Loading...My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my Savior; *
for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.
Canticle 15, Book of Common Prayer, p. 91
I'm sure it was a frightening spectacle. The young woman was visited by an angel. She was given unexpected news - she would bear a child who would be holy. Mary doesn't say, "well, let me think about this a little while." She doesn't have time to consider how she's going to explain this news to her family and friends. She responds with acceptance. She is willing to be a tool for God to bring God's reign to the world...to bring salvation to the world...to bring hope and joy and liberation.
Upon visiting her cousin Elizabeth, who is also pregnant, she responds with this song full of elation and full of the promise of God with us and God's favor for us. Mary knows the world is changing through God's intervention...God's coming to earth, living as one of us.
That birth and Jesus' ministry certainly takes twists and turns. Both Elizabeth's and Mary's sons die horrific deaths in the end. Yet, that's not the end of the story. The world was changed. Humankind was encouraged to live in a new way. Although we have stumbled and often made a mess of things in the nearly 2000 years since the birth of Jesus, we continue to do our best to create a different world, a world in line with the love God has shown and continues to show to us.
Many blessings during this wonderful, holy season.
Love,
Rebecca+
Announcements
Grow In Faith Together (G.I.F.T)
There will be no Parlor People today or next week.
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The next Godly Play will be January 14.
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At Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen
The church office will be closed Monday, December 25 – Monday, January 1.
Rebecca can be reached for pastoral emergencies at 717-433-1556.
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Thank you to Butcher’s for the donation of the pine roping.
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2018 pledge envelopes are at the back of the church for those who use them.
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Upcoming Meetings
Wednesday, December 27, 6:30pm, Diocesan Eliminating Racism Task Group
Thursday, January 4, 7pm, Newport Anti-Racism League
Wednesday, January 10, 6:30pm, Vestry Meeting
Thursday, January 18, 11am – 1pm, BINGO and lunch, Episcopal Gardens
Thursday, January 18, 7pm, Newport Anti-Racism League
Friday, January 19, 6pm, Parish Movie Night
Thursday, January 25, 2pm, Harrisburg Convocation Clergy Council Meeting
Thursday, January 25, 4:30pm, Finance Committee Meeting
Wednesday, January 31, 6:30pm, Diocesan Eliminating Racism Task Group
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Donations being accepted for new organ!
Vestry has approved expenditures up to $60,000. The sale of some Orrstown Bank Stock provided $35,500 towards this, leaving $24,000 to be raised. Envelopes are at the back of the church if you would like to defray the cost.
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Join Us For Breakfast!
Men's - every Wednesday, 9am, Espresso Yourself Cafe.
Women's – every Wednesday, 9am, Bitting’s
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The choir practices Wednesday at 10:15am.
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Taize’ Tuesdays, 5:00pm.
Twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by a Taize’ service.
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All who have been baptized by water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, are welcome to receive communion.
You may receive bread only or bread and wine. You may receive the wine by common cup or by dipping your wafer into the chalice. If you would prefer to receive a blessing, please come forward and cross your arms across your chest.
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Baking needs and chocolate items available through Equal Exchange.
See the cart in the parish hall.
We are now a wholesaler for Equal Exchange, a company that supports small farmers who use sustainable practices for chocolate, cocoa, coffee, tea, nuts, olive oil and other baking items. A price list and basket are available to pay for the items you choose to buy. Also, be sure to write down what you’ve purchased to help us maintain our inventory. A catalogue is also available. If there’s an item you’d like us to order, please see Jane Hoover.
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Community Events and Opportunities for Service
Join Hands Items of the Month –
Clothing (especially infant and toddler, hats, gloves, scarves, socks), toiletries, household cleaning supplies, blankets, quilts, towels, wash clothes.
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From the Diocese
Diocesan Staff in Residence, Wednesday, January 17, 11am - 4:30pm,
St. Andrew's In the Valley, 4620 Linglestown Rd, Harrisburg.
Let Rebecca know if you'd like to visit with the Diocesan staff on this day. Here is the schedule.
Everyone is welcome.
11 - noon - Bible Study
Noon - 12:30 - Eucharist
12:30 - 1:00 - Bring your Own Lunch
1:00 - 4:30pm - Individual appointments or general conversation with Diocesan staff.
