Let Us Pray + SS Peter & Paul

June 29, 2021

Almighty God, whose blessed apostles Peter and Paul
glorified you by their martyrdom:
Grant that your Church instructed by their teaching and example, and knit together in unity by your Spirit,
may ever stand firm upon the one foundation,
which is Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.
 
Dear Hearts,
     Today the Church gives thanks for the life and witness of the two greatest leaders of the Early Church. St. Paul and St. Peter.  Although they each have their own feast days in January -- the Confession of St. Peter and the Conversion of St. Paul, today we remember that, although sometimes at odds with one another, they were united in their unwavering witness to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.  They were martyred in Rome in 64 A.D.  
     Peter and Paul are the two figures depicted on either side of Jesus in the stained glass window over Christ Church's altar.  The official name of Washington National Cathedral, is the Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul; the towers on the cathedral's west front are named for St. Peter and St. Paul, one to the north and the other to the south.  They each have their own individuality and integrity, and they present a unified witness to the world.
 
Let us also pray for all who have been commended to the prayers of the parish:
All who are ill or in distress, including
 Bill, Jude, Jonathan, and family members of the victims of the tower collapse in Florida;
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.
May they all know the healing power of
Christ's presence and love.
 
For the victims of the Champlain South Tower collapse; 
and for all who have died,   
 including the over 604,000 of our fellow citizens
claimed by the coronavirus.
Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord;
may light perpetual shine upon them.

Let us offer thanksgivings for the birthdays of
Bob Cairns, and Winnie Seibert
May they continue to grow in wisdom and grace.

Please also continue to pray for Jim F, Kelly F & family, Aunts Chris and Margie, John P, Craig L, Carol U, Maureen S, Eugenia, and Ann S, Elizabeth, Jim R, Kevin, Danielle, Amy B, Virginia, Sonny P, Alex M. Maryanne M,  Diane L, 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, Lois C., Winnie Z, Bernie and , 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: Susan S, Linda B, Charlie K, Anne C, Mark S, Angela G, Maria, Bob, and Olivia;
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.  
 
Wednesday's Order for Evening will offer readings, hymns and prayers to mark the Eve of the Church's commemoration of Pauli Murray, the legal scholar and civil rights activist who became the first African American woman ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church.  She is also the namesake of one of Yale's new Colleges.The livestream of the service will start just before 7p.m. via www.facebook.com/cecguilford.
     This service will conclude our Wednesday evening services for this program year.  Planning and helping to offer them has been one of the anchors and highlights of my week over the past 15 months.  Thanks to all who participated and made it part of their week!
 
Thursday Bible Study has concluded its academic year, and begins summer vacation.  Thursday morning Bible Study will return on September 16.
 
Vacation Bible School Dates:  As promised, drum roll please, today's the day to announce the dates of our Vacation Bible School for the summer of 2021:  They are -- Monday-Friday,  August 16-20!  Mark your calendars, and be thinking of whom you could invite to participate.

Last "Let Us Pray" Letter?  Together with the Wednesday Order for Evening service, this letter began as a way to stay connected in prayer during the week.  Thanks to those of you who told me you found it helpful, and sometimes even interesting.  I have felt that writing it was an important way for me to stay in touch with you.  That said, this letter will go on sabbatical and vacation with me during July and August.  
    There will be more news about the summer, and plans for the fall, in the July newsletter out later this week.
 
In the faith, hope and love of Christ,
Harrison+
Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector