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O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Collect for Third Sunday of Easter, BCP 224-225
This Sunday our Gospel is one of my favorite stories about Jesus' appearance after his resurrection. It's the one about the people walking to Emmaus and meeting Jesus on the road, only they don't recognize him. They have a wonderful conversation with him, where he teaches them about the scriptures. They beg him to stay with them a little longer and share a meal. He obliges and when he breaks the bread, they suddenly realize it is Jesus who has been with them all along.
We hear this story every year and yet this year it takes on new meaning because we cannot meet in person to share the Eucharistic meal. We long to sit down at table with each other. We long to share our fun coffee hour. It's not possible now and might not be possible for quite some tiime.
So we adapt. We hear the familiar story and have good memories. We also know that Jesus is with us regardless. We know that we continue to be Christ's body regardless of whether we can meet in person or not.
Many before us have faced similar circumstances of not being able to meet or share the Eucharist. The Armed Forces prayerbook provides options when members of the military cannot get to a service. For some reason, we have over 10 of these pocket-sized prayerbooks in our conference room. They are from 1988. Here is the prayer they recommend when you cannot receive:
In union, O Lord, with your faithful people at every altar of your Church, where the Holy Eucharist is now being celebrated, I desire to offer to you praise and thanksgiving. I remember your death, Lord Christ; I proclaim your resurrection; I await your coming in glory. And since I cannot receive you today in the Sacrament of your Body and Blood, I beseech you to come spiritually into my heart. Cleanse and strengthen me with your grace, Lord Jesus, and let me never be separated from you. May I live in you , and you in me, in this life and in the life to come. Amen.
Many blessings and continued prayers for your wellbeing.
Love, Rebecca+
Announcements
Sundays through May 24, 9:30am
We will hold all Sunday services via Zoom. You can connect by computer, mobile device or telephone. Here is the connection information for the Sunday, 9:30am services:
Join Sunday morning Zoom Meeting. Service begins at 9:30am and you can join by 9:00am.
Online: https://zoom.us/j/578743215
Meeting ID: 578 743 215
Call In: +1 929 205 6099
Meeting ID: 578 743 215
Wednesday Morning Devotions and coffee/tea, 9am
Join in for short devotions and conversation. Remember to bring your coffee or tea.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/119032570
Meeting ID: 119 032 570
Call In: +1 929 205 6099
Meeting ID: 119 032 570
Mail in your offering or go online
There are many ways to continue to give to the church during this time.
- Send your offering to the church at 159 S Second St., Newport, PA 17074
- Give via our PayPal site:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=tN8Gqogt_bQutVp_Kjg6ytAyRDBKMFYExCyf6DX1-2ux4349nM2Cnzp9LukFyOrm3YVaam&country.x=US&locale.x=US - The Diocese has set up online giving for each parish here: https://diocesecpa.org/stewardship/
Our parish is listed at Newport-Nativity.
The EmPOWERED and Well Virtual Faith Community is designed to support the mental, physical and spiritual health and well-being of faith communities everywhere during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The health lessons consist of 12 weekly, 30-minute EmPOWERED and Well Healthier Church Challenge lessons developed by the American Heart Association. Visit https://www.empoweredtoserve.org/en/empowered-and-well/virtual-faith-community for more information and to register.
The Environmental Stewardship Committee is planning activities during April 17-26 to celebrate Earth Day (April 22) and Arbor Day (April 26).
On Sunday, April 26, after our online/phone church service, the committee will host a discussion of the film The Human Element, a beautiful film. Find out more here https://thehumanelementmovie.com/. You can sign up to receive a link and password to watch the film at home for free from April 17-26 and then join the conversation on Sunday. To sign up, go to https://www.interfaithpowerandlight.org/2020/01/the-human-element/
Citizens Climate Lobby talk by Katharine Hayhoe and day of activities, Saturday, April 25
Citizens Climate Lobby is sponsoring a talk by scientist and evangelical Christian Katharine Hayhoe on Saturday, April 25, 1pm. If you are interested, contact Kay Cramer for information or go here to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/uniting-from-home-registration-101119077884 The event is free.
IPL invites you to share your climate march sign on social media during Faith Climate Action Week April 17-26
Faith Climate Action Week's theme is "Love Made Visible: Engaging in Sacred Activism" to protect the people we love who are most impacted by climate change. Visit https://www.faithclimateactionweek.org/join-ipls-love-made-visible-climate-march-online/ to find inspiration in the faith-based messages and images from IPL leaders, to download and print a simple black and white sign with the Love Made Visible logo to decorate and steps to follow to post your creations.
Eastertide Bible Study through Facebook Live on Tuesday nights at 7pm through May 26
Join Bishop Scanlan and Canon Morrow in "this joyful Eastertide" online Bible Study to learn from our Holy Scripture and each other as we join for study, conversation, and prayer. No previous experience in Bible Study required.
Go to: https://www.facebook.com/events/s/easter-tide-bible-study/2536005423395111/ to join.
Good Book Club to read the Gospel of Matthew during the season of Easter
Starting on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020, and continuing through the Day of Pentecost, May 30, the Good Book Club features daily readings from the Gospel of Matthew. To see a list of readings, go to:
https://www.goodbookclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Readings_Matthew.pdf
The CARES Act includes changes for 2020 to charitable donations.
Whether you itemize or not, you will be able to deduct up to $300 in donations. Also, if you do itemize, 100% of your donations to charity will be deductible for 2020.
Join Hands Ministry in Need of Monetary Donations
In the coming weeks our Perry County families and individuals, aka, our neighbors, are going to need financial assistance. Join Hands is asking you to prayerfully donate financially. Please put in a note in the form of payment stating, “Corona Virus” relief.
By Check: Join Hands Ministry, P.O. Box 335, New Bloomfield, PA 17068
Online: https://joinhandsministry.givingfuel.com/online-giving
Facebook: Click the donate button
Perry County Food Bank
The Perry County Food Bank is once again accepting food drive and private food donations!
If you or your organization is wishing to donate food, please phone the Food Bank to make arrangements at (717)582-9978 so they can limit the volume of people on the property and exposure to the virus through social distancing. Due to the corona virus, all donations will be placed in quarantine for a period of 72 hours on one of their trucks.
To make a monetary donation, please send a check to:
Perry County Food Bank, PO Box 37, New Bloomfield PA 17068
Eggs Available for pick up at the church.
The Cramers are bringing in about 4 dozen eggs each week at $2 per dozen. If you need access to the church, let Rebecca know.
Be sure to Complete the 2020 Census
Visit https://2020census.gov/ to complete the 2020 census.
Weis, Giant and Mutzabaugh Gift Cards Available
Use the form in your newsletter and mail to the church with your check. Gift cards will be mailed to you or the organization or person in need that you supply info for.
Forward Day by Day Available
Email Michele at chnatss@pa.net or leave a message at the church at 717-567-6514 if you would like a copy mailed to you.
Zoom Meetings
If you would like help to set up Zoom meetings with family or friends, please let Rebecca know.
