Let Us Pray + SS. Simon & Jude

“We hope people everywhere will light a candle and join us in prayer at this urgent moment in our national life,” Presiding Bishop Michael Curry said. “As people of faith, we believe in the power of prayer and the power of God’s love to heal a nation and change this world.”

Dear Hearts,
    Bishop Curry's statement above, comes from his invitation to join him and other faith and civic leaders in a service of prayer at 4p.m. on All Saints' Sunday, November 1, livestreamed from Washington National Cathedral.  The announcement continues:
"... the service will feature an ecumenical and multi-faith array of voices, musical offerings, and prayers designed to help the nation to confess, grieve, and hope as one. In addition to Bishop Curry’s sermon, the service will also include reflections from Father James Martin, a noted Roman Catholic author and commentator on American life and values; and Valarie Kaur, an inspiring Sikh filmmaker, author, and civil rights attorney."  Further details are here.
I hope you will put this service on your calendar.
 
Our prayers are also asked for ----
All who are ill, including
Philippe, Sheward and Shelly; 
for Ben and all who are contending with Covid-19 disease,
and for all facing financial hardship because of the pandemic.
May they all know the healing power of
Christ's presence and love.

For Tom & Diana, and all who are contending with the forest and wildfires in Colorado and California.
Protect those who evacuate houses,
and strengthen those who rebuild hope
so that entire communities
may face the future without fear. 

For the repose of Richard Snowden Andrews Jr.; and
for Shirley & Paul Chaco and all whom we hold
in blessed memory,
and for the over 226,000 of our fellow citizens
who have died of the coronavirus.
Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord;
may light perpetual shine upon them.
 
Please continue to hold in prayer:
Carol U, Kabir, Margaret S, Kate, Frank, Jack, Judy & Ed S,  Michael M,  Richard D, Dave K, Brian A, Jim & 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, Lois T, 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 then move to the "continuing" list for 30 days, and the longer term list upon request. 

All Saints' Day Prayers
The Cathedral extended the deadline until tomorrow (Wednesday) for names of family members whose deaths have been hastened by Covid-19 disease.  Those received by Sunday have already been submitted, but I'd gladly make additions. 
Please also continue to send names of those, especially those who have died within the last year, for our own commemoration of the saints in light this Sunday.

Wednesday Evening Prayers this, Wednesday, October 28 at 7p.m. will remember the Apostles Simon & Jude, and our call to be "sent" into the world as witnesses to the love of God revealed in Jesus.  ("apostles" are those who are sent.) You can join the livestream via www.facebook.com/cecguilford.  You'll find the bulletin  here.  .

Thursday Bible Study will turn to Genesis 39. Poor Joseph gets in big trouble in Potiphar's house.  Join the conversation on Thursday, October 22, at 9:30a.m.  Here's the Zoom link.

And another thing...
On Sunday, I shared former Senator John C. Danforth's 2005 op-ed,  "Onward Moderate Christian Soldiers."  Here's a link so that you can read it yourself.  I had forgotten his powerful lines about how, given our human limitations, our attempts to fashion compassionate and just policies will always "fall short of the demands of faith."  And yet, we're called to humbly persevere in fashioning "the earthen vessel of government."   In addition to loving God, and therefore loving everything that God loves, 
"...the only absolute standard of behavior [in Holy Scripture]
is the commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves. Repeatedly in the Gospels, we find that the Love Commandment takes precedence when it conflicts with laws." 
 
In the faith, hope and love of Christ,
Harrison+
Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector