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Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Collect for Proper 28, Book of Common Prayer, p. 236
Recently a member contacted me about the possibilities of reading the Bible with others. She was reading Ruth and she wondered why Naomi's family went to Moab in the first place. In the Bible, we are told there was a famine, so the family moved to Moab. Were there other options, though? Doing a little research may bring forth more information, but some questions we have are never fully answered. They are left for us to wonder and to ponder. This type of exploration can be interesting and also strengthen our faith. Doing this exploration with others can be particularly fruitful.
How do you read the scriptures? Maybe it's hearing them read at our services or with our Forward Day by Day booklets or online resource. If you're interested in the type of Bible study I mentioned, let me know. We are forming a group right now.
Let us remember that holy Scriptures were written for our learning and as we hear, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, may we be uplifted in our faith.
Blessings as you finish your work!
Love, Rebecca+
Announcements
G.I.F.T.: Growing in Faith Together
Godly Play will be November 24.
Rehearsals for the Christmas Pageant will be after church November 24 and December 1 & 15.
No Parlor People today.
Next Sunday, November 24, whole church activity making gifts for people at Commons and Gardens
At Church of the Nativity
Today is the Annual Meeting at the end of the church service.
A pot-luck lunch will follow.
We will vote on the 2020 budget, as well as elect leadership for 2020. The following have been nominated:
3-year Vestry terms:
Kay Cramer
Charlene Robbins
2020 Diocesan Convention
Bill Rohm, Delegate
Kay Cramer, Alternate
Rebecca will be off Wednesday, November 27.
Episcopal Home Thanksgiving Offering today.
Joe is in his early 70s. He had a good career as a writer. Recently he’s had some health issues, making it difficult for him to live on his own. He also has limited income. The Episcopal Home is a perfect fit for him. His meals are provided in a beautiful dining room. There are activities and outings, some especially arranged for his interests. His medical appointments are coordinated and there is transportation provided. His medications are given to him as directed. The Episcopal church he loves is readily available on Sunday mornings, with chaplain services provided during the week.
The Episcopal Home must raise nearly $300,000 per year from donors to make sure people like Joe have an excellent quality of life. Please make a donation to help Joe and other residents at the home.
Upcoming Meetings
Each Sunday, 4pm, Perry County PRIDE
Thursday, December 12, 2 – 4pm, Clergy Council
Taize’ Tuesdays, 4:45pm.
Twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by a Taize’ service.
Join Us For Breakfast!
Wednesdays at 9am. Women will meet at Bitting’s this week; Men meet at Espresso Yourself.
Community Events and Opportunities for Service
Hope for the Holidays
You can bring joy and hope to families in immigration detention, and to children who crossed our borders alone, by writing and decorating holiday cards in English and Spanish. Cards will be collected by Thanksgiving and mailed to First English Evangelical Lutheran Church in Baltimore to be distributed to the families. See the flyers in the undercroft for additional information.
Joy to the Burg, The Gift of Music to Help the Homeless, available for purchase.
This album of 15 Christmas songs by local musicians will be available for a suggested donation of $20 (CD) or $15 (download). 100% of the album sales will go to support the homelessness programs of CCU:HELP ministries and Susquehanna Harbor Safe Haven. Visit www.joytotheburg.com to purchase.
Gifts for Life gives people all over the world the chance to transform their lives in lasting ways.
Visit www.episcopalrelief.org/gifts to send a gift to help fight poverty, hunger and disease worldwide. A catalog is also posted in the undercroft listing the many gifts available.
Perry County PAATH to Success in need of volunteers to mentor youth.
The YWCA of Greater Harrisburg is seeking adult volunteers to mentor youth ages 12 – 17 during a 15-month program. Help youth learn life and social skills and encourage positive lifestyle choices while participating in structured and informal activities and experiences. Call 1-800-654-1211 for more info or fill out a volunteer form online at http://www.ywcahbg.org/
Support the Community Foundation by Making a Donation
The Perry County Community Foundation provides funding for local nonprofit organizations that help to meet the needs of Perry County residents. Donations can be made online at https://www.tfec.org/start-giving/donate-online/ or you can mail your donation (forms are posted in the undercroft).
Are you currently a Medicare recipient? Are you nearing age 65 and/or are disabled and will soon become Medicare eligible?
APPRISE counselors at the Perry County Agency on Aging Office (717-582-5128 or 1-866-926-5118) are available to offer free-of-charge assistance with initial enrollment and/or guidance if you are considering making changes to your current plans. Changes to current plans can be made during the Open Enrollment period October 15 through December 7, 2019.
Food Bank Donations are needed!
For a list of the items needed by the Food Bank, go to their website at http://www.perrycountyfoodbank.org/ and click on their wish list. Canned vegetables, fruit, nut butters and protein are always needed.
Help People in Need when you buy your Groceries!
See Gail Shull or Pat Szabo to purchase cards in various amounts to use at Giant, Mutzabaugh's, or Weis Stores. 5% of the cost of each card stays with the church and is used for outreach and mission projects.
