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Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Collect for 5th Sunday after Epiphany, BCP p. 216
Freedom is a concept throughout the Bible. The Israelites were released from the bondage of slavery in Egypt. Later in their history, they were released from their bondage in Babylon. Jesus came to free us from the boxes we had created to judge people and to cause harm to others.
A definition of sin I like is that sin is what distances us from God. Jesus came to help us reconcile ourselves to God. Jesus wanted us to be free, but what does that look like?
We have heard that when anyone is oppressed, no one is free. What rules, laws, and judgments do we hold individually and collectively, that t keep us in bondage to sin? What rules, laws, and judgments do we hold that prevent us from loving God, loving our neighbor and loving ourselves?
Let us pray to be set free.
Blessings as you finish your week.
Love, Rebecca+
Announcements
G.I.F.T.: Growing in Faith Together
Godly Play will be today and February 16 and 23.
Today at Parlor People, Week 4 Study of John – written by Abigail Livingood – Diocese of Iowa.
Next week, Week 5 Study of John – written by Leigh Ann Hirschman, Diocese of Indianapolis
At Church of the Nativity
Today we observe African-American History Month.
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
BINGO prizes needed for Honaman House
BINGO at Honaman House on February 13. Donations of prizes are needed. Items such as: Single rolls of toilet paper or 4 packs, paper towels, dish soap, cleaning products or laundry products. If you'd like to provide an item(s), please drop them off at the church by Wednesday, February 12.
Join Us For Breakfast! Wednesdays at 9am.
Women will meet at Newport Family Restaurant this week. Men meet at Espresso Yourself Café.
Taize’ Tuesdays, 4:45pm.
Twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by a Taize’ service.
Help Join Hands provide basic needs products to families.
Items needed are: Adult Incontinent Products, Combs, Hair brushes, Hair care products, Deodorant, Diapers and Wipes - sizes 1 to 6, Feminine hygiene products, Lotion, Medical supplies such as band-aids & cough drops, Mouthwash, Paper Towels, Shampoo/Conditioner, Shaving Cream/Razors, Soap/shower gel, Tissues, Toilet Paper and Toothpaste/Toothbrushes.
From the Diocese
St. Stephen’s Episcopal School’s Lunch and Learn, March 17, 11:30am – 1pm, 215 N. Front Street, Harrisburg.
Come learn about the preschool – 8th grade school in our Episcopal Diocese. Lunch will be catered by Pastorante. Lunch and fellowship will be followed by a brief program about the school and opportunity to tour the school. RSVP to Ellen Hartman, ehartman@sseschool.org
Rooted in God: Sharing Our Stories,Saturday, May 30, Camp Mt. Luther, Mifflinburg
Everyone in the diocese is invited to a special Shaped by Faith event, Rooted in God: Sharing Our Stories. The event will include a keynote speaker and workshops on ways to celebrate your parish's stories. There will be no charge for this event. Registration will be available at the beginning of February.
Community Events and Opportunities for Service
Perry County Economic Development Authority Public Meeting for Newport/Howe Township, Wednesday, February 12, 5:30pm, Newport Senior Center, 2 N. 2nd Street
A team of rural economic development specialists will be working in Perry County throughout the first half of 2020 to assess needs in each borough, create revitalization plans for each one, and assist in applying to Pennsylvania’s Main Street program – a 5 year initiative to help the county’s towns secure help and funding for improvement efforts.
Sunday, March 1, 2pm, St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Newport, former State Rep. Fred Noye will deliver a talk on the political history of the county with displays of political artifacts.
Sponsored by the Perry County Historical Society. There is no charge for admission.
