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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. Collect for Proper 9, Book of Common Prayer p. 230-231
This Sunday's Collect reminds us that all of the commandments flow from our loving God and loving our neighbors. Knowing this is difficult to do at all times, we ask for the Holy Spirit to guide us and help us. We are to be totally devoted to God and "united to one another with pure affection."
Needless to say, choosing to follow God and Jesus is never an easy path. We have free choice and can decide to move away from God or only be partially devoted to God and Jesus. And being united in pure affection can truly seem impossible.
Yet, that is what we are called to do.
When we are totally devoted to God, loving God and our neighbor, we are in a special place and orientation towards life. Our priorities are changed. Being in that space for even just a little time, gives us peace and the ability to unite with each other in pure affection.
Love,
Rebecca+
Announcements
Please include the following in your daily prayers.
Wendy, Jim, Tammy, Tootser, Zoey, Wendy, Heather, Lyndsay, Jason, Kiera, Josh, Arthaniel, Caverly, Shelby, Doris, Nic, Sue, Caleb, Anna, Carol, James, Sara, Anna, Mike, Jack, Pastor Jan Custer, Jennifer, Rose, Anthony, Sierra Nicole, Karen, Angel, April, Iris, Vanessa, Terry, Edith, Kate, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, Gary, Quentin, Ron, Maggie, Sandy, Arlene and Shirley.
Today, Sue Beamer will lead Morning Prayer and preach.
Rebecca will be attending the “It’s All About Love” conference, July 9 – 12.
For a pastoral care emergency, she can be reached on her cell phone.
Gather for lunch on Wednesday, July 12, 11am, Venturous Coffee Roasters, 5695 US Hwy 522, McVeytown
Wednesday Conversation and Devotions will not be held that day. If you'd like to carpool, meet at the church at 9:45am.
https://www.facebook.com/p/Venturous-Coffee-Roasters-100069212225896/
Collections for Neighbor Helping Neighbor Food Bank
The items for July are Condiments: Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo, Pickles, Dressings and Trash Bags.
Newport Farmer's Market, Sunday, July 30, noon – 3pm, parking lot at the Church of the Nativity.
If you would like to help Tiff and Nic obtain a vehicle, preferably a pickup truck to haul their camper, please let Rebecca know.
PA state tax deductible donations are possible through UGift. Rebecca can give you the code.
We'll be collecting aluminum can tabs for a Girl Scout project.
You can put them in the big can in the undercroft. They will go to Ronald McDonald House in Danville.
Join us on Zoom, Tuesday, July 20, 11am for a 1-hour Bible Study.
Our book is The Difficult Words of Jesus: A Beginner's Guide to His Most Perplexing Teachings by Amy-Jill Levine. We'll read the introduction and first chapter for July 20. Rebecca is buying some copies. Let her know if you'd like to join and she will send you the zoom link. We will meet weekly.
Help fill our community food pantry!
Items that seem to be taken first include canned pasta meals, soups, and macaroni and cheese. Vegetables don't seem to get taken. Also, please don't use this as an opportunity to clear out your pantry if at all possible.
Safe Church Lunch Series, 12-12:30pm, Thursdays July 29 – August 31 via Zoom. You can choose to attend one, a few, or all. Your attendance will count for Safe Church requirements. All are welcome to join!
Sign Up for each training at this link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpfuihpzMvGdIh7QN2knO5a18K9CiDMVA3
PCCA’s Annual Fundraising Event, The Winery at Hunters Valley, Sunday, August 27, 12 – 3pm, in-person ticketed event, $55 per person.
Inspired by Pittsburgh artist Andy Warhol, we’ll have some fun with food, drinks, music and art! The board and staff of PCCA are energized by those who share our enthusiasm for increasing rural access to the arts. It’s thanks to supporters like you that the arts in Perry County are thriving! Through programs like Youth Art Day, summer art camps, local art displays, live performances, and artist residencies at schools and community sites, PCCA enhances the lives of residents of all ages. Reserve by August 18 at: https://checkout.square.site/buy/DLAHNP5IC2B4ENVP4GBWCE5E
Join Hands is seeking volunteers of time and trucks to deliver or pick up furniture in 2024.
Their current volunteers will no longer be able to assist with this program. Join Hands pays mileage. Scheduled deliveries are during Join Hands’ open hours on Tuesday - Thursday 9am to 1pm. If you are interested, please contact Join Hands by September 1st @ 717-582-7844.
Christian Churches Unite Volunteer Opportunities. Sign up for any of these opportunities at:
https://www.ccuhbg.org/how-to-help/volunteer.html
The Laundry Angel Initiative.
There are a few different ways that you can help from sponsoring a Laundry Day, volunteering to help at the laundromat, providing supplies or helping with transportation. For more info CCU’s Community Mobilization and Outreach Coordinator, Aisha Mobley or fill out a volunteer form.
Welcome Home Kits
As an individual or family obtain an apartment after being homeless, they are typically starting from scratch. CCU helps them get into their new home and gives them a Welcome Home Kit. Welcome Home Kits include items for the kitchen, items for bath and general cleaning as well as first aid and toiletries items. We are currently in need of mops, brooms, kitchen trash cans and anti-biotic creams. These items can be delivered to CCU at 413 S. 19th St., Harrisburg.
Administrative Projects
CCU is always on the look-out for volunteers who can work with the Administrative team in sending out invitations, thank you letters, or newsletters, planning engaging and fun events, or maintaining CCU’s presence on the web. If that sounds like something that you would be interested in, please reach out to our Director of Development, Nick Mucci.
3 Fall 2023 SSFM Continuing Education Classes being offered. Each class is highlighted below.
Courses are offered via Zoom with online resource support and conversation. Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-episcopal-diocese-of-central-pa-18719292176
Becoming Beloved Community 2, Tuesdays, 7-8:00pm, August 22-October 24, The Rev. Kevin Barron and Dr. Marion Schwartz, instructors
Becoming Beloved Community 2 builds upon the learning about systemic racism from the Becoming Beloved Community 1 course. Theological reflection will be the primary means through which we explore how to live into our identities as antiracists. We will take a deep dive into our formation as disciples and how that influences our fight to eliminate systemic racism.
Ending Well, Tuesdays, 2:30 - 3:30pm, October 17 - November 14, The Rev. Dr. Adam Trambley, instructor
How can we prepare for our death? This five-session workshop provides you with an opportunity to give a gift to those who will be taking care of your affairs, fulfilling responsibilities that must be discharged when you die. The workshops will cover some of the nuts & bolts such as required documents, your digital estate, wishes for your funeral or celebration of life, & creating a findable file containing everything needed to settle your affairs and distribute your belongings.
The Whole of Creation Groans: Preaching Good News in the Age of Climate Change, Wednesdays, 2-3:30pm, September 6-October 11, Dr. Joshua Davis, instructor
Taking its title from Romans 8:22, this class will explore the biblical, theological, & moral bases for Christian solidarity with the various movements for a sustainable future. Using novels & films, alongside scientific & theological writings, we will discuss the different social & natural systems that are accelerating climate change & what kinds of possibilities exist for creating new practices and righteous values that reflect God’s saving purpose for the whole of creation.
