Let Us Pray + Tyler''s Sermon Reflection + A Rose for Mothers

April 28, 2021
Let Us Pray + Tyler's Sermon Reflection +
Viburnum in Bloom
 
What does it mean to give up ourselves to serve others,
rather than make others give themselves up to serve me?
Concluding Reflection from Tyler Jarvis' Sermon
Sunday, April 25, 2021
Dear Hearts,
    In concluding his sermon on Sunday, Tyler Jarvis encouraged us to join in the reflection above.  Judging by the responses in the chat and in later conversation, many of us welcomed Tyler's invitation to imagine God's intended order where no one is rejected, or discarded, or "otherized," but all people are treated with the loving concern that all God's children deserve.  (The transcription is mine.)
    
Let us pray for all who are commended to the parish's prayers:
All who are ill, including
Eugenia, Ann S, Jack, Alphonse, Elizabeth, Jim R,
Kevin and Danielle;  
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 because of the pandemic.
May they all know the healing power of
Christ's presence and love.
 
And for all who have died,
and for the over 574,000 of our fellow citizens
claimed by the coronavirus.
Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord;
may light perpetual shine upon them.

Look with favor, O Lord, upon
Bob McNamara, Lois Sawtell and Janice Novak,
as they celebrate their birthdays.
May they continue to grow in grace and wisdom.

Please also continue to pray for Amy B, Virginia, Sonny P, Alex M. Maryanne M, Carol U, Diane L, 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: Paul D, 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 harrisoncec@snet.net 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 for this Fourth Week of Easter, and the new order God initiated in Jesus' resurrection: "...through [Christ]  God was pleased to reconcile all things to himself, whether in heaven or earth..."  The livestream of the service will start before 7p.m. via www.facebook.com/cecguilford.
 
Thursday Bible Study continues April 29 at 9:30a.m. as we now follow the Israelites' wanderings in the Book of  Numbers. Join the conversation via this Eastertide Zoom code.  There are no prerequisites or homework!
 
Our discussions of  Love is the Way: Holding onto Hope in Troubling Times, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's latest book, continues Sunday mornings and Tuesday evenings.  In our reading, Bishop Curry quotes lay theologian Virginia Dozier's description of the "Dream of God:"  "A friendly world of friendly people, under a friendly sky."(p.85) 
  
Sunday's worship:  Because Guilford remains in a Connecticut "red zone," our indoor 10a.m. service with sung music will continue to be livestreamed via facebook.com/cecguilford .
     The forecast looks very promising for Prayers in the Garden at 1p.m.
      The church is accessible via the driveway door between 10a.m. and 3p.m. daily for quiet time, likely alone.

Sunday School Families:  Please look for Children and Youth Ministries Director Tyler Jarvis' invitation to participate in telling the Pentecost Story.  The spoken parts will be recorded during a brief online session Saturday morning, May 1, at 10a.m.; the musical portion will be recorded during Sunday afternoon's Sunday School Family program in the Garden at 5p.m., May 2.

Viburnum in Bloom:  If you're near the Green, check out the scent of the Korean Spice Viburnum in front of the Rectory!

"A Rose for Mother" Returns: Our ECW is pleased to announce its 7th Annual “A Rose For Mother” project.   We will once again offer the  opportunity to honor the women in your life, -- mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts, friends, --  with a red rose for the living or a white rose for the departed.
     The ECW invites your free-will donations along with the names of the women you wish to honor.  Please clearly print the name(s) and indicate  a red  for the living or a white rose for the deceased.  The bouquets of roses on the altar will be removed to the parish hall after the 10:00 am service and remain there for a day or two.  You will be welcome to pick-up a rose while they last.
     So that the names of the honored women may appear in the bulletin on Mothers' Day, please be sure to send name(s) and your contribution to support the ECW's good work to  Mrs. Paul Whitman, 21 Aberdeen Way, Durham CT 06422, or Mrs. Diane W. Link, 118 Michael Drive, Guilford, CT 06437, by May 5.  Please make checks payable to Christ Church ECW, with "Roses for Mother" on the memo line.

Here's my transcription of part of the memorable conclusion to Tyler's sermon:
In the aftermath of a miracle, Peter asks his interrogators,
Are we a people who rejoices when others are made whole, or
are we too worried about our own position?
Are we willing to give up ourselves in service to others,
or are we a people who prefer to give others up to serve us.
Tyler Jarvis preaching on Acts 4:5-12
 
in the faith, hope and love of Christ,
Harrison+
Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector