Loading...The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time.... Jonah 3:1
Our readings in Epiphany focus on hearing God's call. This week, we'll hear a portion of Jonah. God asked Jonah to go to Ninevah to give the people there a message that they needed to change how they were living and relating to each other. Ninevah was a scary place to Jonah. Jonah did not even like the people of Ninevah. He really didn't want to go there.
So, Jonah tries to run away from God and God's task for him. He gets on a ship going to another place. A terrible storm arises and Jonah realizes his disobedience of doing God's Will is causing this terrible storm and creating a dangerous situation. Jonah ends up in the belly of a fish/whale and finally agrees to do the task God has set before him.
So this week, we hear that God comes to Jonah a second time. In other words, we can say "no" to God and "no" to what God has put before us as our work to do; however, God keeps coming back again and again.
If we're wise, we say "yes" to God. Doing so keeps us out of the belly of the fish.
Many blessings as you finish your week!
Love,
Rebecca+
Announcements
Grow In Faith Together (G.I.F.T)
Parlor People, Sundays, 11am – noon.
Preparing to Become the Beloved Community:
/digital_faith/documents/3245812
Today, we will look at and discuss Proclaiming the Dream of the Beloved Community.
Next week, Dr. Spero Lappas will join us to talk about his book, “Conquer Life’s Frontiers: A Philosophy of Individual Fulfillment: Create your Own Renaissance At Any Moment – Even Now”.
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Godly Play is today and Jan. 28.
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At Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen
Taize’ Tuesdays, 5:00pm. Twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by a Taize’ service.
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Help count the weekly offering.
Volunteers will be partnered with a Vestry member. You must sign a confidentiality statement. Training will be offered. Please let Wendy Day know if you are interested.
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Upcoming Meetings
Wednesday, January 24, 6:30pm, Diocesan Eliminating Racism Task Group
Thursday, January 25, 2pm, Harrisburg Convocation Clergy Council Meeting
Thursday, January 25, 4:30pm, Finance Committee Meeting
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Epipha-tea, Saturday, Feb. 3 at the home of Marion Fluchere.
Women and girls are invited. Bring something to share.
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Donations Being Accepted for new organ!
Of the $24,000 needed to pay for the new organ, we have received donations of $4,880, leaving just $19,120 left. Envelopes are available at the back of the church for you to use to contribute to this effort.
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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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Notecards of Nativity for sale.
$2 each or 5 for $8. The photo on the 4X5½“ cards is of the pews and was taken by Irene VanBuskirk. They are in the undercroft.
Community Events and Opportunities for Service
Prayer Shawl Ministry of Newport meets the last Thursday of the month, 10am
Bring your projects and also learn how to knit or crochet.
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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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Call 2-1-1 for help.
When you are unsure how to find help and want to connect with community services, Dial 2-1-1 for Free Information and Referrals to services in your town. They maintain a database of information about the following groups that provide services or meet in your community: Non-profit Agencies, Governmental Programs, Support Groups and Clubs. You can also visit https://pa211.communityos.org to search on your own.
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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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Music by the River performance “Bach’s Best”, Saturday, February 3, 7pm,
St. Stephen's Episcopal Cathedral, 221 North Front Street, Harrisburg.
Tickets are $20. Visit www.musicbytheriver.org to purchase tickets.
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Food Bank Donations are needed!
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. Canned vegetables, fruit, nut butters and protein are always needed.
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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.
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