2nd Sunday after the Epiphany: Tyler: "Person of the Week", Martin Luther King, Jr. Weekend, Following Up

January 19, 2020
Dear Hearts,
 
Wow, did you see the terrific interview with Tyler Jarvis, our new Director for Children & Youth Ministries, in this week's Guilford Courier? Tyler is their Person-of-the-Week; so yes, that's his photo on the top of the front page, and the article begins on page two.  In case you don't receive the Courier, you can find the article here.

The subtext of the article is to invite folks to our Sunday School Open House on Sunday, January 26.  It will begin with a Meet & Greet at 9:30a.m. in the Parish Hall, continue with Sunday School and Youth Gatherings (to which parents are invited) at 10a.m.  These will end a bit earlier than usual so children and youth may join the congregation in the nave for a Children's Sermon, which Tyler will preach. at about 10:30a.m.  We will then move on to the Eucharist.  The Coffee Hour will be hosted by Sunday School families and provide an additional opportunity for the whole parish to get acquainted with Tyler.

In the article, Tyler says, " I just want them to hear there is a space you can come exactly as you are; .... We primarily want you to feel welcome and safe and loved."  This certainly squares with my own experience, and the insight from one of my mentors that Sunday School and Youth Programs may well be the only non-competitive space in a young person's life.  Everyone is welcome, and accepted for who they are as a beloved child of God.  And, to paraphrase Tyler, it takes a whole parish of engaged adult folks to raise up younger members as active participants.

So, we'll be celebrating our new beginnings with Sunday School, Youth Program and Tyler next Sunday, January 26th; however, this Sunday, January 19th, Sunday School and youth program will not meet.  The  next day is this year's national observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  The Parish Office will also be closed on Monday. A celebration of Dr. King's life and witness, hosted by the Southern Connecticut Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians, will be offered at the Church of the Holy Spirit in West Haven at noon on Monday.

The Collect for the Commemoration of Dr. King recalls themes from his life and witness:
Almighty God, by the hand of Moses your servant
you led your people out of slavery, and made them free at last: 
Grant that your Church, following the example of your prophet,
Martin Luther King,
may resist oppression in the name of your love,
and may secure for all your children the blessed liberty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ;
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.
Thanks to all who helped welcome George Black, our South Central Region Missionary, last Sunday. We were treated to a fine sermon and engaging conversations during both the Rectory Forum and Coffee Hour.  During the course of the conversations, George announced a Region Convocation on ministry with Youth and Young Adults to be held from 9a.m. to noon on Saturday, February 1, at St. Peter's Church in Milford.  All who are interested in Youth Ministry are encouraged to participate.

Thursday morning Bible Study, and the Rectory Forum are engaged in an Introduction to the Book of Common Prayer.   This may seem an odd topic for Bible Study, but the Prayer Book does serve, in part, as our shared commentary on the Bible.  Your questions, whether general or detailed, will help shape what we discuss; no other preparation required.  Join the roughly parallel conversations over coffee and tea on Thursdays at 9:30a.m. and Sundays at about 9:10a.m. in the Rectory.

I look forward to whatever weather tomorrow brings and joining you for worship, conversation and the InReach Meeting.
In faith and hope,
Harrison+
YFNR