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Sunday, July 26 we dedicated the historical marker for the Church of the Nativity. The sign is part of the Perry County Bicentennial project. In the near future, there will be a web link giving even more history of the church and its involvement in the community. See //www.perrycountyheritagetrail.com/ for more information.
We were blessed to have two former rectors take part in the dedication, Fr. Bill Warne and Mtr. Daphne Messersmith. The sign is the handiwork of a large group of people.
First, the Perry County Bicentennial Committee conceived of the idea to create a trail of history throughout the county. The trail includes historical markers highlighting key aspects of our history. Former Senior Warden Todd Saner and the Vestry, supported by our interim rector Meredyth Albright, decided to sponsor a sign so Nativity could be included on the trail. Russ Hoover, who was also with us on Sunday, researched options for marker design and construction and worked with the vendor to obtain the signs. Lynne Mitchell scoured our archives for information, dates, and pictures, which Glenn Holliman then used to write the narrative and choose the pictures. The narrative went through several editorial reviews by Jean Tuzinski and Jane Hoover and finally Jill Brownfield, our proofreader. Tootser Davis, helped by Ken Sheaffer, planted the sign.
Take time to appreciate the marker and our history and to thank all those involved in the project.
Text of the Service:
Prayers for the Dedication of a Historical Sign marking the History and Service of The Episcopal Church of the Nativity, Newport, Pennsylvania, July 26, 2015
Almighty God, to whose glory we dedicate this marker and celebrate the history of this house of prayer, the Church of Nativity here in Newport, Pennsylvania;
we give thanks for those, who in a previous century, gave generously with talent and
treasure and brought forth this beautiful and gracious edifice in which we worship and
share fellowship; and we further celebrate the sharing of alms and talents that have
sustained this parish since its construction in 1889.
Amen
Almighty God, since the founding of this church, this witness to your glory and
goodness in this community, we give thanks for the priests and laity who have
pronounced and lived into the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and we further give thanks for the congregations who through time have not only
preached the Word, but carried the Word in outreach and service to our community,
sharing with those in need both in body and spirit.
Amen
Through the ages, Almighty God has moved God’s people to build houses of
prayer and praise, and to set apart places for the ministry of God’s holy Word and
Sacraments. With gratitude for founders, the builders and sustainers of the Church of
the Nativity, we ask God's blessing on this congregation and its ministers, both clergy
and lay, that we may continue to faithfully fulfill our commissions and in all things to
keep the needs of others close to our hearts.
and we pray that all who seek God here may find God, and be filled with God’s joy and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen
Priest: Let us go forth from this historic place of worship to love and serve the Lord!
Congregation: Thanks be to God!
