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Blessed are those who trust in the Lord,
whose trust is the Lord.
They shall be like a tree planted by water,
sending out its roots by the stream.
It shall not fear when heat comes,
and its leaves shall stay green;
in the year of drought it is not anxious,
and it does not cease to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 15:7-8
This Sunday, our Hebrew Bible reading is from Jeremiah. The verses above contributed to the African-Americanh spiritual, "I Shall Not Be Moved." No one really knows when this song was written. A recording exists as far back as 1929. The song verses have been changed and used during many movements, including the labor movement and the civil rights movement.
Here is a version recorded by Mississippi John Hurt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLc8YeXP8FY
When we trust in God, we are strong to withstand any challenge that comes our way. We keep doing what we hear God calling us to do, whether we receive praise, accolades or acknowledgement from others. We keep doing what we hear God calling us to do, even when others do not understand. We know we are beloved of God.
I've always thought about the amazing strength of those who were enslaved. However did they endure the horror of their condition? Yet this song, and so many others like it, came out of that experience. They are songs of hope, midst the horror. Such a strong faith in God.
May we also trust in God and be like those strong trees planted by the water.
Blessings as you finish your week!
Love, Rebecca+
Announcements
G.I.F.T.: Grow In Faith Together
Godly Play will be today and February 24.
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Today at Parlor People, Ancient/Comparative Religion led by Glenn Holliman.
Next week, The Way of Love: Turn - Rebecca will introduce this series on The Way of Love and address the aspect of "Turn".
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At Church of the Nativity & St. Stephen
Today Sue Beamer leads Morning Prayer.
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Friday, February 22, 5:30-8pm, Movie Night.
The movie is Charlotte's Web, which is the one community book for Newport School District this year. We'll have pizza and drinks between 5:30 and 6, with movie beginning about 6. Bring snacks to share.
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Upcoming Meetings
Saturday, February 23, 9:30am – 12:30pm, Diocesan Eliminating Racism Task Group
Thursday, February 28, Friends of Newport Game Night, 7-10pm.
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Taize’ Tuesdays, 4:45pm.
Twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by a Taize’ service.
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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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Help Join Hands provided basic needs products to families in need.
Items needed are: Diapers and Wipes - sizes 1 to 6, Feminine hygiene products, Paper Towels,
and Toilet Paper.
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From the Diocese
Appalachian Camino, June 23 - June 28
You may participate in the Camino either for the full length of the trail or a day hike. For questions, e-mail Amy Swiernik - aswiernik@diocesecpa.org. To register, go to: https://www.cvent.com/events/appalachian-camino/registration-ad8635ea456f484ca52316d13e03a5ca.aspx?fqp=true
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Community Events and Opportunities for Service
Grief Share, Thursdays beginning March 7, 6:30 – 8:30pm, Veterans Memorial Building, 25 W. Main Street, New Bloomfield.
This 13 week program provides help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member or friend. To register, call 717-536-0163 or email Revboehm@yahoo.com by February 28. Cost is $15 for the participant workbook. Sponsored by the West Perry Ministerium.
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The Greenwood High School Theater is performing Peter Pan, March 7 – 10.
Sophia Jezewski will be in the musical. Please see Rebecca if you’d like to go or you can purchase tickets at: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=ghst
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Ministerium Lenten soup supper series, Wednesdays, March 13, 20, 27, April 3 and 10, 5:30pm.
The theme is The Way of Love.
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Salute Your Hometown Hero by Sponsoring a Newport Revitalization and Preservation Society Veterans Banner.
Banners will be placed along Market and Second Streets May 16 – June 15 and October 10 – November 12 for two years and then presented to the sponsor. Cost is $75 and will be processed on a first come first serve basis. Checks should be made payable to NRPS and mailed to PO Box 13, Newport, PA 17074. Veteran’s photo can be sent to Artistic Image, 211 N. 4th Street, Newport, PA 17074 or digitally to sales@aiscreenprinting.net. Please contact Frank at 717-418-2779 with any questions.
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Advancing Workforce Development for Mature Workers (A4TD) helps mature people get back into the workforce by providing paid occupational skills and workplace experience training.
For income qualified workers age 55+. For more information, contact Russ or Elaine at 717-243-4431 X 233 or visit www.a4td.org
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Sponsors Needed for the Perry County Bicentennial Plaza
The plaza will be part of the 69-acre Lynn Sheaffer Dum Memorial Park near Elliottsburg and will feature markers relating the history of Perry County from before European settlement to present. Checks can be mailed to PCBC 2020, PO Box 13, Newport, PA 17074. For more info, visit www.PerryCountyHeritageTrail.com
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Drugs 101: What parents and kids need to know, Wednesday, March 6, 6 – 8:30pm, West Perry High School
This program is designed to educate parents and provide information to teens to help guide them in making good choices. Representatives from the Dauphin County Coroner's Office, Harrisburg City Police Department, Dauphin County Probation Office, drug treatment programs, Penn State Children’s Hospital, trauma/injury prevention, and mental health providers will provide a glimpse into the life of an addicted person and Zeke, Harrisburg City K-9 officer, will be present to share his story. Register by calling school nurse, Ms, Davis at 717-789-3931 X 5408, by email at adavis@westperry.org and online at https://pennstatehealthnews.org/event/drugs-101-what-parents-and-kids-need-to-know/
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