 March 30, 2021
Dear Hearts, O God, by the passion of your blessed Son you made an instrument of shameful death to be for us the means of life: Grant us to glory in the cross of Christ, that we may gladly suffer shame and loss for the sake of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Collect for Tuesday in Holy Week, BCP, p. 220 Dear Hearts, Among the inspiring reflections in my daily inbox, are meditations from Washington National Cathedral. You can subscribe to themhere. Canon Theologian Kelly Brown Douglas, wrote the following, as part of her meditation on today's propers: "On the cross Jesus entered into utter solidarity with those people trapped in the crucifying realities of his day—like the poor, widows, and lepers—those whose daily lives were threatened by the social sins of the time that did not value their very sacred creation. Essentially, in going to the cross, Jesus let go of those aspects of his life—his male, cultural, and ethnic privilege—so to have a “passionate” understanding of the death that shadowed the lives of the marginalized, forgotten, and cast out of his day. In so doing, Jesus pointed the way to the new life that is God’s future. It is the way of the cross." The "shame and loss" of today's collect are Brown Douglas's "crucifying realities" of our day. When Jesus asks us to pick up the cross, he is asking us to challenge the "crucifying realities" that would trap us and our neighbors denying us participation in "the new [Risen] life that is God's future" for us all. If her name is familiar to you, Brown Douglas was the interviewer/editor of the Rt. Rev. Barbara Harris's memoir, Hallelujah, Anyway! And, she was one of the "talking heads" in Prof. Henry Louis Gates' "The Black Church" series on PBS last month. Let us also pray for all who are commended to the parish's prayers: All who are ill, including Duffy, Robert, Patty, Virginia, Amy B, Jim R, Kevin and Danielle; and all who are contending with Covid-19 disease; for the medical caregivers who minister of God's healing gifts; and for all facing financial hardship because of the pandemic. May they all know the healing power of Christ's presence and love. And for others who have died, including the over 550,000 of our fellow citizens claimed by the coronavirus. Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord; may light perpetual shine upon them. Look with favor, O Lord, upon Anne Christofferson, and Pat Daunic,, as they celebrate their birthdays. May they continue to grow in grace and wisdom. Please also continue to pray for Carol U, Diane L, Jason, Peter, Dale, Buster, Jimmy C, Patrick and family, Felipe, Richard D, Alice M, Elizabeth Ann, Parker, Webb, Jill, Andrew E, Ed C, Pastor Bryan Meyers, Bob C, Sue S, George H, Alex & John H, Jeremy H, Shelly, Philippe, Kate, Frank, Jack, Judy & Ed S, Michael M, Richard D, Dave K, Brian A, Annie, John, Joan G., Lois C., Winnie Z, Bernie and family, Susie & Paul, Pam McG, Julie H, Murray E., Brooke & family, Kate S., Tracy M., Carl, Michael S, Joanne N-R, Madeline H, and Kelly G, Also: Leslie P, Paul D, Susan S, Linda B, Charlie K, Anne C, Mark S, Angela G, Maria, Bob, Olivia, and Jo B. Please also remember: St. Luke’s School & Church in Martel (Haiti) To add names and concerns for Wednesday's and Sunday's intercessions, and this "Let Us Pray" letter, please send them to YFNR at [email protected] with any details you care to share. Names will move to the longer term list upon request. "A River Through the Desert," our Lenten Discussion, concludes today, Holy Tuesday. "The Garden" will be the final stop in our "Virtual Lenten Pilgrimage" through the geography of the Holy Land with St. George's College in Jerusalem. Expect some photos from my Holy Land pilgrimages. Join the conversationhere. Our Wednesday Order for Evening will include the BCP version of the Great Litany, plus readings and hymns for the day. The livestream of the service will start before 7p.m. via www.facebook.com/cecguilford. Thursday Bible Study continues April 1 at 9:30a.m. as we turn to Commandments 5-10 about our relationships with one another. Join the conversation via this Zoom code. There are no prerequisites or homework! Sadly, our Palm Sunday Prayers-in-the-Garden service, was rained out. We hope the weather will cooperate with our Child-friendly Good Friday service at 5:15p.m. and an Easter service at 1p.m. with a take-home flower for our children in place of an Easter egg hunt. These services will be in the Garden weather permitting. Because Guilford remains solidly in a Connecticut "red zone," all our indoor services will continue to be livestreamed viafacebook.com/cecguilford . Other Holy Week offerings: J.S. Bach's Passions of St. Matthew and St. John are essential performances for some during Holy Week. The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is offering a virtual performance Bach's St. John's Passion by its own choir and orchestra from March 29-April 28; you can find it here. The Way of the Cross is a venerable Lenten devotion, emulating the eight biblical and six traditional "stations" on Jesus' Via Dolorosa, "Way of Sorrows," in Jerusalem. Virginia Theological Seminary has published a virtual Way of the Cross with original images and music. You can find it here. Look for the video at the bottom of the page. Almighty God, we pray you graciously to behold this your family, for whom our Lord Jesus Christ was willing to be betrayed, and given into the hands of sinners, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. In the faith, hope and love of Christ, Harrison+ Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector
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 March 24, 2021
Dear Hearts, I invite you to join me in prayer for the repose of those who were killed within the last eight days in the Atlanta and Boulder mass shootings. In Atlanta -- Delaina Ashley Yaun, Xiaojie Tan, Daoyou Feng, Paul Andre Michels, Hyung Jung Grant, Soon Chung Park, Suncha Kim, and Yong Ae Yue. In Boulder -- Tralona Bartkowiak, Suzanne Fountain, Teri Leiker, Kevin, Mahoney, Lynn Murray, Rikki Olds, Neven Stanisic, Denny Stong, Eric Talley, and Jody Waters As we pray for them, let us also pray for their families, friends, communities, and all who mourn, as well as for responsible action to tame this mad scourge of gun violence. Let us also pray for all who are commended to the parish's prayers: All who are ill, including Duffy, Robert, Patty, Virginia, Amy B, Jim R, Kevin and Danielle; and all who are contending with Covid-19 disease; for the medical caregivers who minister of God's healing gifts; and for all facing financial hardship because of the pandemic. May they all know the healing power of Christ's presence and love. And for others who have died, including the over 545,000 of our fellow citizens claimed by the coronavirus. Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord; may light perpetual shine upon them. Look with favor, O Lord, upon James Marks, Pat Jones, Bet Cummiskey and Anne Christofferson, as they celebrate their birthdays. May they continue to grow in grace and wisdom. Please also continue to pray for Carol U, Diane L, Kelly T, Jason, Peter, Dale, Buster, Jimmy C, Patrick and family, Felipe, Richard D, Alice M, Elizabeth Ann, Parker, Webb, Jill, Andrew E, Ed C, Pastor Bryan Meyers, Bob C, Sue S, George H, Alex & John H, Jeremy H, Shelly, Philippe, Kate, Frank, Jack, Judy & Ed S, Michael M, Richard D, Dave K, Brian A, Annie, John, Joan G., Lois C., Winnie Z, Bernie and family, Susie & Paul, Pam McG, Julie H, Murray E., Brooke & family, Kate S., Tracy M., Carl, Michael S, Joanne N-R, Madeline H, and Kelly G, Also: Leslie P, Paul D, Susan S, Linda B, Charlie K, Anne C, Mark S, Angela G, Maria, Bob, Olivia, and Jo B. Please also remember: St. Luke’s School & Church in Martel (Haiti) To add names and concerns for Wednesday's and Sunday's intercessions, and this "Let Us Pray" letter, please send them to YFNR at [email protected] with any details you care to share. Names will move to the longer term list upon request. "A River Through the Desert," our Lenten Discussion, will conclude on Palm Sunday and Holy Tuesday. "The Garden" will be the final stop in our "Virtual Lenten Pilgrimage" through the geography of the Holy Land with St. George's College in Jerusalem. Expect some photos from my Holy Land pilgrimages. Wednesday Evening being the Eve of the Feast of the Annunciation, our Order for Evening's hymns and prayers will celebrate this feast of the Incarnation. The livestream of the service will start before 7p.m. via www.facebook.com/cecguilford. Thursday Bible Study continues March 124 at 9:30a.m. with God giving Moses the 10 Commandments with more than a little commentary. Join the conversation via this new Zoom code. There are no prerequisites or homework! On Palm Sunday, our morning worship continues online with our own Holy Eucharist at 10a.m. As we remain in a Connecticut "red zone," we will sadly miss out on sharing the Liturgy of the Palms on the Green again this year. Sunday's forecast is currently looking decidedly damp! If the rain holds off, we'll be in the Garden on Sunday, March 21 for a "Liturgy of the Palms," at 1p.m. Vaccinations: During a Zoom meeting with other clergy and our First Selectman, Matt Hoey asked that if anyone knows of someone facing an obstacle to getting vaccinated, please have them call the Town's Senior Program Coordinator, Terry Buckley, at 203-453-8132 or [email protected] And another thing: During Sunday's sermon, I mentioned the statue of "Christus Consolator" (Christ the Consoler)" that rises under the dome of Johns Hopkins Hospital's original building. Unveiled in 1896, it was carved from one massive block of Carrara marble to replicate the original 1820 statue by the Danish sculptor Bertel Thorwaldsen. Here's one view. The pedestal's inscription from Matthew 11:28 reads: "COME unto ME All Ye That Are Weary And Heavy Laden And I Will Give You REST" In the faith, hope and love of Christ, Harrison+ Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector  Bishops Douglas and Ahrens, as participants in "Bishops United Against Gun Violence," have shared this statement about Tuesday's shootings in Atlanta. I commend it to you. Including this: "As we have repeatedly emphasized, we pray not to avoid taking action, but to prepare for it." One of the actions they encourage is reaching out to Asian and Asian-American neighbors to register our concern for their well-being.
Our Bishops have also released their latest version of "Living with COVID-19: Protocols and Directions for Clergy and Vestries in the Episcopal Church in Connecticut." They continue to counsel against in-person worship for parishes in a State of Connecticut red zones. See the latest map here. Digital Sunday School: Children & Youth Ministries Director Tyler Jarvis hits another home run with this week's insightful video introduction to our readings. As usual, Tyler poses some great questions for your consideration in the email that went out on Friday about noon. Even if you don't have someone in the target age-group for the "Sunday Paper Jr. Edition," I commend that to you as well. I want to get out my crayons! You can find it and the rest of Tyler's email here. Our Virtual Lenten Pilgrimage focuses this week on "The Road." Our guide, the Very Rev. Richard Sewell, Dean of St. George's College in Jerusalem, talks to us from the route Jesus walked down the Mount of Olives and about our own journeys with God. The view is terrific! Here's the link for the 9a.m. Sunday Forums,and for the 7p.m. Tuesday Discussions. Virtual Coffee Hour... is a great opportunity to "see" one another. The link to YFNR's Personal Zoom Room seems to work well. So, join the conversation via Zoom this Sunday, March 21 at 11:30a.m. by clicking this link. Our Prayers-in-the Garden service will meet again this Sunday, March 21, at 1p.m! Spring is here! The forecast is for a sunny day; hurray! Please remember your mask, lawn chair and to watch your distance. Amistad House's Pantry could still use a few items: There's still time to help fill the pantry of Amistad Catholic Workers House in New Haven. Reminder: Amistad House, located in New Haven's Hill neighborhood, offers meals and companionship to folks who are unhoused, unsheltered and food-insecure. Thanks to everyone who has helped fill their Pantry shopping list! You can provide the few remaining items by "shopping" on this "Sign-Up Genius" page, indicating the items you wish to purchase. Then send or drop-off the funds to the Parish Office, or on the altar. Items will be purchased in bulk for delivery directly to Amistad House. Checks should be made out to Christ Church with “Outreach” in the memo line. Donations of any amount are also welcome for perishable items. Our Wednesday Order for Evening will observe the eve of the Feast of the Annunciation -- a timely celebration of the Incarnation before we enter Holy Week. Join our livestream prayers, Wednesday evening, March 24, at 7p.m. Thursday Bible Study will continue with God declaring the Decalogue, aka Ten Commandments, to Moses on Mt. Sinai. Join the conversation, at 9:30a.m. Thursday, March 25, 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, in the church, and pick up a candle stub to light during your prayers at home. Thanks to all who are mailing in your offerings! Although our in-person connections remain limited, the routine of the parish continues. 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 the altar, 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 March 17, 2021
I arise today Through the strength of heaven; Light of sun, Radiance of moon, Splendor of fire, Speed of lightning, Swiftness of wind, Depth of sea, Stability of earth, Firmness of rock. I arise today Through God’s strength to pilot me God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me, God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me, God’s word to speak to me, God’s hand to guard me, God’s way to lie before me,God’s shield to protect me, God’s host to save me The Lorica (or Breastplace) of St. Patrick translated from the Gaelic by Irish poet Kuno Meyer Dear Hearts, The prayer above is a contemporary translation of the text we know as "St. Patrick's Breastplate" and sing in Hymn 370. A Lorica is a form of Celtic prayer for protection. We'll sing the hymn, and pray another Lorica in our Wednesday "Order of Worship for the Evening," as we give thanks for the life and witness of St. Patrick. As you know, Patrick was British, not Irish, and had nothing to do with green beer. He reportedly did use shamrocks in his preaching to explain the Trinity. And legend says, he's the reason there are no snakes in Ireland. Oh if only we could say the same. "Serpents" are biting at the heels of Connecticut parishes: During our Bishops' call this morning with Clergy and Lay Leaders, we learned that a number of parishes are being victimized by email and text "phishing." Please be assured that no Christ Church staff member or leader will ever make a personal request for gift cards, or for financial assistance, or for an electronic copy of our directory. Please call the parish office to verify any email that seems out of the ordinary. Let us pray for all who are commended to the parish's prayers: All who are ill, including Virginia, Amy B, Jim R, Kevin and Danielle; and for all who are contending with Covid-19 disease; for the medical caregivers who minister of God's healing gifts; and for all facing financial hardship because of the pandemic. May they all know the healing power of Christ's presence and love. And for all who have died, including Jo Baringer, Leslie Phillips, Connor Reichart and Grace Stevens; and for the over 536,000 of our fellow citizens claimed by the coronavirus. Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord; may light perpetual shine upon them. Please also continue to pray for Carol U, Diane L, Kelly T, Jason, Peter, Dale, Buster, Jimmy C, Patrick and family, Felipe, Richard D, Alice M, Elizabeth Ann, Parker, Webb, Jill, Andrew E, Ed C, Pastor Bryan Meyers, Bob C, Sue S, George H, Alex & John H, Jeremy H, Shelly, Philippe, Kate, Frank, Jack, Judy & Ed S, Michael M, Richard D, Dave K, Brian A, Annie, John, Joan G., Lois C., Winnie Z, Bernie and family, Susie & Paul, Pam McG, Julie H, Murray E., Brooke & family, Kate S., Tracy M., Carl, Michael S, Joanne N-R, Madeline H, and Kelly G, Also: Leslie P, Paul D, Susan S, Linda B, Charlie K, Anne C, Mark S, Angela G, Maria, Bob, Olivia, and Jo B. Please also remember: St. Luke’s School & Church in Martel (Haiti) To add names and concerns for Wednesday's and Sunday's intercessions, and this "Let Us Pray" letter, please send them to YFNR at [email protected] with any details you care to share. Names will move to the longer term list upon request. Filling the Amistad House Pantry: Just a few items are left on our Lenten "shopping list" for New Haven's Amistad House's pantry. You can "shop" via "Sign-Up Genius" here. Choose the items you wish to purchase and then send the appropriate funds to the Parish Office, or drop them off, or leave them on the altar. Your "purchases" will be ordered in bulk and delivered directly to Amistad House for us. Our experiment continues -- keeping the side door, closest to the Guild Room, unlocked between 10a.m. and 3p.m. This provides an opportunity for a quiet moment of prayer in the church, likely alone, and to leave gifts on the altar, as well as to pick up a candle stub to light during prayers at home. "A River Through the Desert." Our Lenten Discussion continues Sundays and Tuesdays. We are taking advantage of a "Virtual Lenten Pilgrimage" from St. George's College in Jerusalem. The upcoming gatherings will explore "The Roads" important to the New Testament. The College's Dean Richard Sewell leads the video and provides a discussion guide. Expect some photos from my Holy Land pilgrimages. Thursday Bible Study continues March 18 at 9:30a.m. with the Hebrews approaching Mt. Sinai. Join the conversation via this new Zoom code. There are no prerequisites or homework! On Sunday, our morning worship continues online with our own Holy Eucharist at 10a.m. Sunday's forecast is solidly above our 45 degree threshold. So, I expect we'll be in the Garden on a sunny Sunday, March 21, at 1p.m. Vaccinations: First Selectman Matt Hoey asks us all to be sure that our neighbors who are shut-in, or otherwise haven't been able to get vaccinated against COVID-19, to please call the Town's Senior Program Coordinator, Terry Buckley, at 203-453-8132 or [email protected] And, another thing: During Sunday's sermon I mentioned Vernon Jordan's 2020 speech at Howard University about "Four Old Men." I found the whole address very moving -- especially the story about the third old man, Governor George Wallace. You canfind it here; his talk begins at 8 minutes 40 seconds into the recording. O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son; Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love, and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth, that in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen For the Human Family, BCP, p. 815 In the faith, hope and love of Christ, Harrison+ Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector  SPRING FORWARD! Yes, it's time to set your clocks forward one hour before you go to bed tonight. Daylight Savings Time begins at 2a.m. ever-so-early Sunday morning.
Digital Sunday School marks its first anniversary with this Sunday's edition! Children & Youth Ministries Director Tyler Jarvis provides a helpful video introduction here for our readings. As usual, Tyler poses some great questions for your consideration in the email that went out on Friday about noon; if you can't find it, look in your "bulk mail" folder. For some reason, that's where I found it. If you like puzzles, be sure to check out the "Sunday Paper Jr. Edition." Our Virtual Lenten Pilgrimage focuses this week on "The Sea." Our guide, the Very Rev. Richard Sewell, Dean of St. George's College in Jerusalem, talks to us from the shore of the Sea of Galilee, and invites us to recall our own experiences of lakes, seas, oceans, and of God. The image is gorgeous! Here's the link for the 9a.m. Sunday Forums, and for the 7p.m. Tuesday Discussions. Virtual Coffee Hour... is a great opportunity to "see" one another. The link to YFNR's Personal Zoom Room seems to work well. So, join the conversation via Zoom this Sunday, March 14 at 11:30a.m. by clicking this link. Prayers in the Garden service will meet again this Sunday, March 14, at 1p.m! Spring is coming! The forecast is for a sunny, windy day. So, please dress warmly, remember your mask, lawn chair and to watch your distance. Amistad House's Pantry could still use a few items: There's still time to help fill the pantry of Amistad Catholic Workers House in New Haven. Reminder: Amistad House, located in New Haven's Hill neighborhood, offers meals and companionship to folks who are unhoused, unsheltered and food-insecure. Thanks to everyone who has helped fill their Pantry shopping list! You can provide the few remaining items by "shopping" on this "Sign-Up Genius" page, indicating the items you wish to purchase. Then send or drop-off the funds to the Parish Office, or on the altar. Items will be purchased in bulk for delivery directly to Amistad House. Checks should be made out to Christ Church with “Outreach” in the memo line. Donations of any amount are also welcome for perishable items. Wednesday's Order for Evening will commemorate the life and witness of St. Patrick of Ireland. Although the service will be free of green beer and shamrocks, there will be hymns and readings to celebrate Patrick's witness. Join our livestream Prayers, Wednesday evening, March 17, at 7p.m. Thursday Bible Study will follow the Hebrews to the foot of Mt. Sinai; they're not really sure they want to be so close to God. Join the conversation, at 9:30a.m. Thursday, March 18, 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. Check out the new Parish Hall Door! If you're near the Green, have a look at the handsome new door to the Parish Hall! It replaces one that was quite literally falling into pieces. Please join me in thanking the Tag Sale Team, for funding this replacement, and be thinking how you might support the Tag Sale in September. 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, in the church, and pick up a candle stub to light during your prayers at home. Our Jewish friends have a tradition called "Jahrzeit," a special remembrance of loved ones on the first anniversary of their death. A year ago today, March 13, the Rt. Rev. Barbara Harris died at almost 90 years of age. Barbara Clementine Harris was the first woman, and first woman of color, to be elected to the episcopate in modern times. She was also a tireless advocate for those on the margins in our society. The Union of Black Episcopalians is hosting a distinguished panel to celebrate the "Life & Legacy of Bishop Barbara Harris," at 4p.m., Sunday, March 14. You can register for this Zoom event here. Thanks to all who are mailing in your offerings! Although our in-person connections remain severely limited, the routine of the parish continues. 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 the altar, 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 March 9, 2021
We give you thanks, most gracious God, for the beauty of earth and sky and sea; for the richness of mountains, plains and rivers; for the songs of birds and the loveliness of flowers. We praise you for these good gifts, and pray that we may safeguard them for our posterity. Grant that we may continue to grow in our grateful enjoyment of your abundant creation, to the honor and the glory of your Name, now and for ever. Amen. Thanksgiving for the Beauty of the Earth, BCP, p.840 Dear Hearts, Wonder of wonders! One of the great things about having the companionship of Jack-the-dog is that from time-to-time he insists that I go outside with him. We just returned inside delighted by what we experienced outside! All I needed was a light-weight jacket (no hat, gloves or boots!) and to open my eyes to the first signs of spring breaking through the soil -- crocus and snow-drops in bloom! They weren't blooming this time yesterday, or this morning, but they are glorious now! Jack romped around unimpeded by the small patches of snow and ice that remain, and the prayer above and the hymn below came to mind. Let us pray for all who are commended to the parish's prayers: All who are ill, including Amy B, Carol U, Diane L, Jim R, Kevin and Danielle; and all who are contending with Covid-19 disease; for the medical caregivers who minister of God's healing gifts; and for all facing financial hardship because of the pandemic. May they all know the healing power of Christ's presence and love. And for all who have died,, including Grace and Connor; and for the over 525,000 of our fellow citizens claimed by the coronavirus. Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord; may light perpetual shine upon them. Please also continue to pray for Kelly T, Jason, Peter, Dale, Buster, Jimmy C, Patrick and family, Felipe, Richard D, Alice M, Elizabeth Ann, Parker, Webb, Jill, Andrew E, Ed C, Pastor Bryan Meyers, Bob C, Sue S, George H, Alex & John H, Jeremy H, Shelly, Philippe, Kate, Frank, Jack, Judy & Ed S, Michael M, Richard D, Dave K, Brian A, Annie, John, Joan G., Lois C., Winnie Z, Bernie and family, Susie & Paul, Pam McG, Julie H, Murray E., Brooke & family, Kate S., Tracy M., Carl, Michael S, Joanne N-R, Madeline H, and Kelly G, Also: Leslie P, Paul D, Susan S, Linda B, Charlie K, Anne C, Mark S, Angela G, Maria, Bob, Olivia, and Jo B. Please also remember: St. Luke’s School & Church in Martel (Haiti) To add names and concerns for Wednesday's and Sunday's intercessions, and this "Let Us Pray" letter, please send them to YFNR at [email protected] with any details you care to share. Names will move to the longer term list upon request. Filling the Amistad House Pantry: Our Outreach team has devised a Lenten opportunity for us to that will assist New Haven's Amistad House's ministry of hospitality with folks who are unhoused, unsheltered and/or food insecure: We can "shop" via "Sign-Up Genius" here. Choose the items you wish to purchase and then send the appropriate funds to the Parish Office, or drop them off, or leave them on the altar. Your "purchases" will be ordered in bulk and delivered directly to Amistad House for us. Our experiment continues -- keeping the side door, closest to the Guild Room, unlocked between 10a.m. and 3p.m. This provides an opportunity for a quiet moment of prayer in the church, likely alone, and to leave gifts on the altar, as well as to pick up a candle stub to light during prayers at home. Our Lenten Discussion, "A River Through the Desert," continues Tuesdays and Sundays. We are taking advantage of a "Virtual Lenten Pilgrimage" from St. George's College in Jerusalem. Tuesday evening's gathering explores the image of water in the Bible. The College's Dean Richard Sewell leads the video and provides a discussion guide. Expect some photos from my Holy Land pilgrimages. Here's the link. Wednesday's Order for Evening will commemorate brothers John and Charles Wesley, and include Wesley hymns. The livestream of the services will start before Noon and 7p.m. at www.facebook.com/cecguilford. Thursday Bible Study continues March 11 at 9:30a.m. with the Hebrews approaching Mt. Sinai. Join the conversation via this new Zoom code. There are no prerequisites or homework! On Sunday, our morning worship continues online with our own Holy Eucharist at 10a.m. Sunday's forecast is bouncing above and below our 45 degree threshold. If it's close, we'll be in the Garden on Sunday, March 14, at 1p.m. Vaccinations: Earlier today (Tuesday), I attended a Zoom meeting with other clergy and our First Selectman. The Town is concerned about folks who are shut-in and may not have been able to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Matt Hoey asks that if you know of such a person, 55 and over, who needs assistance getting vaccinated, please have them call the Town's Senior Program Coordinator, Terry Buckley, at 203-453-8132 or [email protected] Here's one stanza of the hymn I was humming after seeing the crocus and snow-drops in bloom: For the beauty of the earth, for the glory of the skies, for the love that from our birth over and around us lies, Christ our God, to thee we raise these our hymns of grateful praise. Hymn #416, in The Hymnal 1982 In the faith, hope and love of Christ, Harrison+ Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector March 3, 2021
I call on thee, Lord Jesus Christ, I have none other help but thee. My heart is never set at rest till thy sweet word have comforted me. And steadfast faith grant me therefore, to hold thy word evermore, above all thing, never resisting but to increase in faith more and more. Hymn #634, The Hymnal 1982 text by Miles Coverdale, d.1568 Dear Hearts, Between the hymns and the songs sung by Mark Rehnstrom, I wondered why I bothered to prepare a sermon! Mark R's own "Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me," and the spiritual "I want Jesus to walk with me," both responded to Jesus' invitation in the Gospel to follow him -- even/especially when the going gets rough. The hymn quoted above, was our Sequence hymn on Sunday, i.e. the hymn that leads into the gospel reading. Miles Coverdale may be best known to us as the translator of the Psalms that appeared in English and American Prayer Books through 1928. But he was also an acclaimed teacher, who taught through the hymns he wrote. "I call on thee" came during a rough time for him; he was in exile in Europe because of his work translating the Bible into English. Yet he trusted God's word to increase his faith "more and more." Let us pray for all who are commended to the parish's prayers: All who are ill, including Amy B, Leslie P, Carol U, Diane L, Kelly T, Jim R, Jason, andPeter; and all who are contending with Covid-19 disease; for the medical caregivers who minister of God's healing gifts; and for all facing financial hardship because of the pandemic. May they all know the healing power of Christ's presence and love. And for all who have died -- including the over 515,000 of our fellow citizens claimed by the coronavirus. Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord; may light perpetual shine upon them. Look with favor, O Lord, upon Will Jones as he celebrates his birthday; may he continue to grow in grace and delight. Please also continue to pray for Dale, Buster, Jimmy C, Patrick and family, Felipe, Richard D, Alice M, Elizabeth Ann, Parker, Webb, Jill, Andrew E, Ed C, Pastor Bryan Meyers, Bob C, Sue S, George H, Alex & John H, Jeremy H, Shelly, Philippe, Kate, Frank, Jack, Judy & Ed S, Michael M, Richard D, Dave K, Brian A, Annie, John, Joan G., Lois C., Winnie Z, Bernie and family, Susie & Paul, Pam McG, Julie H, Murray E., Brooke & family, Kate S., Tracy M., Carl, Michael S, Joanne N-R, Madeline H, and Kelly G, Also: Paul D, Susan S, Linda B, Charlie K, Anne C, Mark S, Angela G, Maria, Bob, Olivia, and Jo B. Please also remember: St. Luke’s School & Church in Martel (Haiti) To add names and concerns for Wednesday's and Sunday's intercessions, and this "Let Us Pray" letter, please send them to YFNR at [email protected] with any details you care to share. Names will move to the longer term list upon request. A Lenten Outreach Opportunity: Our Outreach team has devised a way for us to help stock the pantry of New Haven's Amistad House: To support the House's ministry of hospitality with folks who are unhoused, unsheltered and/or food insecure, we can "shop" via "Sign-Up Genius" here. Choose the items you wish to purchase and then send the appropriate funds to the Parish Office, or drop them off, or leave them on the altar. Your "purchases" will be ordered in bulk and delivered directly to Amistad House for us. Our experiment continues -- keeping the side door, closest to the Guild Room, unlocked between 10a.m. and 3p.m. This provides an opportunity for a quiet moment of prayer in the church, likely alone, and to leave gifts on the altar, as well as to pick up a candle stub to light during prayers at home. Our Lenten Discussion, "A River Through the Desert," continues Tuesdays and Sundays. We are taking advantage of a "Virtual Lenten Pilgrimage" from St. George's College in Jerusalem. The next gatherings explore the image of water in the Bible. The College's Dean Richard Sewell leads the video and provides a discussion guide. Expect some photos from my Holy Land pilgrimages. Wednesday's Order for Evening will commemorate brothers John and Charles Wesley, and include Wesley hymns. The livestream of the services will start before Noon and 7p.m. at www.facebook.com/cecguilford. Thursday Bible Study continues March 4 at 9:30a.m. with the newly freed Israelites complaining. Join the conversation via this new Zoom code. There are no prerequisites or homework! On Sunday, our morning worship continues online with our own Holy Eucharist at 10a.m. Unfortunately, Sunday's forecast currently looks to be in the deep freeze. If it warms up, we'll be in the Garden on Sunday, March 7, at 1p.m. Another inspiring hymn text from Sunday, or at least I've long found it so, was our closing hymn, "How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord." In Sunday's Gospel, Jesus acknowledged we will face rough times in our lives -- just as he did; God's promise is that just as God did not forsake Jesus, God will not forsake us. The soul that to Jesus hath fled for repose, I will not, I will not desert to its foes; that soul, though all hell shall endeavor to shake, I'll never, no, never, no never forsake. Hymn #636, in The Hymnal 1982, text by John Rippon, d. 1787 In the faith, hope and love of Christ, Harrison+ Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector |
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