Palm Sunday, April 10: Palms, Soup, Ukraine Support

Announcements for Palm Sunday, April 10:
 
Poetry Retreat for Lent ...
... will be offered Saturday, April 9 from 1-3p.m. in the Rectory.  We will explore Lenten themes through poems chosen by Cecelia Parker.  All are invited to reflect on their Lenten journeys -- and the parts of life that feel like Lent -- in this conversation with Cecelia.

Palm Sunday Preparations for all ages ...
... will be happening Saturday, April 9 from 2 to 5p.m.  Soup-making, brownie-baking, and palm-cross crafting are among the planned activities in the Parish Hall and Kitchen.
     These are all in preparation for our observance of Palm Sunday including the after-worship Soup Lunch. 

Ecumenical Blessing of the Palms Returns!
Our traditional Ecumenical Blessing of the Palms with our neighbors from St. George Catholic Church and First Congregational Church will be back on the Green at 9:45a.m. on Palm Sunday, April 10.  Hurray!

Palm Sunday Soup Lunch & ECW Bake/Craft Sale 
... will follow the 10a.m. service on April 10.  Soup, brownies, and coffee will be served in the Parish Hall after the service.  We look forward to gathering again for a meal together! 
Also in the Parish Hall, our ECW will be offering for sale their home-made baked goods, Easter crafts and more.  All items will be packaged for your enjoyment, or to give as a gift.

Help Ukrainian Refugees ...
... via a collection at Christ Church organized by Dorota Xeller (our Director of Children's Ministries) April 3 -10.  All collected items will be delivered to St. Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church in New Haven for shipment via Warsaw to Lviv, Ukraine.   Items being sought are:  Aspirin, First-aid Kits, Neosporin, Saline wound wash, Toothpaste, Bandages, Gauze, Vaseline, Medical tape, and Men's white socks -- all new and in original packaging, please.  Please bring your donations to a box in the narthex or to the Children's altar.

The Path of Holy Week ...
... is where our "Journey through the Bible" has brought us.  Our Monday evening conversation has pulled ahead, and will be focusing on Chapter 20, "We Have Seen the Lord!"  While the Thursday group takes more time with Chapter 19 titled "Crucify Him."   Feel free to join the conversations on Monday at 7p.m., and Thursday at 9:30a.m.    Click here for the Zoom.
     Copies of The Path are available on the Ushers' Table and on the Rectory Entry Hall shelf.  

Episcopal Election Update
The Bishop Transition Committee has announced their nominees for the next Bishop Diocesan of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut.  You can learn about them here.   Nominations may now be made by petition through April 14.  Opportunities to "Meet & Greet" the nominees will then be scheduled across ECCT during May 9-14.  Please keep this process and the Committee in your prayers.

Need an Antigen Test?
The Town provided Christ Church with a case of COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests.  These tests are available on a first-come, first-served basis on the Ushers' Table and in the rectory entry hall.

Lent Madness concludes the "Holy Kitsch" round today with a toss-up between Thomas Villanova and Thomas Aquinas on their way to the "Golden Halo."  Don't know about them?  All the more reason to follow LentMadness.org here.  And yes, the whole concept is total "madness," and also inspiring and delightfully clever!

Mask Protocols ...
... in Worship:  Mask-wearing became optional during inside gatherings of Christ Church beginning March 24.  This was on the recommendation of our Worship Options Group adopted by the Vestry as they followed developments closely including this guidance from Bishops Douglas and Ahrens beginning in the third paragraph. 
We will continue distributing communion in one-kind for the balance of Lent, and from the Children's altar.
... in Sunday School:  Following the practice in the Guilford Public Schools, mask-wearing is optional -- always exercising special concern for any who are vulnerable.
 
  
 
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.