Loading...Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord's resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Collect for Easter, p. 222, Book of Common Prayer
As we walk through Holy Week, we look forward to Easter joy. All who condemned Jesus to a physical death, believed they would put an end to his teachings and to his followers. They were wrong. Jesus rose from the dead and continues living on in us, his followers.
We try hard to abide by Jesus' teachings and live in the way he instructed us. However, we know we fall short. I don't know if you've heard of the Lutheran Pastor, Nadia Bolz-Weber. I've heard her online. She's recently written a book, Accidental Saints: Finding God in all the Wrong People. One of her questions is: What if that person you've been trying to avoid is your one shot at grace today? She challenges us to keep growing in our faith, in our understanding, and in our love for living the way Jesus taught.
Yes, this Sunday will be a joyous celebration that death does not have the last word. Yes, this Sunday will be a joy-filled day because God loves us beyond our ability to even understand. And we'll pray to God to raise us from the death caused by our sins into a new life.
Many blessings as you finish your week!
Love, Rebecca+
Getting ready for Easter I've been filled with such gratitude witnessing the efforts of so many to prepare for Holy Week and Easter. There are many readers and service participants. A group came and cleaned up the yard. The choir has been practicing steadily. The flowers have been sponsored, ordered and arrived. And then each of you shows up to make the service complete. Scroll down to the bottom on the page for some wonderful photos of all of the activity.
There will be no Parlor People on Easter. We resume on April 3 with a series of presentations on current issues and faith. Dawn Beaver from Perry County Literacy Council and three guests will talk about their experience with the Council's Re-entry program.
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 to the office to be scanned by April 3.
Take a Swing At Drug Abuse, Sat., April 30, 11:00am – 1:30pm, Paradise Stream Family Campground, Loysville. We are sponsoring this tournament, which raises funds for Perry Human Services. If you’d like to be on a team from the parish, please let Rebecca know by April 3. You will need to raise $25 in contributions.
Men’s Breakfast - each Wed., 9am, Espresso Yourself Café. Women’s Breakfast - March 23, 9am, May’s Railside.
The Vestry has approved changes to the by-laws. Final approval will occur at the April Vestry meeting. Changes include limit Treasurer to six years and then at least one year off; removal of written nominations process for elected positions; voting by voice; removal of Order of Business for meetings, updating references to various Canons of The Episcopal Church; allowing non-Vestry members to serve on committees; putting Junior Warden on Property Committee; requiring committees to make reports for the Annual meeting.
Confirmation classes for teens and adults in April and May. Confirmation on June 11, All Saints Episcopal Church, Williamsport. If you’d like to be confirmed on June 11, please let Rebecca know so she can schedule classes at a time convenient to you. Classes will involve videos and some self-study, as well as conversations with Rebecca.
Church Rummage Sale, June 10-11, 8am-2pm each day. Collect items for this rummage sale and bring them to the church with prices marked.
Holy Week and Easter Services
Thurs., 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 the Square
7:00pm, Good Friday Service with Eucharist
Sunday, March 27, 9:30am, Easter Celebration
Team 'Joining Hands for Jeri' Fundraising Dinner sponsored by the Ranch House Restaurant. Michele’s Team ‘Joining Hands for Jeri’ will donate 100% of all ticket sales and tips to the event. Tickets are being sold in advance.
Thursday, April 21, seating hours of 5, 6 or 7 pm. $15 / adult, $7 / child (ages 4 - 12), Free / ages 3 and under
Each meal includes choice of dinner entree, side salad, dinner rolls, drink and a dessert. See Michele for tickets or check their Team page on FB for more info.
Join Hands items of the month are cleaning supplies and Similac Sensitive formula. Bleach, bathroom/toilet/sink cleaner, and laundry soap.
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.
Connect with us on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEpiscopalChurchOfTheNativityStStephen
Twitter: @ChnatssChurch
Instagram: https://instagram.com/chnatss/
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/
Help People in Need when you buy your Groceries! See Gail Shull or Pat Szabo to purchase cards in various amounts to use at Giant, Mutzabaugh's, or Weis Stores. 5% of the cost of each card stays with the church and is used for outreach and mission projects.
The choir at a recent practice.
Cleaning up the yard!
