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O God, you have taught us to keep all your commandments by loving you and our neighbor: Grant us the grace of your Holy Spirit, that we may be devoted to you with our whole heart, and united to one another with pure affection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. BCP, p. 230-231
What a wonderful prayer we pray this Sunday, especially during this time of pandemic and justice making. Love God, love your neighbor and love yourself just rolls off the tongue, but what does it look like in real life?
Bishop Scanlan posted this week that wearing a mask when you are outside of your home translates into loving your neighbor. All of the things we do to stop the transmission of the virus - washing our hands frequently, limiting our out-of-house gatherings, limiting the number of people at various events, keeping at least six feet apart - translate into loving your neighbor at this time.
We also follow a God of justice, because a just world is God's kingdom come. Jesus came to further show us the wonder, love and beauty of a just world. There are many opportunities right now to work for justice for all people. At Nativity, we are hosting meetings of the Newport Anti-Racist League (NARL), looking to address racism in our region.
May these efforts allow us to be "united to one another with pure affection."
Love,
Rebecca+
Announcements
We will hold Sunday services outdoors at Nativity July 12, 19, 26, if weather permits. We may hold services at St. Stephens indoors and outdoors during August. These plans are subject to change. Services online or by phone using the Zoom platform will always be available.
Join Sunday morning Zoom Meeting. Service begins at 9:30am and you can join by 9:00am.
Online:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85722557280
Meeting ID: 857 2255 7280
or
Call In: +1 929 205 6099
Meeting ID: 857 2255 7280
We are now doing zoom Centering Prayer and Taize every Tuesday at 4:30pm.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83566632917
Meeting ID: 835 6663 2917
Password: 022609
or
Call In: +1 929 205 6099
Meeting ID: 835 6663 2917
Password: 022609
Wednesday Morning Devotions and coffee/tea, 9am
Join in for short devotions and conversation. Remember to bring your coffee or tea.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85223260016
Meeting ID: 852 2326 0016
or
Call In: +1 929 205 6099
Meeting ID: 852 2326 0016
Your Body is a Temple, Wednesdays at 5:30
In Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, he writes: Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body. 1 Cor. 6:19-20
Are you interested in healthy eating and body care? The focus will be support for keeping healthy - eating well, getting exercise - and just connecting with others. We will share tips, recipes, experience, and resources. We know not everyone can make it each week, so join when you can. We expect the group will last up to an hour.
Online:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82130156249?pwd=dEZaN252S0N3eFh0aDRTTEV4cHlmZz09
Meeting ID: 821 3015 6249
Password: 782337
or
Call In: +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 821 3015 6249
Password: 782337
Mail in your offering or go online
There are many ways to continue to give to the church during this time.
- Send your offering to the church at 159 S Second St., Newport, PA 17074
- Give via our PayPal site:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=tN8Gqogt_bQutVp_Kjg6ytAyRDBKMFYExCyf6DX1-2ux4349nM2Cnzp9LukFyOrm3YVaam&country.x=US&locale.x=US - The Diocese has set up online giving for each parish here: https://diocesecpa.org/stewardship/
Our parish is listed at Newport-Nativity.
Dr. Bernice Catherine Harper preaches today
Today we will hear from Dr. Bernice Catherine Harper. She will address us by phone from her home in Bethesda, MD. Dr. Harper has represented the most vulnerable and underserved and those most in need of available and affordable health care services in this country and abroad. She is especially known for her outstanding leadership in the hospice movement and for the national impact she had in establishing and financing hospice services under Medicare. Harper also authored a groundbreaking book on care for the dying in 1977 that helped to create the social work practice areas of medical (now health care) social work and what, today, we refer to as palliative care.
Dr. Harper was one of my sponsors for ordination to the priesthood. She will share her reflections on current events and where she sees God in them.
You can read more about her life here: https://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/practice/social-work-leadership-is-lifelong-bernice-harper-inspiring-career/
Today we take an additional offering for Caring for Nativity’s Neighbors.
Rebecca can bring communion to you if you would prefer.
Please be in touch with her at 717-567-6514 or 717-433-1556 and she can arrange a time and talk how to do this safely.
Helping with the Church Garden Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays
If you would like to help harvest the church garden bounty, come on Monday or Friday mornings between 9 and 11 or Thursday evening between 4 and 6.
And there is ALWAYS weeding to do.
Watch Poor People’s Virtual March on Washington
In the June newsletter, Rebecca encouraged you to sign up for the 2020 Poor People’s Digital March on Washington, held on June 20. The video from the march is now available. It is about 3 ½ hours long and has excellent information about poverty and addresses the “interlocking injustices of systemic racism, poverty, militarism and a war economy, ecological devastation and a distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism.”
