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Create in me a clean heart, O God, *
and renew a right spirit within me. Psalm 51:11
The Psalm we read this Sunday is a familiar one, especially read on Ash Wednesday. When I was growing up, the Lutheran church service included these words in a hymn we sang as the offering was brought forward.
Hymn 124 in our hymnal, Lift Every Voice and Sing, is a prayer asking for a clean heart. The main part of the hymn goes like this:
Give me a clean heart so I may serve Thee.
Lord, fix my heart so that I may be used by thee.
For I'm not worthy of all these blessings.
Give me a clean heart and I'll follow thee.
Here is a version https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLXeqvVsQ_s
Much of the Psalm is about how we don't love God and don't love our neighbor as ourselves; how we move away from God or sin.
So, we ask God for mercy and for a new start, all so that God can use us. We know we are not perfect and may not deserve any mercy at all. Yet, we ask and it is in the asking that we receive God's mercy.
Blessings to you this week!
Love, Rebecca+
Announcements
Next Sunday we observe Latina/Latino Heritage Month.
Please include the following in your daily prayers.
Wendy, Jim, Marie, Tammy, Wendy, Carolyn, Desi, Salina, Sue, Stephanie, Charles, Harvey, Kierra, Tootser, Michael, Jason, Ann, Josh and Father Warne.
Prayerfully consider what you will pledge to contribute to the ministry of The Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen for 2023. All pledges should be turned in by October 2.
Collections for Neighbor Helping Neighbor Food Bank
We will be collecting one specific item each month for the Food Bank. In September we will be collecting Cleaning Products.
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. Please don't use this as an opportunity to clear out your pantry if at all possible and also check the “sell by” or “expiration” dates.
Friends of Newport Farmer's Market, parking lot at the Church of the Nativity, noon - 3pm, September 25.
Canal Day and Animal Blessing, Saturday, October 1, 9am – 2pm
We will have a table at Canal Day in Newport Square. If you are able to help, please let Rebecca know. Rebecca will bless animals at the table. Bring your pet, or a photo to receive the blessing.
Civic Club of Harrisburg celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month Friday, September 16, 5-8 pm, 612 N. Front St, Harrisburg
Join the celebration through dance, music and poetry in partnership with WACH and LHACC for a $10 admission.
Governor's proclamation of Hispanic Heritage Month hosted by GACLA and Inner Agency Planning, Thursday, September 15, 12 pm, Harrisburg, Capitol Building Main Rotunda
There will be remarks from officials, reading of the Governor's proclamation of Hispanic Heritage Month and lunch afterwards for attendees. Let's stand together in support of Hispanic Heritage Month celebration kick-off event so bring your familia!
Estamos Unidos Latino Gala-Night, Saturday, October 8, 5:30 pm, Best Western Premier Hotel, Harrisburg “Embracing and Upholding Our Hispanic/Latino Roots as Our Community Blooms!” fundraising event to provide scholarships to Latino students. Please, reserve your paid tickets through the Estamos Unidos de Pennsylvania Facebook page.
Citizens Fire Company #1, 100th Anniversary Commemorative Crock, designed by Jim and Sue Hetrick, Clay Friends Studio, Price $65
Make checks payable to Newport Fire Company and remit order and payment to: Wendy Welfley, Fundraising Co-Chair, 475 Perry Street, Newport, PA 17074. Questions can be directed to Wendy at (717) 567-7473. Delivery will be within 8-10 weeks of order.
PA Prays, Sunday, September 18, Episcopal Cathedrals in Pennsylvania host services to pray and work for an end to gun violence
Join us online or in-person as the five Episcopal Cathedrals across our Commonwealth spend the day focusing on healing our nation from gun violence. A listing of different services in the five locations and the times of each service is listed on the diocesan website. Join us in this unified effort of action, advocacy and prayer. For more information, visit https://diocesecpa.org/pa-prays/
The Pennsylvanis Council of Churches present “Christianity in America: Sacred or Supremacist?”, Thursday, October 6, 11:30am, Colonial Park United Church of Christ, 5000 Devonshire Road, Harrisburg.
The keynote speaker for the event is Dr. Robert P. Jones, President and founder of Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI). Register at www.pachurches.org. For questions or further information, contact Rev. Sandra Strauss at s.strauss@pachurches.org or Sarah Filizzi at AdminAssist@pachurches.org.
