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The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear?
the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom then shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
This Sunday we read a portion of this familiar Psalm. This first verse is comforting, because we know that being fearful is a long-known and experienced condition of our human lives.
Earlier this week I learned that Anne Wilson-Schaef had died. Her work, writings and teaching were influential in my life. I was fortunate for study with her for awhile. I have most of her writings, including many meditation books. One is for "People Who May Worry Too Much."
Worry or fear sometimes overwhelms us, making it hard to do the things we need to do in life. We can be paralyzed by our worries and our fears. While not meaning to dismiss our worries and our fears, the Psalmist reminds us to rest them in God. The Psalmist reminds us that we are not alone. The Psalmist reminds us that God's guidance is available to us and can strengthen us and make our worries and fears less.
One way that happens, I think, is through our church community. We are here to help each other carry our worries and our fears. Sometimes we can even do things that make those worries and fears lessen. Think about the families of the children who received the Christmas gifts through Join Hands or the families who receive the food we donate to the Food Bank. Together we have hopefully lessened the worries and fears of those families.
Many blessings as you finish your week in the light and love of the LORD.
Love, Rebecca+
Announcements
G.I.F.T.: Growing in Faith Together
Godly Play will be today.
Today at Parlor People, Bible Study of Ruth.
February 2 - Week 3 study of John – written by Isaac M., member of the Youth Group at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Marfa, Texas.
At Church of the Nativity
Today we take an additional offering for our Building Fund.
The money donated helps us pay down our mortgage and pay for major repairs.
Today we also take a Special Offering for the Kermit Lloyd Theological Education Fund.
Upcoming Meetings
Each Sunday, 4pm, Perry County PRIDE
Thursday, January 30, 10am, Stitchers
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.
The Equal Exchange cart in the Undercroft features fresh olive oil from Palestine and an assortment of our favorite candy bars.
Also we continue to offer Equal Exchange coffees for our Sunday Coffee Hour. If you would like additional items, we can order them for you. Please contact Jane Hoover or the office.
Honor or Remember a loved one or a special occasion with flowers on the altar!
Flowers help make our worship space more beautiful and remind us of the blossoming life we have in Christ. Please consider sponsoring the flowers in memory of a loved one, or to celebrate your thanksgivings. Flowers are $30. Let Michele know by email – chnatss@pa.net or phone, 717-567-6514.
From the Diocese
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 5th Annual Feast of the Blessed Absalom Jones Celebration, Saturday, February 29, 11am, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, 221 N. Front Street, Hbg
Special guests – Choir and Rector of The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas, Philadelphia, Celebrant The Rt. Rev. Dr. Audrey Scanlan.
Community Events and Opportunities for Service
2020 Humanities Symposium Keynote Lecture, Thursday, February 20, 2020, 7:30pm, Parmer Hall at Messiah College.
Anthony Ray Hinton shares his story of serving 30 years for a crime he did not commit and talks about his book The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row. To reserve free tickets, contact the Messiah College Ticket Office at 717-691-6036 or online at messiah.edu/tickets
