Let Us Pray + St Patrick's Day + "Serpents" at our heels

March 17, 2021

I arise today Through the strength of heaven;
Light of sun, Radiance of moon,
Splendor of fire, Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of wind, Depth of sea,
Stability of earth, Firmness of rock.

I arise today Through God’s strength to pilot me
God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak to me, God’s hand to guard me,
God’s way to lie before me,God’s shield to protect me,
God’s host to save me
The  Lorica (or Breastplace) of St. Patrick
translated from the Gaelic by Irish poet Kuno Meyer
Dear Hearts,
       The prayer above is a contemporary translation of the text we know as "St. Patrick's Breastplate" and sing in Hymn 370.  A Lorica is a form of Celtic prayer for protection.  We'll sing the hymn, and pray another Lorica in our Wednesday "Order of Worship for the Evening," as we give thanks for the life and witness of St. Patrick.  As you know, Patrick was British, not Irish, and had nothing to do with green beer.  He reportedly did use shamrocks in his preaching to explain the Trinity.  And legend says, he's the reason there are no snakes in Ireland.
     Oh if only we could say the same.  "Serpents" are biting at the heels of Connecticut parishes: During our Bishops' call this morning with Clergy and Lay Leaders, we learned that a number of parishes are being victimized by email and text "phishing."  Please be assured that no Christ Church staff member or leader will ever make a personal request for gift cards, or for financial assistance, or for an electronic copy of our directory.  Please call the parish office to verify any email that seems out of the ordinary.

Let us pray for all who are commended to the parish's prayers:

All who are ill, including
Virginia, Amy B, Jim R, Kevin and Danielle; 
and for 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.
 
And for all who have died, 
including Jo Baringer, Leslie Phillips,
Connor Reichart and Grace Stevens; 
 and for the over 536,000 of our fellow citizens
claimed by the coronavirus.
Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord;
may light perpetual shine upon them.

Please also continue to pray for Carol U, Diane L, Kelly T, Jason, Peter, 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, 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: Leslie P, 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. 
 
Filling the Amistad House Pantry:  Just a few items are left on our Lenten "shopping list" for New Haven's Amistad House's pantry.  You can "shop" via "Sign-Up Genius" here.  Choose the items you wish to purchase and then send the appropriate funds to the Parish Office, or drop them off, or leave them on the altar.  Your "purchases" will be ordered in bulk and delivered directly to Amistad House for us.
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, and to leave gifts on the altar, as well as to pick up a candle stub to light during prayers at home.
"A River Through the Desert." Our Lenten Discussion continues Sundays and Tuesdays.  We are taking advantage of a "Virtual Lenten Pilgrimage" from St. George's College in Jerusalem.  The upcoming gatherings will explore "The Roads" important to the New Testament. The College's Dean Richard Sewell leads the video and provides a discussion guide.  Expect some photos from my Holy Land pilgrimages.
 
Thursday Bible Study continues March 18 at 9:30a.m. with the Hebrews approaching Mt. Sinai.  Join the conversation via this new Zoom code.  There are no prerequisites or homework!
 
On Sunday, our morning worship continues online with our own Holy Eucharist at 10a.m.  Sunday's forecast is solidly above our 45 degree threshold. So, I expect we'll be in the Garden on a sunny Sunday, March 21, at 1p.m.

Vaccinations:  First Selectman Matt Hoey asks us all to be sure that our neighbors who are shut-in, or otherwise haven't been able to get vaccinated against COVID-19, to please call the Town's Senior Program Coordinator, Terry Buckley, at 203-453-8132 or buckleyt@ci.guilford.ct.us  
 
And, another thing:  During Sunday's sermon I mentioned Vernon Jordan's 2020 speech at Howard University about "Four Old Men."  I found the whole address very moving -- especially the story about the third old man, Governor George Wallace. You canfind it here; his talk begins at 8 minutes 40 seconds into the recording.
 
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 which 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
For the Human Family,
BCP, p. 815
In the faith, hope and love of Christ,
Harrison+
Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector