 December 29, 2020
Still rage the fires of hate today, and innocents the price must pay, while aching hearts in every land cry out, "We cannot understand!" Verse 3 of "In Bethlehem a newborn boy", The Hymnal 1982 Text by Rosamund E. Herklots Dear Hearts, Happy Fifth Day of Christmas! As if we needed to be reminded, the human suffering which God came to share in Jesus intrude on our continuing celebration of the baby in the manger. The brokenness of this world leads to the martyrdom of the Holy Innocents, St. Stephen and Archbishop Thomas Becket, all of whom are remembered during Christmastide; even the shadow of the cross looms over Jesus's infancy. We're moving our observance of the Holy Innocents to Wednesday's Order for the Evening. Our observance will include the hymn quoted above and prayers for the holy innocents of our own day in a Litany for Children at Risk. Unlike our typical Wednesday service, this one will include an Offertory. The gifts that have been received since Christmas Eve will be offered on the altar. If you have a year-end gift that you would like included in Wednesday's offering, please be sure to leave it on the altar, or in the mailbox before the service. You can join the 7p.m. livestream via www.facebook.com/cecguilford, and find the bulletin here. Our prayers are asked for all who are commended to the parish's prayers: All who are ill, including Jim R, and Philip; and for Buster, Andrew M, Andrew M, (yes, two of them) Michael, Brad T, Dale and all who are contending with Covid-19 disease; for the medical caregivers who minister of God's healing gifts; and for all facing financial hardship because of the pandemic. May they all know the healing power of Christ's presence and love. For the repose of Marius deBruyn, Margaret Smith, Lois Terribile, and all who ave died; including the over 330,000 of our fellow citizens claimed by the coronavirus. Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord; may light perpetual shine upon them. Please continue to hold in prayer: Alice M, Elizabeth Ann, Parker, Webb, Jill, Andrew E, Ed C, Pastor Bryan Meyers, Sheward, Bob C, Carol U, 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, June C, Charlie K, Anne C, Mark S, Angela G, Maria, Bob, Olivia, and Jo B. Please also remember: St. Luke’s School & Church in Martel (Haiti) To add names and concerns for Wednesday's and Sunday's intercessions, and this "Let Us Pray" letter, please send them to YFNR at [email protected] with any details you care to share. Names will move to the longer term list upon request. Thursday Bible Study resumes on December 31 at 9:30a.m. to continue the story of God's people in Exodus. Join the conversation via Zoom. Mitten Tree in the Chancel. Thanks to all who are helping decorate our parish Mitten Tree! It looks beautiful, thanks to your caring! The side door closest to the Guild Room continues open between 10a.m. and 3p.m. for your contributions of mittens, caps, scarves, and gloves. This will also provide you with an opportunity for a quiet moment alone in the church. Angels formerly-under-the-Balcony, are hanging on the Mitten Tree this year to remind us of our longtime commitment to help our neighbors stay warm this winter. To participate this year, please mail your gift or leave it on the altar or in the rectory entry hall during office hours. Checks may be made out to Christ Church with "Angels," "Heat" or "Fuel Fund" as the memo, will get to the right place. A Prayer for the New Year. O God, our times are in your hand: Look with favor, we pray, on us, your servants, as we begin a new year. Grant us your gifts of wisdom and grace, of calm strength and patient trust in your goodness, that we may enter the new year with joy and a lively sense of your presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. May the Hope of Christmas be with you and yours, Harrison+ Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector
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 1st Sunday of Christmas, December 27, 2020
Christmas Lessons & Carols: Join fellow Christians across the Episcopal Church in Connecticut to share in this online Festival service at 10a.m., Sunday, December 27. Both the service itself and the service bulletin are available here. By design, this will be our Sunday 10a.m. service. In addition to readings and carols, the service will include a sermon by the Rev. Canon Timothy Hodapp, and Spiritual Communion. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's Christmas Address, "Joy to the World," is available here in both text and video forms. I commend it to you. Gratitude for Christmas Worship: Many thanks to all who made our Nativity Pageant such a delight! Nativity Pageant participants: Natalie Bryan, Lilliana Cripe, Danny DiNardo, Matthew DiNardo, Hailey Hutchison, Anthony (AJ) LaFata, Aleah LaFata, Austin LaFata, Avery LaFata, Kenneth Pelphry, Annora Pierpont, Ben Singh, Ginny Singh, Naomi Singh. Musicians: Carter Bryan, Kayla Bryan, Natalie Bryan, Olivia Ste. Marie, Jack Trotter, RT Trotter Special thanks to all the parents, to Tyler Jarvis, our Director of Children & Youth Ministries, to Susannah Bryan who helped coordinate the music, and to Music Director Mark Sullivan who assembled the service for us to view. The Pageant remains available for viewing on YouTube and Facebook. I've watched it three times myself, and needed a handerkerchief each time. Thanks to Marsha Brown's efforts, the chancel was decked out in Christmas beauty. You can appreciate her good works and be inspired again by the harp, vocal, violin and organ music of the Christmas Eve Candlelight service and Christmas Day service here and here. Mitten Tree: Our Mitten Tree continues to be "decorated" with mittens, gloves, scarves and caps. These will be shared with our neighbors served by the Chapel-on-the-Green in New Haven. You're welcome to place your "decorations" on the Tree between 10a.m. and 3p.m. daily during Christmastide, entering via the door closest to the Guild Room. While you're there, please feel free to enjoy a quiet moment alone in the church. "Angels-under-the-Balcony"-reminders are hanging on the Mitten Tree this year. As you are able, please consider an "Angelic" gift to help keep our neighbors warm this winter. Checks may be made out to Christ Church with "Angel" or "Heating Assistance" on the memo line. You could leave your gift on the altar, the shelf in the Rectory entry hall or mail it to the Parish Office. Thank you for participating in these caring traditions. Our Prayers in the Garden service will not meet due to the cold again this Sunday, December 27. Digital Sunday School is taking a holiday break. Look for it to return for January 10. Virtual Coffee Hour... is a great opportunity to "see" one another. The link to YFNR's Personal Zoom Room seems to work well. So, join the conversation via Zoom this Sunday, December 27 at 11:30a.m. by clicking this link. If asked, the Meeting ID: 540 197 1077, and Passcode: 1744AD Intercessory Prayer: Please send the people and concerns you would like included in the Prayers of the People. by replying to these announcements or the "Let us pray" message. Please consider this the digital version of the clip board on which names and concerns are written when we gather for worship in the nave. Order for the Evening on Wednesday: We'll transfer the Feast of the Holy Innocents, one day later, to Wednesday, December 20. The livestream service begins before 7p.m. Thursday Bible Study has concluded our study of the sagas of Jacob and Joseph. We'll re-gather on December 31 to read in Exodus about the pharaoh who "did not know Joseph." Join the hour-long conversation, at 9:30a.m. Thursday via Zoom. Estimate of Giving Cards: Thanks so much to all who have responded with their Estimate of Giving for our operating budget in 2021! If you need a card, please respond to this message, and one will be in the mail posthaste! Thanks to all who are mailing in your offerings! Although our in-person connections remain severely limited, the routine of the parish continues amidst all the ways that support and maintain our common life. Thanks so much, for your faithfulness in fulfilling your giving estimate for 2020. Please continue your financial support of our common life by bringing your offering to the altar, or the parish office, or by mailing to Christ Church, PO Box 574, Guilford, CT 06437. Your offering will be presented at the altar; it will be physically present, as you remain safely at home. In the faith, hope and love of Christ, Harrison+ YFNR Merry Christmas, Christ Church!
Christmas Eve, December 24: Nativity Pageant, 4p.m. Children and Youth tell the story of Jesus' birth; parish musicians of all ages provide the accompaniment. Pageant premieres on both www.facebook.com/cecguilford, and Youtube here Candlelight Service, 9p.m. with harp, organ, vocalists, Spiritual Communion, and Silent Night with violin Livestream via www.facebook.com/cecguilford Christmas Day, December 25: Christ Mass, 10a.m. with organ, soloist, sermon, and Spiritual Communion Livestream via www.facebook.com/cecguilford Mitten Tree in the Chancel. Thanks to all who are helping decorate our parish Mitten Tree! The side door closest to the Guild Room is open until dusk for your "decorations" of mittens, caps, scarves, and gloves. This will also provide you with an opportunity to pick up a taper for the singing of "Silent Night" during our Christmas Eve candlelight service. Angels formerly-under-the-Balcony, are hanging on the Mitten Tree this year to remind us of our other longtime commitment to help our neighbors stay warm this winter. The Town of Guilford's Heating Assistance Program began with the benevolence of Christ Church parishioners and was administered by the Rector until it was transferred to our Town's Social Services office. To participate this year, please mail your gift or leave it on the altar. Checks may be made out to Christ Church with "Angels," "Heat" or "Fuel Fund" to get to the right place. May the Hope of Christmas be with you and yours, Harrison+ Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector  December 23, 2020
O star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright; westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light!. Refrain of Hymn 128, The Hymnal 1982 Text by John Henry Hopkins, Jr. (1820=1891) Dear Hearts, Did you see the "Great Conjuction" of Jupiter and Saturn Monday evening? Quite an amazing sight! Thanks to Marsha, I was able to see it from the Parish Hall's side porch. It's size, shape (oval) and color (faintly yellow-orange) was unlike any "star of night" that I've ever seen. Given the number of cars heading south on Whitfield Street, there must have been quite a viewing party at the Marina and Jacob's Beach. Was this another manifestation of the star that guided the Magi to the Christ Child? I don't know, and frankly, it doesn't matter to me. For me, it was a gift from the wonders of Creation -- a gift of light in the darkness of the longest night of the year, a gift of light in the darkness of a very dark year. And I'm grateful for this gift. Speaking of light ... the schedule for our celebrations of Christ's birth are in the calendar to the left. For the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, you might consider having a white candle ready to light as we sing "Silent Night." Or perhaps, as Bishop Laura Ahrens suggests, you light a candle at home whenever you participate in a livestream worship service. Here's another option: Marsha B has kindly prepared tapers for you to pick-up on the chancel table that you'd pass on the way to the Mitten Tree. Our prayers are asked for all who are commended to the parish's prayers: All who are ill, including Jim R, Philip, Alice M, Elizabeth Ann, Parker, Webb, Jill; for Buster, Andrew M, Michael, Brad T, Dale and all who are contending with Covid-19 disease; for the medical caregivers who minister of God's healing gifts; and for all facing financial hardship because of the pandemic. May they all know the healing power of Christ's presence and love. For the repose of Marius deBruyn, Margaret Smith, Lois Terribile, and all who ave died; including the over 320,000 of our fellow citizens claimed by the coronavirus. Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord; may light perpetual shine upon them. Let us give thanks for the safe delivery of Alicia & Phil's granddaughter, Camilla Yvonne. Confirm this family's joy with a lively sense of your presence. And let us offer special thanksgivings for the 63rd wedding anniversary of Anne & Dick Christoffersen Continue to send your grace upon them, that their home continues a haven of blessing and peace. Please continue to hold in prayer: Andrew E, Ed C, Pastor Bryan Meyers, Sheward, Bob C, Carol U, Sue S, George H, Alex & John H, Jeremy H, Shelly, Philippe, Margaret S, Kate, Frank, Jack, Judy & Ed S, Michael M, Richard D, Dave K, Brian A, Jim & 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, 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 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 combine thanksgivings for the witness of pragmatic St. Thomas and special Advent prayers. The Litany is based on the "Advent Antiphons" of O Come, O Come Emanuel. We'll be singing the verses that we skipped on Sunday. You can join the 7p.m. livestream via www.facebook.com/cecguilford, and find the bulletin here. Thursday Bible Study will take Christmas Eve off, and resume on December 31 at 9:30a.m. to continue the story of God's people in Exodus. Mitten Tree in the Chancel. Thanks to all who are helping decorate our parish Mitten Tree! Perhaps you saw it just behind the altar rail during our livestream services? The side door closest to the Guild Room is open between 10a.m. and 3p.m. for your contributions of mittens, caps, scarves, and gloves. This will also provide you with an opportunity for a quiet moment alone in the church, and to pick up a taper for the singing of "Silent Night" at our Christmas Eve candlelight service. Angels formerly-under-the-Balcony, are hanging on the Mitten Tree this year to remind us of our longtime commitment to help our neighbors stay warm this winter. The Town of Guilford's Heating Assistance Program began with the benevolence of Christ Church parishioners and was administered by the Rector until it was transferred to our Town's Social Services office. To participate this year, please mail your gift or leave it on the altar or in the rectory entry hall during office hours. Checks may be made out to Christ Church with "Angels," "Heat" or "Fuel Fund" to get to the right place. , Prayer from Sunday. Sunday's sermon provided an excuse for me to include one of my favorite prayers. Though it may seem to be presumptive in the extreme, Christmas is about Jesus being born in our hearts, as much or more than his birth in Bethlehem. This is the same Jesus who is present in the blessed bread and wine of communion, and who ascended to the presence of God the Father. And so the prayer affirms: Praised, blessed worshiped and adored be Jesus Christ, on his throne of heavenly glory, in the most holy sacrament of the altar, and in the hearts of his faithful people everywhere. May the Hope of Advent and Christmas be with you and yours, Harrison+ Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector  Fourth Sunday in Advent, December 20, 2020
The Song of Mary is one of our appointed readings again this Sunday. Yes, that will be two Sundays in a row. On the Third Sunday of Advent, Mary's Song, otherwise known as the Magnificat, echoed the prophecy in our first reading; Mary's prophetic song took its place with the prophecies of Isaiah and John the Baptist. This Sunday, the Fourth in Advent, Mary herself is the center of attention as we hear the story of Gabriel's Annunciation to Mary. Gabriel's final words to Mary are that her cousin Elizabeth is pregnant; Mary's "Visitation" with Elizabeth is the occasion for Mary's Song. (Luke 1:46-55) Please don't check out as we read Mary's Song together. Last week, we read our lectionary Bible -- the New Revised Standard Version's text; this week we'll pray the Inclusive version from the Episcopal Church's Enriching Our Worship. The editors have switched Mary's Song from describing what God is doing with repeated masculine pronouns -- "he has" -- to a prayerful address to God -- with a "you have" refrain. I find it compelling. I hope you will too. And I'd be interested in hearing from you about this experiment. Mitten Tree: Before and since the snow storm our Mitten Tree received many decorations at the chancel altar rail. Please consider helping to decorate the tree with mittens, gloves, scarves and caps. These will be shared with our neighbors served by the Chapel-on-the-Green in New Haven. You're welcome to place your "decorations" on the Tree between 10a.m. and 3p.m. daily, entering via the door closest to the Guild Room. While you're there, please feel free to enjoy a quiet moment alone in the church. The 4th Sunday of Advent is when we usually receive our "Angels-under-the-Balcony" donations for the Town's Heating Assistance Program -- a program that actually began at Christ Church. This year, the Angel-reminders are hanging on the Mitten Tree. As you are able, please consider an "Angelic" gift to help keep our neighbors warm this winter. Checks may be made out to Christ Church with "Angel" or "Heating Assistance" on the memo line. You could leave your gift on the altar, the shelf in the Rectory entry hall or mail it to the Parish Office. Thank you for participating in these caring traditions. Sunday Worship Our livestreamed celebration of the Holy Eucharist with hymns, vocal solos, and spiritual communion begins just before 10a.m. Given the persistent cold and snow on the ground, our Prayers in the Garden service will not meet on December 20. Given the shocking increase in the number of Covid-19 infections in Guilford, our town remains a Connecticut "red" zone. As such, our Bishops, and the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, continue to urge us to forego gathering inside for in-person worship. Our Vestry supports this decision. Digital Sunday School was emailed just before noon on Friday; in his video introduction to Sunday's readings, Tyler Jarvis provides a delightful perspective on God's willingness to "live" in a tent, rather than the grand house King David wants to build. Along with questions for pondering and other helpful links, Tyler has also provided a link for a Christmas Veggie Tales. I'm definitely going to check that out on Christmas Day! If you missed Tyler's sermon for the Third Sunday of Advent, you can find it here. I commend it to you. Advent hands-on activities for Sunday School and Youth families remain available for pick-up in the Parish Hall daily 10a.m.-3p.m. Virtual Coffee Hour... is a great opportunity to "see" one another. The link to YFNR's Personal Zoom Room seems to work well. So, join the conversation via Zoom this Sunday, December 20 at 11:30a.m. by clicking this link. If asked, the Meeting ID: 540 197 1077, and Passcode: 1744AD Intercessory Prayer: Please send the people and concerns you would like included in the Prayers of the People. by replying to these announcements or the "Let us pray" message. Please consider this the digital version of the clip board on which names and concerns are written when we gather for worship in the nave. Livestream Service for Margaret W. Smith: Along with her husband, the Rev. Kent Smith, Margaret has been a great friend of Christ Church, and Christ Church parishioners. She died early Thursday morning. A Requiem Eucharist will be offered at 10a.m. on Monday, December 21, 2020 via livestream from their parish, Christ Church, New Haven. You can join the service by clicking here. Order for the Evening on Wednesday: On Wednesday, we'll return to a simpler service to give thanks for Jesus' practical friend, Thomas. If you missed the Advent services with special music, you can find them here. Thursday Bible Study has concluded our study of the sagas of Jacob and Joseph. We'll take Christmas Eve off, and then return on December 31 to continue into the Book of Exodus. Nativity Pageant: Based on last Saturday's recording, we are all in for a treat on Christmas Eve! Be sure to "tune in" at 4p.m. December 24, for "The Best Virtual Christmas Pageant Ever!" Our young people did a swell job telling the story, and there will be special music from our musicians. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service will follow at 9p.m. -- note the earlier hour -- with Spiritual Communion and as many of the musical traditions of the evening as we can manage to include. Our Christmas Day service, the Christ Mass, at 10a.m., will also include Spiritual Communion, the sermon, hymns, a vocal solo, and organ. Estimate of Giving Cards: Thanks so much to the 80 households who have responded with their Estimate of Giving for our operating budget in 2021! If you need a card, please respond to this message, and one will be in the mail posthaste! Thanks to all who are mailing in your offerings! Although our in-person connections remain severely limited, the routine of the parish continues amidst all the ways that support and maintain our common life. Thanks so much, for your faithfulness in fulfilling your giving estimate for 2020. Please continue your financial support of our common life by bringing your offering to the service in the Garden, or 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, as you remain safely at home. In the faith, hope and love of Christ, Harrison+ YFNR  Third Sunday in Advent, December 13, 2020
Mitten Tree: Our traditional Mitten Tree is now available for decorating in the chancel. Please consider helping to decorate the tree with mittens, gloves, scarves and caps. These will be shared with our neighbors served by the Chapel-on-the-Green in New Haven. You're welcome to place your "decorations" on the Tree between 10a.m. and 3p.m. daily, entering via the door closest to the Guild Room. While you're there, please feel free to enjoy a quiet moment alone in the church. "Angels" (of under-the-Balcony fame) are also decorating the tree. These are reminders of our traditional support for the Town's Heating Assistance Program -- a program that actually began at Christ Church. You may place your "Angels" contribution in the offering basin on the altar, or mail it to the Parish Office. Thank you for helping to keep our neighbors warm this winter. ECW "Cookieless Cookie Boxes" remain available in the rectory garage for those who contributed to our ECW's scholarship program for our graduating seniors. The ECW thanks all the donors for the generous support that made this program so successful. Sunday Worship Our livestreamed celebration of the Holy Eucharist with hymns, vocal solos, and spiritual communion begins just before 10a.m. This week's preacher will be Tyler Jarvis, our Director of Children's & Youth Ministry. Prayers in the Garden follows at 1p.m. Please remember to bring a mask for wearing (we have extras) and a lawn chair for sitting, and to maintain appropriate distances. According to the forecast, we will be gathering at the warmest time on a mostly sunny day! A Vestry sub-group has met with our ventilation engineer, and is preparing recommendations for the Vestry. A report to the parish will follow. Digital Sunday School was emailed shortly after noon on Friday; in his video introduction to Sunday's readings, Tyler Jarvis provides a helpful insight on John the Baptist's sense of himself, and what that could mean for us. You can also find a link in our parish website here, and subscribe to the emails at the bottom of the same page. Advent hands-on activities for Sunday School and Youth families are still available for pick-up in the Parish Hall daily 10a.m.-3p.m. Gifts for Children in Crisis: Our local Mom's Demand Action and the Ethan Miller Song Foundation, are joining together to provide gifts for the children and youth in crisis who are served by the CT Violence Intervention Program in New Haven. Kind folks will be receiving unwrapped (new) gifts for children and youth, and funds for gifts, on the Guilford Green between Noon and 3p.m. this Sunday, December 13. Additional delivery and pick-up information is available here. Virtual Coffee Hour... is a great opportunity to see one another. The link to YFNR's Personal Zoom Room seems to work well. So, join the conversation via Zoom this Sunday, November 29 at 11:30a.m. by clicking this link. If asked, the Meeting ID: 540 197 1077, and Passcode: 1744AD Intercessory Prayer: Please send the people and concerns you would like included in the Prayers of the People. by replying to these announcements or the "Let us pray" message. Please consider this the digital version of the clip board on which names and concerns were written when we gathered for worship in the nave. Book Discussion Group: A Zoom discussion of Caste: The Origins of Our Discontent, by Isabel Wilkerson. Hardback copies are available in the Rectory Entry Hall for $25 each. The author argues that our notions regarding race are fluid, but we internalize the fixed and rigid categories of caste unconsciously. Discussion is led by the Rev. Mary Anne Osborn; contact her at [email protected] Order for the Evening on Wednesday: On Wednesday, we'll continue with our special Advent series; on Wednesday, December 16, our soloists Leila Mustakos and Mark Rehnstrom will offer songs for Advent. If you missed last Wednesday's service with its three organ interludes on "Savior of the Nations Come," you can find it here. Thursday Bible Study returns this week to discuss Genesis 50, the conclusion of the Joseph "novel." The participants have decided to continue into the Book of Exodus. Join the conversation via Zoom at 9:30a.m., December 17. Estimate of Giving Cards: Thanks so much to the 80 households who have responded with their Estimate of Giving for our operating budget in 2021! If you need a card, please respond to this message, and one will be in the mail posthaste! Thanks to all who are mailing in your offerings! Although our in-person connections remain severely limited, the routine of the parish continues amidst all the ways that support and maintain our common life. Thanks so much, for your faithfulness in fulfilling your giving estimate for 2020. Please continue your financial support of our common life by bringing your offering to the service in the Garden, or 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, as you remain safely at home. In the faith, hope and love of Christ, Harrison+ YFNR  December 9, 2020
An Intercessory Lord's Prayer -- where N appears, insert the name of the person for whom you are interceding -- Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name in N., thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven for N. Give N. this day his/her daily bread. And forgive N. his/her trespasses, as he/she forgives those who trespass against him/her. And lead N. not into temptation, but deliver him/her from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. . from the Society of St. John the Evangelist - SSJE by way of Bishop Laura Ahrens Dear Hearts, Here is a way to enrich one's intercessory prayers shared by Bishop Laura Ahrens. I have found it helpful in my own prayers and commend it to you. The SSJE is a monastic community of men in the Episcopal Church based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. You can learn more about their life and witness here. Our Wednesday Evening Prayer services this week and next will take on a particularly Advent focus. For this evening, December 9, our Music Director Mark Sullivan will offer three appropriate (and brief) organ interludes to go with the Advent readings and Bidding Prayer. Next Wednesday evening's music will include vocal offerings by our soloists Leila Mustakos and Mark Rehnstrom. You can join the 7p.m. livestream via www.facebook.com/cecguilford, and find the bulletin here. Our prayers are asked for all who are commended to the parish's prayers: All who are ill, including Margaret S, Philip, Alice M, Elizabeth Ann, Parker, Webb, Jill, Pastor Bryan Meyers, Andrew E, and Dale; for Michael, Brad T and all who are contending with Covid-19 disease; for the medical caregivers who minister of God's healing gifts; and for all facing financial hardship because of the pandemic. May they all know the healing power of Christ's presence and love. For the repose of Daniel Evans, and all who have died, including the over 287,000 of our fellow citizens claimed by the coronavirus. Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord; may light perpetual shine upon them. Let us give thanks for the birthdays of Diane L, Leigh B, Kay C, Mark S, and Talbot T; Grant that they may grow in wisdom and grace, in good health and stamina as she begins another year. Please continue to hold in prayer: Sheward, Bob C, Carol U, Sue S, George H, Alex & John H, Jeremy H, Shelly, Philippe, Margaret S, Kate, Frank, Jack, Judy & Ed S, Michael M, Richard D, Dave K, Brian A, Jim & 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, 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 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 "continuing" list, and the longer term list upon request. Thursday Bible Study continues this Thursday, December 10 at 9:30a.m. to wind up our reading of Genesis and decide on where we go next. Here's a new link for the Zoom discussion. In case you're asked, the Meeting ID is 841 7996 9236 and the Passcode is 083680 Mitten Tree Moved to Chancel. On the recommendation of our Outreach Team, our parish Mitten Tree has moved into the chancel. It's now just behind the altar rail so that it can be seen during our livestream services. With knit caps already on it, and the Angels (of under-the-Balcony fame) hanging on it, the Mitten Tree is a delight to the heart. The side door closest to the Guild Room is open between 10a.m. and 3p.m. for you to help decorate the tree with mittens, caps, scarves, and gloves. This will also provide you with an opportunity for a quiet moment alone in the church. Advent devotional materials remain on the wooden table in the Parish Hall. Festival of Lessons & Carols. This service took on the form we recognize today during the dark days of World War I, and the Pandemic of 1918-1919 at King's College, Cambridge, UK. (Resolving a question in my mind on Sunday morning.) This year's offering of this service by the University of the South is available on this page. Here's the prayer appointed for today in Waiting and Watching: Advent Word Reflections. Copies remain available in the Parish Hall. O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen. BCP, p. 231 May the Hope of Advent be with you and yours, Harrison+ Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector December 2, 2020
The Hand that Made the Hands For the hands that tilled, for the hands that harvested, for the hands that processed, for the hands that transported, for the hands that stocked, for the hands that sold, for the hands that bought, for the hands that prepared, for the hands that will hold, for the hand that made the hands, our hearts are forever grateful. Amen. Ewan Aitken, printed in Blessed be Our Table, Wild Goose 2003 Dear Hearts, This is the prayer that I used to conclude the Litany of Thanksgiving on Thanksgiving Day. Bishop Laura Ahrens used it in last Wednesday morning's Zoom call with clergy and lay leaders of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut. Am grateful to her for it, and glad to share it with you. I hope you all had a safe and gracious Thanksgiving Day. After our 10a.m. service, I was alone, but not lonely, and ate too much, but what else is new? Our prayers are asked for all who are commended to the parish's prayers: All who are ill, including Margaret S, Pastor Bryan Meyers, Daniel E, Andrew E, and Dale; for Michael, Brad T and all who are contending with Covid-19 disease; for the medical caregivers who minister of God's healing gifts; and for all facing financial hardship because of the pandemic. May they all know the healing power of Christ's presence and love. For all who have died, including the over 270,000 of our fellow citizens claimed by the coronavirus. Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord; may light perpetual shine upon them. We give thanks for the birthday of Elena P; Grant that she may grow in wisdom and grace, in good health and stamina as she begins another year. Please continue to hold in prayer: Sheward, Bob C, Carol U, Sue S, George H, Alex & John H, Jeremy H, Shelly, Philippe, Margaret S, Kate, Frank, Jack, Judy & Ed S, Michael M, Richard D, Dave K, Brian A, Jim & 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, 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 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 "continuing" list, and the longer term list upon request. Wednesday Evening Prayers, this evening will give thanks for the life and witness of late 19th century saint, Channing Moore Williams, Missionary Bishop to China and Japan. We'll sing a couple great Mission hymns and hear Jesus say, "Peace to this house," and "'The Kingdom of God has come near to you.'" Those are reason enough for me to participate! You'll find the bulletin here. You can join the 7p.m. livestream via www.facebook.com/cecguilford Thursday Bible Study returns this Thursday, December 3 at 9:30a.m. to pick up with Joseph resettling his extended family, including his father Jacob, in Egypt even as a famine rages throughout the land. Here's a new link for the Zoom discussion. In case you're asked, the Meeting ID is 880 5992 7326 and the Passcode is 039924. ChristKindl Market cancelled. Our Tag Sale Team leadership has decided, with regret, that this is not the year to initiate this offering, writing: "We take this opportunity to thank you all for the donations we received, and the words of encouragement. If you donated an item, we will be able to use it for a future sale to benefit the church. Of course, if you'd like it returned we can do that too. We look forward to 2021 and the many opportunities it will offer (watch out for our Facebook page!). Questions? Contact the team at [email protected]" Advent means Hope and Active Waiting. I hope you have Advent disciplines that encourage hope in you during these increasingly dark days -- that "darkness" is both a metaphor and just the plain truth. On Sunday, I encouraged you to join me preparing an Advent Wreath; it doesn't have to be fancy, green or have the traditional purple or blue or single pink candles. To find some great music to enjoy: I'm looking forward to the Virtual Version of the University of the South's Annual Festival of Advent Lessons & Carols this Sunday. I'll provide the link when it becomes available. And, to remember our parish traditions of the Mitten Tree and Angels Under the Balcony. They will be available for you to stop in the Parish Hall beginning this weekend. Also in the Parish Hall, as long as they last, are Advent Devotions for Children and Youth courtesy of our Faith Formation Team: Advent wreath forms and candles, an AdventWord Devotion, On Our Way to Bethlehem: A Child's Activity Booklet, and a variety of Advent calendars. The Parish Hall door is open during Office Hours, 10a.m.-3p.m. I was introduced just this morning to House of Bread: A Guided Advent Journey for Families. The Bible scholars among you will immediately recognize "House of Bread" as the meaning of" Bethlehem." The devotion is full of quick insights about Bethlehem then and now, with a very brief reading, a short prayer and a simple activity for each day. I heartily recommend it. It's available at no charge here. This prayer is part of the devotions for the First Sunday of Advent: A Prayer for Hope when feeling despair: Dear God, please give me strength when I am weak, love when I feel forsaken, courage when I am afraid, wisdom when I feel foolish, comfort when I am alone, hope when I feel rejected, and peace when I am in turmoil. Amen. May the Hope of Advent be with you and yours, Harrison+ Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector |
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