Loading..."Dear People of God: In the season of Advent, it is our responsibility and joy to prepare ourselves to hear once more the message of the Angels, to go to Bethlehem and see the Son of God lying in a manger." Bidding Prayer, Advent Lessons and Carols
This Sunday we will have a service of Advent Lessons and Carols. There will be six scripture readings, especially emphasizing the hope and anticipation of the coming of Christ. Each lesson is followed by a hymn. The scripture and music form the message for the day.
After lighting the Advent wreath, the service begins with the bidding prayer, part of which is above. We are responsible for preparing ourselves to hear this ages-old message of love and hope once again.
I must confess that this morning I found it hard to find that hope. I felt bereft. I recalled Jeremiah 31:15:
Thus says the Lord:
A voice is heard in Ramah,
lamentation and bitter weeping.
Rachel is weeping for her children;
she refuses to be comforted for her children,
because they are no more.
I was weeping for our children. All of the recent news regarding sexual abuse, especially that of children. has me weeping. My first social work position in 1985, was that of rape crisis counselor. I was an employee for two years and a volunteer for many more. My next job was starting support groups for people who were sexually abused as children. I have heard so many stories. I have witnessed the aftermath and life-altering challenges and pain caused by sexual abuse.
Recently, I've been reading a book, These Are Our Bodies: Talking Faith & Sexuality at Church & Home. The foundation of the book is a 1982 program prepared by The Episcopal Church, Sexuality: A Divine Gift: A Sacramental Approach to Human Sexuality and Family Life. The Core beliefs are:
You are holy.
Sexualitly is good.
Sexuality is powerful.
You are not alone.
You must take responsibility.
We must take responsibility as the church for doing our part to stop sexual violence in its many forms. We already have the class and trainings in Safeguarding God's Children. A recent article in The Washington Post by The Rev. Amy Butler says we can be a place where the stories can be told and people can be comforted. We can also do our part in prevention. We can educate ourselves and model loving and respectful relationships. We can speak out to say that sexual aggression, violence, and harrassment is wrong.
Are there things you hope we can do as a parish? Are there questions you have? Please come talk to me. When we address this issue, we take responsibility for the hope we have in Jesus Christ.
Love and blessings,
Rebecca+
Announcements
Grow In Faith Together (G.I.F.T)
Parlor People, Sundays, 11am – noon.
Today Thomas Merton, led by Jane Hoover. No parlor People next week.
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Next week we will decorate the church.
A light luncheon will be held. Sign-up for lunch is in the undercroft.
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Today and next week are Godly Play days.
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At Church of the Nativity
Services for December 24 and 25-
Sunday, December 24-
9:30am – Quiet Eucharist – Advent IV
4pm – Christmas Eve Family Service, St. Stephen’s, Thompsontown
10:30pm – Christmas Eve (Hymns and music at 10:30; service at 11pm)
Monday, December 25- 9:30am - Eucharist
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Living Well Through Advent 2017 Practicing Wonder With All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind guides are available at the back of the church. The guide provides a foundation for seeking a deeper experience of Advent and prepares us for the true meaning of Christmas. Feel free to pick up a copy.
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Flowers for Christmas.
Donations for Christmas flowers will be taken through today. 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.
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Taize’ Tuesdays, 5pm. Twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by a Taize’ service.
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Upcoming Meetings
Thursday, December 14, 4:30pm, Finance Committee Meeting
Tuesday, December 19, 2pm, Environmental Stewardship Committee Meeting
Thursday, December 21, 7pm, Newport Anti-Racism League
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The choir practices Wednesday at 10:15am.
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Donations being accepted for new organ!
Vestry has approved expenditures up to $60,000. The sale of some Orrstown Bank Stock provided $35,500 towards this, leaving $24,000 to be raised. Envelopes are at the back of the church if you would like to defray the cost.
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Join Us For Breakfast!
Men's breakfast - Every Wednesday, 9am, Espresso Yourself Cafe.
Women's breakfast – every Wednesday, 9am, Bitting’s.
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Transport Wheel Chair now available for people who need assistance. The chair is located outside the restroom in the parish house.
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From the Diocese
Diocesan Staff in Residence, Wednesday, January 17, 11am - 4:30pm, St. Andrew's In the Valley, 4620 Linglestown Rd, Harrisburg.
Let Rebecca know if you'd like to visit with the Diocesan staff on this day. Here is the schedule. Everyone is welcome. 11 - noon - Bible Study, Noon - 12:30 – Eucharist, 12:30 - 1:00 - Bring your Own Lunch, 1:00 - 4:30pm - Individual appointments or general conversation with Diocesan staff.
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Thanks for reaching out to Catholic Charities Immigration and Refugee.
They are currently all set on back packs for the children, but could use some other supplies if you wish to donate them. Alarm clocks (electric), Twin mattress pads, Laundry detergent, Brooms and dustpans, Bathroom and Kitchen cleaners, Scissors, Can openers and Shower curtains, liners and hooks.
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Community Events and Opportunities for Service
Come Caroling, Friday, December 15, 5pm at 4th and Market Street, Newport.
Please let Rebecca know if you’d like to join the fun.
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Rotary Club 5th Annual Beat the Rush Holiday Fund Raiser, Friday, December 15, 7-10pm, The Landis House, 67 N. 4th Street, Newport.
Door prizes, silent auction, live auction, 50/50 raffle, desserts, appetizers and cocktails.
$20 per person. See Rebecca if you would like tickets.
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Join Hands Items of the Month –
Clothing (especially infant and toddler, hats, gloves, scarves, socks), toiletries, household cleaning supplies, blankets, quilts, towels, wash clothes.
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“Home for the Holidays” Concert with The Eaken Trio, Sunday, December 17, 6pm,
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 22 South 6th Street, Lebanon.
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