Loading...In the beginning when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was a formless void and darkness covered the face of the deep, while a wind from God swept over the face of the waters. Genesis 1:1-2
This Sunday we hear the very beginning of the Bible...In the Beginning. I have just finished Dan Brown's new book, Origin. The focus of the book, especially given its title, is about a discovery of the origin of the human race, as well as a prediction of what we will become. The protagonist believes this discovery will end religion and belief in God, yet, even with the discovery, there is still a mystery about what happened "In the beginning..."
As I was thinking about all of this, I remembered the Bishop of Rhode Island, W. Nicholas Knisely. Bishop Knisely was a former professor of astronomy and physics. He taught these subjects at Lehigh University, while simultaneously serving as a parish priest in Bethlehem, PA. A few years ago, he wrote a Lenten booklet, Lent is Not Rocket Science.
Bishop Knisely shows how understanding science and origins, supports and strengthenes our faith, rather than dismantling it. I found this interview and sermon of his. //day1.org/6854-quantum_physics_and_the_nature_of_eternity__faith__science_series_part_4 While some of the science is tough to understand, ultimately, the point is that God exists in eternity, while we as humans (and Jesus too) existed in time and all supported by the latest scientific theories!
In the beginning and even now, God is with us.
Blessings as you finish your week!
Love, Rebecca+
Ways to help people in the cold Weather
This came from Christian Churches' United (CCU). You can donate directly to them at
Donate online: www.ccuhbg.org/donate
Text CCU to 797979 (the above link will be sent to your smart phone)
Mail a check to: CCU, 413 S. 19th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Here are other things they need:
- As you venture out into the bitter cold, say a prayer for people in the capital region lacking adequate shelter and other basic needs.
- Donations of white socks and basic toiletry items help those on the street and those getting back on their feet.
- Our Winter Overnight Safe Haven provides basic refreshments (coffee, granola bars, etc.). Donations of tangible items or funds to purchase items help greatly.
- Van drivers are needed to provide evening transportation to our Winter Overnight Safe Haven (WOSH) from downtown, and morning transportation from WOSH to breakfast locations. Could you volunteer one morning or one evening a week through the end of March?
- Contact us at info@ccuhbg.org or (717) 230-9550 for more information on the above opportunities.
Announcements
Grow In Faith Together (G.I.F.T)
Parlor People, Sunday, 11am – noon
January 7 -21, Rebecca will lead a discussion on Preparing to Become the Beloved Community: A Long-term Commitment to Racial Healing, Reconciliation and Justice.
This is one of three themes of The Episcopal Church. The topics include Telling the Truth, Proclaiming the Dream, Practicing the Way and Repairing the Breach.
Today we will view a video of Presiding Bishop Curry and Canon Stephanie Spellers speaking about this project, as well as the other two themes of the environment and evangelism. You can view the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKFcTro8md4&t=1863s
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Godly Play will be January 14, 21 & 28.
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At Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen
Altar flowers are given in memory of Elmer and Hazel Yocum by Connie and Jan Yocum.
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Today we take an additional offering for Caring for Nativity’s Neighbors Heating and Health.
Donations are sent to Join Hands, so people in our community have support for their needs.
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Today we take an additional Flower Offering.
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The choir practices Wednesdays at 10:15am.
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THANK YOU to everyone at St. Stephens church, for the Christmas bonus!
I was not expecting that. I'm humbled and grateful. God bless you all and a merry Christmas to everyone as well! -Janie DeNault
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Taize’ Tuesdays, 5:00pm. Twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by a Taize’ service.
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We are starting our prayer list over.
If you have a name you’d like for the list, let Michele know at 717-567-6514 or chnatss@pa.net.
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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 10, 6:30, Vestry Meeting
Thursday, January 18, 7pm, Newport Anti-Racism League
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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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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Parish Movie Night, Friday, January 19, 6pm.
Pizza provided. Bring snacks and drinks. “Because of Winn-Dixie” is the movie to be shown. Rated PG.
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Donations being accepted for new organ!
Vestry has approved expenditures up to $60,000. The sale of some Orrstown Bank Stock provided $35,500 towards this, leaving $24,000 to be raised. Envelopes are at the back of the church if you would like to defray the cost.
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From the Diocese
Diocesan Staff in Residence, Wed., Jan. 17, 11am - 4:30pm, St. Andrew's In the Valley,
4620 Linglestown Rd, Hbg.
Let Rebecca know if you'd like to visit with the Diocesan staff on this day. Here is the schedule. Everyone is welcome.
11 - noon - Bible Study, Noon - 12:30 – Eucharist, 12:30 - 1:00 - Bring your Own Lunch, 1:00 - 4:30pm - Individual appointments or general conversation with Diocesan staff.
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Community Events and Opportunities for Service
Festal Evensong, 6pm, Organ Recital by Theodore Davis, 7pm, Sunday, January 14, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 22 South 6th Street, Lebanon.
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Thursday, January 18, 11-1pm, Gardens, Bingo and lunch
BINGO prizes of cleaning and paper supplies are needed. If you’d like to donate items, please see Wendy or Lynne.
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