Getting Ready for All Saints; Quiet Halloween; Post-Convention

Getting Ready for All Saints' Sunday
Since this Sunday begins the last week of October, then next Sunday must be All Saints' Day -- the day when the whole Church affirms our unbroken fellowship with all the saints of every time and place.  If there are particular saints whom you would like to have included in our remembrance next Sunday, especially those who have died within the past year, please send their names to me by replying to this message.  The Episcopal Church in Connecticut is preparing a particular remembrance for those who have died of Covid-19 disease from across the Diocese; please indicate names that should be included there as well.

A Quiet Halloween at 9 & 11 Park Street
If next Sunday is All Saints' Day, then next Saturday, October 31, is All Hallows' Eve -- otherwise known as Halloween.  Our Faith Formation team decided to forego our usual fun festivities this year.  We're following  our local and state guidelines.  Nonetheless, if there's a goblin or princess in your home who needs another place to spook or dazzle at a distance, I'd be happy to greet them at the Rectory driveway door.   Just let me know when to expect them!

Post-Convention Conversations:
The Episcopal Church in Connecticut Convention Eucharist, daily reflections by our Bishops, and the sessions themselves are all available on the ECCT website.   The Convention's "World Cafe" discussions prompted "Next Step" conversations on how we -- in our parishes and regions, as well as a diocese, might address concerns around Economic Equity, Racial Justice, and Worship and other connections in our Livestream era.  These continuing conversations are open to all interested Connecticut Episcopalians; details may be found here.

Sunday Worship
After last Sunday's Convention Worship with the rest of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, we will return to our parish 10a.m. livestreamed celebration of the Holy Eucharist with hymns, vocal and cello solos, and spiritual communion.  As usual the service bulletin will be available here.
Morning Prayer in the Garden will be offered at its usual9a.m. time and place. Please remember to bring a mask and a lawn chair, and to dress warmly.  On recent Sundays, it has been very pleasant in the garden in the sun.

Virtual Coffee Hour... is a great opportunity to see one another.  So, join the conversation via Zoom this Sunday, October 25 by clicking this new link.  If asked, the  Meeting ID: 810 0548 8448, and Passcode: 925217

Digital Sunday School returns this week with Tyler Jarvis looking at leadership through the lens of stories about Moses and Jesus.  I commend his short introductory video to children of all ages, along with the story presentations, the coloring pages (among my favorites), and his good questions for reflection.

Outreach through Personal Care Bags:
Our Outreach Team is joining with our ECW for a fall program to provide bags of personal care items for those on the margins.  Following the pattern initiated by our ECW earlier this year, parishioners are invited to take a quart zip-lock bag and fill it with the personal care items on a provided shopping list.  These bags will be available at the Garden Service, and during weekday office hours.
The bags will be shared with those served by New Haven's Chapel-on-the-Green on a Sunday later this fall.
 
 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. 

SS. Simon & Jude -- for the Evening on Wednesday:
On Wednesday, we'll observe the Church's commemoration of Saints Simon and Jude -- about whom very little is known other than they were apostles of Jesus. A helpful recollection as we approach All Saints' Day.

Thursday Bible Study moves on to Genesis Chapters 39 for Joseph in Potiphar's household.  Here's the link.  In case your are asked:  Meeting ID: 859 9654 1732  Passcode: 23389

Parish Directories and Estimate of Giving Cards:
I hope that you have received your new Parish Directory and an Estimate of Giving Card for 2021.  Thanks so much to the over 60 households who have already responded with their Estimate of Giving for our operating budget in 2021!  If you haven't received a Parish Directory or a 2021 Estimate Card, please reply to this message.  

Thanks to all who are mailing in your offerings!  
Although our in-person connections remain 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 9a.m. 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 elsewhere.
In the faith, hope and love of Christ,
Harrison+
YFNR