Fr. Harrison's Letter for October 30, 2016

 Dear Hearts,

First, the sad news:  Vestry member Don Pogue died while working in New York Wednesday morning.  Don was a stalwart part of our 8 a.m. congregation, serving as a chalice bearer, intercessor and lector; he and Susan had hosted some of you in a HomeGathering a year ago.  A Service of Thanksgiving for Don's life is scheduled for Thursday, November 3, at 11 a.m. at Christ Church.

May light perpetual shine upon him.

Our Halloween Howler is this Saturday, October 29, at 4 p.m.!  And what a special Howler this will be -- with an 11-piece string ensemble, instrumentalists, singers, scary organ music, and a storyteller, plus the ever-popular "Halloween" song!  The latter requires significant audience participation; so whether you are performing or not, please come in costume (I'm planning to dress as an Episcopal priest!) and be ready to share in the fun. Suddenly discovered that you're able to perform after all?  Please be in touch with Music Director Mark Sullivan.  A reception will follow; feel free to bring a treat to share.
 
Speaking of treats, if you are out Trick or Treating during "Trunk-or-Treat" on Sunday afternoon, 2-4 p.m., or on Halloween itself, Monday, October 31, before dark, please come by the rectory. I expect to be at the rectory's split front door.  The ECW graciously supplied a whole bunch of candy.  If you'd like to help give it away; I'd welcome your company.

All Hallows' Eve signals the beginning of our All Saints' observances.  We will remember the saints in light as part of our celebrations on All Saints' Sunday, November 6.  That will be preceded by our Recollection of the Faithful Departed on Thursday, November 3 at 5:30 p.m.  This is an opportunity to gather in the sacred space of the church chancel to share memories of those who have died -- especially those who died within the past year, along with prayers, holy silence, and for a blessing. 

As the General Election draws near, I commend to you a brief talk by our Presiding Bishop, +Michael Curry.. Based on Paul's teaching in Romans, he encourages us to vote, and be guided in our voting by the Christian principle, "Does this look like love of neighbor?"  You can watch the video by clicking here. 

Our own Connecticut Bishops, +Ian Douglas and +Laura Ahrens, have also issued a letter giving thanks for those whose struggles secured and maintain our electoral freedom, plainly describing as "sinful" the incivility and rancor of this campaign season, and calling us to fulfill our duties as citizens.  In their letter they join the Bishops of Massachusetts in inviting us to a prayerful vigil for the integrity and safety of the election and for a peaceful transition following it.  You can read their letter here.  In response, I will offer brief services of Morning Prayer, Noonday Prayer and Evening Prayer on Monday, November 7, at 9:30 a.m., Noon:30, and 5:30 p.m., respectively; on election day November 8, we will have our mostly silent time of Meditation & Prayer at 9:30 a.m. as usual, then Noonday and Evening Prayers as on Monday.  Please feel free to join in these services in the church.
 
Whether in church or at home, I continue to recommend Forward Movement's Prayer Book-derived resource, "A Season of Prayer: For an Election."
 
In faith and hope,
Harrison+
YFNR
​
p.s. Finally, here's the alert:  Some of you have received a message from our christchurchguilfordct@gmail.com address asking you to download and open a file.  Don't do it!  That address is connected to our website which is hosted by Weebly.  Weebly's security was breached last week. Our passwords have been changed.