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Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Collect for Proper 14, p. 232 Book of Common Prayer
I believe this prayer is a tall order. We ask God to give us the ability to think and to do those things that are right. We need to think about what is right and then we are called to action to do what is right. It is the only way we live according to God's will, rather than our own will.
Every Sunday and probably other times during the week, we say the wonderful prayer that Jesus taught us. We ask for God's kingdom to come right here and right now. We ask for God's will to be done right here and right now.
These are such easy and well-worn words, said over and over again. Doing God's will requires us to think and to do the things that are right.
Luckily, we have a community of believers to help us in this work.
Love,
Rebecca+
Announcements
Please include the following in your daily prayers.
Wendy, Jim, Tammy, Zoey, Vanessa, Terry, Quentin, Shirley, Bonnie, Frank, Alex, Jorden, Deago, Darryl, Karen, Kierra, Jeannie and Trabajara.
Today we’ll have the Blessing of the Backpacks.
Teachers and students are invited to bring their backpacks to be blessed.
Help Support a Student Going to College. Join Hands Ministry contacted us to see if we could provide support for a young man who has a full scholarship to college, but no resources to buy the extra things you need to take to school. He has a computer, but needs things like sheets, towels, toiletries. We are collecting financial donations until this Sunday, August 13. Susan Rice and Darlene Amsler will go shopping for the items needed and if anything is left over, we will give it to the student for books. You can get a check or cash to the church. Write the check to the church and put "college student" in the memo line.
Weekly Devotions Gatherings
We have decided to start meeting in person for some of our weekly devotions gatherings. Dates, times and places follow:
Friday, August 18, 8:30am, Farmer's Daughters, New Bloomfield
Wednesday, August 23, 9am, Zoom
Wednesday, August 30, 11:30am, Harshbarger's, Port Royal
Newport Farmer's Market, parking lot at the Church of the Nativity, August 27, noon - 3pm.
Collections for Neighbor Helping Neighbor Food Bank
The August items are: Cake Mixes, Frosting, Paper Towels and Napkins.
Help fill our community food pantry!
Items that seem to be taken first include canned pasta meals, soups, and macaroni and cheese. Vegetables don't seem to get taken.
Suggestions for Giving To Others (GTO) Funds.
If you have a new recommendation for GTO funding, please contact Wendy Day, Darlene Amsler or Sue Beamer. We are planning to give away $20,000 once again.
PCCA Annual Fundraiser, Winery at Hunters Valley, Sunday, August 27, 12 – 3pm, $55 per person.
Inspired by Pittsburgh artist Andy Warhol, fun with food, drinks, music and art! Reserve by August 18 at https://checkout.square.site/buy/DLAHNP5IC2B4ENVP4GBWCE5E
Perry County Chamber of Commerce Limited Edition Puzzle.
The first limited edition puzzle is Clay’s Bridge located in Little Buffalo State Park, Newport. Each year they will select a different landmark in Perry County to feature. Puzzles will be available for purchase at the Chamber office at 9 W. Main Street, New Bloomfield, at upcoming local events, and via their online store for $25 each + tax. Only 500 will be available for purchase. Once they are gone, they are gone!
Save the Date - 2023 Join Hands Ministry BINGO, Saturday, October 21, The Dream at Bloomfield Stables, 2420 Cold Storage Road, New Bloomfield
Open to any interested donors who want to help support our mission. More information will be shared as the time gets closer– including: Prizes, Food, and Time!
Christian Churches United is hiring!
CCU has two part-time positions at HELP Ministries Office and Susquehanna Harbor Safe Haven facility - Help Ministries Receptionist and a Safe Haven Supportive Service Assistant. Please visit our job postings on Indeed.com or send a cover letter and resume to jobs@ccuhbg.org
Fall 2023 SSFM Continuing Education Classes offered and highlighted below.
Courses are offered via Zoom with online resource support and conversation. Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-episcopal-diocese-of-central-pa-18719292176
Becoming Beloved Community 2, Tuesdays, 7-8:00pm, August 22-October 24, The Rev. Kevin Barron and Dr. Marion Schwartz, instructors
Becoming Beloved Community 2 builds upon the learning about systemic racism from the Becoming Beloved Community 1 course. Theological reflection will be the primary means through which we explore how to live into our identities as antiracists. We will take a deep dive into our formation as disciples and how that influences our fight to eliminate systemic racism.
Ending Well, Tuesdays, 2:30 - 3:30pm, October 17 - November 14, The Rev. Dr. Adam Trambley, instructor
How can we prepare for our death? This five-session workshop provides you with an opportunity to give a gift to those who will be taking care of your affairs, fulfilling responsibilities that must be discharged when you die. The workshops will cover some of the nuts & bolts such as required documents, your digital estate, wishes for your funeral or celebration of life, & creating a findable file containing everything needed to settle your affairs and distribute your belongings.
The Whole of Creation Groans: Preaching Good News in the Age of Climate Change, Wednesdays, 2-3:30pm, September 6-October 11, Dr. Joshua Davis, instructor
Taking its title from Romans 8:22, this class will explore the biblical, theological, & moral bases for Christian solidarity with the various movements for a sustainable future. Using novels & films, alongside scientific & theological writings, we will discuss the different social & natural systems that are accelerating climate change & what kinds of possibilities exist for creating new practices and righteous values that reflect God’s saving purpose for the whole of creation.
