Let Us Pray + St. Martin & Veterans' Day

November 11, 2020
​
O Judge of the nations, we remember before you
with grateful hearts the men and women of our country
who in the day of decision ventured much
for the liberties we now enjoy.
Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land
share the benefits of true freedom
and gladly accept its disciplines.
This we ask in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For Heroic Service, BCP, p. 839
 
Dear Hearts,
    This will be one of the prayers offered during our Order for Evening service later today.  I've adapted a Litany from the UK for this day shared by St. Martin and our American day to honor Veterans.  The hymns will reflect both of today's commemorations.  There is a Guilford connection, of sorts, to St. Martin:  Guilford native, the Rev. Samuel Johnson, our founding missionary, was ordained a priest in the Church of England in London's Church St. Martin's-in-the-Fields (now on Trafalgar Square) in 1723.  St. Martin lived in the 4th century, served in the Roman army, and became a monk and bishop known for his care for the poor and the helpless.    
 
Our prayers are also asked for ----
All who are ill, including
Sue, Dale, George H, Alex & John H, Jeremy H, Carol U; 
and for the increasingly number 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 the almost 240,000 of our fellow citizens
who have died of the coronavirus.
Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord;
may light perpetual shine upon them.
For all in the path of Storm Eta.
Protect those who evacuate homes,
and strengthen those who rebuild hope
so that entire communities
may face the future without fear. 

We give thanks for the birthdays of
Bobbi S, and Margaret S,
Grant that they may grow in wisdom and grace
as they begin another year.

And sincere thanks for all who participated in Saturday's Churchyard Fall Clean-up!
We were rewarded with a beautiful day.
We thank you for tasks requiring our best efforts
that satisfy and delight us.
 
Please continue to hold in prayer:
Sheward, Shelly, Philippe, 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 move to the "continuing" list, and the longer term list upon request. 
 
Wednesday Evening Prayers, for today, November 11 is at 7p.m. You'll find the bulletin here.  You can join the livestream via  www.facebook.com/cecguilford
 
Here's the Thursday Bible Study Zoom link.  We will turn to Genesis 42.  The reunion of Joseph and his brothers begins.  Join the conversation on Thursday, November 12 at 9:30a.m. 

Join Dr. Fauci and Dr. Collins at Washington National Cathedral for a "Where do we go from here?" conversation about Covid-19 on Thursday, November 12 at 7p.m.  Details and registration for viewing the conversation is available here.  A $10 donation is requested.
 
Although wrangling about the election continues ... I, for one, am grateful that the process seems to have been conducted without violent interruption or reaction (well, except for what happened in my home town.)  The counting of "absentee" ballots in our parish hall came off like clockwork. 
O God, you have bound us together in a common life.
Help us in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth,
to confront one another without hatred or bitterness,
and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In Times of Conflict, BCP, p. 824
 
In the faith, hope and love of Christ,
Harrison+
Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector
P.S. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry recently met in a virtual Sunday Forum with Christ Church, Greenwich, about his latest book,  Love is the Way: Holding onto Hope in Troubling Times.  You can watch it on their YouTube channel here.  Both the book and the interview received high praise during this morning's regular Wednesday call of Parish leaders with our Bishops.