Loading... The Lord shall give strength to his people; *
the Lord shall give his people the blessing of peace. Psalm 29:11
Peace.... Somehow it seems so elusive for us a human beings to truly live together in peace. While I always knew all human beings are connected just because we are humans, I know that even more deeply since I've learned that we all are descended from the same mother. She is known as mitochondrial eve.
Sometimes we are the worst brothers and sisters, working hard to destroy God's creation through wars, violence, genocide, and hatred. We see that violence begets violence when we read of gang wars or the roots of ISIS. We see hatred amongst each other in the rise of hate groups in our country. We see the effects of our human disagreements as people flee their homes for safe refuge in unfamiliar places.
Yet, we pray for the peace which only God can give... the peace that allows us to be focused and centered midst the strife and turmoil...the peace that allows us to be beacons of hope and love.
May you continue to feel the peace of God and be that peace to the world.
Love, Rebecca+
Godly Play is this Sunday
Parlor People, Sunday, 11am – noon. All adults are welcome to participate in Parlor People. See our Christian Formation page for more information. This Sunday Glenn Holliman leads a discussion on How to give away money to the church, increase your income and lower your taxes! Next Sunday, Rebecca will lead a discussion on Martin Luther King’s Letter from the Birmingham Jail.
Men’s Breakfast - each Wed., 9am, Espresso Yourself Café.
Women’s Breakfast - Wednesday, January 11 and 25, 9am,
May’s Railside Grill.
Choir Practice The Choir will practice Wednesdays at 10:15am.
Taize’ Tuesdays, 5:00pm. Twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by a Taize’ service.
We are starting our prayer list over again. If you have a name you’d like for the list, let Michele know at 717-567-6514 or chnatss@pa.net.
Upcoming Meetings
January 11, Vestry, 6:30pm
January 15, Racism Awareness, 1:00pm
Michele will be out of the office Wednesday and Thursday this week.
Next week, January 15, we commission our Vestry members, Wardens and Treasurer.
During 2017, we will be celebrating baptism on June 4, November 5 and December 3. Let Rebecca know if you or someone you know would like to be baptized on any of these days.
All who have been baptized by water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, are welcome to receive communion. You may receive bread only or bread and wine. You may receive the wine by common cup or by dipping your wafer into the chalice. If you would prefer to receive a blessing, please come forward and cross your arms across your chest.
On January 15, Darlene Amsler will be fitting acolytes and Eucharistic ministers for cassocks and surplice. A big thank you to Darlene who is organizing the closets in the Vesting room.
Prayer Shawl Ministry of Newport meets January 26, 10-11:30am, Church of the Nativity. Bring your yarn projects and also learn how to knit or crochet.
Lunch and Craft at Episcopal Commons, January 11, 11am – 1pm. If you can attend or donate an item for lunch, please let Lynne Mitchell or Wendy Day know.
African Immigrant Welcome Center roundtable discussion,
Undercroft at Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, this Sunday from 1-3 PM. Free parking is available in the lot beside the Cathedral. Listen to the experiences of the people who have immigrated from the continent. Native food and light refreshment will be provided.
Baking needs and chocolate items available through Equal
Exchange. See the cart in the parish hall. We are now a wholesaler for Equal Exchange, a company that supports small farmers who use sustainable practices for chocolate, cocoa, coffee, tea, nuts, olive oil and other baking items. A price list and basket are available to pay for the items you choose to buy. Also, be sure to write down what you’ve purchased to help us maintain our inventory. A catalogue is also available. If there’s an item you’d like us to order, please see Jane Hoover.
“A Journey of Discovery, 500 years since the Reformation”
Friday, January 13, 6:30pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church,
5 Barner’s Church Rd., Liverpool. The Perry Valley Grange will provide the meat, beverages and place settings for a potluck meal, followed by music, fellowship and experiencing the fascinating Reformation journey. Contact Linda Byers at 717-589 7889 with a count of attendees.
Contributions for College Care Packages accepted until January 22. If you’d like to contribute something (hot chocolate, microwave popcorn, wrapped candy), put it in the basket in the Undercroft or see Darlene Amsler. Monetary contributions are also being accepted. Place your contribution in an envelope marked “College Care Packages.”
Reimagining Faith Formation. Our Diocese, in collaboration with The Central PA Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), is offering consultation and training to increase our ability to be disciples of Jesus. Bill Rohm and Rebecca attended an initial session in November. We are looking for additional members of our team interested in strengthening this area of our church community. An initial training open to all is planned for January 21 in Harrisburg. Please see Rebecca or Bill to learn more.
Host a High School Foreign Exchange Student for 3 months. The Rotary Club of Perry County is looking for people interested in hosting a high school student from another country. The student would live with you for 3 months and then move to another family. If you are interested, let Rebecca know or email Patti McLaughlin at rotaryclubperrycountypa@gmail.com
Attending Friday prayers and discussion on Islam, Islamic Society of Greater Harrisburg, 407 N. Front St., Steelton, January 27, 1- 3pm. Please let Rebecca know if you would like to attend this service and the discussion afterwards.
Please pray for our confirmands. O God, you prepared your disciples for the coming of the Spirit through the teaching of your Son Jesus Christ: Make the hearts and minds of Ethan, Lily and Sophia ready to receive the blessing of the Holy Spirit, that they may be filled with the strength of his presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Book of Common Prayer, p. 819.
Please say yes if Lily, Ethan or Sophia asks to interview you during coffee hour today. They will ask the following questions: When you were little, what church did you go to? Where and how often? When did you start going to church? Why do you think church is important? Why do you worship God?
Catholic Charities 2017 Calendar “Our Refugee Neighbors.” Show your support of refugees and immigrants in your neighborhood with your purchase of aq calendar. The calendar features refugee families in Central PA, and all proceeds will benefit the English classes provided by Catholic Charities. Calendars are only $15 each! To place your order, simply call Sara Beck at (717) 232-0568 ext. 209 or send an email to shbeck@cchbg.org with your calendar order and contact information. Pick–up and delivery options available!
