia to talk about poetry, theology, or personal concerns during her Monday office hours between Noon and 5p.m. in the Guild Room. Her Wednesday office hours are via Zoom, and are made by arrangements on Sunday, or via email. Reply to this message, and Cecelia will get back to you. Pre-Presidents' Day Break for Sunday School, ... ... Youth and Confirmation preparation this Sunday, February 20. All will resume next Sunday, February 27 at their usual times.. The Path Moves into the New Testament This week's "Journey Through the Bible" takes us into the New Testament, beginning with "Good News of Great Joy" in Chapter 16. The text moves between the Gospels according to Matthew, Luke and John to tell the story of the Incarnation and Epiphany. Monday at 7p.m., or Thursday at 9:30a.m. particularly good times to join this Journey Through the Bible. 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. ECW Sponsors "Fill A Bag" ... ... as their Pre-Lenten Project: Gallon-sized bags with a list of needed toiletry items are available as you enter the nave, and by the Guild Room stairs. Monetary donations are also welcome; the ECW will do the shopping for you. These bags are a great help to folks living on the margins of plenty. Please return filled bags through Ash Wednesday, March 2. Unable to Obtain an Antigen Test? The Town has provided Christ Church with a case of COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests -- especially for those who live at addresses to which covidtest.gov declined to deliver as multi-family or commercial. These tests are available on a first-come, first-served basis on the Ushers' Table and in the Rectory Entry Hall. Is there light at the end of the "masked" tunnel? Friday's announcements from Guilford Schools Superintendent Dr. Paul Freeman and Guilford First Selectman Matt Hoey indicate that the wearing of masks will no longer be required in Guilford's Schools or Town Hall beginning Monday, February 28. Here's the First Selectman's announcement. Our Worship Options Group and Vestry will follow these developments closely. Please remember that our mutual expectations are based on Jesus' teaching to "Love your neighbor as yourself." And that we have leaned towards greater caution than some gathering places. For the time being, our mutual expectation of mask-wearing during Sunday School, choir practice, and worship -- except for lectors, preachers and soloists -- remains in place. 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.  Update from the Bishop Transition Committee ...
... was released on February 8th and can be found here. Organized after Bishop Ian Douglas announced last April that he intended to retire, the Committee reports their process to date and what's next -- having identified a group of semi-finalists, the whole Committee will be on retreat with them mid-March. From those conversations, the Committee will discern a group of finalists whom they will present to the Diocese in late March. You can review the whole timeline here, and subscribe here to the Committee's newsletter. Exploring Confirmation with Will Parker ... ... continues this Sunday, February 13 immediately following Holy Communion. This program offers Christ Church High School students the opportunity to consider confirming their baptismal promises with Bishop Ian Douglas in June. What makes this program particularly exciting is that Will's father, the Rev. Andrew Parker, literally wrote the text they'll be using: Keeping the Promise, a curriculum for teenagers thinking about Confirmation in the Episcopal Church. We will present the potential confirmands with their own inscribed copies of The Book of Common Prayer during this Sunday's 10a.m. service. The Path Wraps Up Hebrew Bible This week's "Journey Through the Bible" concludes our time in the Hebrew Scriptures with the stories of Queen Esther, rebuilding the Temple in Jerusalem, and the prophet Ezra summing up our journey so far. Ezra's summary would make Monday at 7p.m., or Thursday at 9:30a.m. particularly good times to join this Journey Through the Bible. 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. Unable to Obtain an Antigen Test? The Town has provided Christ Church with a case of COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests -- especially for those who live at addresses to which covidtest.gov declined to deliver, as multi-family or commercial. The Rectory being one of the latter. These tests are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Cecelia Parker's Poetry Table & Office Hours are back! Be sure and check out Cecelia's Poetry Table after both Sunday services. Perhaps one of these poems might provide an occasion for you to explore a poetic, theological or personal topic with Cecelia Parker, our seminary intern from Berkeley Divinity School, the Episcopal seminary nested within Yale Divinity School. Feel free to drop in for a visit with Cecelia during her Monday office hours between Noon and 5p.m. in the Guild Room. Her Wednesday office hours are via Zoom; visits on Wednesdays, also between Noon and 5p.m., are by arrangements made on Sunday, or via email. Reply to this message, and Cecelia will get back to you. Update from Shoreline Interfaith Resettlement Let's keep the Tareen family in our prayers as they work with SHIR volunteers to make the necessary massive adjustments from their rural life in Afghanistan to their new life in America. 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. 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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