Nov. 14: Missionary Visit, Thanksgiving Gift Cards, Recital Triumph

Announcements for 
Sunday, November 14, 2021
Saturday Fall Clean-up is happening, as I write this message.  The Junior Warden's goal is to tidy the Green-facing parts of the yard. Your help would be welcome!  

This Sunday we welcome the Rev. Rachel Thomas, Missionary for our SouthCentral Region.  This is an opportunity to get better acquainted with Rachel+, and to be encouraged by what God is up to in our Region and our neighboring SouthEast Region, which Rachel+ also serves. 

Gift cards for Thanksgiving Food Baskets --
Again this year, the Guilford Food Bank invites us to provide grocery store gift cards between $10 and $25 for their Holiday Food Basket program.  The Food Bank will provide supported households “with a turkey, fresh vegetables and a gift card for participants to purchase their own non-perishables according to their own dietary needs and family traditions.” 
     You are invited to contribute grocery gift card(s) between $10 and $25, or a check to Christ Church, with “Food Bank” on the memo line, and we’ll purchase the gift cards for you.  Your gifts may be left on the altar, placed in offering basin, or delivered to the Parish Office.
     This is the Guilford Food Bank’s one appeal to support their food basket programs for Thanksgiving and Christmas. 
 
As requested by 9a.m.'s regular worshippers, this service will remain at 9a.m.   However, the morning's cold temperatures will often move the service inside the Parish Hall.  Windows will be cracked open and the exhaust fan turned on.
Could you host an upcoming Coffee Hour?
The forecast again suggests that we could gather for coffee on Sunday in the full sun!  If you could make coffee for a gathering on November 14, or a future Sunday, please sign-up here. 
Coffee can be made with percolators in the kitchen.  We have thermos-carafes for serving, plus paper goods and sweeteners.  A table will already be out in the garden.

"Fall Bach!" Recital a triumph!
Music Director Mark Sullivan's "Fall Bach!" Recital, on November 7, received a well-deserved standing ovation from an almost full-house.  Thanks to all who attended and who welcomed the many visitors.  The Canterbury cap also tips to Mark himself, for all the extra preparations he invested in creating this terrific event!

The Path: Journey through the Bible --
Last week's journey gave us an overview of Abraham and Sarah's story -- including some tough parts where neither comes off looking good; yet, God remains faithful.  This week, in Chapter 4, we move forward through the adventures centering on their grandson Jacob and great-grandson Joseph.
Our parallel sessions continue at 7p.m. on Monday, and Thursday, at 9:30a.m.  Here's the link for both.
Additional copies of The Path are on order; it's not too late to join!

"Shoreline Interfaith Resettlement" Update
With the Vestry's approval, we are receiving gifts of financial support to help resettle a refugee family in the Greater New Haven area.  Although our matching challenge has been met, (Thanks so much!) additional funding will certainly be needed.  Checks should be made out to Christ Church with "Refugees" in the memo line.  Given the number of Afghan evacuees expected by IRIS, the family will likely be from Afghanistan.
Christ Church parishioners are already leading the Education and Transportation teams; others are involved with Healthcare and Finance; other volunteer teams include:  Housing, Apartment Set-up, Welcome and Cultural Orientation, and Employment.  If you are interested in exploring any of these opportunities, please reply to this message and you'll get connected to the team leaders.
Shoreline Interfaith Resettlement includes First Congregational Church of Guilford, St. George Catholic Church, Temple Beth Tikvah, North Madison Congregational Church, Christ Church and other community individuals and groups. 

From Cecelia:  Poetry Retreat/Poetry Table
Hello Christ Church! As a lover of the arts and creativity, I often find that one of the ways I most easily connect with God is while reading or writing poetry. There's just something about these little packets of words that seem to hit right where and when I need them to. Poetry, for me, is often an answer to prayer and it is a gift I would love to bring to Christ Church during my time here. That being said, you can look forward to a poetry table located under the balcony with copies of poems on different topics that I hope God may use to speak into your life.  Additionally, you can look forward to a Poetry Retreat, now moved to Saturday December 11th from 11-1 where we will talk and experiment in more depth with the ways poetry can connect us with God, each other, and ourselves. 
 
Tag Sale Jewelry Pop-up Sale Come see our costume jewelry display in the Parish Hall!  There were many nice pieces left from our September sale and all items are reasonably priced.  Display will be refreshed with new items frequently, so check back often.  Please use the RED box on the table for your “honor system” payment.  Thank you from your Tag Sale Team!
 

 
  
 
Intercessory Prayer: Please help shape the Prayers of the People, by replying to this message with the people, birthdays, anniversaries, and concerns you would like included in the Prayers of the People.
      The door nearest the Guild Room is unlocked daily between 10a.m. and at least 3p.m., for a time of quiet in the church or to listen to Mark rehearse.