This Sunday: The Bishop is Coming! CROP Hunger Walk in afternoon, Rhythms of Grace Special Attraction

Dear Hearts,
I need to share some sad news before launching into this week's letter:  Death came as a friend to Elliot Wilcox, husband of Nancy and longtime pillar of Christ Church, on Thursday evening, October 11.  We will give thanks for Elliot's life and witness on Saturday, November 3, at 10a.m. 

Children's Chapel, Sunday School and the Youth Gathering,  -- which is to say our programs for youngsters Pre-K through 9th grade -- all return to their usual schedule this Sunday, and theRectory Forum will continue its discussion of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's book, Songs My Grandma Sang during the 9 o'clock hour in the rectory.

Remember Jesus' parable about the landlord who visits his vineyard to see how it is growing under the stewards' care?  An Episcopal Visitation is something like that, and we're having one this Sunday, October 14!  In particular, the Rt. Rev. Laura Ahrens, Bishop Suffragan for the Episcopal Church in Connecticut will preach and celebrate at the 10a.m. service, talk to the children at the Peace, join the parish for conversation during the Coffee Hour, and meet with the Vestry after that.  Bishop Laura is coming to see how this "vineyard" is thriving in our care, and to encourage us in our life together in Christ.
 
It's not too late to register and/or donate for the Clyde Work Memorial CROP Walk scheduled for this Sunday, October 14!  

1. Sign-up to do the walk on Guilford sidewalks by going to the Clyde Work Memorial Walk page and click on "Register" on the right side of the page;
2.  You can support our marchers by making an on-line donation; go to our Christ Church page, and click on "Donate."
3. Or, you can sign-up and/or make a donation, Sunday, the 14th. Lower tech, but just as effective! 

Mr. Clyde Work was so dedicated to the CROP Walk that, following his death, dedicating this year's walk to his memory seems entirely fitting.  This year's walk will begin and end at Jacob's Beach; please plan to meet there by 1:30p.m. You can participate by walking, by contributing, or both!  However you choose to participate, you'll be helping to end hunger "one step at a time."  Funds go to relieve the food insecurity of local neighbors, and to support projects that enable basic agriculture throughout the world:  
 
October 14 being the second Sunday of the month, we will again offer a Rhythms of Grace service at 5p.m. in the Parish Hall..  Although designed for families with youngsters who have special needs, the service works just as well for folks who "need" to worship in the early evening. 

A Special Attraction to this service will be the presence of Ms. Linda Snyder, one of the creators of Rhythms of Grace.  Linda will lead one of the table activities that she designed.  So, if you -- or some friends -- were thinking you might want to check out a Rhythms of Grace service, this Sunday's would be an especially good one.

Camp Washington has a number of excellent programs for adults that merit your consideration:

• This month's Second Sunday program will feature journalist Tom Verde addressing "Pilgrimage" as a cross-cultural spiritual discipline, but focusing on Christian pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostella, Canterbury and the Holy Land.  The program begins at 4:30p.m.
• On Third Tuesdays, Bishop Laura leads a book discussion beginning at 11a.m.  The conversation continues over lunch.  This Tuesday, October 16, the discussion continues on Waking Up White by Debbie Irving.  All are welcome; even those who haven't read the book.
• A Women's Sabbath Retreat:  Resting in Fellowship with Women of Faith.  This time of rest and renewal for lay and ordained women will be led by the Rev. Rachel Field (our SouthCentral Missionary) and the Rev. Mo Peitler-Lederman of St. John's Church in North Guilford. October 19-20. 

Details on all these offerings, including costs and how to register are available here, on the Camp Washington home page..

I look forward a busy Sunday with y'all and Bishop Laura!..
In faith, hope and love,
Harrison+
YFNR
p.s. It's not to late to apply for our new, very part-time (4 hours/week) Communications Director position. Events of the past week pushed off beginning the interview process another week..