Let Us Pray + Annunciation Eve + Hopkin's Jesus Statue

March 24, 2021

Dear Hearts,
     I invite you to join me in prayer for the repose of those who were killed within the last eight days in the Atlanta and Boulder mass shootings. 
In Atlanta --
Delaina Ashley Yaun, Xiaojie Tan, Daoyou Feng,
Paul Andre Michels, Hyung Jung Grant,
Soon Chung Park, Suncha Kim,  and Yong Ae Yue.
In Boulder --
Tralona Bartkowiak, Suzanne Fountain, Teri Leiker,
Kevin, Mahoney, Lynn Murray, Rikki Olds,
Neven Stanisic, Denny Stong, Eric Talley, and Jody Waters
As we pray for them, let us also pray for their families, friends, communities, and all who mourn, as well as for responsible action to tame this mad scourge of gun violence.
 
Let us also pray for all who are commended
to the parish's prayers:
All who are ill, including
Duffy, Robert, Patty, Virginia, Amy B,
Jim R, Kevin and Danielle;  
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.
 
And for others who have died, including the 
over 545,000 of our fellow citizens
claimed by the coronavirus.
Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord;
may light perpetual shine upon them.

Look with favor, O Lord, upon James Marks, Pat Jones,
Bet Cummiskey and Anne Christofferson,
as they celebrate their birthdays.
May they continue to grow in grace and wisdom.

Please also continue to pray for Carol U, Diane L, Kelly T, Jason, Peter, Dale, Buster, Jimmy C, Patrick and family, Felipe, Richard D, Alice M, Elizabeth Ann, Parker, Webb, Jill, Andrew E, Ed C, Pastor Bryan Meyers, Bob C, Sue S, George H, Alex & John H, Jeremy H, Shelly, Philippe, Kate, Frank, Jack, Judy & Ed S,  Michael M,  Richard D, Dave K, Brian A, 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: Leslie P, Paul D, Susan S, Linda B, Charlie K, Anne C, Mark S, Angela G, Maria, Bob, Olivia, 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 longer term list upon request. 
 
"A River Through the Desert," our Lenten Discussion, will conclude on Palm Sunday and Holy Tuesday.  "The Garden" will be the final stop in our "Virtual Lenten Pilgrimage" through the geography of the Holy Land with St. George's College in Jerusalem.    Expect some photos from my Holy Land pilgrimages.  
 
Wednesday Evening being the Eve of the Feast of the Annunciation, our Order for Evening's hymns and prayers will celebrate this feast of the Incarnation.  The livestream of the service will start before 7p.m. via www.facebook.com/cecguilford.
 
Thursday Bible Study continues March 124 at 9:30a.m. with God giving Moses the 10 Commandments with more than a little commentary.  Join the conversation via this new Zoom code.  There are no prerequisites or homework!
 
On Palm Sunday, our morning worship continues online with our own Holy Eucharist at 10a.m.  As we remain in a Connecticut "red zone," we will sadly miss out on sharing the Liturgy of the Palms on the Green again this year.  Sunday's forecast is currently looking decidedly damp!  If the rain holds off, we'll be in the Garden on Sunday, March 21 for a "Liturgy of the Palms," at 1p.m.
 
Vaccinations:  During a Zoom meeting with other clergy and our First Selectman, Matt Hoey asked that if anyone knows of someone facing an obstacle to getting vaccinated, please have them call the Town's Senior Program Coordinator, Terry Buckley, at 203-453-8132 or buckleyt@ci.guilford.ct.us  
 
And another thing:  During Sunday's sermon, I mentioned the statue of "Christus Consolator" (Christ the Consoler)" that rises under the dome of Johns Hopkins Hospital's original building.  Unveiled in 1896, it was carved from one massive block of Carrara marble to replicate the original 1820 statue by the Danish sculptor Bertel Thorwaldsen.  Here's one view.  The pedestal's inscription from Matthew 11:28 reads:
"COME unto ME All Ye That Are Weary
And Heavy Laden
And I Will Give You REST"
 
In the faith, hope and love of Christ,
Harrison+
Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector