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Elijah said to Elisha, ‘Stay here; for the Lord has sent me as far as Bethel.’ But Elisha said, ‘As the Lord lives, and as you yourself live, I will not leave you.’ So they went down to Bethel. 2 Kings: 2:2
Our reading from the Hebrew Bible this week is about the Prophet Elijah being taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire. God told Elijah to anoint Elisha as the successor prophet to Elijah. Elijah tells Elisha not to follow him, but Elisha insists on staying with Elijah.
Elisha's insistence on accompanying Elijah no matter what comes next, reminded me of how so many of us accompany our loved ones as they transition from this earthly place. Having worked as a social worker in hospice, I was blessed to accompany many people and families during this time.
Accompanying people as they are dying is not easy for us to do and yet, it is so comforting to the person and also to us, I think. When my father was dying, I spent the week playing his favorite music and talking with his friends who came to visit. I decorated his room with yellow roses, a favorite flower for him, and held his hand. I had conversations with him. My father was not able to have conversations at that point and yet I felt in close communion to him.
While the death of our loved ones is tough, I hope you are also blessed by staying by their side during that important time.
Many blessings!
Love, Rebecca+
Announcements
G.I.F.T.: Growing in Faith Together
Godly Play and Parlor People will resume in the fall.
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At Church of the Nativity
Today we observe LGBTQIA Pride Month.
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Today we take an additional offering for our Building Fund.
The money donated helps us pay down our mortgage and pay for major repairs.
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Next week, service will be held at St. Stephen’s.
Absalom Jones, portrayed by Anthony Alexander, will be our guest preacher.
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Upcoming Meetings
Saturday, July 13, 9:30am - 12:30pm, Eliminating Racism Strategy Team
Thursday, July 25, 2-4pm, Clergy Council
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Taize’ Tuesdays, 4:45pm.
Twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by a Taize’ service.
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Join Us For Breakfast!
Wednesdays at 9am. Women will meet at Bitting’s this week; Men meet at Espresso Yourself.
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Community Events and Opportunities for Service
Elder Investment Fraud and Financial Exploitation Prevention Program, Wednesday, July 24, 10am, Hope Eternal Church, 2 Burd Road, Newport.
Clergy, staff and other social service providers are invited to attend the training with guest speaker Katrina Boyer. Please register by Wednesday, July 17 by email at hopeeternal@centurylink.net
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Volunteers and Donations needed for St. Barnabas Program.
Nativity will once again be providing breakfast and lunch for 100 children and staff at the St. Barnabas program, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Harrisburg, on Tuesday, July 2 and Wednesday, July 3. We will also provide snacks for the entire week. Donations of food and snacks are needed, either items or money to purchase the food. Please see Wendy Day if you can help out.
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Discover Newport Movies in the Park, July 6 & August 10, 9pm, Newport Veteran’s Memorial Park.
July 6 – Elf and August 10 – The Incredibles. Come early for the Bounce House at 6pm and check out the playground. Bring blankets and chairs. Concessions will be available. Hosted by the Newport Borough Planning Commission.
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Youth Work Day at The Episcopal Home in Shippensburg, Wednesday, July 10, Preparation Day and Wednesday, July 17, Work Day.
Join the Youth of the Harrisburg Convocation of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania for an Unforgettable Experience at The Episcopal Home in Shippensburg! Preparation Day -Wednesday, July 10, 10am – 2pm, Saint Andrew’s in the Valley Episcopal Church. Fun, Learning, and Games!
Travel/Work Day- Wednesday, July 17, 9am – 3pm. Travel from Saint Andrew’s in the Valley to The Episcopal Home. Lunch provided.
All participants must pre-register by July 1 with the Event Coordinator, Jeff Thoms: 717-216-1960.
This event is sponsored by the Vestry of Saint Andrew’s in the Valley Episcopal Church.
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TheoCon (thee-oh-con), Saturday, September 28, Ernest L. Boyer Center, Messiah College, One College Avenue, Mechanicsburg.
Where Theology Meets Pop Culture! is a one-day convention in which participants will be introduced and invited to explore themes of theology and morality in popular culture. Pop culture mediums include comic books, graphic novels, and science-fiction films and methods of exploration feature guest speakers, panel discussions, exhibits, reflection spaces, and cosplay. ALL ages are welcome! Please see Rebecca if you’d like to go.
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Save the Date for Perry County Council of the Arts Arts and Drafts, Saturday, July 20, River Bend Hop Farm and Brewery, 1800 Lower Bailey Road, Newport.
12-6pm, free entry with family-friendly fun: art & craft vendors, kids’ activities, music and silent auction.
6-10pm, $50 entry includes access to private upper level with live music by the Palm City Ramblers! 2 complimentary beverages and hors d’oeuvres. Silent auction ends at 8pm. RSVP by July 1.
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Join Hands Back 2 School Supplies Needed
Join Hands is collecting supplies for their Back 2 School program. Items needed most are: Binders (1” to 3”), Lunch Boxes, and Notebook paper.
Also needed are: Calculators, Colored pencils, Combination locks, Earbuds (required by West Perry), Erasers, Flash drives, Folders, Markers, Notebooks, Pencil cases, Pencil sharpeners, Rulers (non-bendable), Scientific Calculators (West Perry requires TI 30XIIS) and Staplers.
They DO NOT NEED: Crayons, Glue sticks, Loose pens & pencils, or Scissors. Please bring donations to the church by July 21.
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