Dear Hearts,

Anticipation is building for Sunday’s Spaghetti Supper hosted by the Middle School Class; they’ll make the meatballs with Chef Antonio Greco’s guidance and the desserts in Sue Shackford’s kitchen.  Tickets will be available after both services on Sunday: $10 per individual; $25 per family.  Proceeds will fund the Class’s service projects.

Earlier this Sunday, the Rectory Forum will resume at its usual time and place after a month’s hiatus due to conflicts (Bishop’s Visitation, Palm Sunday, Easter, Rector’s travels).  We will pick up The Last Week by looking at Palm Sunday.  So if you missed the evening version, you can catch up.

Two other educational offerings also continue this week:  The Youth Confirmation* conversation will meet Monday evening at 7p.m.  On Tuesday evening, the Spring Salad Supper will gather at 6p.m. to look at the period from the Roman conquest to the Roman obliteration of Judaism in Jerusalem: Center of the World.

The Canterbury Cap tips to those of you who joined Junior Warden Gene Bishop for last Saturday’s “Parish Beautification Day.”  I heard about the work of Diane & Dave Barker, Jane Bishop, Meg Formica and offspring, Carolyn Herrick, David Jones, Matt Pittore, Annie Rae, and Diana Stovall to weed, mulch, prune, transplant, clear away debris and generally make the gardens look well-cared-for!   Thanks to an intrepid Craig Slavtcheff for removing tree branches that threatened the roof, and to other Slavtcheff family members for cleaning the again-inviting benches in the Memorial Garden.

I suspect that many of us will be heading to Yale’s Woolsey Hall on Thursday evening to enjoy Frank Dodd’s Degree Recital on The Newberry Memorial Organ.  This is not only an important part of Frank’s process towards his degree; it is a great opportunity for us to hear music that Frank has previewed at Christ Church on a truly massive instrument!  Since carpooling would make a lot of sense, there’ll be a sign-up posted for rides offered and accepted.

For your prayers:  let us give thanks for the April 16^th birth to Rich & Susan of Matt’s baby brother Daniel Busch DiNardo; pray for the healing of Kort Frydenborg in hospital; and for the repose of Nancy Fritz following her death in Arizona.  A graveside service for Nancy has been scheduled for 3p.m., May 5^th in Alderbrook Cemetery with the family then receiving friends in the Parish Hall.

In faith and hope,

Harrison+

YFNR

*p.s.  A word about Confirmation:  The Diocese of Connecticut encourages Confirmation for those 16 and older – which is when folks are counted as “Adult Members” of the Episcopal Church – after a period of preparation and a personal decision to affirm the promises made for them at baptism.   In addition to talking to this group of “young adults,” I would be happy to talk with other adults about Confirmation, being Received into the Episcopal Church or Reaffirming Baptismal Promises at a turning point in life.   These are the three opportunities to receive a bishop’s encouragement and the strengthening of the Holy Spirit in the Prayer Book’s Confirmation service. (See p. 413ff)   As always, I welcome your questions and interest!