 Trinity Sunday, May 30, 2021:
Trinity Sunday: we will join with the rest of the Episcopal Church in CT for a livestreamed "Fifth Sunday" service hosted by St. Paul's Church, Fairfield, at 10a.m. on ECCT's Facebook and YouTubechannels. Their Rector will be preaching; he's young, hip, talented, smart, and also a native of the Pacific Northwest; so we can expect greatness! Looks like rain will drive our 1p.m. Mid-day Prayers into the Parish Hall, with all the windows open. Change is coming on June 6: On Sunday, June 6, our Garden Service will return to its summer time of 9a.m. At 10a.m. on June 6, our red front doors will be wide open for those who wish to participate in-person in the livestream Holy Eucharist. On the recommendation of our Worship Options Group, our Vestry asks in-person participants to wear masks, and maintain distance between "bubbles" of families and friends. Communion wafers will again be consecrated during the Great Thanksgiving and offered to those present at the Children's Altar; the Spiritual Communion prayer will be offered for those on the livestream. Following the 10a.m. service, at about 11:15a.m., we will move to the garden for a box-lunch and to reconvene our Annual Parish Meeting. You can RSVP for the lunch by replying to this message. Digital Sunday School Is observing the Memorial Weekend holiday. Children and Youth Ministries Director Tyler Jarvis will provide his final two sessions of Digital Sunday School for June 6 and 13. Tyler has received his degree, and, with his family, is on the road to Texas. As things turned out, schedules didn't permit in-person delivery of your cards and his purse; so it's not too late to contribute a card and/or contribution! Lunch for Community Soup Kitchen (CSK): Beginning at 10a.m., Tuesday, June 1, we'll step into the breach for CSK hosted by Christ Church, New Haven. We'll be making sandwiches in our Parish Hall, and brownies. If you'd like to pick up the mix and bake at home, please reply to this message. It's available. At 10:30a.m., Wednesday, June 2, we'll load up and take all the lunch makings into CSK, and help with serving beginning at 11:30a.m. We should be on our way back to Guilford about Noon:30. I'm looking forward to working on this project with y'all! Yes, we'll wear masks and gloves. Virtual Coffee Hour: We can talk about the 10a.m. ECCT service. The link to YFNR's Personal Zoom Room seems to work well. So, join the conversation via Zoom on Sunday, May 30 at 11:30a.m. by clicking this link. Wednesday's Order for Evening will commemorate the Martyrs of Lyon. Join our livestream prayers and hymns, Wednesday evening, June 2, at 7p.m. Thursday Bible Study will finally(!) get the Israelites into the land promised to them. This raises some touchy questions which we won't dodge beginning at 9:30a.m. Thursday, June 3 via Zoom. Purple Flags have Returned. The purple flags in front of Christ Church demonstrate our solidarity with the rest of the Town in encouraging healthy choices among our young people. This is one of Guilford D.A.Y.'s projects, which have "achieved great success in reducing teen alcohol/substance abuse by 50% or more over the past ten years, moving [Guilford] from statistics worse than the state average, to a position substantially better than average," reports leader Bo Huhn. 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. 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. 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. In the faith, hope and love of Christ, Harrison+ YFNR p.s. Copies of Forward Day by Day for May-July are still available. Please respond to this message if you'd like to have one mailed to you. They are also available to be picked-up on the chancel table with the candle stubs.
