Oct 23: Convention, Hike, The Path, Refugee Resettlement

Announcements for Sunday, October 24, 2021

The Annual Convention of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut will be held online Saturday, October 23 from 9a.m. to 4p.m.  All are welcome to observe and ask questions through the ECCT YouTube Channel.  Information about the schedule, resolutions and information sessions can be found on the Convention website.

Could you host an upcoming Coffee Hour?
As long as clement weather continues, we will have a time of fellowship over coffee and treats in the garden.  Please consider hosting; you can sign-up here. 
Coffee and tea 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.

The Path: Journey through the Bible --
After last week's introductory session, we'll begin our journey in earnest this week with Chapter 1, "God Saw That It Was Good."
The stories of Creation and the Fall are the first of the Bible's 24 "greatest hits" excerpted for our reading this week.  Along the way, pay attention to the "Scenic Views, Points of Interest, and You-Are-Here" notes.
We'll continue with parallel introductory sessions at 7p.m. on Monday, October 25, and Thursday, October 28 at 9:30a.m.
Two copies remain available for $15 each.  We can order more!  The Path: A Journey through the Bible is also available on Kindle for $8.
Last week's Introductory session was recorded.  It is available by clicking here.  If you're asked for a passcode, please use Stknb*4e .

Hike with our Missionary, Rachel Thomas
Come share a hike and prayer with Rachel Thomas, SE & SC Region Missionary on Monday, October 25 at noon.  Meet at the Quarry Rd parking lot of Westwoods/Branford Land Trails on the border of Guilford. 
(Take Leetes Island Rd. toward the shore to Rte. 146 and turn L. Go to Quarry Rd., turn L and go until you see a big (for a trail head) parking area. This parking area holds about 15 cars.
You’re invited to bring a prayer or poem to share with the group. Please email Rachel for questions and to let her know if you plan on attending; rthomas@episcopalct.org  

 Vestry approves participation in
"Shoreline Interfaith Resettlement" 
At its October 22 meeting, our Vestry approved our collaboration with Shoreline Interfaith Resettlement and IRIS (Integrated Refugee & Immigration Services) to help resettle a refugee family in the Greater New Haven area.  Given the number of Afghan evacuees expected by IRIS, the family will likely be from Afghanistan.
With the Vestry's approval, we can now receive gifts toward the $1K matching gift offered by a parish household.  Checks should be made out to Christ Church with "Refugees" in the memo line.
Christ Church parishioners are already leading the Education team; others are involved with Healthcare and Finance; other volunteer teams include:  Housing, Apartment Set-up,  Welcome and Cultural Orientation, Transportation 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, Temple Beth Tikvah, North Madison Congregational Church, Christ Church and other community individuals and groups. 

Calendar Planning Meeting, Thur, Oct. 29, 6:30p.m.
Please be sure that your program or ministry area is represented in Thursday's meeting to sketch out the parish calendar for December into the Spring.  

All Saints'/Veterans' Sunday Flowers
Our ECW will place flowers on the altar, November 7, 2021 in honor of veterans and first responders.  Although  carnations will not be sold this year, veterans or first-responders may be honored by providing their names for the bulletin by November 1.  Donations towards the flowers will be gladly accepted, but are totally optional.
 

 
  
 
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.
      In addition to our, so far successful, experiment with leaving the door closest to the Guild Room unlocked daily between 10a.m. and at least 3p.m., you may notice a red narthex door standing open during the day.  That means that Music Director Mark Sullivan is rehearsing and passersby are welcome to come in for some musical refreshment.