​ Dear Hearts,

As I write this message, the clouds have parted, and the winter sun is streaming through the windows.  Cassie has found herself a spot in the sun.  And I am reminded that when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we are celebrating God's gift of new light in the midst of this world's darkness.  Our Christmas celebrations aim to orient our hearts towards the divine light so that the love of God may be born anew in us.

Our celebrations will begin on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24th, with our Sunday School's Nativity Pageant, at 4:30 p.m.; the Sunday School gave us a preview on Sunday by singing "Mary's Song," and it was splendid!   The Youth Ensemble of strings and I'm-not-quite-sure-what-else will also help lead the music; we are richly blessed to have so many talented young musicians among us!

A special reminder to Pageant Players -- and their parents(!):  The Pageant Dress Rehearsal begins in the Parish Hall on Saturday morning at 10a.m.  

Our next Christmas Eve celebration of Jesus' birth wilI be the Candlelight Service at 10 p.m. Our Parish Choir will be joined by harp and strings in leading the inspiring music of the evening.  If you need a musical pick-me-up before (or after) 10p.m. Christmas Eve, check out the audio recording of the Choir-led service of Advent Lessons & Carols.  You can find it towards the bottom of the parish home page, by going to www.christchurchguilford.org 

On Christmas Day, our 10a.m. service will continue our celebration of Jesus' birth with organ, carols, and will include special Christmas prayers for communion -- as will both services on Christmas Eve. 

As we gather to celebrate Jesus' birth, let us remember that this "Inn" welcomes everyone who seeks to gather here!  So let us be especially aware of visitors, and offer any help they may need, e.g. which book to use, or where to find a restroom, or whether they are welcome at the communion rail.  The answer at Christ Church is Yes!  Just look at Jesus' gesture of invitation in the window over the altar.

The New Christ Church Cookbook arrived this week, just in time to be a unique Christmas hostess gift!  The book is filled with fellow parishioners' favorite recipes, and has David Moore's handsome watercolor image of our building on the cover.  You can obtain copies for yourself, friends and family in the Rectory entry hall, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., for $10 each.  Special thanks to Rose Robinson for organizing this book!

In their Christmas Letter, our Bishops, +Ian Douglas, and +Laura Ahrens, remind us that our Christmas celebrations illumine our lives for a purpose:  so that we may bear Christ's light and love into the world.  They write, "From the peace of the manger, Jesus calls us to move with him, bringing his light into a world of fear and hurt."  Read their whole letter here.

Aleppo, Berlin, Newtown, Orlando:  the world Jesus came to redeem, is darkened by fear and violence.  Unfortunately the specter of that ugly darkness has come to our Shoreline as well.  Some of our neighbors have been taunted and threatened by hateful actions.  How far this is from the compassion taught by all the world's major religions!  Because light in the midst of darkness is proclaimed by the traditions we represent, twelve clergy of Guilford, North Guilford, Madison and North Madison, including YFNR, have sent a letter to local papers calling on all our Shoreline neighbors to "kindle light!"  Some papers may edit the letter; you can read it as submitted immediately below this blog post.

To paraphrase the Advent Blessing:
May the Son of Righteous shine up us all,
and scatter the darkness from all our paths!

In faith and hope,
Harrison+
Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector

​P.S. Our Mitten Tree provides a hands-on way to reach out with Christ's love to our neighbors.   Please help decorate the Tree with new, or as-good-as-new, gloves, mittens, scarves, or caps; and/or help decorate the Tree's skirt with travel-size toiletries or other goodies. Thank you for the thoughtfulness and care already on display!   Your gifts will go to our neighbors served by the Chapel on the Green in New Haven.

December is a time of many religious celebrations.  No matter the religious tradition to which we belong, our holidays share a common denominator: at this season of greatest darkness, we kindle light.We find a sense of urgency this year, after a very polarizing national election, to participate in that common human act of kindling light in the midst of darkness.

Our Shoreline has not been immune to the spike in hate crimes against minorities.  We shout our defiant rejection of these acts and call on all our neighbors to stand up to hate and spread more light.  We are liberals and conservatives, we are Democrats, we are Republicans, and we are unaffiliated.  We have strong differences, but underneath those differences we are united in our desire to see every human being treated with dignity. 
 
We profoundly reject actions that denigrate minority groups.  We decry the anti-Semitic swastika-writing graffiti that has appeared in our towns.  We deplore the hateful acts against Muslims and all acts that target and threaten minority populations.We on the Shoreline can and must do better.  We embrace the fact that ours is a community of Christians, Jews, Muslims, Humanists, Buddhists, Secularists, Hindus and more.  We affirm the words of George Washington that bear repeating:  “The United Statesgives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance, requiring only that they who live under its protection should [conduct] themselves as good citizens.” 
  
As religious leaders of Guilford and Madison, we ask for your vigilance.  We ask you to kindle light.  We ask you to embrace our collective human responsibility: to stand up to hatewhen we see it and to spread light and love throughout our nation. 

​May your holiday be bright and joyous.
 
In peace,
 
The Rev. Dr. Ginger Brasher-Cunningham, First Congregational Church of Guilford
Judith Cooke, Pastor of North Guilford Congregational Church
Rev. Jeanette Cooper Hicks, The United Churches of Durham
Rev. James H. Latimer, Pastor, North Madison Congregational Church
Rev. Jeanne Lloyd, Shoreline Unitarian Universalist Society, Madison
Hazzan Kevin Margolius, Temple Beth Tikvah, Madison
Shariya Molegoda, Rector, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Madison
Rabbi Stacy Offner, Temple Beth Tikvah, Madison
John Reichart, Pastor, Shoreline Vineyard Church
The Rev. Stephen M. Sledesky, St. George Roman Catholic Church, Guilford
The Rev. Sarah J. Verasco, First Congregational Church of Guilford
The Rev. R. Harrison West, Rector, Christ Episcopal Church, Guilford
 
 

 Dear Hearts,

As I write this message, it is bitterly cold outside!  Could this be Creation's reminder to us that it is time for us to support the Town's Fuel Assistance Program?  In recent years, we have dedicated our "Angels Under the Balcony" effort to keeping our neighbors warm during winter.  The Vestry has given their approval; so we will receive a Second Offering for the Town's Fuel Assistance Program this Sunday.

In supporting the Town's Fuel Assistance Program, we will continue an effort begun at Christ Church by Juliette Leete Newhall many years ago.  Please plan to further Miss Juliette's good work with a gift this Sunday.  Checks may be made out to Christ Church, with Fuel Fund on the memo line.

Another Advent-Christmas tradition for Christ Church, our Mitten Tree, also reflects our concern for keeping our neighbors warm.  We're decorating the tree with scarves, caps, mittens and gloves, and the tree's base with travel-sized toiletries, including toothbrushes and tooth paste.  All these 'decorations' will go to the patrons of New Haven's Chapel on the Green -- a ministry for our neighbors who are living on (or just off) the streets.

Nativity Pageant rehearsals continue during Sunday School this week; parts are still available for your little Angel, Sheep, Shepherd, Innkeeper, or member of the Holy Family.  What a great way for them to learn the Nativity Story and the carols that underscore it.  The dress rehearsal will be next Saturday, the 24th -- the morning before Christmas Eve. 

Actually, for folks of any age, the music of Advent and Christmas is often the most powerful way we remember the stories surrounding the birth of Jesus. The trees and lights are all lovely, but we may need a reminder that they are pointing to the birth of light in our midst.  Our Choir is coming to the rescue!  They have prepared some beautiful anthems to accompany readings and congregational hymns for an Advent Evensong this Sunday, December 18 at 4 p.m.  

Although this service involves neither sermon nor communion, it has a restful and uplifting spirit all its own.  We begin as the sun sets; then, after being encouraged through song and scripture, we can face the darkness as we leave. I find it both a great way to conclude a Sunday, and to look in anticipation to the celebrations of the coming week.  Perhaps friends and family would welcome this opportunity to join you?

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's inspiring -- and witty -- sermon for our 2016 Diocesan Convention is still available on-line. You can find it by clicking HERE.   When I hear some dis-spiriting news, I now hear Bishop Michael saying: "Look to the Rock!"   After hearing his sermon, you too may be able to quote Isaiah from memory: 

"Look to the rock from which you were hewn,
and to the quarry from which you were dug."
 
Our reading and discussion of portions of A Christmas Carol will continue during the Rectory Forum this Sunday.  All are welcome to join the conversation over coffee and tea in the rectory living room about 9a.m.-ish.  I found a delightfully illustrated text for A Christmas Carol online HERE.  Printed copies are available at the Forum.

I look forward to sharing this last week of Advent with you!
 
In faith and hope,
Harrison+
YFNR
p.s. A December issue of Glad Tidings Online is available HERE.  Check it out for News from the Sunday School, the ECW, the Evening ECW, Vestry Meeting Highlights, and a Report from an Adventure in Christ Church's historical records.  There are some great pictures from parish events, and an early 20th century photograph of the church structure.  Can anyone date it by the automobiles on the street?

Dear Hearts,
As the Town of Guilford gathered for the Tree-Lighting on the Green last Friday, December 2, Christ Church opened our doors for the Chili Supper, ECW Cookie Sale, Youth Wreath Sale, and sFOURzando Piano Extravaganza!  Together with our neighbors of other faith traditions, and none, we celebrated light in the midst of darkness.  Our hospitality added to the evening’s brightness, and folks responded: The consensus was that more of our neighbors joined us this year. 
 
Chili-Supper -- Thanks to all who baked cornbread, helped with set-up, serving and clean-up!  Special thanks to chief organizer Jennifer Huebner, and chief chili chefs Ted Ervin and David Jones. Servers were kept busy by the steady arrival of guests, and the few left-overs were quickly snatched up!

Cookie Sale –  The ECW reported the largest participation in their cookie sale, ever!  Parishioners provided a record number of cookies (Thanks to all bakers!), and the last of them quickly sold on Sunday.  This year's innovation -- suggesting Chili Supper patrons purchase their dessert from the ECW’s sale tables -- seemed to work!

Wreath Sale –  fueled by enormous pizzas, our young people assembled some 46 beautiful wreaths the evening before the sale.  Guided by Sue Shackford, and assisted with bow-making by Diane Link, and hot-gluing by Cindy Smith, the young folks' handiwork turned the Rectory garage into a sight to behold! 

sFOURzando Piano Extravaganza – thanks to Vicky Reeve and friends for delighting an appreciative crowd with piano duets, trios and quartets all on the nave’s Steinway!  

Proceeds from the Chili Supper and Concert exceeded $700, and will support Guilford Interfaith Volunteers’ Meals-on-Wheels program, and help make sure our neighbors who need one, receive a daily hot meal. 

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's inspiring -- and witty -- sermon for our 2016 Diocesan Convention is now available on-line. Both folks who missed the simulcast, and folks who experienced it, have been asking for the sermon; all can find it by clicking HERE.    Bishop Michael's counsel for people in distress came from Isaiah 51: "Look to the Rock!"   After this sermon, I dare say many of us can now quote the verse from memory:
​ 
"Look to the rock from which you were hewn,
and to the quarry from which you were dug."
Isaiah 51.1b
 
Speaking of sermons and quotations to know by heart:  In last Sunday's sermon, I quoted the one bit of inspiration I heard only twice amidst the recent dis-spiriting political campaign season.  It is attributed to John Wesley, and generations of Methodists have known it by heart:

Do all the good you can, by all the means you can,
in all the ways you can, in all the places you can,
at all the times you can, to all the people you can,
as long as ever you can.

This may at first appear to be encouraging works-righteousness -- that by our good works we earn God's love.  Far from it; this is counsel for a "method" of life lived in gratitude for God's love.  It is the sort of life Charles Dickens was trying to encourage through his novella, A Christmas Carol, during the Industrial Revolution -- another time of economic dis-location, inequality and distress for many.

In the spirit of Dickens, Wesley, and, I would boldly say, Jesus, please remember to shop for our MittenTree!  We're decorating the tree with scarves, caps, and gloves, and collecting travel-sized toiletries -- including toothbrushes and tooth paste around its base.  These gifts will go to the patrons of New Haven's Chapel on the Green.
 
Our reading and discussion of portions of A Christmas Carol will continue during the Rectory Forum this Sunday.  All are welcome to join the conversation over coffee and tea in the rectory living room about 9a.m.-ish.  I found a delightfully illustrated text for A Christmas Carol online HERE.  Printed copies are available at the Forum.
 
In faith and hope,
Harrison+
YFNR

p.s. A December issue of Glad Tidings Online is available HERE.  Check it out for News from the Sunday School, Greetings from the ECW, Thanks for Consecration Sunday, an Update on the Evening ECW's Parish Hall Project Fundraising, a Report from an Adventure in Christ Church's historical records, and Vestry Meeting Highlights.  There are some great pictures from parish events, and an early 20th century photograph of the church structure.  Can anyone date it by the automobiles on the street?

Dear Hearts,

Today, December 2, the Town of Guilford gathers on the Green for the Tree-Lighting on the Green! Together with our neighbors of other faith traditions, and none, we celebrate light in the midst of darkness. Our events provide an occasion to extend the hospitality of Christ Church to our neighbors and friends, as we add to the evening’s brightness: 
 
Chili-Supper -- Warm yourselves against the evening chill with delicious chili prepared to your preferred degree of hotness – con carne and vegetarian.  Please remember your promised cornbread and help with the evening's tasks.

Cookie Sale –  Chili Supper patrons may purchase dessert from the bounty of cookies and other holiday treats at the ECW’s sale table; and you'll also be able to purchase favorites to take home and enjoy later.  Please remember to drop off your homemade favorites when you can today.

Wreath Sale –  as of this writing, the Middle School youth have four beautiful wreaths to sell, in addition to the 46 that were  pre-sold!  Check out their handiwork in the rectory garage, and get a cup of hot chocolate while you browse!

sFOURzando Piano Extravaganza – Be delighted as two to four people, four-to-eight hands, perform favorites from this entertaining repertoire on the nave’s Steinway.  Before radio and television, before vinyl and digital recordings, folks entertained at home by gathering around the piano.  We’ll gather with Vicky Reeve and three friends for a lot of fun!

Proceeds from the Chili Supper and Concert will support Guilford Interfaith Volunteers’ Meals-on-Wheels, making sure our neighbors have a daily hot meal. 
 
In looking for an appropriate topic for the Rectory Forum during Advent, I also wanted a subject as engaging as Andrew Doss's play.  How about Advent with Scrooge!?  

In 1843 Charles Dickens created some of his most unforgettable characters in his novella, A Christmas Carol.  Its full title is A Christmas Carol in Prose, Being a Ghost-Story of Christmas.  Perhaps better known from its adaptations for the screen, stage, television and cartoon animation, the brief text rewards reading.  So, on Sundays in Advent and early Epiphany, we will read portions of the text during the Rectory Forum, and discuss what we think Dickens may have been trying to say.  All are welcome to join the conversation over coffee and tea in the rectory living room at 10a.m.-ish.

I found this delightfully illustrated text for A Christmas Carol online HERE.  I'll have some printed copies available for the Forum.  Here's the passage I quoted in last Sunday's sermon.  Scrooge has just told the ghost of his deceased partner, Jacob Marley, that "you were always a good man of business, ...."
 
'Business!' cried the Ghost, wringing its hands again. 'Mankind was my business.
The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence were, all, my business. The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!'
.
A December issue of Glad Tidings Online is newly available HERE.  Check it out for News from the Sunday School, Greetings from the ECW, Thanks for Consecration Sunday, an Update on the Evening ECW's Parish Hall Project Fundraising, a Report from an Adventure in Christ Church's historical records, and Vestry Meeting Highlights.  There are some great pictures from parish events, and an early 20th century photograph of the church structure.  Can anyone date it by the automobiles on the street?

In the meantime, I look forward to sharing in the Tree-Lighting events later today!

In faith and hope,
Harrison+
YFNR