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Surely, it is God who saves me; I will trust in him and not be afraid. Canticle 9: The First Song of Isaiah, Book of Common Prayer, p. 86
This Sunday, we say Canticle 9 between our lesson and epistle. Sometimes we have sung this canticle and the verse above may be very familiar to you. Here is a video of the canticle: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD5-EipJ9BM
These are comforting words. We are in a busy time of year for most of us. There are tests if you are in school. There are presents and parties. There is grief as you remember holidays of the past and people who are no longer with us. There is sorrow for friends and family who may be celebrating their last Christmas with us. There is the general state of the world and of our country. We can feel overwhelmed by it all.
The words of this canticle remind us that we can rely upon God. They remind us that we do not have to fear. We can be calm. Yes, we can grieve those we miss. We can grieve for the challenges we face. And at the same time, we know God is with us through it all. We do not have to be afraid and we can be joyful through it all.
Many blessings as you finish your week!
Love, Rebecca+
Announcements
G.I.F.T.: Growing in Faith Together
Godly Play is today.
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Today the Parlor People session will be Christmas Art led by Dick Price.
On January 6, Bill Rohm will lead a session - An Epiphany Bucket List Part I.
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At Church of the Nativity
December Services
Sunday, December 23, 9:30am – Christmas Pageant followed by decorating of the church and Pot Luck.
Monday, December 24, 4:00pm – Christmas Eve Family Service with Eucharist, St. Stephen’s
10:30pm – Christmas Eve Service with Eucharist at Nativity. Hymns and music from 10:30-11:00pm.
Sunday, December 30, 9:30am – Christmas Lessons and Carols
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Christmas Pageant practices will take place after church today.
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Upcoming Meetings
Wednesday, January 9, 10:30am, Sabbatical Committee Meeting
Wednesday, January 9, 6:30pm, Vestry
Saturday, January 12, 9:30am – 12:30pm, Diocesan Eliminating Racism Task Group
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The church office will be closed Monday, December 24 – Tuesday, January 1.
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Join Us For Breakfast! Wednesdays at 9am.
Women will meet at Newport Family Restaurant this week; Men meet at Espresso Yourself.
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Taize’ Tuesdays, 4:45pm.
Twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by a Taize’ service.
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Pledge payments should be made by December 23 to be credited for 2018.
If you would like pledge envelopes for next year, please let Michele know if you didn’t indicate it on your pledge form.
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From the Diocese
Evening Prayer service to support people who are LGBT, Wednesdays, December 19, 5:30pm, St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Free parking at Dauphin County Bus Association.
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Bishop Out of the Box Live Nativity Scene, Wednesday, December 19, 4 – 8pm, St. Andrew's in the Valley, Harrisburg.
Volunteers are needed, both to dress in costume (costumes provided), as well as to be greeters, traffic control, set up and clean up. If you would like to volunteer, please see Rebecca for volunteer opportunities and shift times.
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Blue Christmas Service, Wednesday, December 19, 6:30pm, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, 221 N Front Street, Harrisburg.
The Blue Christmas services are a brief communion service designed to support those for whom the holidays are not especially joyful. A reception is to follow. For questions or more details, contact The Rev. Deacon Shayna Watson at swatson@ststep.org
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Vesper Service, Saturday, December 23,3 – 6:30pm, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, 221 N. Front Street, Harrisburg.
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Happening, February 15-17, Camp Mt. Luther, Mifflinburg.
All youth in grades 9-12 are invited for an exciting weekend of fun, friendship, and faith! Happening is not a traditional church retreat. As a Happener, whether you are a high school student or an adult (yes, adults may happen, too!), you will have the opportunity to talk about God with your peers, the people who will be experiencing the same event with you. Please register by February 8 at https://diocesecpa.org/youth/
Cost: $125.00. Scholarships are available. Contact: Mary Ellen Kilp or Theda Tallman at cpayouthcom@gmail.com for questions.
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Community Events and Opportunities for Service
Historical Society of Perry County Annual Worship Service at Fairview Church, 5955 Big Springs Road, Blain, Friday, December 21, 7pm.
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Pennsylvania Interfaith Power and Light is making plans for our 8th Annual PA to DC Bike Trip from May 10-15, 2019.
For the second year in a row, we'll have two groups, one originating in the State College area and one in the Philadelphia area making the trip to raise a faith voice for action against climate change. This public statement of concern is also a fundraiser for PA IPL and riders spend a day on Capitol Hill advocating for policies that will turn the tide of climate change and protect Creation and God's most vulnerable people. This year, we hope to recruit more riders and still have a diverse group so we are asking potential riders to fill out an application between now and January 28. The participants will be selected and make commitments by mid-February. The application form is at paipl.us/what-do-we-do/bike-trip and gives much more information about the trip.
