Loading...When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, *
then were we like those who dream. Psalm 126:1
Have you ever had a dream come true? Maybe it was a wedding day or a graduation day or a job or a vacation. Sometimes the dream is something you thought you would never see. You feel such joy and also an otherworldliness.
That's what the Psalmist is talking about in the Psalm this Sunday. The people were in exile and returning to their homes was a dream, almost impossible to imagine and yet longed for.
And so it is in this time of Advent. We dream of a time when God's love and peace will reign on earth. We are not entirely convinced that we will see this reign in our lifetimes. Yet we continue to dream and to hope.
Many blessings as you finish your week!
Love, Rebecca+
Announcements
Grow In Faith Together (G.I.F.T)
There will be no Parlor People today.
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Today is Godly Play.
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At Church of the Nativity
Today we decorate the church. A light luncheon will follow.
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Thank you to everyone who helped with the Join Hands Christmas program in any way!
Your help is greatly appreciated. We were able to sponsor 45 children this year!
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Upcoming Meetings
Tuesday, December 19, 2pm, Environmental Stewardship Committee Meeting
Thursday, December 21, 7pm, Newport Anti-Racism League
Wednesday, December 27, 6:30pm, Diocesan Eliminating Racism Task Group
Thursday, January 4, 7pm, Newport Anti-Racism League
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Taize’ Tuesdays, 5pm.
Twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by a Taize’ service.
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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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The choir practices Wednesdays at 10:15am.
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Movie Night, Friday, January 19, 6pm.
Pizza provided. Bring snacks and drinks.
“Because of Winn-Dixie” is the movie to be shown. Rated PG.
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Notecards of Nativity for sale.
$2 each or 5 for $8. The photo on the 4X5½“ cards is of the pews and was taken by Irene VanBuskirk. They are in the undercroft.
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Let Rebecca know if you’d like her to come visit.
She can come to your home or another location you suggest. This helps her to know you better and hopefully you will also know her a little better. Let Rebecca know your availability on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday days or evenings and she'll be in touch to arrange a time to get together. You can send an email to her at nativityrector@pa.net or leave a message at the church at 717-567-6514.
Community Events and Opportunities for Service
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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Call 2-1-1 for help.
When you are unsure how to find help and want to connect with community services, Dial 2-1-1 for Free Information and Referrals to services in your town.
PA 2-1-1 is a comprehensive health and human services information and referral service for all of South Central Pennsylvania. We maintain a database of information about the following groups that provide services or meet in your community: Non-profit Agencies, Governmental Programs, Support Groups and Clubs. You can also visit https://pa211.communityos.org to search on your own.
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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.
