Loading...Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Collect for Fifth Sunday in Lent, Book of Common Prayer, p. 167.
Many of you know I travel to the Washington, DC area quite a bit. There's a doctor I go see every couple of months. My spiritual director is there and I see her every month. These are people I connected with when I lived in the area and I like them so much, I decided to travel the distance to continue to work with them. My daugther also lives in the area and I have many friends there, who I can visit when I go for these appointments.
Usually I drive. And as I write this, I'm feeling guilty that I'm not more willing to put up with the inconvenience of public transportation. The places I go are not all that convenient for using the public transportation system. Because I have a car, I am not forced to navigate that system, either. I also have an E-Z Pass, so can use the express lanes where they exist. I cannot, however, use the HOV or High Occupancy Vehicle lanes if I travel during rush hour.
Yes, I want my own car and I want cheap gas prices. I try not to read too much about how use of fossil fuels to drive my car poisons the environment. I do walk and ride my bike and I will use public transit when it's more convenient.... That's all to assuage my guilt.
Our Collect for this Fifth Sunday in Lent reminds us how unruly (disorderly and disruptive and not amenable to discipline or control according to the dictionary) our own will is. We pray that our disorderly and disruptive behavior can be transformed by God's grace to be more aligned with God's Will and promises. When we do so, we will experience joy.
I'll keep working on lessening my carbon footprint and on lessening any negative impact on the environment. God created all creatures and I do believe God wants us to live wonderful lives, which do require the right use of the resources of nature.
Blessings as you finish your week!
Love, Rebecca+
Daylight Savings Time begins this Sunday! Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour to be on time for church!
This Sunday we observe Women's History Month. All of the words for the hymns were written by women. Learn more at //www.nwhp.org/womens-history-month/2016-theme/
Participate in Earth Hour, Saturday, March 19, 8:30-9:30pm. Turn off your non-essential lights for this hour on Saturday and join millions of people around the world in our unity to protect creation. To learn more go to https://www.earthhour.org/celebrating-earth-hour
Parlor People We continue our series on prayer, using the Forward Movement pamphlet, Ten Ways to Pray. This Sunday, Miguel Gonzales talks about singing.
Godly Play will be March 13 and Easter Sunday, March 27.
Centering Prayer and Taize’, Tuesdays during Lent (March 15), 5:15pm. Join us for ten minutes of centering prayer followed by an evening Taize’ service. For more on centering prayer, go to the Contemplative Outreach website at //www.centeringprayer.com/. For more about Taize’, go to //www.taize.fr/en
Newport Ministerium Lenten Series Wednesdays at Incarnation United Church of Christ, 47 N 4th St., Newport 5:30-6:15 is soup and bread supper. 6:15 program.
March 16 - Presenter - Cheryl Dorman "Overspending"
Easter Flowers. Honor or remember a loved one at Easter, March 27, with flowers. Donations are being accepted. Use your provided "easter Flowers" pledge envelope to submit your donation. Additional envelopes can be found at the back of the church. Deadline is March 20.
Holy Week and Easter Services
Tuesday, March 22, 7:00pm, Eucharist at St. Stephen’s
Thursday, March 24, 6:00pm Agape Meal; 7:00pm, Maundy Thursday Eucharist with Foot Washing, Stripping of the Altar and Vigil
Friday, March 25, Noon, Newport Ministerium Service in Newport Square
7:00pm, Good Friday Service
Sunday, March 27, 9:30am, Easter Celebration
Take a photo of your favorite place in nature by April 3 for the April 17 bulletin cover. On April 17, we’ll be celebrating Earth Day. You’re invited to submit a photo of a favorite outdoor place, which will be used to create a collage for the bulletin cover. Electronically submit photos to Michele at chnatss@pa.net or bring them to the office to be scanned by April 3.
Men’s Breakfast - each Wed., 9am, Espresso Yourself Café.
Women’s Breakfast - March 23, 9am, May’s Railside.
Upcoming Meetings
This Sunday, March 13, noon, Worship Committee
Wed., March 16, 7:00pm, Vestry
Sat., March 19, 9am-3pm, Vestry Retreat, Orchard Hill, Millerstown
Exhibit to Honor Mary Landis.
The Perry County Council of the Arts is planning an exhibit to honor the life of Mary Landis. If you have stories, information or memorabilia regarding her life, please contact Roger Smith (rog@perrycountyarts.org) or Missy Smith (missy@perrycountyarts.org).
The choir practices every Wednesday at 10am.
Lenten Food Collection. Bring your Food Bank donations to church during Lent and place them around the altar!
Join Hands items of the month are bibles. Preferably New Living Translation and also some in large print.
Let Rebecca know if you’d like her to come visit. She can come to your home or another location you suggest. This helps Rebecca to know you better and hopefully you will also know her a little better. Let her know your availability on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday days or evenings and she’ll be in touch to arrange a time to get together. You can send an email at nativityrector@pa.net or leave a message at the church at 717-567-6514
