Let Us Pray + Epiphany on Wednesday

Eastern sages at his cradle make oblations rich and rare;
gold the King of kings proclaimeth,
myrrh his sepulcher foreshows.

Verse 4 of "Earth has many a noble city", The Hymnal 1982
Text by M.A.C. Prudentius (348-410?)

Dear Hearts,
Happy New Year and a Blessed 12th Day of Christmas!
Although we may be focused on events in Washington, D.C. this January 6, it is also the Feast of the Epiphany.  The visit of the Wise Watchers of the Stars, to the Holy Family will claim our attention during our Order for Evening this Wednesday evening.  Like our special Advent evenings, we will be inspired by the songs of the day -- including solos. 
     You can join the 7p.m. livestream via  www.facebook.com/cecguilford, and find the bulletin here. 
If you missed Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's New Year's Eve interview with Judy Woodruff on the PBS Newshour, you canwatch and read it here.  Thanks to Katherine F. for bringing this to my attention; one learns important things at our virtual Coffee Hours!
   
Our prayers are asked for all who are commended to the parish's prayers:
All who are ill, including
Diane L, Jim R, Philip, and Richard D; and for
Buster, Jimmy C, Andrew M, Brad T, Dale 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 Ron Casey, Jack Hilyard 
and all who have died;
including the over 354,000 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, on
AJ LaFata, Donna LaFata, and Diane & David Barker,
as they celebrate their birthdays;
may they grow in grace and wisdom in the new year.
 
Please continue to hold in prayer:
Andrew M, Alice M, Elizabeth Ann, Parker, Webb, Jill, Andrew E, Ed C, Pastor Bryan Meyers, Sheward, Bob C, Carol U, 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: Paul D, Susan S, Linda B, June C, 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. 
 
Thursday Bible Study continues January 7 at 9:30a.m. with the Exodus story of Moses and the "king who did not know Joseph".  Join the conversation via Zoom.

Mitten Tree in the Chancel. Thanks to all who helped "decorate" our parish Mitten Tree!  It looks beautiful, thanks to your caring gifts of mittens, gloves, caps, scarves, boots, and coats!  After Thursday, the decorations will be packed up for delivery to Chapel-on-the-Green.

Angels formerly-under-the-Balcony: Thanks also for your "angelic" and generous gifts for the Town's Heating Assistance Program!  Many of our neighbors will be warm this winter thanks to your concern!

The opportunity for a quiet moment of prayer in the church, likely alone, continues.  Please use the side door, closest to the Guild Room between 10a.m. and 3p.m.  While you're there, feel free to pick up your 2021 Offering Envelopes, and a candle stub to light during prayers at home.

And another thing:   In Sunday's sermon, I mentioned the 1938 poster created by the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Ohio to support its work in resettling refugees from the gathering terrors of fascism in Europe.  The poster, depicting the Holy Family's Flight into Egypt, has become a well-admired "sermon" on the Christian witness of assisting refugees.  You can see it here.

Today is another election day in Georgia.  Here's the Prayer Book's Prayer for an Election (BCP, p. 822) adapted for today:
Almighty God, to whom we must account
for all our powers and privileges: 
Guide the people of Georgia in electing their national Senators,
that by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to fulfill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
 
May the Hope of Christmas and
the Light of the Epiphany be with you and yours,
Harrison+
Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector