Loading...Then the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help; for he had nine hundred chariots of iron, and had oppressed the Israelites cruelly for twenty years. Judges 4:3
This Sunday we'll hear about the prophetess and Judge Deborah. Deborah means honey bee. She lived about 1300 BCE. In the reading for this week, we hear that the people were oppressed for 20 years and cried out to God to be released from their oppression.
God speaks through Deborah, who works with the military leader Barak to defeat their oppressors. Deborah listened for God's guidance to her community. She spoke God's message to the people.
Throughout the Bible, it's clear that God wants people to be free. God frees the Israelites from their oppressor, Egypt. God frees them during Deborah's time. God's dream is that all oppression should end.
We need to be aware of the oppression of people that exists during our own time. We can be like Deborah and listen to God's guidance and direction, so that oppression will end.
Blessings as you finish your week!
Love, Rebecca+
Grow In Faith Together (G.I.F.T)
There will be no Parlor People today.
Parlor People will resume on December 10.
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Today and next week are Godly Play days.
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At Church of the Nativity
The church office will be closed Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Rebecca will be in the office Monday and Tuesday and on vacation Wednesday – Saturday. You can still reach her for pastoral emergencies.
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Upcoming Meetings
Today, Annual Meeting
Wednesday, November 29, 6:30, Diocesan Eliminating Racism Task Group
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A special offering for the Bishop’s Discretionary fund will be taken on December 3.
Please consider giving generously to the Bishop’s work throughout our Diocese and the world.
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Taize’ Tuesdays, 4:00pm.
Twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by a Taize’ service.
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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 today.
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.
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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.
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Join Us For Breakfast!
Men's breakfast - Every Wednesday, 9am, Espresso Yourself Cafe.
Women's breakfast – every Wednesday, 9am, Bitting’s.
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The choir practices Wednesday at 10:15am.
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Notecards of Nativity for sale.
$2 each or 5 for $8. The photo on the 4X5½“ cards is of the pews and was taken by Irene VanBuskirk. They are in the undercroft.
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Community Events and Opportunities for Service
Prayer Shawl Ministry of Newport meets the last Thursday of the month, 10am.
Bring your projects and also learn how to knit or crochet.
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Call 2-1-1 for help.
When you are unsure how to find help and want to connect with community services, Dial 2-1-1 for Free Information and Referrals to services in your town. PA 2-1-1 is a comprehensive health and human services information and referral service for all of South Central Pennsylvania. We maintain a database of information about the following groups that provide services or meet in your community: Non-profit Agencies, Governmental Programs, Support Groups and Clubs. You can also visit https://pa211.communityos.org to search on your own.
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Good Grief, November 16 & 30 and December 7 & 14, 6:30pm, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral Dean’s Office, 221 N. Front Street, Harrisburg and Blue Christmas Service, December 21, 6:30pm
Good Grief is a four-session group that offers companionship for those who need to mourn. The Blue Christmas Service offers special music, scriptures, stories, silent reflection, healing prayer and communion.
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Gently Worn used and new shoes collection.
Lillian Hoover is collecting gently worn, used and new shoes for the class of 2022 as a fundraiser while helping those in need. The shoes that are collected will be donated to those living in other countries. So as you are cleaning out your closets please think of her. They will be collecting shoes until November 30. A box is located in the undercroft.
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Join Hands Items of the Month –
Clothing (especially infant and toddler, hats, gloves, scarves, socks), toiletries, household cleaning supplies, blankets, quilts, towels, wash clothes.
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Thank you to everyone for sponsoring a child/family for the Join Hands Christmas program.
We are reaching 45 children! Please remember to bring your gifts to church in the bag provided. Gifts do not need to be wrapped, but it is nice to provide gift boxes & wrap or gift bags.
Due date is December 10. Thank you so much!
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Advent Evensong, 6pm and Messiah – Part I, 7pm featuring the Festival Choir, Sunday, December 3, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 22 South 6th Street, Lebanon.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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