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Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Collect for 4th Sunday of Advent, p. 212 Book of Common Prayer
Recently I watched a special about decorating the White House for Christmas. I was reminded of actually being able to visit the White House with colleagues in 2009. It's something I'll never forget. One of the highlights each year is the gingerbread house that looks just like the White House! This year, they included a village, showing various buildings where first responders work and expressing gratitude for their work during this time of pandemic.
I've been fortunate to visit and tour the White House many times in my life. One of the most interesting was in 1994. A small group of 50 people from Pennsylvania were invited to hear about health care reform. We were able to do the usual tour without any ropes up. We could go right up to the portraits on the wall to view them closely. There was a little reception with iced tea and cookies made to look like swans. And there were fresh flowers everywhere, even in the bathrooms!
Our prayer for this Sunday invites us to build a mansion for God in ourselves. I think mine will, like the White House, have beautiful and fresh flowers in every room. Oh and lots of music. What will yours be like?
Many blessings!
Love, Rebecca+
Announcements
Christmas Eve Service, Friday, December 24, Church of the Nativity, 3:30pm Hymn Sing, 4pm Service
The Christmas Lessons and Carols service at St. Stephen on Sunday, December 26 will be available to view via ZOOM.
You will be able to view and hear the service, however, we will not be able to hear those from home. Join for the 9:30am service as you normally would.
Join Altar Guild!
As an altar guild member, you will be on a team of 2-3 people to set up the altar and clean up after the service. Your team will serve once a month, as well as once a year on the 5th Sunday. There may also be services during the week for Ash Wednesday or Holy Week or Christmas Eve. Training provided. Speak to one of the Altar Guild members or contact Michele if you would like to join.
Please include the following in your daily prayers.
The Rev. Joe Mitchell, Scot, Meta, Tootser, Stephanie, Wendy, Scott, Father Bill Warne, Jane, Jamey, Wendy, Canon Bob Schiesler, Rev. Carla Christopher, Shelby, Shirley, Mike, Karen, Tracy, Dan, Josh, Roger, Jim, Marie, Cookie, Stella, Matthew, Anna, Linda, Mary Jeanne, Donald, Charles, Emily, Cindy, Jamie, Bob, Mike, Mary Jane, Eli, Mason, Laura, Emersyn and the family and friends of Bill Wenrich.
Help fill our community food pantry!
Items that seem to be taken first include canned pasta meals, soups, and macaroni and cheese. Vegetables don't seem to get taken. Also, please don't use this as an opportunity to clear out your pantry if at all possible.
If you would like consecrated communion elements for your home use, please let Rebecca know.
You can pick them up at the church or we can make arrangements for drop off.
Collections for Neighbor Helping Neighbor Food Bank We will be collecting one specific item each month for the Food Bank.
The item for the month of December is a Birthday Cake Package - cake mix, frosting, candles wrapped in a foil pan.
For Juniata County Food Pantry:
Online: https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=fca5HNjQZV1obXLecwgJLccS7-f46jLRVL5vQqfYp8GZp7gPUhT6CdXi5Hr0V5uhTh3UvHa8BTono_sp
By Mail: PO Box 44 - 114 North Main St, Mifflintown PA 17059 or drop off food donations at this address on Tuesdays 9am-5pm or Saturdays 9am - noon.
Afghan Resettlement Donations Needed
Donate food items for incoming refugee families including Aahubarah or Basmati Rice, Split Green Lentil, Orange Lentil, Yellow Lentil, Kidney Beans (dry or canned), Chickpeas (dry or canned), Pinto Beans and Peas (canned), Peanut Butter, Jelly or Jam, Sugar, Flour, Green Tea, Tomato Sauce or Paste, Pasta (all varieties), Potatoes (canned), Oils (Corn, Vegetable, Soybean), Salt, Black Pepper, and Cumin. New or lightly used cookware, pots, and pans, and Cleaning Kits containing (new item) dish soap, bathroom cleaner, sponges/paper towels, laundry detergent, trash bags, all packed in a large trash can or Toiletry Kits containing (new item) 4 rolls of toilet paper, shampoo, body wash or soap bars, 7 toothbrushes, 2 tubes of toothpaste, pads, shaving cream, and razors all packed in a small trash can are also needed. Place donated items in the box at the back of the church. If you have questions, please see Rebecca.
Episcopal Election Activators
Help with voter engagement for the 2022 midterm elections by participating in the Episcopal Election Activators program. Activators meet regularly to develop and implement strategies, share stories, and build a network across the country to help increase voter turnout and encourage others to take on a greater role in the elections. To learn more and apply, go https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/office-government-relations/episcopal-election-activators/?mc_cid=1a54c45514&mc_eid=30e41dc07b
The Pennsylvania Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Network (PAIRWN) is seeking volunteers to work with immigrant and refugee students and families in Harrisburg area schools through our Family Advocacy Program. Volunteers are needed to provide homework assistance, one-on-one interpretation for parents at school meetings and events (interpreters for Spanish, Arabic, Swahili, Nepali and French are especially needed), assist with setting up and running workshops to be provided once a month for parents, college prep, healthcare and health insurance, immigrant and refugee rights. All State clearances are required. To learn more contact Carolyn Joy Patterson at carolynj.patterson@comcast.net or to volunteer, contact Family Advocacy Program Volunteer Coordinator, Amy Kimmel at missamy531@gmail.com
Joy To The Burg
Local musicians have united again in 2021 to create the third annual Joy to the Burg Christmas album to benefit people experiencing homelessness. Albums are on sale now at Karns or http://www.joytotheburg.com/ and proceeds will support the homelessness programs of Christian Churches United (CCU) in Harrisburg.
