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And the Lord said to me, ‘Amos, what do you see?’ And I said, ‘A plumb-line.’ Then the Lord said,
‘See, I am setting a plumb-line
in the midst of my people Israel;
I will never again pass them by;
the high places of Isaac shall be made desolate,
and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste,
and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword.’ Amos 7:8-9
My father loved to build dry stone walls. The home we lived in for nearly 30 years, needed a stone retaining wall. I have fond memories of my father getting a delivery of limestone and building that wall. He carefully chose every stone to sit one atop of another. And he had a plumb line tool that helped him keep everything level.
That tool amazed me. It was diamond shaped, with a string that pulled out from it. The string was covered in a chalky substance. You'd set the two ends in place and then flick the string to create a straight line on the wall or stone that you could then follow with whatever material with which you were working.
This Sunday we hear about the prophet Amos' vision where God is setting the plumb line. The people of Israel have not been following God. They have strayed from the plumb line. God asks Amos to prophesy the impending destruction that will occur because the people have strayed. Amos isn't thrilled about this request, needless to say. Yet, God has chosen him.
How are you doing keeping to God's plumb line and/or are you being called to prophesy like Amos?
Many blessings as you finish your week.
Love, Rebecca+
Announcements
G.I.F.T.: Growing in Faith Together
Godly Play and Parlor People will resume in the fall.
At Church of the Nativity
Help Join Hands provide basic needs products to families.
Items needed are: Diapers and Wipes - sizes 1 to 6 and baby wash.
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
Sunday, July 14, after church, Program & Mission Committee Meeting
Thursday, July 25, 2-4pm, Clergy Council
Thursday, July 25, 5:30pm, Newport Anti-Racism League
Thursday, July 25, 7pm, Friends of Newport Board Game Night
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.
Taize’ Tuesdays, 4:45pm.
Twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by a Taize’ service.
Join Us For Breakfast!
Wednesdays at 9am. Women will meet at Bitting’s this week; Men meet at Espresso Yourself.
Are you interested in becoming a member of the church?
Confirmations and reception of new members will occur on December 8 when Bishop Scanlan visits.
Please let Rebecca know if you would like to join.
From the Diocese
Shaped by Faith beginning this fall.
This is a three-part initiative to discern, discover, and create a right-shaped diocese to serve God’s mission with vitality and strength. Clusters of parishes will examine their future together through projects designed to explore vitality and values, financial sustainability and God’s call in the neighborhood; no-cost Parish Life courses at the Stevenson School for Ministry will be offered and a historicizing project called “Rooted in God” will celebrate our common story. The adventure begins at Convention 2019.
Vocational and Continuing Education Courses Offered Fall 2019.
Courses will be offered for lay licensed ministers, deacons, priests and continuing education for all. For more info, visit https://diocesecpa.org/vocationalcourses or see the flyer posted in the undercroft.
Called to Heal a Broken World, August 9-10, St. Cyril Center, Danville, PA. Keynote Speaker The Rev. Becca Stevens, Thistle Farms.
Plan to attend this 2-day conference and learn more about addressing the important issues of our time through our faith community. There will be breakout sessions on addressing recovery from drug addiction, undoing racism, environmental work, peace work, and community organizing. Weekend registration cost: $150. Day attendee cost: $50. For more information and to register, go to https://diocesecpa.org/called-to-heal-a-broken-world/
The Episcopal and Anglican churches along our southern border are helping shelter families who have been approved by the United States Government to seek asylum.
Families and individuals are awaiting Asylum court dates. Monetary donations are needed. Once families pass the first part of the asylum process, they are being sent to Mexico to await their court date. Monetary donations are the easiest way to help shelter these individuals and families. Donations can be sent to: Diocese of the Rio Grande, 6400 Coors Blvd NW, Albuquerque NM 87120 or online donations: www.dioceserg.org
Community Events and Opportunities for Service
Elder Investment Fraud and Financial Exploitation Prevention Program, Wednesday, July 24, 10am, Hope Eternal Church, 2 Burd Road, Newport.
Clergy, staff and other social service providers are invited to attend the training with guest speaker Katrina Boyer. Please register by Wednesday, July 17 by email at hopeeternal@centurylink.net
Book Buddies, August 8, 10am, Home of Barb Holliman
This is a different kind of book group. You are invited to come share what you are reading now or a favorite book you've read in the past that you've loved. Light refreshments will be served. First gathering hosted by Barb Holliman. Please contact Barb@bholliman.com to attend. Everyone is welcome!
LEAF Open Farm Day, Saturday, July 20,11am – 2pm, 554 Warm Springs Road, Landisburg.
Come out for a fun, free family event with kids’ activities, youth-led garden tours, grass fed burgers and hand churned ice cream, pie contest and fresh products from the LEAF farm. Visit www.leafprojectpa.org for more info.
Savor: A Strolling Supper, Saturday, September 7, LEAF Farm.
Join LEAF for their signature event where the region’s best chefs and farmers partner to create innovative dishes paired with masterful beverages. Ticket sales will be begin in July. Follow LEAF on Instagram and Facebook @leafprojectpa for updates.
The IMC Community Choir is seeking sopranos, altos and tenors. Rehearsals are 2nd Monday each month, 6:30pm and 4th Saturday each month, noon, Agape International Family Worship Center, 1330 Green Street, Hbg.
No audition needed to join the choir. All inquiries, please email imccommunitychoirhbg@gmail.com
Interdenominational Ministers Conference of Greater Harrisburg 31st Annual Citywide Revival, Saturday, July 13 – Friday July 19, Goodwin Memorial Baptist Church, 2447 Green Street, Harrisburg.
Sunday, July 14, 5pm, Consecration of Communion. Monday and Friday, 6:30pm, Revival Services. Revival speakers Bishop Millicent Hunter, Bishop J. Louis Felton and Bishop Norman Hutchins.
Loss of a Spouse Seminar, Thursday, August 1, 6:30 – 8:30pm, Christ Lutheran, New Bloomfield.
Come hear practical advice from others who have been there, how to cope and more. Contact Rev. Boehm by July 25 to register at 717-536-0163 or revboehm@yahoo.com
Support the Residents of The Episcopal Home by Making a Donation.
The Episcopal Home is an affordable home that provides personal care, while allowing residents to live as independently as possible. They meet the needs of the total person by providing comfort emotionally, physically, socially, and spiritually. With a donation of $25, you can assist in the care of a resident for one day. A generous donation of $175 can assist with the care of a resident for one week. Envelopes are available at the back of the church.
Join Hands Back 2 School Supplies Needed
Join Hands is collecting supplies for their Back 2 School program. Items needed most are: Binders (1” to 3”), Lunch Boxes, and Notebook paper.
Also needed are: Calculators, Colored pencils, Combination locks, Earbuds (required by West Perry), Erasers, Flash drives, Folders, Markers, Notebooks, Pencil cases, Pencil sharpeners, Rulers (non-bendable), Scientific Calculators (West Perry requires TI 30XIIS) and Staplers.
They DO NOT NEED: Crayons, Glue sticks, Loose pens & pencils, or Scissors.
Please bring donations to the church by July 21.
