Loading...Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.’ Joshua 24:15
This Sunday we hear this well-known verse from Joshua. Moses has died and Joshua is the new leader of the Israelites. They've been wandering in the desert for 40 years. The only one left who remembers their time in Egypt is Joshua and his family.
And God tells Joshua to put this choice before the people. The people who have wandered in the wilderness are asked by God to decide whom they will serve. They are free to serve other gods they may have heard about as they wandered from place to place. Joshua makes clear the choice for him and his family. They will serve the one God who has been with them all along.
God knows our temptation to worship other gods. We may worship the god of money or the god of things or the god of power or the god of violence.
This past Sunday, we learned of the horrific violence in a small church in Texas. People of all ages were worshiping God and in an instant had died. In addition to our heartfelt prayers for those who have died and those who are mourning and those who are injured, it's hard to know what else to do. I personally explore where I or my community has contributed to the violence. The only thing I know to do is to work to lessen the violence right where I live...whether it be violent speech, or hatred, or intolerance.
Each and every day, we face the choice of which god we will serve. I pray that all of us may choose the Lord.
Blessings as you finish your week!
Love, Rebecca+
Announcements
Grow In Faith Together (G.I.F.T)
Today, November 19 and November 26 are Godly Play days.
Parlor People, 11am—noon
Today, Law and Covenant, Part II led by Jane Hoover.
There will be no Parlor People next week.
At Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen
Today we honor our Veterans and observe Native American History month.
Michael from Join Hands will join us at coffee hour today to talk about the services provided and needs of the community.
Taize’ Tuesdays, 4pm. Twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by a Taize’ service.
Upcoming Meetings
Today, 11am-Noon, Confirmation Class
Sunday, November 19, Annual Meeting
Men’s & Women’s Breakfast, Wednesdays, 9am.
Men meet at Espresso Yourself Café. Women meet at Bitting’s.
The choir practices Wednesdays at 10:15am.
Donations being accepted for new organ!
Vestry has approved expenditures up to $60,000. The sale of some Orrstown Bank Stock provided $35,500 towards this, leaving $24,000 to be raised. Envelopes are at the back of the church if you would like to defray the cost.
Transport Wheel Chair now available for people who need assistance.
The chair is located outside the restroom in the parish house.
The Nominations Committee has recommended the following people to serve in various elected positions for The Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen.
Elections will be held at the annual meeting on November 19.
Vestry – 3 year term - Jill Hoover, Gail Shull
Treasurer – 3-year term - Wendy Day
Delegate to 2018 Diocesan Convention – Bill Rohm
Alternate to 2018 Diocesan Convention – Lynne Mitchell
We thank Miguel Gonzales and Lynne Mitchell for their service on Vestry.
Please pray for our confirmands.
O God, you prepared your disciples for the coming of the Spirit through the teaching of your Son Jesus Christ: Make the hearts and minds of Ethan, Lily and Sophia ready to receive the blessing of the Holy Spirit, that they may be filled with the strength of his presence; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Book of Common Prayer, p. 819.
Please say yes if Lily, Ethan or Sophia asks to interview you during coffee hour today. They will ask the following questions: When you were little, what church did you go to? Where and how often? When did you start going to church? Why do you think church is important? Why do you worship God?
From the Diocese
Thanks for reaching out to Catholic Charities Immigration and Refugee.
They are currently all set on back packs for the children, but could use some other supplies if you wish to donate them. Alarm clocks (electric), Twin mattress pads, Laundry detergent, Brooms and dustpans, Bathroom and Kitchen cleaners, Scissors, Can openers and Shower curtains, liners and hooks.
Community Events and Opportunities for Service
As you think about your blessings in this season of Thanksgiving, please consider giving to this special offering today to support The Episcopal Home.
The Episcopal Home is a personal care home operated by our Diocese that serves residents who can no longer live independently. One of the primary opportunities for our parish to support the Home comes through the Thanksgiving Offering. The money raised through this offering provides significant support to the Home and to residents who cannot afford the full cost of their care.
Prayer Shawl Ministry of Newport meets November 30, Church of the Nativity, 10am.
Bring your projects and also learn how to knit or crochet.
Join Hands Items of the Month –
Clothing (especially infant and toddler, hats, gloves, scarves, socks), toiletries, household cleaning supplies, blankets, quilts, towels, wash clothes.
Volunteers Needed for Emergency Shelters in Harrisburg.
Safe Harbor and Downtown Daily Bread are in need of overnight volunteers at their Winter Overnight Safe Haven. These are drop-in shelters during the cold winter. Volunteers arrive at 7:30pm and work alongside a paid staff person. They help provide snacks and socialization, then are able to sleep in volunteer quarters from 10pm-6am. After waking and seeing the men off, volunteers can leave by 7am. If you would like to help, please let Rebecca know.
The International Gifts & Bake Sale will be held at Cedar Grove BIC Church at 287 Deerville Road, Mifflintown on Friday, November 17 from 9am – 7pm and Saturday, November 18 from 9am – 3pm.
For more information, visit their Facebook page or www.juniatainternationalgiftssale.com.
Connect with us on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEpiscopalChurchOfTheNativityStStephen
Twitter: @ChnatssChurch (https://twitter.com/ChnatssChurch)
Instagram: https://instagram.com/chnatss/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thechurchofthen/
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMdhiksmcXv0kyz9M2uio6Q
Honor or Remember a loved one or a special occasion with flowers on the altar!
Flowers help make our worship space more beautiful and remind us of the blossoming life we have in Christ. Please consider sponsoring the flowers in memory of a loved one, or to celebrate your thanksgivings. Flowers are $30. Let Michele know by email – chnatss@pa.net or phone, 717-567-6514.
Food Bank Donations are needed!
For a list of the items needed by the Food Bank, go to their website at //www.perrycountyfoodbank.org/ and click on their wish list. Canned vegetables, fruit, nut butters and protein are always needed.
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.
