Let Us Pray: Shrove Tuesday & Ash Wednesday

February 16, 2021
Let Us Pray 
Almighty God, you have created us out of the dust of the earth:
Grant that we may take seriously to heart our mortality and penitence, and remember that it is only by your gracious gift that we are given everlasting life;
through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
BCP p.265
Dear Hearts,
     So that you won't be surprised during our Ash Wednesday services at noon and 7p.m., I want to share the prayer above.  This is the amended prayer for that period of silence when we seek to "make a right beginning of repentance," and kneel before the Lord, "as a mark of our mortal nature."(BCP, p.265)  This period typically includes the imposition of ashes for those who desire them. 
The original text of the prayer will be said at 1p.m. on the Parish House steps as an introduction to "Ashes-to-Go" for those who desire them.  As a reminder, our Bishops have offered guidance about the keeping of this pious tradition during our current pandemic.  You can find their letter here. 
  
Our prayers are asked for all who are commended to the parish's prayers:
All who are ill, including
Diane L, Allison & Ryan Burns, Kelly Taylor, Philip, Jerry,
 Jack's daughter, Jim R, Jason, and Peter; 
and for Buster, 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 all who have died;
including the over 486,000 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
Jo-Ann Ansaldo, and Rose Robinson,
as they celebrate their birthdays,
may they continue to grow in grace and wisdom.

Send your blessing, O God, upon Donna & Anthony LaFata
as they celebrate the anniversary of the marriage,
that their home may continue a haven of blessing and peace.
 
Jimmy C, Patrick and family, Felipe,  Diane L, Richard D, Andrew M, Alice M, Elizabeth Ann, Parker, Webb, Jill, Andrew E, Ed C, Pastor Bryan Meyers, 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, 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. 
 
Today is Shrove Tuesday, not a day that appears on the Church's calendar, but a day with popular traditions like pancake suppers and burning the leftover palms from the previous Palm Sunday to make the ashes for Ash Wednesday.  Unfortunately, we can't share supper this evening, but we can watch the "Conflagration of the Palms" in the parish driveway at 6p.m.  The weather is permitting!  Do remember to wear your mask and to watch your distance.  Participants will be sent home with a plastic bag containing a waffle, courtesy of Susan & Tony Leonard, and YFNR.

Ash Wednesday's Noon and 7p.m. services will be basically identical.  However, there will be hymns and vocal solos at the evening service. The livestream of the services will start before Noon and 7p.m. at www.facebook.com/cecguilford.

Thursday Bible Study continues February 18 at 9:30a.m. with the delivery of the Hebrews at the Red (Reed?) Sea.  Join the conversation via this new Zoom code.  There are no prerequisites or homework!

Our experiment continues -- keeping the side door, closest to the Guild Room, unlocked between 10a.m. and 3p.m.  This  provides an opportunity for a quiet moment of prayer in the church, likely alone, as well as to pick up a candle stub to light during prayers at home.

On Sunday, our morning worship shifts to Lent with our own livestream Holy Eucharist at 10a.m.  The forecast makes 1p.m. Prayers in the Garden unlikely, again this week.

And another thought about how to have a difficult conversation  Since my sermon of a couple weeks ago, I've learned about another approach that allows remaining on the subject of the disagreement:  Replace a "Why" question with a "How" question: Instead of asking "Why do you think that would that work?" Ask "How do you think that would work?"  Instead of asking, "Why would the Rothschilds send lasers into space to start wildfires in California?"  Ask, "How would the Rothschilds do that?"  I learned about this on PBS's Amanpour & Company.  Here's the link
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 that 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.
BCP, p. 815
 
May the Light of this last day of Epiphany
be with you and yours,
Harrison+
Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector