13th Sunday after Pentecost: Welcome Back/Renewal Sunday: Choir Returns & Sunday School Begins; Welcome Back Picnic

September 7, 2019
Dear Hearts,

A new School year has begun, Labor Day has passed, and so it is time for Christ Church to renew our parish life.  We'll do that in a big way this Sunday, as we baptize three young saints into the Household of God, welcome the Choir back to the balcony, begin a new Sunday School year, and catch up with each other over a Welcome Back picnic!

It seems particularly appropriate for us to begin this new season by renewing our baptismal promises; among the things we say together in the rite of Holy Baptism is that we will support the newly baptized, and by extension our fellow saints, "in their life in Christ."  

• Part of that support will be our Choir returning to the balcony to lead us in setting forth God's praises and inspiring us in song. 
• Another dimension of that support will be the beginning of a new school year for Sunday School; because of preparations for the Tag Sale downstairs, Sunday School will be a one-room school house in the Parish Hall until September 29.  The Nursery remains downstairs.
• Other dimensions of support for one another include Bible Study and fellowship: Our study together of the Book of Revelation will resume at 9:30a.m. Thursday morning, and our daytime Episcopal Church Women will return for their Monthly meeting at 11a.m. Thursday, followed by a Carry-in Lunch, and talk by Wendy Bellmore about her missionary endeavors in Madagascar (past) and Nigeria (upcoming).
• As big a deal as Sunday's Baptisms and Renewal of Baptismal Promises are, our support for one another will be experienced by some most keenly at the Welcome Back/Renewal Picnic to follow Sunday's 10a.m. service.  The usual menu of pulled-pork, rolls and baked beans, plus paper goods, utensils and beverages are being provided.  You could help set the table by sharing a side dish or dessert.
• And we support one another in reaching out beyond our own community:  Outreach will meet at 6:30p.m. on Monday, September 9 to continue prep for the CROP Walk on Sunday afternoon, October 6, and to talk about Rhythms of Grace, among other endeavors.  

As part of our celebration of Christ Church's 275 years of worship and witness in Guilford, all of us are invited to march together in the Guilford Fair Parade, on Saturday, September 21.  Our logo has been adapted for the occasion and printed on t-shirts.  They are truly handsome!  I'm sure you'll want one! They will be available tomorrow morning as well, $12 each or $20 for two.

Preparations for the all-parish Tag Sale continue and your help will be most welcome!  Donations are being received on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings; sorting also continues then and at other times.  Flyers for you to share and post will be available on Sunday morning.  Among the new features this year are a Raffle of some special items and a Friday evening Preview-Reception; tickets will be available Sunday morning.  You can sign-up to help on the Ushers' Table and on Sign-up Genius by clicking here. Otherwise, ChurchTagSale@gmail.com is communications central!

The long wait for the installation of the new super-durable kitchen floor.is over, and the the upper cabinets have been re-stocked.  I think it looks terrific and the new floor seems gentle to the feet!  On Sunday morning, you'll want to route yourself through the kitchen on your way to the picnic.  The one remaining item is the installation of a new set of ceiling lighting tiles. This project has depended upon the patience and persistence of Vestry Member Sue Shackford.  Thanks, Sue!

After the new floor was in place,  Kay Claiborn and Diana Stovall organized a crew to wash everything belonging in the cabinets, install handsome shelf paper, and return things to their newly-painted homes.  Thanks to them, and to the donors who made these improvements possible -- several individuals, the morning 12-Step group "Joy of Living," and our own ECW,  Thanks to one and all!

Thanks to Wardens Rose Robinson and Alicia Bacon, Bookkeeper Melissa Lamoreaux, our counters and folders, Communications czar Donna LaFata, Music Director Mark Sullivan, Sexton Sheward Hagerty and the Rev. Mary Anne Osborn for leading the behind the scenes work and providing the upfront leadership of  the parish's worship and witness while I was in Oregon.  I got to spend quality time with extended family members -- some of whom I hadn't seen in years,  Now it's on to renewing our baptismal covenants for the adventures ahead.
In faith, hope, and love,
Harrison+
YFNR

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