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Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:7
Tuesday I was part of a meeting with State Representative Patty Kim and representatives of the Movement of Immigration Leaders in Pennsylvania (MILPA). I have learned a lot in recent months about the many challenges individuals and families are facing in our area.
The families have made a life here in the United States. They are vital members of our communities. In many cases, the families contain a mix of people of varying immigration statuses. Some are citizens with one member on the path to becoming a citizen. Some are citizens with one member who is here as undocumented for a variety of reasons.
No one wants to be undocumented; however, even the more traditional paths to citizenship have been blocked off or are so backlogged that it's nearly impossible to change your status.
Then comes these words from Paul - welcome one another as Christ welcomed us. I don't know whether Christ remembered being welcomed when his family fled to Egypt and I imagine he was told about that. Christ welcomed all to follow him, regardless of where they were from.
There are different ways to view the issues of people fleeing their countries and hoping to come to the United States. I am sure there are many opinions and feelings within our parish. Yet, we are called to welcome one another as Christ has welcomed us. What does that look like?
Blessings as you finish your week.
Love, Rebecca+
Announcements
G.I.F.T.: Growing in Faith Together
Godly Play and rehearsals for the Christmas Pageant will be December 15.
There is no Parlor People today.
On December 15, Rebecca will lead a discussion on How Much Hope Do You Have?
At Church of the Nativity
Today we welcome the Bishop and celebrate the baptism of Tegan Jean Day, the confirmation of Charlene Robbins and Reception of Mary Bucher.
Today’s loose offering will be given to the Bishop’s Discretionary Fund.
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.
Upcoming Meetings
Each Sunday, 4pm, Perry County PRIDE
Wednesday, December 11, 10:45am, Property Committee Meeting
Thursday, December 12, 11am, Espresso Yourself Café, Bible discussion and reading the Book of Ruth
Thursday, December 12, 2 – 4pm, Clergy Council
Thursday, December 19, 7 – 10pm, Friends of Newport Board Game Night
Taize’ Tuesdays, 4:45pm.
Twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by a Taize’ service.
Join Us For Breakfast!
Wednesdays at 9am. Women will meet at Bitting’s this week; Men meet at Espresso Yourself
December Services
Sunday, December 22, 9:30am – Christmas Pageant followed by decorating of the church and Soup Lunch.
Tuesday, 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 29, 9:30am – Christmas Lessons and Carols
Kneelers from St. Stephen’s are available for anyone who’d like them.
They are in the parlor of the parish house.
Interested in talking about the Bible with others?
We’ll meet Thursday, December 12, 11am at Espresso Yourself Café for a Bible discussion and reading the Book of Ruth.
From the Diocese
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Community Events and Opportunities for Service
Thistle Farms offers bath and body products to give women a second chance at life.
Purchase products handmade by women who have survived trafficking, prostitution, and addiction and help provide a place to live, a meaningful job and continued support for them. See Rebecca if you’d like to make a purchase.
The YWCA Greater Harrisburg is opening a new Supervised Visitation and Exchange Center in New Bloomfield.
They are working to gather the items needed to make the center a child-friendly and safe environment.
A list of needs is below.
Couch/loveseat, area rug, table and chairs, refrigerator, microwave, bean bag chairs, toys, toy box, books, puzzles, board games, craft supplies, legos/blocks, game console, pack-n-play, bouncy chair, diapers, wipes, cleaning supplies, paper towels, toilet paper, Lysol wipes, Lysol spray, tissues.
Community Dinner every Thursday, 5:30pm, Family Life Center, Newport.
Sponsored by Newport Assemblies of God. No Dinner November 28, December 19, or December 26.
Food Bank Donations are needed!
For a list of the items needed by the Food Bank, go to their website at http://www.perrycountyfoodbank.org/ and click on their wish list. Canned vegetables, fruit, nut butters and protein are always needed.
Help People in Need when you buy your Groceries!
See Gail Shull or Pat Szabo to purchase cards in various amounts to use at Giant, Mutzabaugh's, or Weis Stores. 5% of the cost of each card stays with the church and is used for outreach and mission projects.
