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The king was deeply moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept; and as he went, he said, ‘O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would that I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!’ 2 Samuel 18:33
Families are not always easy to live with. This Sunday we hear the culmination of a family squabble. King David's son, Absalom, has rebelled against his father. Absalom has gotten many Israelites to go along with him. King David is trying to stay alive, as well as lead his people.
In the final confrontation, King David asks his warriors to please deal kindly with Absalom; however, Absalom is killed. Even though King David should be rejoicing that he has defeated someone who was trying to kill him, he mourns deeply for his son.
David feels little relief in how things have ended. He weeps and cries out, wishing it all could have been so different.
I believe many of us can relate, either through our family relationships that are strained or relationships with friends. People we were once close with or shared important times in our lives, want no contact with us or attack us relentlessly. Relationships are broken. And we weep and cry out like David.
Many blessings as you finish your week!
Love, Rebecca+
Announcements
Grow In Faith Together
G.I.F.T.
Parlor People and Godly Play will resume September 9.
Choir Practice will be announced at a later date.
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At Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen
Upcoming Meetings
Tuesday, August 21, Newport Anti-Racism League.
Going to see the movie BlacKkKlansman. Contact Rebecca for more details.
Thursday, August 23, 2:30pm, Parlor People
Sunday, August 26, 11am, Worship Committee
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Blessing of the backpacks, August 19.
Teachers and students are invited to bring their backpacks to be blessed.
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Taize’ Tuesdays, 4:45pm.
Twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by a Taize’ service.
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Join Us For Breakfast!
Wednesdays at 9am.
Women will meet at Newport Family Restaurant, (formerly Railside Grill) on Wednesday, August 15;
Men meet at Espresso Yourself.
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Community Events and Opportunities for Service
Donate your surplus home-grown produce to the Perry County Food Bank.
You can bring items to the church and place in the refrigerator for delivery or contact Kay, falconrider1@ymail.com
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Riverfront Gallery Call for Artists
The Riverfront Gallery at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral is calling for two-dimensional, framed works by regional artists. Works will be displayed in a three-month show pairing two artists. A 20% consignment fee benefits local community programs. Sign up at www.STSTEP.ORG/RIVERFRONT-GALLERY
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From the Diocese
Human Trafficking Hands-on Event, Saturday, August 25, 10am – 2pm, St. Andrew's in the Valley, 4620 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg.
Help place labels on bars of soap which will be delivered to local hotels and truck stops at the second Human Trafficking Awareness Day on October 13. Bring a brown bag lunch, beverages and dessert will be provided. Please RSVP to Cathy Rippeon at cathyww93@aol.com.
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Episcopal Church Women Fall Retreat, Friday, Sept. 14 – Sunday, Sept. 16, Claggett Center,
3035 Buckeystown Pike, Adamstown, Maryland.
“Discovering and Manifesting God in Ourselves” presented by The Rev. Barbara Hutchinson. Registration deadline is Friday, August 17. To register online visit: //www.cvent.com/d/dgqcwd/4W
A brochure is posted in the undercroft.
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National Alliance on Mental Illness Peer-to-Peer Recovery Education Course, Tuesdays, September 11 to November 13, 6:30 – 8:30pm, Highland United Presbyterian Church, 11 Church Rd., Newport.
Ten two-hour sessions, recovery-focused educational program for adults who wish to establish and maintain wellness in response to mental health challenges. Free of charge. To register, call 717-620-9580 or email nami.cp.pa@gmail.com