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 May 25, 2021
Let Us Pray + Augustine of Canterbury 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 Dear Hearts, Given the one year anniversary today of the murder of George Floyd, and the tenuous cease-fire between Israeli and Palestinian forces, this prayer "For the Human Family" seems particularly appropriate. Its original context was the struggles for justice and peace of the 1960's and early 1970's. Let us also pray for all who have been commended to the prayers of the parish: All who are ill, including Paul D, John P, Craig L, Carol U, Maureen S, Eugenia, and Ann S; and for all who are contending with Covid-19 disease; for medical caregivers ministering 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. All who have died, especially for the repose of Joyce Allen, and James Palmer; and for ,the over 590,000 of our fellow citizens claimed by the coronavirus. Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord; may light perpetual shine upon them. And let us offer our thanksgivings for college and university graduates including Tyler Jarvis (Yale, MA), and Luke McNamara (Notre Dame, BA), * We thank you for opportunities that challenge us, and for leading us to accomplishments that satisfy and delight us. Please also continue to pray for Elizabeth, Jim R, Kevin, Danielle, Amy B, Virginia, Sonny P, Alex M. Maryanne M, 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, 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: Susan S, Linda B, Charlie K, Anne C, Mark S, Angela G, Maria, Bob, and Olivia; 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. Our discussions of Love is the Way: Holding onto Hope in Troubling Times, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's latest book, are concluding this Tuesday evening and next Sunday morning. In chapters 11 and 12, Bishop Curry discusses applying the Way of Love to participating in political discussions: Love is the test. "If it's not about love, it's not about God." Wednesday's Order for Evening will offer readings, hymns and prayers to mark the commemoration of Augustine of Canterbury, the first Archbishop of Canterbury. The livestream of the service will start just before 7p.m. via www.facebook.com/cecguilford. Thursday Bible Study continues May 27 at 9:30a.m. Our perseverance with the Israelites' journey will be rewarded with the charming folktale of Balaam and his donkey. Join the conversation via this Zoom code. There are no prerequisites or homework! On Trinity Sunday, May 30, we will join the Episcopal Church in CT for a "5th Sunday" diocesan-wide service hosted by St. Paul's Church in Fairfield. You can access the service on the diocese's YouTube and Facebook channels. Look for links in Saturday's announcements. Looks like there's lovely weather in the forecast for our 1p.m. service of in-person Prayers in the Garden again this Sunday. Please remember, the church is accessible via the driveway door between 10a.m. and 3p.m. daily for quiet time, likely alone. Change is coming to our worship schedule on June 6:
Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forebearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. In Times of Conflict, BCP, p.824 In the faith, hope and love of Christ, Harrison+ Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector *Please let me know about your graduates, so that we can all rejoice with you!  Day of Pentecost, May 23, 2021:
The Story of Pentecost, will be told by some our children and youth this Sunday, May 23, during the 10a.m. livestream service. Director for Children & Youth Ministries Tyler Jarvis will preach; so I'm looking forward to that! Looks like we'll have a summer-like condition for our 1p.m. Prayers in the Garden service. I'll do my best to provide a Reader's Digest version of Tyler's sermon. Please remember a lawn chair, mask, and to watch your distance. Next Sunday, May 30, we will join with the rest of the Episcopal Church in CT for a livestreamed "Fifth Sunday" service hosted by St. Paul's Church, Fairfield, at 10a.m. on ECCT's Facebook and YouTube channels. We will have our own Prayers in the Garden at 1p.m. Change is coming on June 6: On Sunday, June 6, our Garden Service will return to its summer time of 9a.m. At 10a.m. on June 6, expect to see our red front doors wide open for those who wish to participate in-person in the livestream Holy Eucharist. At their meeting this week, our Vestry accepted the recommendations from our "Worship Options Group" for this third option with the following expectations: wearing masks, and maintaining distance between "bubbles" of families and friends. Communion wafers will again be consecrated during the Great Thanksgiving and offered to those present at the Children's Altar; the Spiritual Communion prayer will be offered for those on the livestream. Following the 10a.m. service, at about 11:15a.m., we will move to the garden for a box-lunch and to reconvene our Annual Parish Meeting. Digital Sunday School was mailed Friday about noon. Be sure to check out Children and Youth Ministries Director Tyler Jarvis' video introduction to Sunday's readings from Ezekiel and Acts, as well as his letter with all the links to videos, songs, coloring pages, and discussion questions. As usual, Tyler's enthusiasm is infectious! And his discussion questions aren't just for youngsters, e.g. Where do see God breathing new life into the world around us? In the final chapters of Love is the Way: Holding onto Hope in Troubling Times, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry shares stories that answer the question, "Does love mean avoiding politics?" For Bishop Curry love is the test, "If it's not about love, it's not about God." A parallel evening discussion on Tuesday evening will follow the chapters 10 and 11 discussed in Sunday morning's Rectory Forum conversation at 9a.m. Here's the Zoom link for the Sunday Forum. Virtual Coffee Hour: Check in with folks about Spring adventures. The link to YFNR's Personal Zoom Room seems to work well. So, join the conversation via Zoom on Sunday, May 16 at 11:30a.m. by clicking this link. Wednesday's Order for Evening falls into the "meanwhile time" between Ascension and Pentecost. Join our livestream prayers and hymns, Wednesday evening, May 12, at 7p.m. Thursday Bible Study will read the charming story of Baalam and his talking donkey in the Book of Numbers. You read that right, a talking donkey. Join the conversation about Numbers Chapter 22, at 9:30a.m. Thursday, May 20, via Zoom. Purple Flags have Returned. The purple flags in front of Christ Church demonstrate our solidarity with the rest of the Town in encouraging healthy choices among our young people. This is one of Guilford D.A.Y.'s projects, which have "achieved great success in reducing teen alcohol/substance abuse by 50% or more over the past ten years, moving [Guilford] from statistics worse than the state average, to a position substantially better than average," reports leader Bo Huhn. 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. 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. 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. In the faith, hope and love of Christ, Harrison+ YFNR p.s. before I forget yet again: copies of Forward Day by Day for May-July are still available. Please respond to this message if you'd like to have one mailed to you. They are available to be picked-up on the chancel table with the candle stubs.  May 4, 2021
Let Us Pray + for Peace A Litany for the Restoration of Peace in the Holy Land, Part 1 God of peace, we pray for the people of Palestine and Israel in these perilous and dangerous times. For all who fear for the safety of their loved ones and themselves, we pray that the assurance of unfailing love, even in the midst of danger, settles upon them. Shelter them from despair and protect them from harm. For all who are wounded, we pray they find healing. For all who have died, we pray they find rest. For all who grieve, we pray they find comfort. For leaders on all sides, we pray for a renewed will to lay down arms, for the strength to put the grievances and wrongs suffered by their people to rest, and for the conviction to embrace a path of reconciliation and peace that preserves the rights and dignity of all of your children. – American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem www.afedj.org Dear Hearts, Bishop Laura Ahrens shared this Litany with fellow participants in the Episcopal Church in CT's 2019 Holy Land Pilgrimage. I'm returning the favor by passing it along to you. The heart breaks to see and read about violence in the holy sites and neighborhoods where we walked about so freely as pilgrims: The desecration of people and places moves one to prayer and to action. Fortunately, we have a partner organized for both in the Connecticut-based American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. AFEDJ offers support of information, prayers and funds for the hospitals, schools and training programs of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. Learn more at their website: www.afedj.com Let us also pray for all who are commended to the parish's prayers: All who are ill, including Craig L, Carol U, Maureen S, Eugenia, Ann S, Elizabeth, Jim R, Kevin and Danielle; and for all who are contending with Covid-19 disease; for medical caregivers ministering 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. Prayers of thanksgiving for all those who weeded and mulched this weekend, including Alicia Bacon, Beth Brause, Jon Brunetti, Bet Cummiskey, Katherine Frydenborg, Mardee Moore, Diana Stoval, and for our sexton's friend Justin who volunteered to finish up. Thank you for tasks that delight us, and involve us in the witness of your church. And prayers for the repose Alphonse Ferraro, and all who have died, including the over 586,000 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 Amy B, Virginia, Sonny P, Alex M. Maryanne M, 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: Paul D, Susan S, Linda B, Charlie K, Anne C, Mark S, Angela G, Maria, Bob, and Olivia; 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. Our discussions of Love is the Way: Holding onto Hope in Troubling Times, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's latest book, continues Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Bishop Curry writes of love in action, just as surely as did the writer of the Letter of John that we've read on Sundays. In the chapter 10, Bishop Curry is amazingly candid about how he came to a new understanding for the Care of Creation as part of God's work of reconciliation. Wednesday's Order for Evening will offer readings, hymns and prayers for this Ascension-tide fortnight and for peace. Thelivestream of the service will start just before 7p.m. via www.facebook.com/cecguilford. Thursday Bible Study continues May 20 at 9:30a.m. as we follow the Israelites journey in the wilderness. Join the conversation via this Eastertide Zoom code. There are no prerequisites or homework! The Day of Pentecost: Our youngsters have already recorded their telling of the Pentecost story for this Sunday, May 23. In solidarity with them, this Sunday's 10a.m. service, with sung music, will continue to be livestreamed viafacebook.com/cecguilford . Looks like there's lovely weather in store for our 1p.m. service of in-person Prayers in the Garden again this Sunday.. Please remember, the church is accessible via the driveway door between 10a.m. and 3p.m. daily for quiet time, likely alone. A Litany for the Restoration of Peace the Holy Land, Part 2 God of mercy, help us to remember there is no border that can separate us from your great love and protection, no stone that can sound the well of your deep mercy. God of justice, we pray with hopeful hearts that your beloved children of the Holy Land will be spared a future of sustained violence and unrest and that a recognition of the humanity of all people will prevail. We ask all this in the name of your Son, Jesus. Amen. – American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem www.afedj.org In the faith, hope and love of Christ, Harrison+ Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector  7th Sunday of Easter--Sunday after the Ascension
May 16, 2021: Statement from the Presiding Bishop about Violence in the Land of the Holy One: Our Presiding Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, has responded to the escalating violence between Israelis and Palestinians -- "In the Name of the God of all creation, the violence must stop, regardless of where it comes from and to whom it is directed." The reported injuries and deaths of non-combatants, most of whom are already dispossessed, is heartbreaking. You can read his full statement here. Please pray for the peace of Jerusalem, and all Israel and Palestine. It's Spring Mulching Weekend! And the "Committee on Weather" has done a splendid job of arranging for a sunny Saturday and keeping clouds to a minimum on Sunday. All willing hands to help tidy beds and spread mulch are welcome on Saturday and Sunday, May 15 and 16. Morning and afternoon times are available for individuals, families and friendly groups by clicking here. Easter Worship Continues with our two services at 10a.m. and 1p.m. this Sunday, May 16; with the Sunday School telling the Pentecost story during next Sunday, May 23rd's 10a.m. livestream; and joining with the rest of the Episcopal Church in CT for a livestreamed "Fifth Sunday" service hosted by St. Paul's Church, Fairfield, at 10a.m. on May 30, Trinity Sunday. At their meeting this Thursday, the Vestry will consider recommendations from our "Worship Options Group" for a third option beginning June 6. As this is written, the forecasts for this Sunday, and next, indicate 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. As usual, Tyler's questions aren't just for youngsters, i.e. Following Jesus' Ascension, what responsibilities do Jesus' followers have? In his latest book, Love is the Way: Holding onto Hope in Troubling Times, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry shares stories that illustrate how followers of Jesus are called to live together in Beloved Community. Although this remains unfinished business for the Church and the world, Bishop Curry shows us how to respond in the way of love. 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 Spring adventures. The link to YFNR's Personal Zoom Room seems to work well. So, join the conversation via Zoom on Sunday, May 16 at 11:30a.m. by clicking this link. Wednesday's Order for Evening falls into the "meanwhile time" between Ascension and Pentecost. 