Loading...This Sunday our Presiding Bishop and President of the House of Deputies have asked us to participate in "Confession, Repentance, and Commitment to End Racism Sunday." The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church has asked all faith communities to participate in this effort, believing that faith communities are important leaders in justice for all.
We'll include some petitions in our confession and in the Prayers of the People and I'll also preach on this topic. I've been fortunate to have some wonderful role models, teachers and trainings on how to interrupt or dismantle racism, beginning with my parents. Yet, it's tough because racism is so ingrained in our country.
When Apartheid was the law in the country of South Africa, I had the chance to meet some people from the country. This was the early 80s. A group of Blacks and Whites had come for a visit in the United States. I'll never forget them talking about the wonderful freedom they felt, because they could travel with each other so easily in this country. It was such a contrast to their experience in their own country. I felt very smug that we in the United States had provided these citizens of South Africa with a different perspective.
However, when I traveled to South Africa in 2008, nearly 20 years after Apartheid legislation had been repealed in the country, it was the South Africans who taught me. Yes, they still had issues and things needing addressed; however, they were proud of their Rainbow Nation and sang their national anthem, which has 3 languages in it. They manifested reconciliation.
Much of this, I believe, was due to the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission led by then-Archbishop Desmond Tutu. People who had been victimized by the government-sanctioned violence and those who had acted on behalf of the government were allowed to testify and tell what happened to them or what they did.There was a possibility for healing and for forgiveness.
We in the United States have never taken on a similar task. Every so often, things come to a head, and we think we've talked it out. But racism is so strong in us, that it continues to flourish. I know last year there were some sessions and discussions on this important issue and we've planned more for this year. We probably don't see how racism destroys us and keeps us from God. Let's continue to work together for that joyful rainbow nation we can be!
Blessings as you finish your week!
Love, Rebecca+
Why am I videoing??? Recently I became aware of a new social media tool - Periscope. Learn more here. Periscope is connected to Twitter and allows you to live-stream a video from your phone or iPad. A friend sent me a link to a podcast about how churches are using this app and I'd like to try to do some things I learned from that podcast. One of the things that was stressed as of interest to people, was the "behind the scenes" things that occur in a church to make worship happen. I'd like to "periscope" the Altar Guild some Sunday, as well as those of us getting ready in our albs, etc. Of course live streaming the church service is also a possibility. If you'd prefer not to be in a video, please let me know. I'd love to hear any ideas you have in this regard and/or if you'd be willing to try it out with me :)
My Schedule
Next week, I'll be available on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. My sabbath days will be Tuesday and Friday. Monday is a holiday. You can reach me at nativityrector@pa.net or 717-433-1556 (cell) or 717-204-7642 (home).
Schedule a time for me to come visit you!
I'd like to arrange a visit with you, either to your home or another location you suggest. This helps me to know you better and hopefully you will also know me a little better. Let me know your availability on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday days or evenings and I'll be in touch to arrange a time for us to get together. You can send an email to me at nativityrector@pa.net or leave a message at the church at 717-567-6514.
Help a neighbor get to Church!
Recently a neighbor asked if someone could assist her in walking to and from the church each Sunday, beginning September 13. If you can do this, please let Rebecca know.
Ordination and Consecration of The Rev. Canon Audrey Cady Scanlan, Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015, 11:00am, The Forum, 500 Walnut St., Harrisburg
Plan now to participate in this special occasion in the life of our Diocese. For more information, click here.
Read Bishop-Elect Scanlan's Bishop-Elect Scanlan's Blog to learn more about her journey to Central Pennsylania.
Join Us For Breakfast!
Men's breakfast - Every Wednesday, 9am, Espresso Yourself Cafe.
Women's breakfast - 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 9am, May's Railside Cafe. Breakfast dates in August 26 and September 9.
Special Men's Breakfast, Wednesday, September 16. The men will travel to The William E. Swigart, Jr. Automobile Museum in Huntingdon, PA. The museum is dedicated to the preservation and history of the American automobile and has some rare cars in its collection. If you're interested in this trip, please see Bill Rohm or Richard Price.
Upcoming Meetings:
Tuesday, September 8, 1:30pm - Property Committee
Wednesday, September 9, 10:30am - Program and Mission Committee
Saturday, September 12, 10:00am - Finance Committee
Wednesday, September 16, 6:30pm - Vestry Meeting
Giving To Others (GTO) deadline September 6
In addition to our usual grantees, the Program and Missions Committee is open to new organizations or individuals who may benefit from a grant through our Giving To Others program. If you would like to suggest an organization or individual, please see Lynne Mitchell, Wendy Day, or Pat Szabo by September 6. You'll need the name, address, and other contact information. If the organization has a brochure, that would also be helpful, as well as a suggested donation amount.
Parlor People to begin
September 13, 11:00am – Noon
7-session series on the book, Radical Welcome: Embracing God, the Other and the Spirit of Transformation by The Rev
. Stephanie Spellers
We invite all adults to Parlor People, beginning September 13, after the service. We will be discussing the book, Radical Welcome by Episcopal priest, The Rev. Stephanie Spellers. Different people will lead each of the 7 sessions. If you’d like to read a chapter and lead a session, please see Rebecca, Bill Rohm, Susan Rice, or Jane Hoover. Six copies of the book are available if you'd like one. Let Rebecca know.
Thanksgiving for our Elm tree out front...
Sadly, our elm tree must be taken down, which should occur in the near future. It's stood in that spot many years and with support from the parish, was able to remain healthy and alive until now. At our service on Septembere 13, we will acknowledge this magnificent creation of God and the shade, comfort and life it has provided over the years.
Heroin/Prescription Drug Addiction: A Perry County Problem, September 15, 8:30am - 3:30pm and Evening Forum 7-8:30pm, Family Life Center, 27W. Shortcut Rd., Newport.
Perry Human Services and The RASE Project are sponsoring this 1-day training for free regarding an important issue in our County. The program will be followed by an evening session of young people in recovery giving a message of hope. See the bulletin board in the undercroft for registration forms or contact Wendy Miller at 717-582-8703 or wmiller@perryhumanservices.org with your name, phone, email, school/agency if applicable and address. You only need to register for the day program.
September 26 auction to benefit the American Cancer Society
"Joining Hands for Jeri" is a team that will walk in the American Cancer Society's "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" walk on October 17 in Harrisburg. The team walks in memory of Michele Neibert's (Parish Administrator) Aunt Jeri who died of breast cancer at the age of 41.
The team works to raise thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society, not only through the walk, but also through fundraisers and an auction on September 26 at the Shermanata Grange. Plan now to attend the auction!
Join others from the Parish for the "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" Walk, Saturday, October 17, City Island, 8:30am. Walk is 5k (3.1 miles)
Latino/Latina Heritage Month to be observed Sunday, September 27.
On Sunday, September 27, we'll observe Latino/Latina Heritage Month. This is a reminder that we are part of the worldwide Anglican Communion. We will say The Lord's Prayer in Spanish and sing some new hymns from Latino traditions.
You can start practicing now:
Padre nuestro, que estas in el cielo
santificado sea tu Nombre,
venga tu reino, hágase tu voluntad, en la tierra como en el cielo.
Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día.
Perdona nuestras ofensas, como también nosotros perdonamos a los que nos ofenden.
No nos dejes caer en tentación y líbranos del mal.
Porque tuyo es el reino, tuyo es el poder, y tuya es la gloria, ahora y por siempre. Amén.
For some of the hymns and music, go to:
Alabare' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMLiTd6MWhk
Sent by the Lord am I: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqbAS6-25sY
To view The Book of Common Prayer in Spanish, go to: //archive.episcopalchurch.org/documents/HM_Libro_de_Oracion_Comun.pdf
I also have a copy.
Serve on Vestry! Be a Delegate to Diocesan Convention!
The Nominating Committee, Sue Beamer, Becky Crup, and Tootser Davis, are seeking nominess to serve on Vestry and as Delegates to General Convention. If you are interested, please see one of them by Sunday, October 11.
United Thankoffering Boxes Available. Help people in need around the world!
United Thankoffering is a project of the Episcopal Church Women of The Episcopal Church. Boxes are available to collect your offering, which is brought to church twice a year.
A wonderful spiritual practice is to put something in the box each time you are thankful to God. On June 26, all of those donation boxes added up to $1.5 million dollars in grants!
Pick up your box today and get the benefits that gratitude and thankfulness bring to you, and do great works for others at the same time! The next ingathering is November 1.
For more information, click here.
Pick up a t-shirt Bag to collect your Food Bank Donations!
Members of the ECW made t-shirt bags to use for your food bank donations. A bag is at the back of the church. Take an empty bag and bring it back full of food donations! For a list of the items needed by the Food Bank, click here and then click on the wish list. Copies of the wish list are also available with the t-shirt bags.
And what a great use for t-shirts you're tired of wearing!
Join Hands Items of the Month - September - Personal Hygiene Items
soap, shampoo, razors, shaving cream, washcloths, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, etc.
Their latest newsletter is Here
Follow Join Hands on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Join-Hands-Ministry/155578531190411
Honor or Remember a loved one or a special occasion with flowers on the altar! 
Flowers help make our worship space more beautiful and remind us of the blossoming life we have in Christ. Please consider sponsoring the flowers in memory of a loved one, ot to celebrate your thanksgivings. Flowers are $35. A sign-up chart is in the Undercroft.
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.
Taking Action!
Most of us have a difficult time seeing how our faith connects to our government. Lobbying conjures up something bad for many of us. However, our faith can undergird and guide us to work through our governments for justice and peace. It's another way we bring God's reign here and now.
Read the latest news from The Episcopal Public Policy Network here. The issue includes action items to support The Global Carbon Fund, and Second Chance Act for people who have been incarcerated and served their sentences. Contacting Rep. Marino is especially important for this effort. Links to the Papal Encyclical on the environment and on actions taken at The 78th General Convention are also available in this issue.
October Newsletter Deadline: September 16
