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Father in heaven, who at the baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan proclaimed him your beloved Son and anointed him with the Holy Spirit: Grant that all who are baptized into his Name may keep the covenant they have made, and boldly confess him as Lord and Savior; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. Collect for First Sunday After Epiphany: The Baptism of our Lord, p. 214, Book of Common Prayer
This Sunday we observe the Baptism of Jesus and renew our own baptismal vows. Our Collect asks for the strength and power to keep our baptismal covenant.
You can find the covenant on page 304 in the Book of Common Prayer. In the covenant, we use the words of the Apostle's Creed to affirm that we believe in God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. We also agree, with the help of God to:
1. Continue in ithe apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking iof bread and in the prayers.
2. Persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever we fall into sin, repent and return to God.
3. Proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ.
4. Seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as ourselves.
5. Strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.
It's definitely a challenging way to live and we know we need God's help to live out our promises. How are you doing? How are we as a parish doing?
As we remember that Jesus was baptized, choose at least one area you would like to do more of during 2020.
Many blessings as you finish your week!
Love, Rebecca+
Announcements
G.I.F.T.: Growing in Faith Together
Godly Play will be today and January 19 and 26.
Parlor People resumes today with discussions on the Gospel of John.
Next week, the discussion on the Gospel of John continues.
At Church of the Nativity
Autumn & Canyon Moore of Buffalo Mountain Bluegrass Band will join us next Sunday.
Next week Michael of Join Hands will join us at worship and talk with us at Coffee Hour.
We are starting our prayer list over again.
If you have a name you’d like for the list, let Michele know at 717-567-6514 or chnatss@pa.net
Upcoming Meetings
Each Sunday, 4pm, Perry County PRIDE
Wednesday, January 22, 1pm, Vestry
Thursday, January 23, 2 – 4pm, Clergy Council
Saturday, February 15, 9am - 3pm, Vestry Retreat
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.
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
The 5th Annual Feast of the Blessed Absalom Jones Celebration, Saturday, February 29, 11am, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, 221 N. Front Street, Harrisburg
Special guests – Choir and Rector of The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, Philadelphia, Celebrant The Rt. Rev. Dr. Audrey Scanlan.
The Episcopal Church Seeks information on formation resources and practices.
All practicing Episcopalians are invited to participate in the survey. Task Force for the Formation & Ministry of the Baptized is seeking input from lay and ordained Episcopalians throughout the church about the formation and efficacy of the processes and practices that are being used across the church through a short survey that takes about 25 minutes to complete. Deadline for completing survey is January 31. Visit https://dfms.formstack.com/forms/baptized_ministry to take the survey.
The Stevenson School for Ministry offers Shaped by Faith Learning Opportunities
On-line learning opportunities will be offered Jan. 9 – Feb. 22. Visit https://diocesecpa.org/shaped-by-faith-courses/ to register.
Community Events and Opportunities for 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.
Volunteers needed to help at a new CCU Winter Overnight Shelter in Harrisburg to serve women and non-binary people.
The shelter will be open through March 31 to offer a place for individuals to get out of the cold overnight. The shelter is located in the Wesley House of Grace United Methodist Church on State St. Volunteers provide intake and hospitality to guests from 7:30 – 10:30pm. For more information about the shelter contact Shelter Coordinator Gillian Sumpter at gsumpter@ccuhbg.org or 717-770-9189.
2nd Annual MLK Day Anti-Racism Event, Monday, January 20, 6pm, First Christian Church, 442 Hummel Avenue, Lemoyne
Panel discussion and worship service with the Unity Choir. Discussion – 6-7:30, Refreshments – 7:30-8, Worship
Service – 8-9.
