Loading...My times are in your hand; *
rescue me from the hand of my enemies,
and from those who persecute me. Psalm 31:15
The portion of Psalm 31 that we read this Sunday shows a perfect lament as I spoke about in my sermon last week. The Psalmist speaks in very graphic terms of the pain and grief they are feeling. The Psalmist also acknowledges that God is present and asks specifically to be rescued from the troubling and challenging situation they are going through.
When I worked in hospice, I saw firsthand over and over again that our times are in God's hands. I'd plan my day of visits to patients who were dying and their families. Inevitably, my nice, neat plan was changed around and interrupted. When I looked back on my day, I saw that I had been and done exactly what was needed for that day. God's plan was definitely more timely than my own.
Yet, often my first thought when my plan was upended was to lament and worry. It was only later that I could see God's presence and working in the midst of it all.
So, lament to God and also know that your times are in God's hands and God is with you.
Love,
Rebecca+
This Sunday our service begins in the parking lot with the procession of palms.
We are creating our Lenten altar of food for the Perry County Food Bank. Bring your donations and put them up by the altar. We will take all donations to the Food Bank next week.
ECW Thankoffering ingathering this Sunday. Please count your change and write a check to the church with "ECW Thankoffering" in the memo section.
There will be no parlor people until April 23. Michael Mark will be our guest to speak about carbon pricing.
There is Godly Play this Sunday.
Men’s Breakfast - each Wednesday, 9am, Espresso Yourself Café.
Women’s Breakfast – each Wednesday, 9am, May’s Railside Grill.
Choir Practice - The Choir will practice Wednesdays at 10:15am. Choir will also rehearse this Sunday at 9am and Maundy Thursday at 5pm.
There will be no Taize’ service April 11. Services will resume on April 18, 5pm.
Flowers for Easter, April 16. Donations for Easter flowers will be taken through April 9. If you have an envelope, you can use for the donation, including marking if they are “in honor of” or “in memory of” someone. There are also envelopes at the back of the church.
Services for Holy Week
Tues., April 11, 7pm, St. Stephen’s, Thompsontown, scripture readings and communion.
Thursday, April 13, 6:00pm Agape Meal; 7:00pm Maundy Thursday service with washing of the feet, communion, stripping of the altar and vigil
Friday, April 14, Noon, Newport Ministerium Cross Walk, Newport Square. Theme is the hymn, “Were You There?”
7:00pm – Good Friday service with Veneration of the Cross
During 2017, we will be celebrating baptism on June 4, November 5 and December 3. Let Rebecca know if you or someone you know would like to be baptized on any of these days.
We are starting our prayer list over again. If you have a name you’d like for the list, let Michele know at 717-567-6514 or chnatss@pa.net
Please pray for our confirmands.
O God, you prepared your disciples for the coming of the Spirit through the teaching of your Son Jesus Christ: Make the hearts and minds of Ethan, Lily and Sophia ready to receive the blessing of the Holy Spirit, that they may be filled with the strength of his presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Book of Common Prayer, p. 819.
Please say yes if Lily, Ethan or Sophia asks to interview you during coffee hour today. They will ask the following questions: When you were little, what church did you go to? Where and how often? When did you start going to church? Why do you think church is important? Why do you worship God?
Food Demonstration and Lunch at Honamon
House, Tuesday, April 25 11am – 1pm. We’ll provide lunch and Maryann will provide a food demonstration. Please let Lynne Mitchell or Wendy Day know if you can provide something for lunch or will attend.
Sacred Stitches, April 22, 10am-2pm, Church of the Nativity. Bring your lunch. We are providing dessert and drinks. See Wendy Day if you can bring a dessert or drink.
Baking needs and chocolate items available through Equal Exchange. See the cart in the parish hall. Dark chocolate Easter Eggs available today for your Easter giving needs.
YWCA of Greater Harrisburg training on child sexual assault, adult sexual assault, elder assault and human trafficking, April 20, 8am – 4pm, Family Life Center, Newport. Cost is $25. Breakfast and lunch are provided. Register by April 12 by calling Emily O’Haren, 717-238-7273 ext. 3994 or email eoharen@ywcahbg.org.
Tickets are now available for the Race Reading to benefit Perry County Literacy Council, Saturday, May 6, Little Buffalo State Park, 5pm. Dinner tickets are $35. A pre-race Mint Julep Party in memory of Susan Connell will be held at the home of Todd Saner, at 4pm. Tickets for the pre-race party are $50.00. There are also supporting levels for the event from $25 through $2,000. Send your ticket request with check payable to Perry County Literacy Council, PO Box 37, Newport, PA 17074.
Perry Human Services ‘Take a Swing at Drug Abuse’ Miniature Golf Tournament, Sat., May 6, Paradise Stream Family Campground, Loysville. Form a team of 2 – 5 members. Each member commits to rasing a minimum of $25. More info and registration sheet are on the bulletin board in the Undercroft.
