This Sunday (May 21, 2023) at the Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen

This Sunday

Michele Neibert, Parish Administrator May 18, 2023
This Sunday (May 21, 2023) at the Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen
Glory by Sue Carroll of Art2LiftSpirits.com

O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven: Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. Collect for Seventh Sunday of Easter, Sunday after Ascension pg. 227 Book of Common Prayer

I didn't get past the first few words of this Collect. That's because hymn 382, King of Glory, King of Peace is very special to me. The words by George Herbert are so beautiful:

Here's the first 2 lines:

King of Glory, King of peace, I will love thee;

and that love may never cease, I will move thee.

The words are of great love and great understanding of the love and forgiveness of God.

David Charles Walker composed the tune General Seminary to go with these words. Therefore, the hymn with this tune has special resonance with those of us who were educated at General Theological Seminary. And this week I have been reminded of my time there, because my graduation was 10 years ago. 

One great thing about my time in seminary was not only the presence of God's calling, but also the deep commitment to do God's work in a specific way as a priest. 

I pray that you are reminded of your deep commitment to do God's work in the way God is guiding you.

Love,

Rebecca+

  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QTNDNVV8ICg

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 and Vanessa.

The community level of Covid in Perry County is low. Masks are optional.


Today we observe Asian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

 

Collections for Neighbor Helping Neighbor Food Bank 
The May items are: Boxed Rice, Pasta, or Potatoes and Glass Cleaner and Spray Cleaners.

Vestry Meeting, Tuesday, May 30, 1pm.


From Rebecca: It has come to my attention that some of you may have concerns about our ministry to people who are unhoused. I invite you to discuss any concerns, as well as the many creative ideas and options that are available to carry out this ministry. I welcome your input.


Geraniums for Pentecost, May 28.
Donations for geraniums to decorate the church for Pentecost are being taken through today.

 

The church office will be closed Monday, May 22.
Rebecca will be away at the Clergy Conference Monday – Wednesday.

Michele will be in the office Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week.

Friends of Newport Farmer's Market, parking lot at the Church of the Nativity, May 28, noon - 3pm.

 

The Diocesan clergy are collecting diapers, pull-ups, wipes and monetary donations for the Susquehanna Valley Diaper Banks.
Bring any donations to the church by today and Rebecca will take them to the clergy conference on May 22.

Block Party, Newport Square, Saturday, June 3, 5 – 8pm.
Grab your friends and family for a night of food, drinks, and fun! DJ and line dancing. A NRPS event.

 

Hope Eternal Church has asked for assistance with their Hopeful Things store located on Penn Avenue.
Nicole Kiefer has offered to volunteer. I have also agreed to provide some "storage" space for coats and holiday items during the summer. If you are interested in helping, please let Rebecca know. They are also accepting donations of clothing and household items.

 

2023 HELP Ministries Golf Tournament, Monday, June 5, 8am Start, Sunset Golf Course, 2601 Sunset Drive, Middletown PA
Become a sponsor or join as a team to help support our neighbors facing homelessness, crisis situations or poverty. To learn more and register by May 25, visit: www.ccuhbg.org/golf

Rotary Club of Perry County Golf Outing, Friday, June 9, US Army War College, Carlisle
Proceeds benefit local Rotary Youth Leadership Programs. Lunch at noon and 1pm 4-person Scramble start. $100 per person; $100 per hole sponsorship. Fee includes lunch, greens fees, cart, prizes, and dinner. For more or to register, volunteer or donate contact Tom Burd (717-834-3111) or Larry Brodisch (717-567-6905). 

 

Welcome the Stranger Festival, Saturday, June 10, 11am – 3pm, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral, 221 N. Front Street, Harrisburg
Handmade crafts, apparel, and prepackaged food will be available to purchase. Information about supporting refugees and immigrants will be provided by several migrant organizations. Free parking beside the church. For more info, visit:
https://diocesecpa.org/news-from-the-pews/welcome-the-stranger-festival/ 

Church World Service (Harrisburg) World Refugee Day Block Party, Saturday, June 24, Noon to 3pm, Mackay & Front Streets, Rear Parking Lot
This event is rain or shine, will be free to attend, and has been created for our area’s residents to enjoy, including the new neighbors that we welcomed over the last year. Attendees can expect an afternoon of free fun for all ages, including free giveaways (while supplies last), games, activities, music, and art!  Events are being sponsored by caring businesses and organizations in the area, including Diocesan Migration Ministry Resources.

Active, baptized members of the parish seeking their first college degree are encouraged to apply for the Kyle Weller Scholarship by June 1.
Applications and further requirements are available at /digital_faith/documents/3263855 for the letter and /digital_faith/documents/3252600 for the application.