Loading...But when he could no longer see him, he grasped his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. 2 Kings 2:12
This Sunday we hear about what happened at the end of Elijah's life. Elijah knew God was coming to take him. Elisha was traveling with Elijah. Elijah told Elisha to stay back, but Elisha wouldn't leave Elijah's side. Elisha witnesses Elijah being carried to God in a chariot of fire and horses of fire and a whirlwind. It must have been an amazing sight.
For Elisha, it was also a devastating sight, because Elijah was no longer physically with him on earth. Elisha was in distress that Elijah wouldn't be with him and that's why he would not leave Elijah's side. Even though Elisha asked and received a double portion of Elijah's spirit and witnessed the dramatic whirlwind as Elijah went to God, Elisha was in great grief.
Most of us have experienced this deep grief. Sometimes when a beloved family member or friend dies, we know it's all for the best. Maybe the person's last moments or days were particularly beautiful or meaningful. As Christians, we also are comforted in the person's return to God and our belief in our resurrection together. Yet, we, like Elisha, tear our clothes in great grief.
Our culture doesn't always allow or support our grief. My prayer is that we can fully acknowledge and feel our grief, whether it is due to the death of someone we love or from the many losses that come to us as we live these days.
Many blessings as you finish your week!
Love, Rebecca+
Announcements
Grow In Faith Together (G.I.F.T)
Parlor People, Sundays, 11am – noon.
Today, Rebecca will continue the Beloved Community session. The topic will be Repairing the Breach in Institutions and Society.
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Godly Play will be today, February 18 and 25.
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At Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen
Today we commission our Vestry members and Wardens.
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Today we observe African-American History Month.
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Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, February 13, 6 – 7:30pm, Undercroft.
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Ash Wednesday Service, February 14, 7pm with The Rev. Jean McCleary preaching.
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February 21 through March 21, services will be held at Incarnation United Church of Christ, 47 N. 4th Street, Newport, from 5:30-7:00pm.
A soup supper begins at 5:30, with an informal service beginning at 6:15pm.
Weekly Presenters-
*Feb. 21, Cheryl Dorman: Humanness, Holiness, and Repentance: Jesus and the Canaanite Woman
*Feb. 28, Jan Custer: Resignation or Redemption? The Samaritan Woman at the Well
*March 7, Rebecca Myers: Distraction and Prayer: Mary and Martha
*March 14, Trevor Lightner: Conformed or Converted? Nicodemus
*March 21, George Martz: The Hope of Forgiveness: Peter
Friday, March 30 – Good Friday Cross Walk
Meet in front of Goodwill at noon.
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Upcoming Meetings
Friday, February 23, 6-8pm, Game Night at Nativity
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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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Taize’ Tuesdays, 5:00pm.
Twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by a Taize’ service.
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The New Organ is Here!
Contributions to defray the cost are still being accepted. Envelopes are at the back of the church.
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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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Community Events and Opportunities for Service
YWCA Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Volunteer Victim Advocate Training, March 26 – April 19, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5-9pm.
The YWCA Greater Harrisburg is accepting applications for Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Volunteer Victim Advocate Training. For qualifications and volunteer opportunities, contact Emily O’Haren at 717-234-7931 ext. 3015 or eoharen@ywcahbg.org
Deadline to register is February 26.
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From the Diocese
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.
