Let Us Pray + Holy Innocents on Wednesday

December 29, 2020

Still rage the fires of hate today,
and innocents the price must pay,
while aching hearts in every land
cry out, "We cannot understand!"
Verse 3 of "In Bethlehem a newborn boy", The Hymnal 1982
Text by Rosamund E. Herklots
Dear Hearts,
Happy Fifth Day of Christmas!
As if we needed to be reminded, the human suffering which God came to share in Jesus intrude on our continuing celebration of the baby in the manger.  The brokenness of this world leads to the martyrdom of the Holy Innocents, St. Stephen and Archbishop Thomas Becket, all of whom are remembered during Christmastide; even the shadow of the cross looms over Jesus's infancy. 
    We're moving our observance of the Holy Innocents to Wednesday's Order for the Evening.  Our observance will include the hymn quoted above and prayers for the holy innocents of our own day in a Litany for Children at Risk.
     Unlike our typical Wednesday service, this one will include an Offertory.  The gifts that have been received since Christmas Eve will be offered on the altar.  If you have a year-end gift that you would like included in Wednesday's offering, please be sure to leave it on the altar, or in the mailbox before the service. 
     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
Jim R, and Philip; and for
Buster, Andrew M, Andrew M, (yes, two of them) Michael, 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 Marius deBruyn, Margaret Smith,
Lois Terribile, and all who ave died;
including the over 330,000 of our fellow citizens
claimed by the coronavirus.
Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord;
may light perpetual shine upon them.
 
Please continue to hold in prayer:
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 [email protected] with any details you care to share.  Names will move to the longer term list upon request. 
 
Thursday Bible Study resumes on December 31 at 9:30a.m. to continue the story of God's people in Exodus.  Join the conversation via Zoom.

Mitten Tree in the Chancel. Thanks to all who are helping decorate our parish Mitten Tree!  It looks beautiful, thanks to your caring!  The side door closest to the Guild Room continues open between 10a.m. and 3p.m. for your contributions of mittens, caps, scarves, and gloves.  This will also provide you with an opportunity for a quiet moment alone in the church.

Angels formerly-under-the-Balcony, are hanging on the Mitten Tree this year to remind us of our longtime commitment to help our neighbors stay warm this winter.    To participate this year, please mail your gift  or leave it on the altar or in the rectory entry hall during office hours.  Checks may be made out to Christ Church with "Angels," "Heat" or "Fuel Fund" as the memo, will get to the right place.

A Prayer for the New Year. 
O God, our times are in your hand:  Look with favor, we pray,
on us, your servants, as we begin a new year.
Grant us your gifts of wisdom and grace,
of calm strength and patient trust in your goodness,
that we may enter the new year with joy and a lively sense of your presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
 
May the Hope of  Christmas be with you and yours,
Harrison+
Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector