Loading...Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselves to help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies and inwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Collect for the Third Sunday in Lent, p. 218, The Book of Common Prayer
I think many of us would argue with the first line of this prayer. "What do you mean I have no power to help myself, " we'd vehemently state. Of course I can help myself. We think of ourselves as self-reliant or even totally independent of others.
Yes, a certain amount of self-reliance is necessary; however, keeping that instinct in balance is the challenge. In 12-step work, the first step is admitting powerlessness over the addictive substance and subsequent steps state reliance upon a power greater than oneself.
The truth is we all need assistance and support outside ourselves. Sometimes God blesses us with family, friends and a church community that provide that support, assistance and even guidance. In addition, a reliance upon God is necessary.
We do not need to do anything totally alone. We need to remind ourselves of that fact. God has given us a community of people and the Holy Spirit to guide us in this life.
Blessings as you finish your week!
Love, Rebecca+
This Sunday we welcome Bill Day to the pulpit. Bill is one of our licensed worship leaders.
Parlor People
We continue our series on prayer, using the Forward Movement pamphlet, Ten Ways to Pray. This Sunday, Bill Rohm talks about speed prayer and The Jesus Prayer.
Godly Play this Sunday and March 13.
A Trip to see the movie, Risen, Sunday, February 28, 12:50pm, Regal Harrisburg Stadium 14 Cinemas, 1500 Caughey Rd. Risen tells the story of the aftermath of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the point of view of two Roman Centurions. It is the resurrection story told from a different viewpoint. If you're interested in going, let Rebecca know so we can buy tickets ahead of time.
Centering Prayer and Taize’, Tuesdays during Lent (March 1, 8, 15), 5:15pm. Join us for ten minutes of centering prayer followed by an evening Taize’ service. For more on centering prayer, go to the Contemplative Outreach website at//www.centeringprayer.com/. For more about Taize’, go to //www.taize.fr/en
Wednesdays at Incarnation United Church of Christ, 47 N 4th St., Newport 5:30-6:15 is soup and bread supper. 6:15 program.
March 2 - Presenter - Tony Hill ""Complaining"
March 9 - Presenter - Gloria McPherson "Resentment and Bitterness"
March 16 - Presenter - Cheryl Dorman "Overspending"
Sign up for the Lenton Carbon Fast For more info and to sign up, visit: //www.macucc.org/carbonfast
Upcoming Meetings
Sunday, February 28, Noon - Welcome Committee
Wednesday, March 2, 10:30am - Stewardship Committee
Wednesday, March 9, 10:30am - Program and Mission Committee
Wednesday, March 9, 5:30-7:00pm, Worship Committee
Trip to Washington, DC, Saturday, March 12. The youth are planning a day-trip to Washington, DC. We’ll tour the Washington National Cathedral and eat lunch there. Then, we’ll visit the National Zoo. If you’d like to go along and/or could drive, please let Rebecca know.
The United Way of the Capital Region is sponsoring three community conversations on issues of income, health and education.The Perry County conversations are as follows:
Thursday, March 3, 6:00-7:30, Highland Presbyterian Church, Newport. Share your insights around the focus area of Income - reducing the number of children and families living in poverty.
Thursday, March 10, 6:00-7:30, Highland Presbyterian Church, Newport. Share your insights around the focus area of Health - improving access to health care.
Thursday, March 24, 6:00-7:30, Highland Presbyterian Church, Newport. Share your insights around the focus area of Education - working to decrease disparities in school readiness and school achievement.
Register to attend on their website https://www.uwcr.org/about-us/our-events or call Heidi Neuhaus at 717-724-1055.
Exhibit to Honor Mary Landis. The Perry County Council of the Arts is planning an exhibit to honor the life of Mary Landis. If you have stories, information or memorabilia regarding her life, please contact Roger Smith (rog@perrycountyarts.org) or Missy Smith (missy@perrycountyarts.org).
The choir practices every Sunday at 8:30am prior to the service. The choir will also practice some Wednesdays at 10:30am.
Men’s Breakfast - each Wed., 9am, Espresso Yourself Café.
Women’s Breakfast - Feb. 24th and March 9, 9am, Railside
Join Hands items of the month are Bibles, New Living Translation version.
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.
Food Bank Donations are needed! During Lent, we'll collect the donations in front of our altar. For a list of the items needed by the Food Bank, go to their website at //www.perrycountyfoodbank.org/ and click on their wish list.
Honor or Remember a loved one or a special occasion with flowers on the altar! Flowers help make our worship space more beautiful and remind us of the blossoming life we have in Christ. Please consider sponsoring the flowers in memory of a loved one, or to celebrate your thanksgivings. Flowers are $35. A sign-up chart is in the Undercroft.
