Lent 4: Spring Forward! Digital Sunday School, Amistad's Pantry

SPRING FORWARD!  Yes, it's time to set your clocks forward one hour before you go to bed tonight.  Daylight Savings Time begins at 2a.m. ever-so-early Sunday morning.

Digital Sunday School marks its first anniversary with this Sunday's edition!  Children & Youth Ministries Director Tyler Jarvis provides a helpful video introduction here for our readings.  As usual, Tyler poses some great questions for your consideration in the email that went out on Friday about noon; if you can't find it, look in your "bulk mail" folder. For some reason, that's where I found it.  If you like puzzles, be sure to check out the "Sunday Paper Jr. Edition."

Our Virtual Lenten Pilgrimage focuses this week on "The Sea."  Our guide, the Very Rev. Richard Sewell,  Dean of St. George's College in Jerusalem, talks to us from the shore of the Sea of Galilee, and invites us to recall our own experiences of lakes, seas, oceans, and of God.  The image is gorgeous!  Here's the link for the 9a.m. Sunday Forums, and  for the 7p.m. Tuesday Discussions. 

Virtual Coffee Hour... is a great opportunity to "see" one another.  The link to YFNR's Personal Zoom Room seems to work well.  So, join the conversation via Zoom this Sunday, March 14 at 11:30a.m. by clicking this link.

Prayers in the Garden service will meet again this Sunday, March 14, at 1p.m!  Spring is coming! The forecast is for a sunny, windy day.  So, please dress warmly, remember your mask, lawn chair and to watch your distance. 

Amistad House's Pantry could still use a few items:  There's still time to help fill the pantry of Amistad Catholic Workers House in New Haven.  Reminder: Amistad House, located in New Haven's Hill neighborhood,  offers meals and companionship to folks who are  unhoused, unsheltered and food-insecure.  Thanks to everyone who has helped fill their Pantry shopping list!  You can provide the few remaining items by "shopping" on this "Sign-Up Genius" page, indicating the items you wish to purchase.  Then send or drop-off the funds to the Parish Office, or on the altar.  Items will be purchased in bulk for delivery directly to Amistad House.  Checks should be made out to Christ Church with “Outreach” in the memo line.  Donations of any amount are also welcome for perishable items. 
 
Wednesday's Order for Evening will commemorate the life and witness of St. Patrick of Ireland.   Although the service will be free of green beer and shamrocks, there will be hymns and readings to celebrate Patrick's witness.  Join our livestream Prayers, Wednesday evening, March 17, at 7p.m.
 
Thursday Bible Study will follow the Hebrews to the foot of Mt. Sinai; they're not really sure they want to be so close to God.  Join the conversation, at 9:30a.m. Thursday, March 18, via Zoom.

Intercessory Prayer: Please help shape the Prayers of the People, by replying to this message with the people, birthdays, anniversaries, and concerns you would like included in the Prayers of the People.

Check out the new Parish Hall Door!   If you're near the Green, have a look at the handsome new door to the Parish Hall! It replaces one that was quite literally falling into pieces.  Please join me in thanking the Tag Sale Team, for funding this replacement, and be thinking how you might support the Tag Sale in September.
      We are continuing our experiment with leaving the door closest to the Guild Room unlocked between 10a.m. and at least 3p.m.  Please enjoy a quiet moment of prayer, likely alone, in the church, and pick up a candle stub to light during your prayers at home.

Our Jewish friends have a tradition called "Jahrzeit," a special remembrance of loved ones on the first anniversary of their death. A year ago today, March 13, the Rt. Rev. Barbara Harris died at almost 90 years of age.  Barbara Clementine Harris was the first woman, and first woman of color, to be elected to the episcopate in modern times.  She was also a tireless advocate for those on the margins in our society.  The Union of Black Episcopalians is hosting a distinguished panel to celebrate the "Life & Legacy of Bishop Barbara Harris," at 4p.m., Sunday, March 14. You can register for this Zoom event here.   

Thanks to all who are mailing in your offerings!  
Although our in-person connections remain severely limited, the routine of the parish continues.  Thanks to your faithfulness, we are able to continue our shared life of worship and witness -- even while maintaining appropriate distances.  Please continue your financial support of our common life by bringing your offering to the altar, or the parish office, or by mailing to Christ Church, PO Box 574, Guilford, CT 06437.  Your offering will be presented at the altar; it will be physically present, while you remain safely at home.
In the faith, hope and love of Christ,
Harrison+
YFNR