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This Sunday we read a passage from Luke, commonly known as The Magnificat. This piece is also Canticle 15 in The Book of Common Prayer and is often part of Evening Prayer and Evensong services.
It is the words attributed to Mary when she visits her cousin Elizabeth. When I was in the Holy Land, studying at St. George's College, Father Kamal explained that these words are ones of a greeting sung to Elizabeth and her family - Zechariah and John the Baptist who hadn't yet been born. The words of greeting included the meanings for all of their names!
At the same time, Mary's greeting emphasizes how God cares for the "least of these." How God makes sure people who are poor, receive all they need. How God removes the people who are kings, government leaders and rich from their positions of wealth and power. Mary's words have brought hope to so many over the millenia. God has come to set things aright...to make sure people have what they need to live their lives in accordance with the justice, mercy and love of God.
I am grateful for how we in our community of The Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen do our part. We grow food and give it away. We collect food and give it away. We support families through Join Hands. We support so many wonderful organizations through our Giving to Others. We care for the people who live at the Commons and Gardens and make sure those places of housing are available to people with low incomes.
Mary's words remind us that we are all equally loved and beloved of God. May we, like Mary, proclaim the greatness of God!
Many blessings as you finish your week!
Love, Rebecca+
Read Bishop Scanlan's Christmas Message here.
Announcements December 23 and 30
G.I.F.T.: Growing in Faith Together
Godly Play will be January 13, 20 and 27.
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On January 6, Bill Rohm will lead a session - An Epiphany Bucket List Part I.
On January 13, Bill Rohm will present An Epiphany Bucket List Part II.
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At Church of the Nativity
The children will present a Christmas pageant today, December 23.
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Today, December 23, we’ll decorate the church and have a Pot Luck lunch.
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On December 30, we'll take an additional offering for the Building Fund.
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There will be no Men’s or Women’s Breakfast this week, December 26.
The Women will meet Wednesday, January 2 at Bitting's. The Men will not be meeting.
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We'll be taking down the Christmas decorations on Sunday, January 6.
Please plan to stay after the service if you are able to help.
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Upcoming Meetings
Wednesday, January 9, 10:15am, Property Committee
Wednesday, January 9, 10:30am, Sabbatical Committee Meeting
Wednesday, January 9, 6:30pm, Vestry
Saturday, January 12, 9:30am – 12:30pm, Diocesan Eliminating Racism Task Group
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The church office will be closed Monday, December 24 – Tuesday, January 1.
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Taize’ Tuesdays, 4:45pm.
There will be no Taize' on January 1.
Twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by a Taize’ service.
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Pledge payments should be made by today to be credited for 2018.
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From the Diocese
Vesper Service, Sunday, December 23, 3 – 6:30pm, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, 221 N. Front Street, Harrisburg.
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A Unity Choir is being formed to perform at the Martin Luther King Service on Monday, January 21.
The choir will practice on Monday, January 7 and Monday, January 14. If you are interested in being part of the choir, please see Rebecca.
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Diocesan Staff In-Residence Day 2019, January 30, All Saints Hershey
Diocesan Staff In-Residence Day is not just for Clergy, it is for everyone, in every convocation. All are welcome! For questions regarding this event, contact Shannon Pedersen, spedersen@diocesecpa.org
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Circling Around the Light, Friday, February 1 and Saturday, February 2, Hosted by Christ Memorial Church, Danville and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Bloomsburg.
This two day retreat will be available to 24 participants. Workshops will focus on the Enneagram, the Circle Way, and the Way of Love. Contact Jim at cmecjim@ptd.net for more info and to register.
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Happening, February 15-17, Camp Mt. Luther, Mifflinburg.
All youth in grades 9-12 are invited for an exciting weekend of fun, friendship, and faith! Happening is not a traditional church retreat. As a Happener, whether you are a high school student or an adult (yes, adults may happen, too!), you will have the opportunity to talk about God with your peers, the people who will be experiencing the same event with you. Please register by February 8 at https://diocesecpa.org/youth/
Cost: $125.00. Scholarships are available. Contact: Mary Ellen Kilp or Theda Tallman at cpayouthcom@gmail.com for questions.
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A New Beginning #2, Retreat for Youth in Grades 6-8, Friday, April 5, 2019 – Sunday, April 17, 2019, Camp Mount Luther, Mifflinburg, PA.
Cost is $100 per participant and includes housing in cabins with other youth, all meals, t-shirt, and all activities. Deadline to register is Friday, March 29. Register at www.diocesecpa.org. For more info, contact Mary Ellen Kilp or Theda Tallman at cpayouthcom.gmail.com or 717-475-2785.
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Community Events and Opportunities for Service
Susquehanna Harbor Safe Haven, a program of Christian Churches United, is now hiring for two part-time Supportive Services Assistant positions.
One position is evening/2nd shift and the other 3rd shirt – both average 16 – 29 hours per week. The positions provide monitoring and support in a residential environment for men who have formerly been homeless, encouraging positive life skill development for each resident. Human services experience preferred. Please submit letter of interest and resume to kfarah@ccuhbg.org or contact Krista Farah, Program Manager, at 717-232-5029 for more information.
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PA IPL is now accepting applications for our 8th annual PA to DC bike trip in May of 2019.
Express your concern about climate change and lift your faith voice by pedaling, fundraising, and advocating with our elected officials. To find out more or apply, visit PAIPL.us on the internet and type in "bike trip 2019" in the search box.
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