Let Us Pray + St. Francis & Pet Blessing

October 6, 2020

Most High, omnipotent, good Lord,
to thee be ceaseless praise out-poured,
and blessing without measure.
Let creatures all give thanks to thee,
and serve in great humility.
St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)
 Hymnal 1940, #406, verse 8
Dear Hearts,
    Although the Church's annual occasion to celebrate the life and witness of St. Francis is October 4, we are transferring that observance to our Order for Evening this Wednesday.  Because of the pandemic, a Saturday morning Blessing of the Animals will not be offered on the Green this year.  However, if you would send me the name of your cat, dog, gerbil, or pet llama, I'll include them all in the prayers on Wednesday evening.  Just reply to this message.
    In his day, Francis was a troublemaker.  He worked to heal the sick, care for all created beings, and make peace among enemies.  Then, as now, such efforts for the poor and the powerless often put Francis at odds with the conventional wisdom of his day, and with powerful personages -- including the Pope.  His peacemaking efforts in 1219 with the Sultan of Egypt are credited with ending support for the Crusades.

Our prayers are also asked for ----
All who are ill, including
Carol U, Chloe, Kabir, and Margaret S,  and
for  the President, First Lady, their colleagues, 
and all others 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 the over 210,000 of our fellow citizens,
who have died of the coronavirus.
Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord;
may light perpetual shine upon them.

Let us offer prayers of thanksgiving for the birthday of
Mark Rehnstrom
Bless your servant as he begins another year,
may he continue to grow in wisdom and grace.
Please continue to hold in prayer:
Claire, 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 [email protected] 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. 

Wednesday Evening Prayers will continue, Wednesday, October at 7p.m. with a commemoration of St. Francis of Assisi.  You can join the livestream via www.facebook.com/cecguilford 

Thursday Bible Study is now on the bridge between the Jacob saga and the Joseph saga. We continue this Thursday, October 8, at 9:30a.m.  We''ll talk about Genesis chapters 35 and 37.  Here's the Zoom link.

Notes from Consecration Sunday 
Despite problem-free tests on Friday and Saturday, our new livestream platform screwed up big-time on Sunday morning -- except for the sermon and blessing from Fr. Steve Huber.  I'll let Mark Sullivan explain the issues that cropped up.  In case you missed them, you can find the terrific sermon, blessing, and Leila's wonderful rendition of "Every time I feel the Spirit," by clicking here.
Thanks to the Vestry hosts for the Open House, for Senior Warden Susan Leonard's organizing the tasty shortbread treats, and Marsha Brown for providing the splendid floral decorations.  I thoroughly enjoyed sharing the afternoon and the rectory with you.  You were very kind to not mention -- yikes -- the unfolded laundry on my bed!,
Thanks also to those of you who are sending in your Estimates-of-Giving for 2021.  Whether delivered in person or via mail, they'll all make their way over the altar, and we'll recall together Fr. Steve's closing blessing:
Abundant God, you made us in your image and breathed in us
a spirit of generosity that is both a gift and our response.
Move us, we pray, to give as we have received
-- abundantly, generously, and joyfully --
that our common ministry as Christ Church, Guilford may ever bear witness to your unfailing grace.
In the name of the Three in whom we are One,
Father, Son & Holy Spirit. Amen.
from the Diocese of Washington
In the faith, hope and love of Christ,
Harrison+
Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector