Loading...but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
I still remember the worn and creased small piece of paper my father pulled out of his wallet. I was probably in my late 30s. It was this Bible verse. He told me it was his favorite and he'd carried it in his wallet for years.
Whenever I read it or hear it, I feel like my father is speaking to me.
I thought about this verse again when I watched the opening ceremony for the Philadelphia Eagles game. (Interesting that we will read this on Super Bowl Sunday.) After the singing of the National Anthem, an eagle flew around the stadium and over the field, landing on the arm of the trainer. Watching an eagle soar is a wonderful sight.
(For more about this particular eagle, go here: https://www.eagles.org/meet-our-birds/bald-eagles/challenger/)
The secret to the eagle and other birds of its kind, known as raptors, is how they catch the wind currents and float on them. This preserves their energy.
That's what Isaiah is trying to tell us. God is the current beneath our wings. When we catch the winds of God, we do not grow tired. When we catch the winds of God, we do not faint. When we catch the winds of God, we are strengthened.
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. We will look at and discuss Practicing the Way of Love in the Pattern of Jesus.
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Godly Play will be February 11, 18 and 25.
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At Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen
Today, Bill Rohm will preach.
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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.
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Next week we commission our Vestry members and Wardens.
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Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, February 13, 6 – 7:30pm, Undercroft.
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Ash Wednesday Service, February 14, 7pm, Church of the Nativity, with The Rev. Jean McCleary preaching.
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Upcoming Meetings
Friday, February 23, 6-8pm, Game Night at Nativity
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During 2018, we will be celebrating baptism on May 20, November 4.
Let Rebecca know if you or someone you know would like to be baptized on any of these days. ֎֎֎֎֎֎
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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Community Events and Opportunities for Service
Wed., February 7, 11-1pm, Episcopal Commons, Bingo and lunch
BINGO prizes of cleaning and paper supplies are needed. If you’d like to donate items, please see Wendy or Lynne. (At this time, we have plenty of dish soap.)
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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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Pauline M. Whitekettle Scholarship Fund, deadline June 1.
Open to residents of Newport. A flyer is posted in the undercroft. For full eligibility guidelines and to apply, visit: www.tfec.org/whitekettle
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Festal Evensong, Sunday, February 11, 6pm, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 22 South 6th Street, Lebanon.
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Brownies Needed
Bags of brownie mix are available in the undercroft for anyone who would like to bake them for Helping Kids.
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Join Hands Items of the Month
Clothing (especially infant and toddler, hats, gloves, scarves, socks), toiletries, household cleaning supplies, blankets, quilts, towels, wash clothes.
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