Sunday, March 6: Lent Begins, Ukraine Refugee Relief

Lent Begins:
The flowers are gone, the purple hangings are in place, the word "alleluia" is absent from our worship, prayers of confession return, and we will begin Sunday's 10a.m. service with the Great Litany -- a tradition for the First Sunday in Lent. 
   As the season and the world are confronting the reality of evil, I confess to a bit of delight in the Great Litany's petition, "That it may please thee ... finally to beat down Satan under our feet"! (BCP, p.152) 
Lent Madness is another way to mark Lent and to celebrate those who were "the light of the world" in their generations."  It will come daily to your email inbox if you subscribe here.  It's not too late to help elevate either Olaf or Kateri Tekakwitha to the next round, on the way to receiving the "Golden Halo."  And yes, the whole concept is total "madness," and also great fun!

Support Ukrainian Refugees ...
... through Episcopal Relief & Development:  ERD is working with Anglican Partners in Europe and the ACT Alliance to provide humanitarian assistance to those fleeing the invasion of Ukraine.  Click here to provide blankets, hygiene supplies and other needed aid for the refugees. 

Next Sunday We'll Welcome Leonard Jahad...
...Executive Director and founder of the Connecticut Violence Intervention Program.  During the 10a.m. service, he will tell us about CT VIP, and the significant difference the program is making in the lives of vulnerable young people.

The Path Moves into the New Testament
This week's "Journey" in Chapter 18 takes us into Jesus "Proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom" through healings and miracles.  The invitation to observing a holy Lent included "reading and meditating on God's holy Word."  Might this be a Lenten practice for you to take on?  Feel free to join the conversation Monday at 7p.m., or 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.  

ECW Sponsored "Fill A Bag" ...
... as their Pre-Lenten Project:  A few gallon-sized bags with a list of needed toiletry items remain available as you enter the nave, and by the Guild Room stairs.  Monetary donations are also welcome; the ECW will do the shopping for you.  These bags are a great help to folks living on the margins of plenty.  Please return filled bags when you can.

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.

Mask Protocols ...
... in Worship:  Our Worship Options Group and Vestry are following developments closely.  Although infection numbers have vastly improved, Guilford remains a "red" zone on the CT Department of Public Health map.  Therefore, following the State's advice for inside gatherings, our mutual expectation of mask-wearing in worship remains in place.  
... in Sunday School:  Following the practice in the Guilford Public Schools, mask-wearing will-be 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.