Let Us Pray + Augustine of Canterbury

May 25, 2021
Let Us Pray +  Augustine of Canterbury
 
O God, you made us in your own image
and redeemed us through Jesus your Son:
Look with compassion on the whole human family;
take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts;
break down the walls that separate us;
unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth;
that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
For the Human Family, BCP, p. 815

 
Dear Hearts,
     Given the one year anniversary today of the murder of George Floyd, and the tenuous cease-fire between Israeli and Palestinian forces, this prayer "For the Human Family" seems particularly appropriate.  Its original context was the struggles for justice and peace of the 1960's and early 1970's. 
    
Let us also pray for all who have been commended to the prayers of the parish:
All who are ill, including
Paul D, John P, Craig L, Carol U,
Maureen S, Eugenia, and Ann S;  
and for all who are contending with Covid-19 disease;
for medical caregivers ministering 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.
 
All who have died, especially for the repose of
Joyce Allen, and James Palmer;  and for
,the over 590,000 of our fellow citizens
claimed by the coronavirus.
Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord;
may light perpetual shine upon them.

And let us offer our thanksgivings for
college and university graduates
including Tyler Jarvis (Yale, MA), and
Luke McNamara (Notre Dame, BA), *
We thank you for opportunities that challenge us,
and for leading us to accomplishments
that satisfy and delight us.

Please also continue to pray for Elizabeth, Jim R, Kevin, Danielle, Amy B, Virginia, Sonny P, Alex M. Maryanne M,  Diane L, 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, 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: Susan S, Linda B, Charlie K, Anne C, Mark S, Angela G, Maria, Bob, and Olivia;
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.  

Our discussions of  Love is the Way: Holding onto Hope in Troubling Times, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's latest book, are concluding this Tuesday evening and next Sunday morning.  In chapters 11 and 12, Bishop Curry discusses applying the Way of Love to participating in political discussions:  Love is the test.  "If it's not about love, it's not about God."

Wednesday's Order for Evening will offer readings, hymns and prayers to mark the commemoration of Augustine of Canterbury, the first Archbishop of Canterbury.  The livestream of the service will start just before 7p.m. via www.facebook.com/cecguilford.
 
Thursday Bible Study continues May 27 at 9:30a.m. Our perseverance with the Israelites' journey will be rewarded with the charming folktale of Balaam and his donkey.  Join the conversation via this  Zoom code.  There are no prerequisites or homework! 

On Trinity Sunday, May 30, we will join the Episcopal Church in CT for a "5th Sunday" diocesan-wide service hosted by St. Paul's Church in Fairfield.  You can access the service on the diocese's YouTube and Facebook channels.  Look for links in Saturday's announcements.
     Looks like there's lovely weather in the forecast for our 1p.m. service of in-person Prayers in the Garden again this Sunday. 
     Please remember, the church is accessible via the driveway door between 10a.m. and 3p.m. daily for quiet time, likely alone.

Change is coming to our worship schedule on June 6:

• On June 6, the Garden Service of Morning Prayer will move to 9a.m. for the summer and early fall.
• On June 6, the doors will open to welcome worshippers to the 10a.m. Holy Eucharist, adding a third option to our Sunday worship;
• The 10a.m. service will continue to be livestreamed for folks who are more comfortable worshipping from home. 
• Following the 10a.m. service, the Annual Parish Meeting will reconvene over a box lunch in the garden.

O God, you have bound us together in a common life.
Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth,
to confront one another without hatred or bitterness,
and to work together with mutual forebearance and respect;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In Times of Conflict,
BCP, p.824
 
In the faith, hope and love of Christ,
Harrison+
Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector
*Please let me know about your graduates, so that we can all rejoice with you!