6 Easter, Mothers' Day, Mulch Sign-up

6th Sunday of Easter: Mothers' Day
May 9, 2021:

Spring Mulch Sign-ups Now Open:  Calling willing hands to help tidy beds and spread mulch on Saturday and Sunday, May 15 and 16.  Morning and afternoon times available for small groups by clicking here.
Easter Worship Continues:   It's the 6th Sunday of Easter; however, most will know it as "Mothers' Day." Thanks to all who generously responded to the ECW's opportunity to honor women who have graced our lives. (And to Marsha Brown for arranging all those roses!)
     During our 10a.m. livestream, we'll be inspired by the roses, beautiful music, great hymns, and Spiritual Communion.
     As this is written, the forecast for Sunday indicates we'll be able to gather again in the Garden at 1p.m. for Prayers at Mid-Day.  Please remember a lawn chair, your mask, and to watch your distance.
      
Digital Sunday School was mailed Friday afternoon.  Be sure to check out Children and Youth Ministries Director Tyler Jarvis' video introduction to Sunday's readings, as well as his letter with all the links to videos, songs, coloring pages, and discussion questions.  I'm glad he noted that there are no right or wrong responses to the questions!   People have written books to respond to some of them!  I found the questions on the coloring pages a little easier for me.

In his latest book, Love is the Way: Holding onto Hope in Troubling Times, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry  responds to a couple of Tyler's questions.  In the chapters we're discussing this week, Bishop Curry writes with remarkable candor about challenges he faced as Bishop of North Carolina and when he became Presiding Bishop.
    Our evening discussions continue Tuesday evenings; and a parallel Rectory Forum conversation continues Sunday mornings at 9a.m.  Here's the Zoom link for the Sunday Forum. 

Virtual Coffee Hour:  Check in with folks about what's blooming in their yard.  The link to YFNR's Personal Zoom Room seems to work well.  So, join the conversation via Zoom on Sunday, May 9 at 11:30a.m. by clicking this link. 

Wednesday's Order for Evening falls on the Eve of the Ascension. Join our livestream prayers and hymns, Wednesday evening, May 12, at 7p.m.
 
Thursday Bible Study is following the narrative of the Israelites' wandering in the Book of Numbers.  Remember when Edward G. Robinson met his demise in DeMille's "10 Commandments"?  We'll sort that out beginning at 9:30a.m. Thursday, May 13, via 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.

      We are continuing our experiment with leaving the door closest to the Guild Room unlocked between 10a.m. and at least 3p.m.  Please enjoy a quiet moment of prayer, likely alone, and pick up a candle stub for prayers at home.

We're out of the red! To be more precise, Guilford is no longer in a red zone according to the latest Connecticut Department of Public Health's COVID-19 Data Tracker!   Assuming our town's situation regarding the virus continues to improve, we can expect a limited return to inside, in-person worship soon.  Our Worship Options Group will meet this week to make recommendations.  Whatever happens inside, we plan to continue the Garden Service and to livestream the 10a.m. service.

Thanks to all who are mailing in your offerings!  
Thanks to your faithfulness, we are able to continue our shared life of worship and witness -- even while maintaining appropriate distances.  Please continue your financial support of our common life by bringing your offering to a garden service, or the parish office, or by mailing to Christ Church, PO Box 574, Guilford, CT 06437.  Your offering will be presented at the altar; it will be physically present, while you remain safely at home.
In the faith, hope and love of Christ,
Harrison+
YFNR
p.s. Correct Video Link:  Here's the correct link to the video of Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector being ambushed by the Senior Warden on April 11, with the terrific photobook celebrating our ten years as Parish and Pastor.