Fr. Harrison's Letter for April 8, 2018

Dear Hearts,

This Sunday is sometimes called "Low Sunday" -- implying low-energy and low-expectations.  That certainly does not describe this weekend of worship and service for Christ Church folk!   A real baking production-line process was underway today, as our young folks prepared all sorts of over-the-top desserts for tomorrow's Spaghetti Supper.  They worked under the direction of Sue Shackford with the hands-on assistance of several parents/adult helpers.

While the desserts will be amazing, the entre' will again be just as splendid:  Chef Antonio's Spaghetti with meat balls, will be served by the youth with freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus bread and green salad.  The proceeds from the dinner will support the in-reach and service activities of our Middle School youth including the Acolytes.  The suggested donations are: $12 per adult; $30 for a family of three or more; children age 5 and under, eat for free.  Dinner service will begin at 5 p.m.

Other folks were busy today in our Parish Hall kitchen making a couple hundred (at least) sandwiches for Sunday's Chapel-on-the-(New Haven)-Green.  A combined effort of Youth Confirmation Group members and Outreach-minded adults; we are taking our turn to provide a solid lunch for our neighbors who live on the margins of New Haven's plenty.  Although many participants in Chapel-on-the-Green would never consider entering Trinity Church, they faithfully participate in the weekly "Chapel" services on the Green followed by a lunch provided by a local house of worship. 

On Sunday, folk will depart from Park Street at about 1:10 p.m. with Christ Church's bounty of sandwiches, plus fruit, chips, treats and water.  Once in New Haven, we will help get things in place for the 2 p.m. worship and then lunch; there's clean-up, and return to the Guilford Green by 4 p.m.  Then we'll enjoy sitting down and being served by our Middle-School youngsters at the Spaghetti Supper beginning at 5 p.m.

Also today, Saturday, April 7, a third group of Christ Church folk -- four current and one former Vestry Members -- participated with about 300 other Connecticut Episcopalians from 77 parishes in "Spring Training" in Meriden.  This exceptionally well-organized event offered 30 different workshops on everything from essential nuts-and-bolts of parish management to opportunities for spiritual growth, including "Paint & Play."  I kid you not.   The whole day, bookended in prayer led by Bishop Laura Ahrens, was thoroughly informative and encouraging.  Somehow, that was even true of the truly daunting workshop "Alzheimer's Disease 101" -- one of the three that I attended.  I'd be happy to share what I learned, and I'm sure that's also true for Diane Kyle, Susan Leonard, Rose Robinson and Michael Crossley.

Our experience of the Risen Life continues in worship on this Second Sunday of Easter.  The church smells and looks every bit as "Easter-y" as it did last week thanks to Marsha Brown's careful care for all the lilies, tulips and forsythia.  The story of that first Resurrection day continues with more great Easter hymns.  Although our Choir took a well-earned break from their  rehearsal schedule this week, I've seen messages indicating that many will be in worship at 10 a.m. to support congregational singing.  Be sure thank those who sit near you for their superb musical offerings last Sunday, and if you spot one of the string players, please thank them also.

This week the Rectory Forum will wind up the "Good Book Club's" time with the Gospel according to Luke, and the Spring Salad Seminar will begin its readings from Luke's "other" book in Holy Scripture -- known to us as the Acts of the Apostles.  Some call Acts, the "Gospel of the Holy Spirit."  In Acts, we see Luke tell -- in his own distinctive way --the story of the Spirit continuing to create, guide and empower the early communities of Jesus' followers.  For those following the practice of a daily reading in Acts, Jay Sidenbotham's cartoon poster will be available on Sunday.

Thursdays Bible Study will begin its Eastertide journey through the First Epistle of John.  Given John's unwavering belief that "God is love," this should be an entirely lovely journey.

I look forward to seeing you for worship, service and/or spaghetti this Sunday!
In faith, hope and love,

Harrison+
YFNR

p.s. Last Saturday's yard crew helped clear the Parish grounds of over 10 large bags of wind debris, removing tripping hazards and underscoring our welcome to all who joined us.  With the backyard all tidy, the pops of color provided by the ECW-stuffed Easter eggs, made for quite a festive sight -- and easy pickings for the Sunday School's Easter Egg Hunt.  Your hospitality to our Easter-guests continued with all the tasty treats you shared for a festive Coffee Hour.  Thanks to one and all!