Let Us Pray + Advent Music & Prayers

December 9, 2020

An Intercessory Lord's Prayer
-- where N appears, insert the name of the person for whom you are interceding --
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name in N.,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven for N.
Give N. this day his/her daily bread.
And forgive N. his/her trespasses,
as he/she forgives those who trespass against him/her.
And lead N. not into temptation, but deliver him/her from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen. .
 from the Society of St. John the Evangelist - SSJE
by way of Bishop Laura Ahrens
Dear Hearts,
    Here is a way to enrich one's intercessory prayers shared by Bishop Laura Ahrens.  I have found it helpful in my own prayers and commend it to you.  The SSJE is a monastic community of men in the Episcopal Church based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  You can learn more about their life and witness here.
    Our Wednesday Evening Prayer services this week and next will take on a particularly Advent focus.  For this evening, December 9, our Music Director Mark Sullivan will offer three appropriate (and brief) organ interludes to go with the Advent readings and Bidding Prayer.  Next Wednesday evening's music will include vocal offerings by our soloists Leila Mustakos and Mark Rehnstrom.  You can join the 7p.m. livestream via  www.facebook.com/cecguilford, and find the bulletin here.
 
Our prayers are asked for all who are commended to the parish's prayers:
All who are ill, including
Margaret S, Philip, Alice M, Elizabeth Ann, Parker, Webb, Jill, Pastor Bryan Meyers, Andrew E, and Dale;
for Michael, Brad T and all who are contending
with Covid-19 disease;
for the medical caregivers who minister of God's healing gifts;
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 Daniel Evans,  and all who have died,
including the over 287,000 of our fellow citizens
claimed by the coronavirus.
Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord;
may light perpetual shine upon them.
Let us give thanks for the birthdays of
Diane L, Leigh B, Kay C, Mark S, and Talbot T;
Grant that they may grow in wisdom and grace,
in good health and stamina as she begins another year.
 
Please continue to hold in prayer:
Sheward, Bob C, Carol U, Sue S, George H, Alex & John H, Jeremy H, Shelly, Philippe, Margaret S, Kate, Frank, Jack, Judy & Ed S,  Michael M,  Richard D, Dave K, Brian A, Jim & Annie, John, Joan G., Lois C., Winnie Z, Bernie and family, Susie & Paul, Pam McG, Julie H,  Murray E., Brooke & family, Kate S., Tracy M., Carl, 
Michael S, Joanne N-R,  Madeline H, and Kelly G,
Also: Paul D, 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 Wednesday's and Sunday's intercessions, and this "Let Us Pray" letter, please send them to YFNR at harrisoncec@snet.net with any details you care to share.  Names will move to the "continuing" list, and the longer term list upon request. 
 
Thursday Bible Study continues this Thursday, December 10 at 9:30a.m. to wind up our reading of Genesis and decide on where we go next.   Here's a new link for the Zoom discussion.  In case you're asked, the Meeting ID is 841 7996 9236 and the Passcode is 083680

Mitten Tree Moved to Chancel. On the recommendation of our Outreach Team, our parish Mitten Tree has moved into the chancel.  It's now just behind the altar rail so that it can be seen during our livestream services.  With knit caps already on it, and the Angels (of under-the-Balcony fame) hanging on it, the Mitten Tree is a delight to the heart.  The side door closest to the Guild Room is open between 10a.m. and 3p.m. for you to help decorate the tree with mittens, caps, scarves, and gloves.  This will also provide you with an opportunity for a quiet moment alone in the church.  Advent devotional materials remain on the wooden table in the Parish Hall.

Festival of Lessons & Carols.  This service took on the form we recognize today during the dark days of World War I, and the Pandemic of 1918-1919 at King's College, Cambridge, UK. (Resolving a question in my mind on Sunday morning.)  This year's offering of this service by the University of the South is available on this page.

Here's the prayer appointed for today in Waiting and Watching: Advent Word Reflections.  Copies remain available in the Parish Hall.
O God, the protector of all who trust in you,
without whom nothing is strong nothing is holy: 
Increase and multiply upon us your mercy;
that with you as our ruler and guide,
we may so pass through things temporal,
that we lose not the things eternal;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen.
BCP, p. 231
May the Hope of Advent be with you and yours,
Harrison+
Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector