Let Us Pray + "Love is the Way Discussion" + Anselm of Canterbury

April 6, 2021
Let Us Pray + "Love is the Way" Discussion +
Anselm of Canterbury
 
Those who sail the sea have tales of its dangers
which astonish all of us who hear them;
in it are strange and wonderful creatures,
all kinds of living things and great sea monsters.
By (the Maker's) own action his purpose succeeds,
and by his word all things are held together.
Ecclesasticus 43:24-26,
Revised English Version
Dear Hearts,
    The passage above is the conclusion of the first reading during the Burial Office for Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, on Saturday, April 17.  The whole passage begins with verse 11: "Look at the rainbow, and praise its Maker."  Some of you remarked to me how moved you were by this reading and the whole service; I heartily concur!  According to the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Prince had chosen every detail of the service.  Indeed, he had previously commissioned the settings for both the canticle and  the psalm (104) for other occasions.
    If you look for the reading in your Bible, be sure you have one that includes the Book of Ecclesiasticus (not to be confused in Ecclesiastes).  In many verstions, this book is called "Sirach."  
 
Let us pray for all who are commended to the parish's prayers:
All who are ill, including
Ann S, Jack, Alphonse, Elizabeth, Maryanne M, Alex M,
Sonny P, Virginia, Amy B, Jim R, Kevin and Danielle;  
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.
 
And for all who have died, including Richard Sutton,
Daunte Wright, Adam Toledo and all who perished in the past week's violent confrontations in Indianapolis, Columbus, Detroit, Austin, Kenosha, and Houston;
and for the over 567,000 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
Marsha Brown and David Moore,
as they celebrate their birthdays.
May they continue to grow in grace and wisdom.

Please also continue to pray for Carol U, 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, 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 [email protected] with any details you care to share.  Names will move to the longer term list upon request. 
 
    Our Tuesday evening discussion of  Love is the Way: Holding onto Hope in Troubling Times, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's latest book, continues this evening, April 20, at 7p.m.  Here's the link for Tuesday evenings.  Although it helps to have the book available in hard copy or on another device, that's not required.   
     This week we'll learn "What Desmond Tutu and Dolly Parton Have in Common."
     Our discussion proceeds in parallel tracks on Tuesday evenings and Sunday mornings.    Look for Sundays' link in the announcements on Saturday.
 
Wednesday's Order for Evening will commemorate the faithful scholarship of Anselm of Canterbury. and his care for the Church, and all peoples under its protection, during a violent era.  Given the horrible toll of gun violence in the past week, our prayers will include a "Litany in the Aftermath of Gun Violence."  The livestream of the service will start before 7p.m. via www.facebook.com/cecguilford.
 
Thursday Bible Study continues April 22 at 9:30a.m. as we now follow the Israelites' wanderings in the Book of  Numbers. Join the conversation via this Eastertide Zoom code.  There are no prerequisites or homework!
 
Thanks to all who shared in our continuing Easter celebrations either via livestream or in-person in the Garden on April 18. 
       Because Guilford remains solidly in a Connecticut "red zone," our indoor "heated" services with sung music will continue to be livestreamed via facebook.com/cecguilford .
      However, do remember that the church is accessible via the driveway door between 10a.m. and 3p.m. daily for quiet time, likely alone, in the intoxicating scent of Easter lilies.  While you're there, check to sea if any Easter pansies or lilies remain.

Here are some lines from Psalm 104 that I imagine were particularly meaningful to Prince Philip:
 
There is the sea, spread far and wide,
and there move creatures beyond number,
both small and great.
There go the ships, and there is that Leviathan
which you have made to play in the deep.
Common Worship, p.717
Services and Prayers for the Church of England
 
In the faith, hope and love of Christ,
Harrison+
Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector