The 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month; Honoring the Fallen, Dominican Mission Report

10 November 2018
Dear Hearts,

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we will join a worldwide community in marking the 100th anniversary of the Armistice which ended the hostilities of World War I.  Specifically, we will stop whatever we are doing in worship, to toll the Tower bell twenty-one times; in doing this, we will join the other churches on the Green, and civic organizations and houses of worship across the country.  Our Choir will take the lead in tolling the Tower bell; if you -- or young family members -- would like to participate, please make your way to the Tower.

Additionally, the "Bells of Peace" initiative will include, all United States Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard installations, as well as Naval and Coast Guard ships at port and at sea; all will toll their bells at the Eleventh Hour of this day to honor those who wore the uniform one hundred years ago.

Our ECW's Carnations for Heroes -- program to honor veterans and first-responders -- embraces heroes of this and every generation.  Sadly, this program took on special poignancy Wednesday when a first-responder, Ventura County Sheriff Sergeant Ron Helus, was among those killed by the gunman in Thousand Oaks, California.  As we honor all these heroes with red and white carnations, we pray that today's first-responders and veterans, all get to go home safely following their season of duty.

Many thanks to our ECW for organizing the "Carnations for Heroes" program: special thanks to go to chief organizer, Diane Lilnk.

Thanks to the significant group who sent in their Estimate-of-Giving cards this week!  In a parish where every household's participation is important, your help in completing our Consecration Sunday program cannot be overstated.  About a quarter of our households have yet to respond.  Estimate-of-Giving cards are available on the Ushers' Table, and in the Parish Office.  Please respond at your earliest convenience!

Youth Mentor Page Pelphrey and three of her "missionaries" will provide a photo report during Coffee Hour on their mission to the Dominican Republic last summer.  They'll give us the straight scoop on the challenges of leading a Vacation Bible School in Spanish.  Also, on the rewards!  I understand that they'll have special treats to share; so please make your way to the Parish Hall following the 10a.m. service.

Earlier on Sunday, our InReach Team will offer a Round Table breakfast conversation between the services, beginning about 9-ish.  Have a sit-down, get-acquainted conversation over light refreshments in the Parish Hall.   So as not to compete, the Rectory Forum will not meet this Sunday.

Sounds like Wednesday's Fall Book Discussion of Hallelujah Anyway: Rediscovering Mercy got off to a good start this past week.  The conversation will continue in the Rectory living room this Wednesday, November 14, 5-6:30p.m. with the Rev. Lynda Tyson as guide.

Thursday morning's Bible Study will not meet this week because of the Witness Stones dedication program that morning at 9:30a.m. on the Green.  Again this year, Adams School eighth graders used primary and secondary sources to research the lives of three honorees -- Montros, Jouachim, and Pompey.  They will share what they learned about these enslaved residents of Guilford, and then lead in the installation of individual Witness Stones -- noting their participation in households on and near the Green.

Of special note this year is a keynote address by Patricia Wilson Pheanious, who can trace her family to her 6th great grandparents, Montros and Philis.  History will come alive in Guilford this week!  I look forward to sharing it with you.
In faith, hope and love,
Harrison+
YFNR