Loading...Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Collect for the Third Sunday After the Epiphany, Book of Common Prayer, p. 215
This week is the week of prayer for Christian Unity. It's exciting that we will be worshipping at Nativity with the members of St. Paul's Lutheran Church during this time.
In our Collect for this Sunday we pray that we "proclaim to all people the Good News...." I believe our joint worship service is one way we can proclaim the Good News. That's because often the many divisions within the Christian Church portray a divisive and strifetorn view of the Good News. When we show that even when we have some differences, we can be together and worship together, we model a unity that is inviting.
Unity in diversity is powerful. It says we can be different, yet united. And honestly, that's the model of the Trinity - unity in diversity...one God, three persons.
Pray for Christian unity -- of unity in diversity -- and enjoy our worship together this Sunday (if weather allows!).
Many blessings as you finish your week!
Love, Rebecca
A Note about the weather: As always, please only come to church if it is safe for you. If church is cancelled, look for a notice on Channel 27 and also a voice mail on the phone at 717-567-6514. Be safe!
Parlor People
Join us as we continue our discussion on undoing racism. This week we'll discuss what a new community might look like. Here's Jane's report from last week:
Last week Parlor People really got into the meat of racism. We asked the same questions we had about prejudice and realized that it is we European-American white persons who determine the acceptable norms for society, control the resources, perceive the others (African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, etc) to be the problem, and enforce the norms. In other words, we set the rules, make sure they are followed, assume that those who are different are the problem, and either refuse to change the "system" or passively allow it to exist. The Random House Dictionary defines racism in three ways, but all three seem to operate together:
1. A belief that human races have distinctive characteristics that determine their respective cultures, usually involving the idea that one's race is superior and has the right to rule others.
2. A policy of enforcing such asserted rights.
3. A system of government and society based upon it.
As I write this summary on Martin Luther King Day, I feel called to invite everyone to explore ways we can birth a new community for life, for everyone. Join us next week.
Godly Play will be January 31.
Upcoming Meetings
Jan. 27 and Feb. 10, after choir practice, Environmental Stewardship Committee
January 27, 5:30pm, Finance Committee
February 3, 10:30am, Stewardship Committee
Diocesan Committee on Social Justice and Equity Created!
Are you involved with or interested in anti-racism work, prison ministry, criminal justice system issues, domestic violence ministries, human trafficking ministries, child abuse ministries, and other social justice ministries? Let Rebecca know so you can receive information about the work of this new Committee.
Join Hands items of the month are paper towels, toilet paper, kleenex, etc.
Stitchers meet in Undercroft on January 28, 10am.
Knit and crochet prayer shawls and other items. The prayer shawls go to Perry Village and baby items go to families with Join Hands. See Edna Baker, Sue Beamer or Wendy Day if you'd like more information and don't worry about not knowing how to knit or crochet, because I bet this would be a great place to learn!
Installation of The Rev. Rebecca S. Myers as Rector,
Saturday, January 30, 10:00am.
This will be a service of The Renewal of Ministry with the welcoming of a New Rector with The Rt. Rev. Dr. Audrey Scanlan presiding and preaching. A reception will follow.
Choir practices every Sunday at 8:30am prior to the service.
The choir will also practice some Wednesdays at 10:30am. The upcoming Wednesday practice is Jan. 27.
Epipha-tea, Saturday, February 6, 2pm
Home of Susan Rice. All women are invited to this annual event!
Join Us For Breakfast!
Men's breakfast - Every Wednesday, 9am, Espresso Yourself.
Women's breakfast – 2nd and 4th Wednesdays in January, 9am, May’s Railside Grill. Upcoming dates are January 27 and February 10.
2016 Parish Pictorial Directory is ready! Pick up one at church. THANKS to Marion Fluchere for doing this.
Welcoming the Stranger. Through February 7, the Diocese is collecting pots, pans (new or gently used with NO non-stick surfaces), new pillows, and small items for children to donate to people who are refugees and are being resettled in Central Pennsylvania. Bring your donations to the church or order something from the Amazon Wish List at //amzn.to/1RsLwU
