Loading...Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Collect for Second Sunday of Easter, Book of Common Prayer, p. 224
This Sunday we continue our Easter Celebration. We celebrate Easter for 50 days!
In our Collect for this week, we pray to "walk our talk." Yes, we are part of a church community and participate with our time, skills, and money. The question is, do we make a difference in our world? Do we live in accordance with the teachings of Christ as we best understand Christ?
I truly believe we have our best chance at living our faith when we're in community. That's why I believe being part of a church is so important. In church we connect with others. We have a chance to learn from each other. Others have a chance to learn from us. Our faith is strengthened. Our understanding of God is strengthened. Each of us has something to give and something to learn.
Thanks for your participation in the church community of The Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen!
Many blessings as you finish your week!
Love, Rebecca+
Here's what's happening:
Parlor People, April 3, 11:00am - Noon, Perry County Literacy Council Re-Entry program. Come meet Dawn Beaver, coordinator of the Community Re-Entry program of the Literacy Council. She'll have three guests with her who will talk about how the program helped them. This is the first in our series on current topics of interest.
Centering Prayer and Taize', Tuesdays, 5:15pm. Join us for twenty minutes of centering prayer, followed by an evening Taize' service.
Godly Play for April: April 10 and April 24
Take a photo of your favorite place in nature by April 3 for the April 17 bulletin cover. On April 17, we’ll be celebrating Earth Day. You’re invited to submit a photo of a favorite outdoor place, which will be used to create a collage for the bulletin cover. Electronically submit photos to Michele at chnatss@pa.net or bring to the office to be scanned by April 3.
Men’s Breakfast - each Wed., 9am, Espresso Yourself Café. Women’s Breakfast - April 13 and 27, 9am, May’s Railside.
Roadside Cleanup, April 16, Little Buffalo Road. See John Cramer if you'd like to help.
Upcoming Meetings:
Thursday, April 7, 1:00pm - Environmental Stewardship Committee
Wednesday, April 13, 6:00pm - Finance Committee Meeting with Ken Quigley, Episcopal Church Foundation. All are invited.
Thursday, April 14, 9:30am - Program and Mission Committee
Wednesday, April 27, 6:30pm - Vestry
Choir will practice April 13 and April 27, 10:30am (after womens and men's breakfasts)
Feed My Sheep Canstruction 2016, Friday, April 22, Capital City Mall Volunteer for a 3-hour shift (70-10am, 10-1, or 1-4) online or call 717-422-1780. Canned foods donated by Giant Food Stores for the build will be donated to local food pantries.
Take a Swing At Drug Abuse, Sat., April 30, 11:00am – 1:30pm, Paradise Stream Family Campground, Loysville. We are sponsoring this tournament, which raises funds for Perry Human Services. If you’d like to be on a team from the parish, please let Rebecca know by April 3. You will need to raise $25 in contributions.
The Vestry has approved changes to the by-laws. Final approval will occur at the April Vestry meeting. Changes include limit Treasurer to six years and then at least one year off; removal of written nominations process for elected positions; voting by voice; removal of Order of Business for meetings, updating references to various Canons of The Episcopal Church; allowing non-Vestry members to serve on committees; putting Junior Warden on Property Committee; requiring committees to make reports for the Annual meeting.
Confirmation classes for teens and adults in April and May. Confirmation on June 11, All Saints Episcopal Church, Williamsport. If you’d like to be confirmed on June 11, please let Rebecca know so she can schedule classes at a time convenient to you. Classes will involve videos and some self-study, as well as conversations with Rebecca.
Church Rummage Sale, June 10-11, 8am-2pm each day. Collect items for this rummage sale and bring them to the church with prices marked.
Team 'Joining Hands for Jeri' Fundraising Dinner sponsored by the Ranch House Restaurant. Michele’s Team ‘Joining Hands for Jeri’ will donate 100% of all ticket sales and tips to the event. Tickets are being sold in advance.
Thursday, April 21, seating hours of 5, 6 or 7 pm. $15 / adult, $7 / child (ages 4 - 12), Free / ages 3 and under
Each meal includes choice of dinner entree, side salad, dinner rolls, drink and a dessert. See Michele for tickets or check their Team page on FB for more info.
Perry County Literacy Council 22nd Annual Race for Reading, Saturday, May 7, 6:00pm, Little Buffalo State Park. If you're interested in attending this event, please see Miguel Gonzales. more information is available at www.perryliteracy.com.
Join Hands items of the month are cleaning supplies and Similac Sensitive formula. Bleach, bathroom/toilet/sink cleaner, and laundry soap.
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.
Connect with us on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEpiscopalChurchOfTheNativityStStephen
Twitter: @ChnatssChurch
Instagram: https://instagram.com/chnatss/
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/