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 -- skipping the chapters of laws and genealogy. A new generation of leaders is being raised up, as we'll see beginning at 9:30a.m. Thursday, May 20, via Zoom. Purple Flags will Return this weekend and fly all of May. The purple flags demonstrate our solidarity with the rest of the Town in encouraging healthy choices among our young people. This is one of many Guilford D.A.Y. projects, which have "achieved great success in reducing teen alcohol/substance abuse by 50% or more over the past ten years, moving [Guilford] from statistics worse than the state average, to a position substantially better than average," reports leader Bo Huhn. 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. 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. 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. In the faith, hope and love of Christ, Harrison+ YFNR May 4, 2021
Almighty God, Lord of heaven and earth: We humbly pray that your gracious providence may give and preserve to our use the harvests of the land and of the seas, and may prosper all who labor to gather them, that we, who are constantly receiving good things from your hand, may always give you thanks, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. For Rogation Days: 1. Fruitful Seasons BCP, p.258 Dear Hearts, In Latin, to "rogare," is to ask. So, these Rogation Days, are three days devoted to asking God's blessing on agriculture, aquaculture and human industry. The Prayer Book provides the prayer above for fruitful season, the one below for commerce and industry, and one for stewardship of creation which we'll use to conclude Wednesday's litany. In effect, these Rogation Days are the Church's historic "Earth Days." Observances date from the 5th Century. When I was in graduate school and a new Episcopalian, I was introduced to this observance by that parish's (St. Mary's Church, Eugene, Oregon) Rogation Procession of prayers and psalms around its block. The procession would helpfully stop and pray over every planting bed -- with much flinging of incense smoke and holy water. The poor Christian Scientists across the alley didn't quite know what to make of it when we stopped at theirs! Our observance will be more reserved. Our Rogation Prayers will set the stage for the spreading of mulch around the church's planting beds on Saturday and Sunday, May 15 and 16. Details are in an email sent out earlier today. Here's the link to sign-up to help. Let us pray for all who are commended to the parish's prayers: All who are ill, including Craig L, Carol U, Maureen S, Eugenia, Ann S, Alphonse, Elizabeth, Jim R, Kevin and Danielle; and for all who are contending with Covid-19 disease; for medical caregivers ministering 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 those whose lives were lost in recent gun violence, and for the over 582,000 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 Amy B, Virginia, Sonny P, Alex M. Maryanne M, 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: Paul D, Susan S, Linda B, Charlie K, Anne C, Mark S, Angela G, Maria, Bob, and Olivia; 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. Wednesday's Order for Evening will offer readings, hymns and prayers to ask God's blessings, as noted above. The livestream of the service will start just before 7p.m. via www.facebook.com/cecguilford. Thursday Bible Study continues May 13 at 9:30a.m. as we try to sort out the demise of Edward G. Robinson's character in Mr. DeMille's "10 Commandments." Join the conversation via this Eastertide Zoom code. There are no prerequisites or homework! Our discussions of Love is the Way: Holding onto Hope in Troubling Times, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's latest book, continues Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Bishop Curry writes of love in action, just as surely as did the writer of the Letter of John that we're reading on Sundays. In the current chapters, Bishop Curry is amazingly candid about how hard it is to respond in love to those who vehemently rejected to decisions that he supported. Sunday's worship: Guilford is now in a Connecticut "orangezone," So, in-person inside worship is on the horizon! Our indoor 10a.m. service with sung music will continue to be livestreamed via facebook.com/cecguilford . Our 1p.m. Prayers in the Garden looks well-settled in the garden for in-person worship again this Sunday.. The church is accessible via the driveway door between 10a.m. and 3p.m. daily for quiet time, likely alone. Here's the Collect for the second Rogation Day, for commerce and industry: Almighty God, whose Son Jesus Christ in his earthly life shared our toil and hallowed 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; 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 Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. BCP, p.259 In the faith, hope and love of Christ, Harrison+ Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector  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. May 4, 2021
Let Us Pray + An Easter Carol Through each wonder of fair days God himself expresses; Beauty follows all his ways, As the world he blesses; So, as he renews the earth, Artist without rival, In his grace of glad new birth We must week revival. 2nd Verse Medieval Easter Carol sung by Mark Rehnstrom on May 2,2021 Dear Hearts, The rule of thumb among clergy is to never invite a more stirring preacher to the pulpit in one's care. I hope you appreciate that I routinely disregard that rule! As it happened, I got to hear Sunday's story from Acts (8:26-40) about Philip the Deacon and the Ethiopian eunuch three times on Sunday -- from Fr. Scott Lee's sermon twice and then from Tyler Jarvis at the Sunday School Families Gathering. What a great day! Fr. Scott invited us to follow the example of an exotic official from a far away empire who found his own life's story in a biblical story. If we do, Fr. Scott suggested, the Bible's Story of hope, redemption and salvation will become our story. Tyler invited us to follow Philip's example in willingly serving others who don't look, act, think, or talk like us -- even when that's a really hard thing to do. Tyler suggested that if we're willing to serve others, we'll find ourselves loving God. Let us pray for all who are commended to the parish's prayers: All who are ill, including Eugenia, Ann S, Jack, Alphonse, Elizabeth, Jim R, Kevin and Danielle; and for all who are contending with Covid-19 disease; for medical caregivers ministering 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, and for the over 578,000 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 Michael Haggans, Ed Seibert and Hope Sperry, as they celebrate their birthdays. May they continue to grow in grace and wisdom. Please also continue to pray for Amy B, Virginia, Sonny P, Alex M. Maryanne M, 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: Paul D, Susan S, Linda B, Charlie K, Anne C, Mark S, Angela G, Maria, Bob, and Olivia; 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 Rose for Mother" Deadline Approaches: Our ECW's 7thAnnual “A Rose For Mother” project, will once again offer the opportunity to honor the women in our lives, -- mothers, grand-mothers, sisters, aunts, friends, -- with a red rose for the living or a white rose for the departed. The ECW invites our free-will donations along with the names of the women we wish to honor. Please clearly print the name(s) and indicate a red rose for the living or a white rose for the deceased. The bouquets of roses on the altar will be removed to the parish hall after the 10:00 am service and remain there for a day or two. You will be welcome to pick-up a rose while they last. So that the names of the honored women may appear in the bulletin on Mothers' Day, please be sure to send name(s) and your contribution to support the ECW's good work to Mrs. Paul Whitman, 21 Aberdeen Way, Durham CT 06422, or Mrs. Diane W. Link, 118 Michael Drive, Guilford, CT 06437, by May 5. Please make checks payable to Christ Church ECW, with "Roses for Mother" on the memo line. Wednesday's Order for Evening will offer readings, hymns and prayers to honor the witness of the "Martyrs of the Resurrection" -- both those with whom we identify, and those whose loyalties were in other traditions. This observance "is a sobering reminder of just how swiftly Christians have often turned from being persecuted and oppressed to being the persecutors and the oppressors of others." The livestream of the service will start before 7p.m. via www.facebook.com/cecguilford. Thursday Bible Study continues May 6 at 9:30a.m. as we now follow the Israelites' wanderings in the Book of Numbers. Join the conversation via this Eastertide Zoom code. There are no prerequisites or homework! Our discussions of Love is the Way: Holding onto Hope in Troubling Times, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's latest book, continues Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Bishop Curry writes the stories of love in action, just as surely as did the writer of the Letter of John that we're reading on Sundays. Sunday's worship: Because Guilford remains in a Connecticut "red zone," our indoor 10a.m. service with sung music will continue to be livestreamed via facebook.com/cecguilford . Our 1p.m. Prayers in the Garden may need to move indoors depending on when the rain starts. The church is accessible via the driveway door between 10a.m. and 3p.m. daily for quiet time, likely alone. Here's the third verse of the beautiful Medieval Easter carol which Mark Rehnstrom sang on Sunday to a lovely tune he had composed: Praise the Maker, all ye saints; He with glory girt you, He who skies and meadows paints, Fashioned all your virtue; Praise Him seers, heroes, kings, Heralds of perfection; Brother, praise Him for He brings All to resurrection. In the faith, hope and love of Christ, Harrison+ Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector |
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