Let Us Pray + Election Day 2020

Nov. 3, 2020


Almighty God,
to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges:
Guide the people of the United States in the election of
officials and representatives; that by faithful administration
and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill you purposes;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For an Election, BCP, p. 822
 
Dear Hearts,
    Whether you have voted absentee or will vote in-person today., please remember that your vote is a way to put into action your Christian values.  That was one of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's points in his truly fine sermon during "Holding onto Hope," Sunday afternoon's "National Service of Healing and Wholeness."  Perhaps you already knew the story of Eleanor Roosevelt and the Tuskegee Airmen, or his quotations from theologian Reinhold Neihbur and former Scottish Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Richard Holloway, but I didn't. I keep revisiting them, wanting to commit them to memory.  You can read the sermon here, and watch it here.  The whole service with its beautiful prayers and moving music is available here.    
Presiding Bishop Curry recently met with a virtual Sunday Forum with Christ Church, Greenwich, about his latest book,  Love is the Way: Holding onto Hope in Troubling Times.  You can watch it on their YouTube channel here.
 
Our prayers are also asked for ----
All who are ill, including
Carol U, Philippe, Sheward and Shelly; 
for Ben, Leila and the increasingly number 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 Peter Osborne and all whom we hold
in blessed memory;
and for the over 230,000 of our fellow citizens
who have died of the coronavirus.
Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord;
may light perpetual shine upon them.
For all who are working to restore their homes and livelihoods following recent wildfires, windstorms and floods.
Protect those who evacuate homes,
and strengthen those who rebuild hope
so that entire communities
may face the future without fear. 

Let us rejoice with Elena & Robert Phillips 
-- and the Diocese of Chicago --
on the Eve of All Saints' ordination of their son
Christopher Phillips to the Sacred Order of Deacons.
Family and friends participated online from near and far.
  We thank you, O God, for raising up faithful servants
to stand at the margins of the Church and larger society,
inviting us to participate in your Mission of Reconciliation and Restoration.
 
Please continue to hold in prayer:
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. 
 
Wednesday Evening Prayers on November 4 at 7p.m. will celebrate "All the Faithful Departed" -- especially those whom we love who now rejoice with us but on another shore and in a brighter light. You'll find the bulletin here.  You can join the livestream via  www.facebook.com/cecguilford
 
Here's the Thursday Bible Study Zoom link.  We will turn to Genesis 41.  Joseph rises from a prisoner to Grand Vizier of all Egypt.  Join the conversation on Thursday, November 5 at 9:30a.m. 

Churchyard Clean-up will provide an excuse to be outside together, but distant, on what look to be a couple lovely sunny fall days -- November 7 and 8!  Pitch in at a time convenient for you by signing-up here.  Wheelbarrows and bags provided; please bring your own gloves, rakes, clippers, masks, and water.
 
And another thing...
While preaching about the Beatitudes on All Saints' Sunday, I had in my mind's eye, memories of the shrine above the Sea of Galilee where the Church remembers Jesus preaching them.  It is a beautiful and serene place, surrounded by cultivated fields of grain and bananas.  In the midst of a troubled land, this hillside appears to be a vision of God's Kingdom come on earth.  Things are as God would intend, just as in Jesus' shared vision of a restored and reconciled Creation in which the Blessed  "will be comforted," "will be filled," "will see God," and "will be called children of God,"
    So, on this election day, let us pray...
Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit
may so move every human heart
and especially the hearts of the people of this Nation,
that barriers which divide us may crumble,
suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease;
that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Social Justice, BCP, p. 823
 
In the faith, hope and love of Christ,
Harrison+
Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector