Fr. Harrison's Letter for June 11, 2017

Dear Hearts, 

Today, the first Sunday after Pentecost, we celebrate the Trinity of God's Being as Father, Son and Holy Spirit; and we celebrate our Choir's musical leadership in setting forth God's praise.  The Choir will  conclude this season of song with some special music!  This has been another year of significant commitment by our Choir;  their efforts help lead and greatly enrich our worship life. 

The Choir's musical leadership isn't an accident; it requires preparation.  At their Wednesday evening rehearsals, Music Director Mark Sullivan coaches the Choir through a series of exercises to help members develop their gift for choral singing; only then do they begin rehearsing anthems for coming Sundays. On Sunday mornings, the Choir arrives early to warm-up, review their anthem, and the hymns and service music for the day.  This is a major commitment, and our Choir members are very faithful.  The rest of us, the congregation, benefit from their labor of love. 

So, today we will offer our appreciation and gratitude to the Choir.  We'll do so both in worship and personally during the Coffee Hour.  On page 819, The Prayer Book includes a wonderful prayer, "For Church Musicians and Artists:"

O God, whom saints and angels delight to worship in heaven; Be ever present with your servants who seek through art and music to perfect the praises offered by your people on earth; and grant to them even now glimpses of your beauty, and make them worthy at length to behold it unveiled for evermore; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
 
Recalling last Sunday's wonderful offerings by our Youth String Ensemble, I'm reminded of the great gifts of instrumental music with which we are also blessed. So, this prayer is for them, as well! 

Indeed, thanks to all who made our Pentecost celebrations such a delight last Sunday!  We thanked our Sunday School director, teachers and mentors for their creative commitment to our children;  The Committee on Weather came through with a perfect day for the Parish Picnic. David Oshana, Peter Marks and Sheward Hagerty had the yard in good order. Special thanks also goes to the master of the grill, David Jones and to Senior Warden Rose Robinson and her helpmate Chris Robinson, who shepherded both set-up and clean-up; and thanks to all who helped!  Thanks also to all who provided such a delicious array of side dishes, salads and desserts.  

This will be a week of preparation for another big event:  the Regional Confirmation Service which Christ Church will host on Saturday, June 17, at 10 a.m.  With nearly 40 candidates coming from eight parishes across southern CT, plus their families and sponsors, it will be an SRO occasion. Please consider helping as an usher, with the Altar Guild, and/or the reception following.
May the God's love and power enfold us all!

Harrison+
YFNR

p.s.: The "River of Life: Connecticut River Pilgrimage 2017" continued and continues its way south, now between Vermont and New Hampshire.  Over the course of 40 days, pilgrims are paddling their way south on a spiritual adventure including public events.  Bishop Ian Douglas and his wife, plan to participate in the southern portions of the pilgrimage.  Nearby public events are planned for East Haddam, Deep River and Essex on July 7 and 8.  To participate in them and/or as "Pilgrims in Prayer,"  go to the pilgrimage website here.

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