Fr. Harrison's Letter for January 8, 2017

Dear Hearts,

Here's an afternoon weather report from the Green:  It's snowing so hard, that almost the only vehicles out have plows.  And, I just saw someone go by cross-country skiing -- which looks like a lot of fun!  The snow storm began as predicted, and the forecast for its conclusion also seems a safe bet.  So, I expect our Sunday worship will proceed more or less as scheduled.  I'm certain I'll be able to get safely across the driveway to the church!  Our ever-dependable sexton, Sheward Hagerty assures me he'll be here early in the morning to clear the overnight accumulation.

But how about you?  What will the conditions be on your driveway and in your neighborhood in the morning?  Please be careful, and heed the warnings and instructions of public safety officials.

Similarly, I expect our 4 p.m. Epiphany Evensong and Roast Beef Supper will proceed more or less as planned.

The readings for tomorrow's worship services may be a bit dis-orienting:  In the morning, we join the rest of the Church in celebrating the Baptism of Our Lord; in this story, Jesus is an adult.  In the afternoon, we will recall the visit of the Wise Watchers of the Stars to the Holy Family in Bethlehem; in this story, Jesus is still a baby.  In both services, we celebrate the Incarnation: that in Jesus, God came to dwell with us, that he was baptized just like us, and was recognized from birth as king, priest and sacrifice for the people of every nation. 
 
A number of Christmas Carols actually focus on the Epiphany -- the revelation of Jesus' mission and identity, and we'll sing six of them during Evensong.  Our celebration will continue with an Epiphany Party and Rector's Roast Beef Dinner.  There will be a special Mac & Cheese for those who prefer.  Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share, and any adult beverage you would like to offer your table.  It would be great to have a "King's Cake" or two.

Please also consider helping with the set-up for, serving during, or clean-up after the dinner.
 
Weather permitting, Sunday School, Children's Chapel Time, Middle School Forum, the Young Adult Program and the Rectory Forum will all meet at their usual times this Sunday.  However, parish education gatherings will not meet the following Sunday, January 15, due to the Martin Luther King Holiday.

Look for the Nursery on the Sunday School hallway beginning this Sunday.  Following Safe Church guidelines, we are consolidating all Sunday morning child care in one area.  Our Sunday School Director will now be able to supervise classroom activities and the Nursery.

Thanks to the Choir!  In addition to leading us in singing God's praise during the 10a.m. service, as an experiment, our Choir will also set up the coffee makers for Fellowship Time following our worship.  This should lighten the burden for hosting Coffee Hour. Please consider signing up, perhaps with another household or group, to host. As a matter of fact, please consider helping out this Sunday or sometime soon!

Also during Coffee Hour this Sunday, look for Rose Robinson, and purchase the new Christ Church Cookbook!  And while you're there, be sure to thank Rose for compiling the cookbook!  Thanks also to David Moore for the cover illustration, and to all who provided such a great array of recipes.

​In faith and hope,
Harrison+
YFNR
P.S.  Please keep Ken Link, and the Link-Patino family in your prayers, as Ken's mortal life draws to a close surrounded by love and prayers.

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