July 14, 2020: Let Us Pray

All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above;
then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord for all his love.
Refrain to "We plow the fields and scatter ..."
Hymnal 1940, #291
Dear Hearts,
      Being a person of my age, with a fondness for musical theater,  whenever I read last Sunday's parable of the "Wheat and the Weeds (or 'Tares')," my mind goes immediately to Stephen Schwartz's musical Godspell!  In the musical, the parable is told with energy and humor.  So, I half expected to receive questions about why we didn't sing "We ploy the fields and scatter.." on Sunday.  (Answer:  We had other hymns that better fit the direction of the service.) Have no fear, we'll sing it again at Thanksgiving, if not before. 
Be that as ti may, Sunday was just such a day for rejoicing.  On such a day, I find it helpful to cultivate "earworms," i.e. catchy tunes that stick with me, and keep me grateful and hopeful.  And the Godspell version of hymn 291 is one of these for me..  You canfind it here.
 
Our prayers are asked for ----
All who are ill and in hospital including:
Margaret S, and Dave K,
for Dale, Richard L and all others contending
with Covid-19 disease,
for Richard D -- in treatment for depression.
 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 Ann Crowe, Michael Rambus, 
and the over 135,000 of our fellow citizens,
 who have died of the coronavirus;
(I learned this week that the virus was the cause of death for Boynton Schmitt)
Remember your servants, O Lord,
according to the favor you bear unto all your children.

 
Please continue to hold in prayer:
Kate, Brian A, Emily L, Tim H, John, Joan G., Lois C., Winnie Z, Hildy J, Bernie and family, Susie & Paul, Pam McG, Julie H, Annie & Jim,  Murray E., Brooke & family, Kate S., Tracy M., Carl,  Michael S, Joanne N-R,  Madeline H, Kelly G,
Also: Paul D, Bob vM, 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 next 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 then move to the "continuing" list for 30 days, and the longer term list upon request. 

Wednesday Evening Prayers ... Given the headlines, which sound a lot like those of April just moved to the south and west, our prayers, readings and hymns on July 15th, will focus on healing and the well-being of health-care workers.    You can join the service on www.facebook.com/cecguilford 

Discuss "Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops" with Jen McShane
The Guilford Free Library will host a live online discussion with filmmaker Jen McShane about her latest documentary, Wednesday, July 15th 7p.m..  Here's the chance to ask the questions you would've brought up in conversation with Jen at church!  In light of policing reform proposals to come before the Connecticut legislature, this discussion is particularly timely.  Find more information, a link to the film, and register here.

Thursday Bible Study ... continues with the saga of Jacob, who has fled to the home of his "uncle" Laban.  It's sort of a Biblical Peyton Place this week!  Feel free to participate as your schedule allows.  No homework and no prerequisites!  We meet for an hour via Zoom on Thursday mornings at 9:30a.m.  Here's the link..

Since healing, and the well-being of medical personnel, will be the focus for Wednesday's prayers, here's a compelling prayer from, Enriching Our Worship 2; This is a slim volume of teaching and liturgy for the Episcopal Church to support the ministry of healing. 
 
God our strong deliverer:
when those charged with the urgent mediation of your healing power feel overwhelmed by the numbers of the suffering, uphold them in their fatigue and banish their despair.
Let them see with your eyes,
so they may know all their patients are precious in your sight..
Give them comfort, and renew their energy and compassion,
for the sake of Jesus in whom is our life and our hope. Amen
.
In the faith, hope and love of Christ,
Harrison+
YFNR
 
p.s. If you have recently sent an email message to Parish Administrator Donna Tafel and not received a reply, please know she is not avoiding you!  Mark Sullivan fixed the glitch in her email account that neither Frontier nor AT&T were willing to correct.. If you haven't received a reply, please resend your messages to her using [email protected].  We apologize and thank you for your patience!  Thanks also to Mark for his perseverance!.