Monday in the 7th Week of Easter: Memorial Day— Let Us Pray

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.
Thanksgiving: For Heroic Service;
Book of Common Prayer, p.839
 
Dear Hearts,
      I hope this finds you having a safe Memorial Day with time taken to give thanks for "those who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life."  I found singing that in worship yesterday quite moving.  I understand that yesterday's transmission was poor, and you may not have been able to join us in the prayers and song.  For that I am very sorry.  Mark Rehnstrom's solo from Messiah, also anticipated today, as did his setting of a portion of Psalm 121 which is often prayed at funerals.  All these are quite clear in the YouTube recording of the service, which you can find here.. 

Our prayers are also asked for --
All who are ill or in distress including:
Gail B -- with the virus,
Sudie's parents Susie & Paul B,
Joan G -- at home with her daughter;
Lois C -- out of the hospital but not yet home;
Gabrielle and Robin --  at home,
Dale & Michelle -- with the virus,
Lisa and Matthew -- at home;
 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 Florence Douglas, and for Laurie Brown
and for all who have died during the Covid-19 pandemic;
The strife is o'er, the battle done;
the victory of life is won.

Thanksgivings as we celebrate Chuck B's birthday
May your peace which passes all understanding
abide all the days of his life..

Rejoicing with Leigh & Sandy on their anniversary;
May their home continue to be a haven of blessing and peace.
 
Please continue to hold in prayer:
Pam McG, Julie H, Annie & Jim, Sandy G., Murray E., Brooke & family, Kate S., Tracy M., Carl, Winnie Z, Michael S, Joanne N-R, Dave K, Madeline H, Kelly G, Paul D, Lois S,  Bob vM.
Also:  Susan S, Margaret 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 next 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. 

Attention HIgh School Seniors:
For the 12th consecutive year, our ECW is pleased to offer a scholarship to Christ Church's high school graduating seniors.  The requirements needed to apply are:  1) You must be an active member of Christ Episcopal Church;  2) You have already been accepted at a school of higher learning, either academic or technical..
If interested in applying, please send an e-mail letter to Ms. Jean Valentine--javalentine3502@sbcglobal.net
Your letter should include all your Christ Church activities, the school to which you have been accepted and your future aspirations.  Deadline for receiving all entries will be Monday, June 1, 2020.  ECW will then confer together and announce  recipient (s) shortly thereafter.

Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops on YouTube for free!
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month HBO has made parishioner Jen McShane's award-winning documentary Ernie & Joe: Crisis Cops available for free on their You Tube branded channel until 5/31.  Let your family and friends know!  This documentary is ultimately hopeful, and I commend it to you.  Here is the link:  https://youtu.be/wWU38es-tWU

Since Memorial Day has expanded to become a sort of spring-time All Saints' Day, I found the following prayer For the Departed helpful in giving thanks for all who have died, both civilians and members of armed forces..
Eternal Lord God, you hold all souls in life:
Give to your whole Church in paradise and on earth your light and your peace;
and grant that we, following the good examples of those who have served you here and are now at rest,
may at the last enter with them into your unending joy;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever. Amen.
BCP, p. 253
 
In the faith, hope and love of Christ,
Harrison+
YFNR
 
p.s. #1 If you received a message purportedly from me this morning with an odd gmail address, asking for a favor, and including "Pastor" as my office, please report it as spam, and then delete it.  A sure sign that it wasn't from me: it was sent early on a Monday morning!
p.s. #2 Reminders for Christ Church's online worship:

• You can access the livestream directly at facebook.com/cecguilford. or the parish website christchurchguilford.org
• You may find that using an external speaker or headphones may improve the quality of audio from your device.
• Please remember to adjust both volume settings on your device: 

1. There is the device's volume control, usually accessed via the speaker icon on the lower right corner of your screen;  Be sure that the volume is turned up here.
2. There is another volume control on the Facebook Live image, as well. It's in the control panel at the bottom of the Live image.  The default setting on that control is often mute, indicated by an "x" over the speaker icon.  Be sure to click on the speaker icon to "unmute" the sound, and to turn up the volume here as well.