 O Judge of the nations,
we remember before you with grateful hearts the men and women of our country who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy. Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines. This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Thanksgiving: For Heroic Service; Book of Common Prayer, p.839 Dear Hearts, I hope this finds you having a safe Memorial Day with time taken to give thanks for "those who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life." I found singing that in worship yesterday quite moving. I understand that yesterday's transmission was poor, and you may not have been able to join us in the prayers and song. For that I am very sorry. Mark Rehnstrom's solo from Messiah, also anticipated today, as did his setting of a portion of Psalm 121 which is often prayed at funerals. All these are quite clear in the YouTube recording of the service, which you can find here.. Our prayers are also asked for -- All who are ill or in distress including: Gail B -- with the virus, Sudie's parents Susie & Paul B, Joan G -- at home with her daughter; Lois C -- out of the hospital but not yet home; Gabrielle and Robin -- at home, Dale & Michelle -- with the virus, Lisa and Matthew -- at home; and for all facing financial hardship because of the pandemic. May they all know the healing power of Christ's presence and love. For the repose of Florence Douglas, and for Laurie Brown and for all who have died during the Covid-19 pandemic; The strife is o'er, the battle done; the victory of life is won. Thanksgivings as we celebrate Chuck B's birthday May your peace which passes all understanding abide all the days of his life.. Rejoicing with Leigh & Sandy on their anniversary; May their home continue to be a haven of blessing and peace. Please continue to hold in prayer: Pam McG, Julie H, Annie & Jim, Sandy G., Murray E., Brooke & family, Kate S., Tracy M., Carl, Winnie Z, Michael S, Joanne N-R, Dave K, Madeline H, Kelly G, Paul D, Lois S, Bob vM. Also: Susan S, Margaret S, Linda B, June C, Charlie K, Anne C, Mark S, Angela G, Maria, Bob, Olivia, Lois T, and Jo B. Please also remember: St. Luke’s School & Church in Martel (Haiti). To add names and concerns for next Sunday's intercessions, and this "Let Us Pray" letter, please send them to YFNR at harrisoncec@snet.net with any details you care to share. Names will then move to the "continuing" list for 30 days, and the longer term list upon request. Attention HIgh School Seniors: For the 12th consecutive year, our ECW is pleased to offer a scholarship to Christ Church's high school graduating seniors. The requirements needed to apply are: 1) You must be an active member of Christ Episcopal Church; 2) You have already been accepted at a school of higher learning, either academic or technical.. If interested in applying, please send an e-mail letter to Ms. Jean Valentine--javalentine3502@sbcglobal.net Your letter should include all your Christ Church activities, the school to which you have been accepted and your future aspirations. Deadline for receiving all entries will be Monday, June 1, 2020. ECW will then confer together and announce recipient (s) shortly thereafter. Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops on YouTube for free! In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month HBO has made parishioner Jen McShane's award-winning documentary Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops available for free on their You Tube branded channel until 5/31. Let your family and friends know! This documentary is ultimately hopeful, and I commend it to you. Here is the link: https://youtu.be/wWU38es-tWU Since Memorial Day has expanded to become a sort of spring-time All Saints' Day, I found the following prayer For the Departed helpful in giving thanks for all who have died, both civilians and members of armed forces.. Eternal Lord God, you hold all souls in life: Give to your whole Church in paradise and on earth your light and your peace; and grant that we, following the good examples of those who have served you here and are now at rest, may at the last enter with them into your unending joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. BCP, p. 253 In the faith, hope and love of Christ, Harrison+ YFNR p.s. #1 If you received a message purportedly from me this morning with an odd gmail address, asking for a favor, and including "Pastor" as my office, please report it as spam, and then delete it. A sure sign that it wasn't from me: it was sent early on a Monday morning! p.s. #2 Reminders for Christ Church's online worship:
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 Memorial Day:
With the rest of the nation, we will honor and give thanks for ... "... heroes proved in liberating strife, who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life!" In addition to singing, "O beautiful for spacious skies," on Sundayj, we will conclude the Prayers of the People with a Thanksgiving for Heroic Service (BCP, p.839). To help us honor the sacrifice and service to establish and sustain our liberties, I commend to you this tour of Washington National Cathedral's War Memorial Chapel which you can find by clicking here. Digital Sunday School: We don't typically have Sunday School on holiday weekends, but these are not typical times! So, special thanks to Tyler Jarvis, our Director for Children's & Youth Ministry, for sending out this week's Digital Sunday School. (11:59a.m. our time on Friday.) Pay attention to what Tyler has to say about the story of Jesus' Ascension -- especially regarding the message from the two men who come upon the disciples. As usual he's got great questions for all of us to consider. Virtual Coffee Hour: Please join us for Coffee Hour via Zoom this Sunday May 24th at 11:30a.m. by clicking the link here. You can also participate by phone at 11:30a.m. Sunday by dialing 646.558.8656. You'll be asked for the Meeting ID 870 0445 4526, and Password: 160097. To All Christ Church 2020 Graduating High School Seniors: For the 12th consecutive year, ECW is pleased to offer a scholarship to Christ Church high school graduating seniors. The requirements needed to apply are: 1) You must be an active member of Christ Episcopal Church; 2) You have already been accepted at a school of higher learning, either academic or technical.. If interested in applying, please send an e-mail letter to Ms. Jean Valentine--javalentine3502@sbcglobal.net Your letter should include all your Christ Church activities, the school to which you have been accepted and your future aspirations. Deadline for receiving all entries will be Monday, June 1, 2020. ECW will then confer together and announce recipient (s) shortly thereafter. Outreach Update: The Canterbury cap tips to Jenifer McShane and Owen Markswho collected and delivered two days' worth of lasagna and chicken pot pies -- and to the folks who provided then all, and delivered them to Amistad House for the 50+ homeless folks they serve. They also took institutional quantities of oatmeal, coffee and sugar provided by the Discretionary Fund. Our Bishops' Counsel: We are a parish of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut. As such we depend upon the counsel and guidance of our Bishops. Bishops Douglas and Ahrens have been clear that Governor Lamont has a healthy respect for the First Amendment, and has never "ordered" closure of the state's houses of Worship. Governor Lamont has shared in detail the information on which he bases his Executive orders during weekly Zoom meeting with leaders of Connecticut's Faith-Based Organizations, including our Bishops. In turn, our Bishops, together with their staff, prepared "Living with COVID-19: Protocols and Directives for Clergy and Vestries of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut." You can read it here. At their meeting this week, your Vestry supported heeding our Bishops' strong counsel to continue our current pattern of online worship until at least June 20. The Vestry also asked for an ad hoccommittee to consider options for worship to consider at their June 17th meeting. If you would like to participate in this process, please respond to this message. As food for thought, here's a Religious News Service article about the issues raised by our traditional practice of singing in worship during this pandemic season. Sunday Intercessions: Please continue sending me the people and concerns you would like included in Sunday's Prayers of the People. This request is the online version of the form on which you would note specific people, concerns and thanksgivings as you entered the church for worship. Please reply to this message by 8a.m. Sunday morning. Our intercessions, remembrances and thanksgivings will be sent out on Monday (that's still my goal!) with any particulars you'd like to share; so, please be specific about what you're sharing with me, and what you'd like to share with the entire parish. Wednesday Evening Prayers: Our livestream mid-week evening service of prayer and music continue on Wednesday evenings at 7p.m. Since Wednesday,May 27 falls within "Ascensiontide," the readings, hymns and prayers will celebrate the Ascension of Jesus -- intercessions, petitions and thanksgivings will also be included, of course. An online bulletin will be available Wednesday morning. Thursday Morning Bible Study meets 9:30-10:30a.m. via Zoom. We're moving into Chapter 14 of Paul's letter to the Romans; in this chapter Paul talks about mutual respect and forbearance within the fellowship of Here's the link to our online conversation: click here: Participation by telephone is also possible; I'll send the connection number on request. Bishop's Book Study: Bishop Laura Ahrens leads a monthly book study typically at Camp Washington with lunch included. That study is now online. This month's study will continue discussing: St. Benedict's Toolbox - The Nuts and Bolts of Everyday Benedictine Living by Jane Tomaine, Friday, May 29, 9:30-11a.m. Details and how-to participate are available by registering here. South Central Region Town Hall with our Bishop: Join Bishop Douglas, Bishop Ahrens, our Region Missionary George Black and South Central Region Leadership Team (including our own Diane Kyle) on Tuesday, June 9 at 2p.m., for a one-hour conversation to explore what are we learning and what is God saying to us during this pandemic? All are welcome. No registration required. Zoom link HERE. Mulch Weekend Thanks! Many thanks to all who participated in spreading about 80 cubic yards of mulch around the parish grounds last weekend! Special thanks goes to project overseer Junior Warden Alicia Bacon, and to Donna LaFata for setting up the Sign-Up Genius. As folks return to the Green, it is great to have our properties looking so well cared-for! Thanks to all who are mailing in your offerings! Although we are not meeting together in-person, the life of the parish continues online, in prayer, worship, education and service -- and in all the ways that support and maintain our common life. So, as you are able, in your current financial situation, please continue your financial support of our common life by sending your offerings to Christ Church, PO Box 574, Guilford, CT 06437. Your offering will be presented at the altar; it will be physically present, even while you remain safely at home. If you are sheltering-in-place and need assistance with picking up groceries or prescriptions, please be in touch with the Parish Office. Fellow parishioners would gladly do the go-fer-ing for you. In the faith, hope and love of Christ, Harrison+ YFNR p.s. Reminders for Christ Church's online worship: You can access the livestream directly at facebook.com/cecguilford. or the parish website christchurchguilford.org You may find that using an external speaker or headphones may improve the quality of audio from your device. Please remember to adjust both volume settings on your device: There is the device's volume control, usually accessed via the speaker icon on the lower right corner of your screen; Be sure that the volume is turned up here. There is another volume control on the Facebook Live image, as well. It's in the control panel at the bottom of the Live image. The default setting on that control is often mute, indicated by an "x" over the speaker icon. Be sure to click on the speaker icon to "unmute" the sound, and to turn up the volume here as well. Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ in his early life
shared our toil and hollowed our labor: Be present with your people where they work; make those who carry on the industries and commerce of this land responsive to your will; keep them safe in their labors; and give to us all a pride in what we do, and a just return for our labor; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spiirt, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Rogation Day Collect for Commerce and Industry; Book of Common Prayer, p.259 Dear Hearts, The three days before Ascension Day, have long been kept by the Church as "Rogation Days," the Church's "Earth Days" from long before the secular world thought of having one. The prayer above addresses those of us whose labor is no longer so directly connected to the land; it seemed appropriate as more folks return to their places of employment today. Our prayers are also asked for -- All who are ill or in distress including: Pam McG and Julie H -- both recovering in their homes from ortho surgery; Gail B -- with the virus; Joan G -- at home with her daughter; Lois C -- out of the hospital but not yet home; Gabrielle and Robin -- at home; Dale & Michelle -- with the virus Lisa and Matthew -- at home, Richard & Anne -- as they return to their home, Jim & Annie -- who can't be together for now, and for all facing financial hardship because of the pandemic. May they all know the healing power of Christ's presence and love. For the repose of Judith Benton, and for all who have died during the Covid-19 pandemic; The strife is o'er, the battle done; the victory of life is won. Thanksgivings for all who participated in "Mulch Weekend," and for our Outreach Team's efforts to provide two days of breakfast and lunch (lasagna and chicken pot pie) for the 50 or so homeless folk served daily by Amistad House in New Haven. We thank you for setting us at tasks that call on our best efforts, and that delight us and address the needs of others. Thanksgivings as we celebrate the 90th birthday of Hope S. May she grow in wisdom, grace and trust in your goodness. Please continue to hold in prayer: Sandy G., Murray E., Brooke & family, Kate S., Tracy M., Carl, Winnie Z, Carol L-U, Judy & Eddie G. and family, Philomena, Justin, Bob A, Jean, Virginia M, Linda, Michael S, Joanne N-R, Dave K, Madeline H, Kelly G, Paul D, Lois S, Bob vM. Also: Susan S, Margaret S, Linda B, June C, Charlie K, Anne C, Mark S, Angela G, Maria, Bob, Olivia, Lois, and Jo. Please also remember: St. Luke’s School & Church in Martel (Haiti). To add names and concerns for next Sunday's intercessions, and this "Let Us Pray" letter, please send them to YFNR at harrisoncec@snet.net with any details you care to share. Names will then move to the "continuing" list for 30 days, and the longer term list upon request. Attention HIgh School Seniors: For the 12th consecutive year, our ECW is pleased to offer a scholarship to Christ Church's high school graduating seniors. The requirements needed to apply are: 1) You must be an active member of Christ Episcopal Church; 2) You have already been accepted at a school of higher learning, either academic or technical.. If interested in applying, please send an e-mail letter to Ms. Jean Valentine--javalentine3502@sbcglobal.net Your letter should include all your Christ Church activities, the school to which you have been accepted and your future aspirations. Deadline for receiving all entries will be Monday, June 1, 2020. ECW will then confer together and announce recipient (s) shortly thereafter. And another thing ... Last Sunday's Instructed Eucharist reminded me of an earlier one for children on a Sunday afternoon. Linda Snyder, who led that service, included a scavenger hunt for the children. They were asked to find places and things inside our worship space, e.g. "What represents a pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire?" Answer: The paschal candle -- the tall thick candle on a tall brass stand -- which represents the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night that led the ancient Israelites out of Egypt, across the Red Sea and through the wilderness. Another question was who are the figures in the stained glass windows? Answer: Peter and Paul on either side (easy because their names are below them), and Jesus. This got one youngster to look closely, and ask, "Why are they all barefooted?" Best answer we could come up with is, that like Moses before the burning bush, they are on holy ground. (Moses was told to take off his sandals because he was standing on holy ground. Exodus 3.5) Tomorrow is Ascension Day, one of the Church's High Holy Days. This is one of the collects for the Ascension: Almighty God, whose blessed Son our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heavens that he might fill all things: Mercifully give us faith to perceive that, according to his promise, he abides with his Church on earth, even to the end of the ages; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting.. Amen. BCP, p. 226 In the faith, hope and love of Christ, Harrison+ YFNR p.s. Reminders for Christ Church's online worship:
 Instructed Eucharist This Sunday, May 17:
Please help shape Sunday's Instructed Eucharist by sending me questions, concerns, wonderings about our worship. Brief explanations of what we’re doing and why will happen at pivot points during the service. To keep these comments from being only about things of interest to me, I truly welcome your participation via harrisoncec@snet.net. Digital Sunday School: Tyler Jarvis, our Director for Children's & Youth Ministry, sent this week's Digital Sunday School just after 1:30pm our time on Friday. He does a great job opening up the scriptures and suggesting another for our reflection. Since I'll be talking about our worship, I encourage you to pay special attention to what Tyler has to say about our readings. As usual he's got great questions for all of us to consider. Look for Digital Sunday School in your inbox, and if it's not there, check your "buik mail" or "spam" folder. You can find editions for previous Sunday's by clicking here. Virtual Coffee Hour Please join us for our second attempt at a Coffee Hour via Zoom this Sunday May 17th at 11:30a.m. Those of us who participated in last Sunday's virtual gathering enjoyed catching up with each other and seeing faces we hadn't seen for awhile! In order to keep the gathering from being "Zoombombed", participants will need to be "admitted" by Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector. Virtual coffee hours are not like regular coffee hours; we can have only one person talking at a time. However, there is a chat feature where you can type side-bar conversations. Click this link here at 11:30a.m. on Sunday, and we look forward to SEEING you! You can also participate by phone at 11:30a.m. Sunday by dialing 646.558.8656. You'll be asked for the Meeting ID 870 0445 4526, and Password: 160097. Mulch Weekend: Mulch Weekend has begun! Thanks to all who have reserved a space and time to do some light weeding and mulch spreading in the gardens. Wheel barrows are out and the mulch is in bags in the driveway. Please bring your own gloves; yard debris bags are available inside the Parish Hal door. Please leave your filled bags near the rectory garage. Please click here to check the Sign-up Genius page. As this is written, all time slots are spoken-for; if you'd like to enjoy some quiet time in the garden in the days to come -- whether to do some gardening, eat your lunch or just sit in the swing and listen to the birds, please be in touch. I'll let 'you know if the garden is available. The Rectory garage door is open, and my car is parked elsewhere; feel free to use rakes stored there. And please do admire how well-organized the garage is thanks to the efforts of Tony Leonard. Thanks Tony! Outreach Update:
As you may recall from his Coffee Hour presentation, parishioner Glenn Formica is an attorney who represents undocumented immigrants. Some University of Connecticut journalism students have prepared a mini-documentary about his work called: Locked Out: American Dream in Jeopardy. Click here to watch this eleven-minute video. As you do, please remember this verse from Thursday's Daily Office reading: “The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 19:34) Friends, this is not a one-off; this is the repeated and consistent message of Holy Scripture. When I pray for forgiveness "for the sins done on our(my) behalf...", our country's immigration practices are on my heart. "Re-opening Connecticut: Phase I" You may be wondering how the May 20th first phase of re-opening Connecticut will change our parish life. Based on the counsel of our Bishops and in response to Governor Lamont's Executive Orders, it looks to me that our parish life won't be changed at all until Phase 2 -- which may begin as early as June 20. This will be a topic of discussion at this Wednesday's Vestry Meeting. Our considerations will be informed by the document prepared by our Bishops and Canons called "Living with COVID-19: Protocols and Directives for Clergy and Vestries of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut." You can read it here. Sunday Intercessions: Please continue sending me the people and concerns you would like included in Sunday's Prayers of the People. This request is the online version of the form on which you would note specific people, concerns and thanksgivings as you entered the church for worship. Please reply to this message by 8a.m. Sunday morning. Our intercessions, remembrances and thanksgivings will be sent out on Monday (that's still my goal!) with any particulars you'd like to share; so, please be specific about what you're sharing with me, and what you'd like to share with the entire parish. Wednesday Evening Prayers: Our livestream mid-week evening service of prayer and music continues on Wednesday evening at 7p.m. Wednesday is a Rogation Day -- the Church's "Earth Day" from long before the secular world had one. We'll sing creation hymns and pray a Creation Litany -- intercessions, petitions and thanksgivings will also be included, of course. An online bulletin will be available Wednesday morning. Thursday Morning Bible Study meets 9:30-10:30a.m. via Zoom. We're moving into Chapter 13 of Paul's letter to the Romans; in this chapter Paul talks about our obligations as law-abiding citizens. We'll address how this chapter has been abused. Here's the link to our online conversation: click here: Participation by telephone is also possible; I'll send the connection number on request. Thanks to all who are mailing in your offerings! God bless you, and may your numbers increase! Although we are not meeting together in-person, the life of the parish continues online, in prayer, worship, education and service -- and in all the ways that support and maintain our common life. So, as you are able, in your current financial situation, please continue your financial support of the parish by sending your offerings to Christ Church, PO Box 574, Guilford, CT 06437. Your offering will be presented at the altar; it will be physically present, even while you remain safely at home. If you are sheltering-in-place and need assistance with picking up groceries or prescriptions, please be in touch with the Parish Office. Fellow parishioners would gladly do the go-fer-ing for you. In the faith, hope and love of Christ, Harrison+ YFNR p.s. Reminders for Christ Church's online worship: You can access the livestream directly at facebook.com/cecguilford. or the parish website christchurchguilford.org You may find that using an external speaker or headphones may improve the quality of audio from your device. Please remember to adjust both volume settings on your device: There is the device's volume control, usually accessed via the speaker icon on the lower right corner of your screen; Be sure that the volume is turned up here. There is another volume control on the Facebook Live image, as well. It's in the control panel at the bottom of the Live image. The default setting on that control is often mute, indicated by an "x" over the speaker icon. Be sure to click on the speaker icon to "unmute" the sound, and to turn up the volume here as well. May 11, 2020
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful, for I have taken refuge in you; * in the shadow of your wings will I take refuge until this time of trouble has gone by. Psalm 57.1; Book of Common Prayer, p.663 from the Daily Office readings for today Dear Hearts, Our prayers are asked for -- All who are ill or in distress including: Julie H -- on her way to rehab; Joan G -- at home with her daughter; Lois C -- out of the hospital but not yet home; Dale & Michelle -- with the virus Gabrielle and Robin -- at home; Lisa and Matthew -- at home, Jim & Annie -- who can't be together for now, and for all facing financial hardship because of the pandemic. May they all know the healing power of Christ's presence and love. For the repose of Joanne Holden, and for all who have died during the Covid-19 pandemic; The strife is o'er, the battle done; the victory of life is won. To celebrate the birthday of Jane B. May she grow in wisdom, grace and trust in your goodness. And to give thanks for the life of Bob Sperry (born 99 years ago Sunday) We praise you for your saints who have entered into joy. Please continue to hold in prayer: Sandy G., Murray E., Brooke & family, Kate S., Tracy M., Carl, Winnie Z, Carol L-U, Judy & Eddie G. and family, Philomena, Justin, Bob A, Jean, Virginia M, Linda, Michael S, Joanne N-R, Dave K, Madeline H, Kelly G, Paul D, Lois S, Hope S, Bob vM. Also: Susan S, Margaret S, Linda B, June C, Charlie K, Anne C, Mark S, Angela G, Maria, Bob, Olivia, Lois, and Jo. Please also remember: St. Luke’s School & Church in Martel (Haiti). To add names and concerns for next Sunday's intercessions, and this "Let Us Pray" letter, please send them to YFNR at harrisoncec@snet.net with any details you care to share. Names will then move to the "continuing" list for 30 days, and the longer term list upon request. Another Perspective on Sunday's Gospel ... In his reflection on yesterday's Gospel reading, the Dean of Washington National Cathedral, the very Rev. Randolph Hollerith, pointed to a place where our understanding of words falls short of the biblical meaning. In John 14:1-14, Jesus tells asks his disciples, and us, to believe in him. Jesus isn't asking them to give intellectual assent to his identity and his teaching, Jesus is asking us to trust in him and to follow his example. Therefore, ... To be disciples must mean that we place the paths of our lives on [Jesus'] path, that we model our lives on his life. This means dying to the idea that this life is our own possession when it actually belongs to God. This means dying to the idea that this life is meant for our amusement when it is actually meant to be lived in service to others. This means dying to the idea that security lies in the attainment of power when in actuality security can only be found in self-sacrificing love. Amen. You can read the rest of his meditation and subscribe to receive them in your inbox, by going to this page. Continuing with Dean Hollerith's thought, let us pray the Collect for this week: Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. BCP, p. 225 In the faith, hope and love of Christ, Harrison+ YFNR p.s. Reminders for Christ Church's online worship:
 Virtual Coffee Hour
Please join us for our first attempt at a coffee hour via Zoom this Sunday May 10th at 11:30a.m. We are looking forward to another way to connect virtually, and we believe this will be a big treat to see each other's smiling faces! In order to keep the gathering from being "Zoombombed", participants will need to be "admitted" by Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector. Virtual coffee hours are not like regular coffee hours; we can have only one person talking at a time. However, there is a chat feature where you can type side-bar conversations. After greeting one another, perhaps we could share our thoughts on one of Tyler Jarvis' great questions from the Digital Sunday School: has some great questions: 3. The passage in 1 Peter says that we are a chosen people. What do you think we've been chosen to do? How might you do that? 4. A common theme in the passages this week is that God and Jesus help and take care of us. What's an example of a way that God and Jesus have helped you recently? Or, you can just sit back and sip coffee and listen. Or, If you have a different question/answer/thought to share, feel free to do so. Click this link here at 11:30a.m. on Sunday, and we look forward to SEEING you! You can also participate by phone at 11:30a.m. Sunday by dialing 646 558 8656. You'll be asked for the Meeting ID 889 3582 4876, and Password: 691006. Mother's Day Prayers, Flowers, and Music: Sunday's readings do not have a direct connection to motherhood, but our prayers will. And Marsha is preparing a special floral offering to God's glory in gratitude for mothers in every place and generation. As a further Mother's Day treat, our Music Director Mark Sullivan has arranged with vocalist Mark Rehnstrom and violinist Olivia Ste. Marie to offer their gifts to God's glory in honor of Mother's Day. Mark will sing "Come,, my Way, my Truth, my Light" by R. Vaughn William, and Olivia will play the Andante from Symphonie Espagnole by E. Lalo. Have a clean tissue at the ready! Outreach Update: The "mask brigade" is still hard at work.....as of now we have made over 450 masks! The batch that we are currently collecting will be sent by Cindy McN to a Navajo Reservation in Arizona that is in desperate need of masks! In addition to the previously announced support for the homeless through Amistad Catholic Workers house, the Outreach team decided to designate another $150 of Outreach donations for supplies for those now living outside of shelters, and $125 for the United Latino Action group's assistance for immigrants who are not eligible for any government assistance. Now that our collection basket for the Guilford Food Bank is out of reach, please know that you can send a check to the Guilford Food Bank, c/o Guilford Social Services, 263 Church Street, Guilford, CT 06437. A $10 gift provides the Food Bank with the buying power of $100 through the Connecticut Food Bank! In a Friday Episcopal Church in CT forum on Covid 19 Health Disparities & Systemic Racism, two "good citizenship" action items were identified among others, both of which are entirely suitable for folks staying safer-at-home: 1) Sending postcards encouraging folks to register to vote; 2) Encouraging folks to participate in the 2020 census. Kate H can provide connections. Instructed Eucharist Next Sunday: The saying “We don’t always do things as we’ve ‘always’ done them,” has never been more accurate than right now. So, next Sunday May 17th we'll do something we haven't done for a long time: celebrate an “Instructed Eucharist” – a service in which the sermon is by-and-large replaced with brief explanations of what we’re doing and why throughout the service. This is a service all parishioners can help design by sending your questions, wonderings, concerns, issues, etc., considering our worship to YFNR at harrisoncec@snet.net. He promises to do his level-best to respond! Mulch Weekend: We are going to continue our smart and responsible, physicially-distanced yard care! This time around we will be focusing on light weeding and mulching of each assigned area. Each time slot already has an area and task assigned to it. If you are by yourself, choose a smaller bed or area. You will have the garden to yourself during your appointed time. Please bring your own tools/gloves. Bags of mulch will be in the driveway between the church and the rectory. Wheelbarrows will be available to wheel your mulch to your area. Brown paper lawn and leaf bags will be available inside the Parish Hal doorl. Please leave your filled bags in front of rectory garage. Please click here to reach our Sign-up Genius page! Sunday Intercessions: Please help shape Sunday's Prayers of the People by sending me the people and concerns you would like included. This is the online version of the clipboard where you would note people, concerns and thanksgivings for inclusion in our Sunday prayers. Please reply to this message by 8a.m. Sunday morning. Our intercessions, remembrances and thanksgivings will be sent out on Monday (that's still my goal!) with any particulars you'd like to share; so, please be specific about what you're sharing just with me, and what you'd like to share with the rest of the parish. Wednesday Evening Prayers: Our livestream mid-week evening service of prayer and music continues on Wednesday evenings at 7p.m. We are now praying a Litany for this pandemic season used at Washington National Cathedral. An online bulletin will be available Wednesday morning. Thursday Morning Bible Study meets 9:30-10:30a.m. via Zoom. We're moving into Chapter 12 of Paul's letter to the Romans; this section has been called "So What?" -- How then are followers of the Risen Christ to live together in this world? Here's the link to our online conversation: click here: Participation by telephone is also possible; I'll send the connection number on request. Digital Sunday School: Tyler Jarvis, our Director for Children's & Youth Ministry, sent this week's Digital Sunday School just before noon our time on Friday. He identifies a thread between all our readings which now seems obvious but which had escaped me! Look for Digital Sunday School in your inbox, and if it's not there, check your "buik mail" or "spam" folder. You can find editions for previous Sunday's by clicking here. Thanks to all who are mailing in your offerings! God bless you, and may your numbers increase! Although we are not meeting together in-person, the life of the Church continues online, in prayer, worship, education and service -- and in all the ways that support and maintain our common life. So, as you are able, in your current financial situation, please continue your financial support of the parish by sending your offerings to Christ Church, PO Box 574, Guilford, CT 06437. Your offering will be presented at the altar; it will be physically present, even while you remain safely at home. If you are sheltering-in-place and need assistance with picking up groceries or prescriptions, please be in touch with the Parish Office. Fellow parishioners would gladly do the go-fer-ing for you. In the faith, hope and love of Christ,, Harrison+ YFNR p.s. Reminders for Christ Church's online worship:
 May 5, 2020
O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people; Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Book of Common Prayer, p.225 Dear Hearts, Our prayers are asked for -- All who are ill or in distress including: Joan G -- now home with her daughter; Lois C -- out of the hospital but not yet home; Dale & Michelle -- with the virus Gabrielle and Robin -- at home; Lisa and Matthew -- at home, Jim & Annie -- who can't be together for now, and for all facing financial hardship because of the pandemic. May they all know the healing power of Christ's presence and love. for the repose of Henry Puciato's brother, Thomas Puciato, and for Florence Clark, Lois Dillon, and for all who have died during the Covid-19 pandemic; and for Roy Nuhn. The strife is o'er, the battle done; the victory of life is won. To celebrate the birthdays of Marsha B., and Ed S. May they grown in wisdom, grace and trust in your goodness. Thanksgivings for the safe delivery of Josephine Rosemarie to Gina & James P. and brother Paul. Confirm this family's joy with a lively sens e of your holy presence. Please continue to hold in prayer: Avery M., Sandy G., Murray E., Brooke & family, Kate S., Tracy M., Carl, Winnie Z.,; Jennifer, Robert & James; Carol L-U, Judy & Eddie G. and family, Margaret S, Philomena, Justin, Bob A, Jean, Virginia M, Linda, Michael SJoanne N-R, Dave K, Madeline H, Kelly G, Paul D, Lois S, Hope S, Bob vM, Also: Linda B, June C, Charlie K, Anne C, Mark S, Angela G, Maria, Bob, Olivia, Lois, and Jo. Please also remember: St. Luke’s School & Church in Martel (Haiti). To add names and concerns for next Sunday's intercessions, and this "Let Us Pray" letter, please send them to YFNR at harrisoncec@snet.net with any details you care to share. Names will then move to the "continuing" list for 30 days, and the longer term list upon request. A Word to the Church, from the Presiding Bishop: This week, I'll let our Presiding Bishop, +Michael Curry, have the "And Another Thing" portion of this letter. In his April 29th "Word to the Church", Bishop Michael quotes . a paragraph from the writing of Verna Dozier, his mentor, colleague and friend. Here's a taste of it: Since I do not live by being right, I am not destroyed by being wrong. I hope you'll read the whole quotation, as well as Bishop Michael encouraging us to consider "What would love do?" You can find it here. Verna Dozier was a living saint during my early days in the Diocese of Washington (the District of Columbia and four counties in Maryland). People who knew and studied with this lay woman -- a theologian, teacher, author and mentor to more than one bishop and hosts of others -- would quote from her book The Dream of God by heart. It's still in print. Wednesday Evening Prayers Our livestream evening service of prayer and music will continue this Wednesday, May 6 at 7p.m., The service will be a form of the Order for Evening with lots of candlelight. We'll use a Litany for this season of the pandemic from Washington National Cathedral. If you would like to read the lesson, lead the psalm, or help with the singing, please reply to this message. An order of service will be available Wednesday morning here. Thursday Morning Bible Study will continue this Thursday, May 7, 9:30-10:30a.m. on Zoom. We're into Chapter 11 which, if taken seriously, should have dealt a death blow to Christian anti-Semitism. Here's the link to our online conversation: click here. Participation by telephone is also possible; I'll send the connection number on request Here's a lovely prayer for caregivers during these challenging times. It comes from the Episcopal Church's Enriching Our Worship 2, which is also the source of our Great Thanksgiving Prayer during Eastertide: Compassionate God, support and strengthen all those who reach out in love, concern, and prayer for the sick and distressed. In their acts of compassion, may they know they are your instruments. In their concerns and fears may they know your peace. In their prayer may they know your steadfast love. May they not grow weary or faint-hearted, for your mercy’s sake. Amen. EoW2, p. 93 I've been reminded that "Hill Street Blues" Sergeant Phil Esterhaus also said, "Let's be careful out there!" In the faith, hope and love of Christ, Harrison+ YFNR p.s. Reminders for Christ Church's online worship:
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