Lent 5: Bishops' Letters; Virtual Pilgrimage; Amistad's Pantry

Bishops Douglas and Ahrens, as participants in "Bishops United Against Gun Violence," have shared this statement about Tuesday's shootings in Atlanta.  I commend it to you.  Including this:  "As we have repeatedly emphasized, we pray not to avoid taking action, but to prepare for it."  One of the actions they encourage is reaching out to Asian and Asian-American neighbors to register our concern for their well-being. 
      Our Bishops have also released their latest version of "Living with COVID-19: Protocols and Directions for Clergy and Vestries in the Episcopal Church in Connecticut."   They continue to counsel against in-person worship for parishes in a State of Connecticut red zones.  See the latest map here.
 
Digital Sunday School:  Children & Youth Ministries Director Tyler Jarvis hits another home run with this week's  insightful video introduction to our readings.  As usual, Tyler poses some great questions for your consideration in the email that went out on Friday about noon.  Even if you don't have someone in the target age-group for the "Sunday Paper Jr. Edition," I commend that to you as well.  I want to get out my crayons! You can find it and the rest of Tyler's email here.

Our Virtual Lenten Pilgrimage focuses this week on "The Road."  Our guide, the Very Rev. Richard Sewell,  Dean of St. George's College in Jerusalem, talks to us from the route Jesus walked down the Mount of Olives and about our own journeys with God.  The view is terrific!  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 21 at 11:30a.m. by clicking this link.

Our Prayers-in-the Garden service will meet again this Sunday, March 21, at 1p.m!  Spring is here! The forecast is for a sunny day; hurray!  Please 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. 
 
Our Wednesday Order for Evening will observe the eve of the Feast of the Annunciation -- a timely celebration of the Incarnation before we enter Holy Week.  Join our livestream prayers, Wednesday evening, March 24, at 7p.m.
 
Thursday Bible Study will continue with God declaring the Decalogue, aka Ten Commandments, to Moses on Mt. Sinai.  Join the conversation, at 9:30a.m. Thursday, March 25, 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.

      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.

Thanks to all who are mailing in your offerings!  
Although our in-person connections remain 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