The march included testimonies in each of these areas from people living in poverty. The entire event was informative. You can access the video here: https://www.june2020.org/ If you would like to break up the segments and discuss them, please let me know. We can have these discussions via Zoom.
Also, this page of facts for Pennsylvania may be of interest: https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/PPC-state-fact-sheet-Pennsylvania.pdf
Preaching Black Lives (Matter)
https://www.churchpublishing.org/preachingblacklivesmatter
A sermon Rebecca preached is included in this new book from Church Publishing. The book grew out of the Ambassadors of Healing pilgrimage to Alabama in May of 2019. The book costs $22.95 plus shipping and will be published on July 17. Rebecca can get you a book for 40% off. Let her know if you'd like one.
Preaching Black Lives (Matter) is an anthology that asks, “What does it mean to be church where if Black lives matter?”
Prophetic imagination would have us see a future in which all Christians would be free of the soul-warping belief and practice of racism. This collection of reflections is an incisive look into that future today. It explains why preaching about race is important in the elimination of racism in the church and society, and how preaching has the ability to transform hearts. While programs, protests, conferences, and laws are all important and necessary, less frequently discussed is the role of the church, specifically the Anglican Church and Episcopal Church, in ending systems of injustice. The ability to preach from the pulpit is mandatory for every person, clergy or lay, regardless of race, who has the responsibility to spread the gospel.
For there’s a saying in the Black church, “If it isn’t preached from the pulpit, it isn’t important.”
Newport Anti-Racism League (NARL) will meet on Thursday, July 9, 6pm, in the side yard of Nativity church and through Zoom. Those who attend in person should bring their own chairs and wear a mask.
We will be deciding upon areas of interest for further work. Projects suggested include: book and movie discussions, voter registration, working with business leaders, helping parents raise anti-racist children, advocating for more diversity education in the schools.
If you would like to attend via Zoom, please let Rebecca know and she can give you the information. If you would like to be included on the Facebook Messenger group, also let her know.
FAITH SEEKING UNDERSTANDING- Honest Conversations about Race
Join Bishop Scanlan on Thursday nights in July on Facebook Live as she invites special guests to speak with her about race and institutional racism in our local context. In this series, prompted by our country’s present moment of political and racial tension and unrest, listen for the voice of hope as we seek a way forward in reconciliation and justice.
The Diocese is interested in what you think about the changes in worship during this time of pandemic.
They'd like you to take this survey by July 15: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/F2FHH7T
For more information about the Task Force on Theology & Ecclesiology, go to https://diocesecpa.org/covid-19-task-force-on-theology-and-ecclesiology/
We have some "praying for you" cards that we would like to send to the people on our list for whom we pray each Sunday. When you add someone to the prayer list, please provide their address if you would like us to send them a card.
Join Hands Ministry in Need of Monetary Donations
In the coming weeks our Perry County families and individuals, aka, our neighbors, are going to need financial assistance. Join Hands is asking you to prayerfully donate financially. Please put in a note in the form of payment stating, “Corona Virus” relief.
By Check: Join Hands Ministry, P.O. Box 335, New Bloomfield, PA 17068
Online: https://joinhandsministry.givingfuel.com/online-giving
Facebook: Click the donate button
Perry County Food Bank
The Perry County Food Bank is once again accepting food drive and private food donations!
If you or your organization is wishing to donate food, please phone the Food Bank to make arrangements at (717)582-9978 so they can limit the volume of people on the property and exposure to the virus through social distancing. Due to the corona virus, all donations will be placed in quarantine for a period of 72 hours on one of their trucks.
To make a monetary donation, please send a check to:
Perry County Food Bank, PO Box 37, New Bloomfield PA 17068
Juniata County Food Bank
The Juniata County Food Bank is in need of donations. Needs are: canned foods (fruits, veggies, meats, soups), cereal, pre-packaged meal items, bottled drinks, snack items,and non-food items such as toilet paper, baby items, diapers (especially larger sizes), household cleaning items, and personal care items. Cash donations and gift cards to local grocery stores are also being accepted.
Cash / gift card donations can be mailed to: PO Box 44, Mifflintown PA 17059
Or items may be dropped off at: 114 North Main Street, Mifflintown
Eggs Available for pick up at the church.
The Cramers are bringing in about 4 dozen eggs each week at $2 per dozen. If you need access to the church, let Rebecca know.
Weis, Giant and Mutzabaugh Gift Cards Available
Use the form in your newsletter and mail to the church with your check. Gift cards will be mailed to you or the organization or person in need that you supply info for.
Forward Day by Day Available
Email Michele at chnatss@pa.net or leave a message at the church at 717-567-6514 if you would like a copy mailed to you.
Zoom Meetings
If you would like help to set up Zoom meetings with family or friends, please let Rebecca know.
