Loading...June 2013 Newsletter
NATIVITY NEWS
The newsletter of the Episcopal Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen
Newport and Thompsontown, PA
159 South Second Street
Newport PA 17074
Phone: 717-567-6514 E-mail: chnatss@pa.net
Rector: The Rev. Daphne S.K. Messersmith
E-mail: daphne@pa.net
Parish Website: www. nativityandststephen.diocpa.org
JUNE 2013
From the Rector...
It is unnerving to think that this is my final Nativity News reflection with you. As you know, I am one of those odd ducks who is excited by change but knows that, like everything else, it exacts a cost. I guess that increasing maturity brings the ability to see beyond the immediate sense of loss to the promise of healing, growth and wisdom. I pray it will be so for you and for me.
I did not have an agenda when I started this ministry 8 years ago...no big accomplishments planned, no grand purpose. I simply sensed a call to walk with you all for while, to share a journey, to delight in new friends, to find God alive and the Spirit moving in our ministry together, to see the face of Jesus in your faces and in those we serve.
For sure, we have done that. My thanksgiving pours out to so many of you who have jumped into that adventure with me, who have worked and forgiven and loved and stretched...who have shown up faithfully, been present so that God could use us to help the Kingdom come, to shed a light on the truth that that Kingdom has come here in a way that is holy and life-giving to all.
My wish and prayer is that you keep it up! It would be a poor reflection on whatever good I did, if it was about me. Yes, Nativity will be different. But you are discovering the ups and downs of the Spirit, the rewards and costs of laying down your life for your friends, the challenge of putting self aside, listening to the voice of God in one another, in the words of hymns, prayers and the sacraments, in the call to be a holy people. This is sacred work. The Spirit is mightily here and she doesn’t depend on me! Nativity is a place, a family, of open hearts, willing hands and minds eager to stretch and grow...this is such a blessing, please treasure and nurture it.
You don’t have to always agree, you don’t even have to always like each other, but this is the best place there is to learn, to deepen, to be challenged, to root your faith and try your wings and to be conscious of the promises made at your baptism. Allow the God who created you and continues to love you, to inform, form and reform you into a more and more joyful recipient and sharer of God’s grace.
The most heartfelt way I can say goodbye is through the words of St. Paul. Look them up! First Corinthians 1:3-9
ECW TEA
OUR ECW is planning a tea in honor of Daphne to be held on June 15th at the home of Darlene Amsler. Please bring a food item and a fond remembrance to share. If you have any questions call Wendy D..
VESTRY MEETINGS
A SPECIAL VESTRY MEETING will be held on June 5 at 6:30 PM. Bill Graffius, the Transition Officer for the Diocese will be here to outline possible arrangements for the interim time.
Our regular vestry meeting will be held on June 19th at 6:30 PM in the Conference Room of the Parish House.
PARISH PICNIC and OUTDOOR EUCHARIST – June 30th
Parish Picnic and outdoor Eucharist is scheduled for Sunday, June 30th at the Landis Farm on Owl Hollow Rd on the way to Millerstown. The service will begin at 11:00 AM followed by a pot luck lunch, games and swimming. For those unable to make it then, we will have a quiet eucharist at Nativity at 9:30 AM that morning.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADUATES
Congratulations to Adam K. who graduated from West Perry HS, Schiavon V. on her graduation from Westchester and Maria C. on graduating from Delaware Valley College in Doylestown. Continued success and many blessings from everyone.
DIOCESAN CONVENTION
Thanks to our delegates, Bill & Wendy D., and alternate, Todd S., who will attend our diocesan convention being held on June 7th & 8th at the Ramada Conference Center in State College. To know more, go the diocesan website: www.diocesecpa.org
All the resolutions that will be presented at Convention are available on the diocesan webpage.
ST. BARNABAS’ SUMMER PROGRAM
WE FEED THE KIDS THE FIRST WEEK OF JULY at St. Barnabas Summer Rainbow program and will welcome your contributions of food and time. It is a rewarding ministry to support this Christian Day Camp at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Harrisburg where this program gives a healthy structure and educational experiences to the daily lives of kids who are our neighbors!
PARLOR PEOPLE-
ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
-Father Ed
We wrapped up our discussion of EVIL and it was a powerful presentation.Much of what we offer within Parlor People is designed to stretch us spiritually, intellectually,and emotionally. These past three sessions on evil did just that.
Our thanks to Jane H. for her hard work and articulate presentations.
This coming week, we have a "reflection" by Daphne on "transition". This is an important topic and extremely timely.
On Sunday, June 9th, we will begin to brainstorm for next year.
Bill R., assisted by Jane H., will "promote and manage the program development" side of Parlor People
during 2013-14.
So please come out and support them by offering ideas and by stepping up to "lead" presentations that you think will interest others.
DIOCESAN MISSION TRIP
The diocesan youth program has an upcoming mission trip and are inviting all the youth and any interested adults to join them on an adventure. The mission trip is to Staten Island, NY from June 21 – 24 during which time they will help to clean up some of the damage caused by SuperStorm Sandy. A flyer with more information is on the bulletin board in the Undercroft.
NEW VESTRY MEMBER
The by-laws indicate that there are to be 9 members of the vestry here at Nativity. Thanks to Becky C., who has agreed to fill an outstanding vacancy. May she experience God’s grace and wisdom through her service!
