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Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Collect for Fifth Sunday of Easter, Book of Common Prayer, p. 225
Even though it's been nine years since I visited the Palestine of Jesus, as the course was called, that amazing trip stays with me. Near the end of my time there, we walked the steps of Jesus on the day of his crucifixion. It was early in the morning so there were no crowds in the narrow streets of old Jerusalem. The shops were still closed.
We went so early, because during the day, the streets were crowded with people. There were many shops. The smells, especially from many of the spice shops, were amazing. We walked the steps of Jesus and could imagine what a busy day in Jerusalem during his time might have looked like.
Our Collect this week asks that we know Jesus better and better so that we steadfastly follow his steps. We, too, are called to walk the steps of Jesus. We are called to love God and love our neighbors. Often this means living in ways different from those that are considered "normal" in our communities and our world. Yet, following in these steps of Jesus leads us to amazing life. Our following Jesus can be challenging and it is also life giving and loving.
May we know more closely how to follow the steps of Jesus.
Love, Rebecca+
Announcements
All services will be available through Zoom online or by phone as well as in-person.
Online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85722557280
Meeting ID: 857 2255 7280
Password: 5676514
or Call In: +1 929 205 6099
Meeting ID: 857 2255 7280
Today we observe Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Today we take an additional offering for Caring for Nativity’s Neighbors Heating and Health.
Donations are sent to Join Hands, so people in our community have support for their needs.
Please include the following in your daily prayers.
The Rev. Joe Mitchell, Scot, Randy, Margo, Matthew, Meta, Jim, Tootser, Jacob, Stephanie, Chris, Wendy, Deb, Scott, Laura, Jai, Nelson, Sue, Lynne, Taran, Zach, Julie, Charles, Tiffany, Jill, Karrie, and the friends and family of James Jones.
Body is a Temple Group meets, May 12 & 26, 5:30pm
Online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82130156249?pwd=dEZaN252S0N3eFh0aDRTTEV4cHlmZz09
Meeting ID: 821 3015 6249 Password: 782337
or Call In: +1 929 205 6099 Meeting ID: 821 3015 6249 Password: 782337
A yard work day is planned for Saturday, May 15, 9am - noon.
We'll have a special service at St. Stephen's on Saturday, May 29 at 10am with a cemetery walk
Coffee Hour will resume on June 6 - outdoors and with items individually wrapped.
Friends of Newport Farmer's Market, Church of the Nativity, noon - 4pm, May 30, June 13, 27, July 11, 25, August 8, 22, September 5, 19, October 3, 17, 31, November 21
Shaped by Faith Celebrating our Stories, Wednesday, May 5, 12, 19 & 26, 6 -7pm
Topics will include preserving oral history, creating parish history exhibits, writing your parish history, and creating and maintaining a parish archive. Workshop leaders will be announced soon; you may pick and choose which sessions are most relevant to you and your community. Please contact The Rev. Canon Chris Streeter with any Shaped by Faith questions by email: cstreeter@diocesecpa.org
2021 CCU Highmark Walk during the month of May
This event is part of the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community, typically a large event held annually in May. Due to the pandemic, Highmark and CCU are encouraging walkers to walk on their own or in small, properly distanced groups. All walkers are expected to follow the CDC guidelines that are in place at the time of the event regarding social distancing and masks. Go to www.ccuhbg.org/walk to join an event, host an event of your own, or make a donation.
Perry County Animal Rescue 12th Annual Pet Walk and Fun Fest, Sunday, May 23, 12pm -4pm, Little Buffalo State Park
There will be local vendors, food, lots of dogs. Also a Rabies and Microchip Clinic from 11am -2pm, $15 Rabies vaccine; $30 Microchip. You can make monetary donations to Joanne Pinaire or by mailing a check payable to PCoAR, 379 Sugar Run Road, Millerstown, PA 17062
The Poor People’s Campaign for a virtual Mass Poor People’s and Low-Wage Workers’ Assembly and Moral March on Washington to take place online Monday, June 21, 2021.
Link for the online march will be available soon. Plans are being made for an in-person March on Washington in June 2022.
Picture Perry, Help Shape Perry County’s Future by Completing Surveys
Visit https://www.tcrpc-pa.org/picture-perry and completing up to all nine surveys to help shape Perry County’s Comprehensive Plan.
The Stevenson School for Ministry Courses
Words of the Bible, Begins Tuesday, June 1, 7pm
This online class introduces the most important theological words of the Old and New Testaments. Students will learn about the three original languages of the Bible - mostly Hebrew and Greek, but also Aramaic - and the terms in each language that are most important for understanding Scripture’s message about God. Increase your biblical word power through readings, lectures, and class discussions. The class will be fun, engaging, and useful for preaching, teaching, and personal discipleship. Faculty: The Rev. Dr. Collin Cornell
Becoming Beloved Community, Saturdays, beginning June 5, 10am
Using the framework of the Episcopal Church’s “Becoming a Beloved Community” this course on antiracism will lead participants through four pillars rooted in the Baptismal Covenant: Telling the Truth about the Church and Race; Proclaiming the Dream of Beloved Community; Practicing the Way of Love; Repairing the Breach in our Churches; and Repairing the Breach in Society and Institutions.
Faculty: Kevin Barron and Dr. Marion Schwartz Cost: FREE Registration info at a later date.
HELP Ministries Golf Tournament, Monday, June 7, 7:15am registration, 8am Start, 1pm Outdoor Lunch and Awards, Sunset Golf Course, 2601 Sunset Drive, Middletown
For more info or to register call 717-230-9550 or visit www.ccuhbg.org/golf
