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And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, ‘This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.’ For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Nehemiah 8:9
This Sunday we hear a portion of the book of Nehemiah. The books of Nehemiah and Ezra were combined at one point. They tell the story of the rebuilding of Jerusalem after it was destroyed by the Babylonians. Jerusalem was under the control of the Persians. Nehemiah was the cup bearer to the King of Persia. When he learns that Jerusalem is still in ruins, he asks for and receives permission to return to Jerusalem and to rebuild the city.
Once the wall around the city is completed, Nehemiah and Ezra gather the people to hear God's word. The people weep to hear these words once again. Life has not been easy for them during this time after the Babylonian destruction. They did the best they could and they also strayed from their religious teachings; they strayed from God. The words read to them remind them of their relationship with God. The words are comforting and also a reminder of the ways they used to be connected and in relationship with God.
What are the holy words that bring you to tears? What are the holy words that call you back to relationship with God? What are the holy words that bring you comfort and peace?
Many blessings as you finish your week!
Love, Rebecca+
Announcements
G.I.F.T.: Growing in Faith Together
Today there will be Godly Play for the younger group, but no Godly Play for older youth.
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Bill Rohm will lead the Parlor People today - An Epiphany Bucket List Part III.
On February 3, Amy Welin will lead.
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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 an additional offering for the Kermit Lloyd Theological Education Fund.
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Today we commission our Vestry members, Wardens and Treasurer.
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Next week, The Rev. Dr. Amy Welin, Acting Dean, St. Stephen's Episcopal Cathedral, will be presiding and preaching.
Rebecca will swap pulpits and preach at St. Stephen’s.
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Epipha-tea, Saturday, February 16, 1pm, (meet at the church at noon to carpool to Mary Price’s).
Snow date is Saturday, February 23.
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Upcoming Meetings
Wednesday, February 13, 6pm Vestry Meeting
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Taize’ Tuesdays, 4:45pm.
Twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by a Taize’ service.
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Join Us For Breakfast!
Wednesdays at 9am. Women will meet at Bitting’s this week; Men meet at Espresso Yourself.
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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.
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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.
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Community Events and Opportunities for Service
PA IPL is now accepting applications for our 8th annual PA to DC bike trip in May of 2019.
Express your concern about climate change and lift your faith voice by pedaling, fundraising, and advocating with our elected officials. To find out more or apply, visit PAIPL.us on the internet and type in "bike trip 2019" in the search box.
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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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Food Bank Donations are needed!
For a list of the items needed by the Food Bank, go to their website at http://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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From the Diocese
Diocesan In-residence Day in Harrisburg Convocation, Wednesday, January 30, All Saints, 310 Elm Avenue, Hershey.
Plan now to spend part of your day with the Diocesan staff - 10-10:30, Coffee/Fellowship; 10:45-11:30, Bible Study; 11:45-12:30, Worship Service and 12:30-1:15, Lunch (Bring your own). If you’d like an appointment with one of the staff, please see Rebecca.
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2019 Absalom Jones Essay Contest
The Union of Black Episcopalians of Central PA, the Bishop Nathan Baxter Chapter, invites all middle school students to participate in the 2019 Absalom Jones Essay Contest. Deadline for submissions is Friday, February 1. Essays may be submitted online to Ms. Karen Love, klove7511@gmail.com. More info is posted in the undercroft.
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Absalom Jones Day Service and Celebration, Saturday, February 16, 10am, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral, 221 N. Front Street, Hbg.
Join The Rt. Rev. Audrey Scanlan and The Rt. Rev. Nathan Baxter, Retired Bishop, as they officiate the service, followed by the essay awards and hear the winners read their essays. Please RSVP by February 10 to Karen Love, klove7511@gmail.com
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Happening, February 15-17, Camp Mt. Luther, Mifflinburg.
All youth in grades 9-12 are invited for an exciting weekend of fun, friendship, and faith! Happening is not a traditional church retreat. As a Happener, whether you are a high school student or an adult (yes, adults may happen, too!), you will have the opportunity to talk about God with your peers, the people who will be experiencing the same event with you. Please register by February 8 at https://diocesecpa.org/youth/
Cost: $125.00. Scholar ships are available. Contact: Mary Ellen Kilp or Theda Tallman at cpayouthcom@gmail.com for questions.
