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Almighty and everliving God, we humbly pray that, as your only-begotten Son was this day presented in the temple, so we may be presented to you with pure and clean hearts by Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Collect for The Presentation, p. 239, Book of Common Prayer
This Sunday we observe the presentation of Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem. Thirty-three days after his circumcision, Mary and Joseph traveled the long distance to Jerusalem as part of the rite of induction into Judaism. Mary and Joseph offered two doves as sacrifice.
Our Collect reminds us to be presented to God with pure and clean hearts. We remember as we enter the sacred space of worship to examine ourselves. Have our intentions and actions during the week been in alignment with the teachings of Christ? Have we asked forgiveness for our sins, those things that move us away from God?
Let us come together each week with pure and clean hearts to worship God and to be strengthened for the week ahead.
Many blessings as you finish your week!
Love, Rebecca+
This Sunday of the Presentation of Jesus is also known as Candlemas. After announcements, we gather in the hallway between the church and parish house for prayers and a candlelight procession into the church. In some traditions, Candlemas marks the end of the Christmas season and a time when all Christmas decorations are put away. Another tradition is for people to bring their candles to church to be blessed, so as they burn throughout the year, they remind people of Jesus, the light of the world.
Announcements
G.I.F.T.: Growing in Faith Together
Godly Play will be February 9, 16 and 23.
Today at Parlor People, Week 3 study of John – written by Isaac M., member of the Youth Group at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Marfa, Texas.
Next week, Week 4 Study of John – written by Abigail Livingood – Diocese of Iowa
At Church of the Nativity
Today we take an additional offering for Caring for Nativity’s Neighbors Heating and Health.
Donations are sent to Join Hands, so people in our community have support for their needs.
Next Sunday we observe African-American History Month.
During 2020, we will be celebrating baptism on April 12, May 31 and November 1.
Let Rebecca know if you or someone you know would like to be baptized on any of these days.
Epipha-Tea, Saturday, February 22, 2pm, home of Mary Jeanne Emerson.
Please bring something to share. Anyone who would like to carpool, please meet at the church at by 1:15.
Upcoming Meetings
Each Sunday, 4pm, Perry County PRIDE
Saturday, February 15, 9am - 3pm, Vestry Retreat
Join Us For Breakfast! Wednesdays at 9am.
Women will meet at Bitting’s this week. Men meet at Espresso Yourself Café.
Taize’ Tuesdays, 4:45pm.
Twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by a Taize’ service.
Margo Huston is in search of safe, affordable housing in the Newport area.
$450/month for rent and utilities. Please contact Margo at 717-557-9306 or margo.huston@gmail.com for suggestions or offers.
From the Diocese
Need help making decisions about caring for yourself or a loved one as you or they age? Family Group Decisionmaking is available to you!
You will be asked to gather a group of family and friends together to come up with a plan for how best to care for yourself or for a loved one. The sessions are free and conducted by Mary Grace Shearer, MSW, Executive Director of The Episcopal Home. To learn more or to schedule a session, please contact Mary Grace at 717-532-4612 or talk to Rebecca.
St. Stephen’s Episcopal School is asking for community support due to its free breakfast and lunch program ending.
The school recently lost its “at risk” status due to changes in federal regulations and the program will end January 31. Of the 145 students who attend the pre-K-8 school, about 40 children are in the breakfast program and 60 children in the lunch program. To help them provide meals for the remainder of the academic year, please send donations to St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, 215 N. Front Street, Harrisburg, PA, 17101 or donate online at www.sseschool.org/donate
Community Events and Opportunities for Service
Community Dinner every Thursday, 5:30pm, Family Life Center, Newport.
Sponsored by Newport Assemblies of God.
200th Anniversary Perry County Kick-Off, Perry Portraits by the Perry County Council of the Arts, Friday, February 7, 5:30 - 7:30pm, Landis House, Newport.
This is a free event.
2020 Humanities Symposium Keynote Lecture, Thursday, February 20, 2020, 7:30pm, Parmer Hall at Messiah College.
Anthony Ray Hinton shares his story of serving 30 years for a crime he did not commit and talks about his book The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row. To reserve free tickets, contact the Messiah College Ticket Office at 717-691-6036 or online at messiah.edu/tickets
