Loading...God is our refuge and strength, *
a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1
Every time I read this Psalm, I think of one of my favorite hymns, A Mighty Fortress is Our God. I guess it's my Lutheran upbringing and having sung it so many times. That's part of it.
And the words are very comforting to me. Often I am brought to tears singing it. The hymn brings me such hope, even in the most difficult of times. The third verse goes:
And though this world, with devils filled,
should threaten to undo us,
we will not fear, for God has willed
his truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim,
we tremble not for him;
his rage we can endure,
for lo! his doom is sure;
one little word shall fell him.
This verse speaks of a scary time. The attached audio version has a musical interlude illustrating this verse. Yet, the verse speaks of our hope and sure and certain knowledge that the evil in this world cannot win.
And then there's the 4th verse, which always gives me chills. I think it illustrates the cost of our discipleship, as well as our ultimate triumph in Jesus Christ.
That Word above all earthly powers
no thanks to them abideth;
the Spirit and the gifts are ours
through him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill:
God's truth abideth still;
his kingdom is forever!
Yes, everything can be taken from us: our property, our families, and even this earthly body. Yet, Gods truth can never be quashed. God's truth stands forever.
This hymn was written nearly 500 years ago. It reminds us of the Christian legacy we have inherited. These words offer hope in these times when hatred, lies, and derision appear to be ruling and winning.
God's truth abideth still.... God is our refuge...
Many blessings as you finish your week.
Love, Rebecca+
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXNvzeMqqvA
Annual Meeting This Sunday, with potluck after church. We will vote on 2015 minutes; members of Vestry and 2017 Diocesan Convention Delegate and Alternate; and the 2017 Budget and receive reports from committees.
There will be no parlor people this Sunday. Next week, we’ll begin our Advent series on Practicing Simplicity. Rebecca will lead the session on Practicing Simplicity with all of your heart.
Godly Play is today and next Sunday.
Men’s Breakfast - each Wed., 9am, Espresso Yourself Café.
Women’s Lunch - Tuesday, November 22, Noon, Espresso Yourself Café.
Choir Practice Tuesday, November 22 after Women’s Lunch at 1:15pm
Taize’ Tuesdays, 5:00pm. Twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by a Taize’ service.
Nominations Slate for 2017 Vestry and Diocesan Convention Delegate and Alternate. Vestry recommends Shannon Burns, Kay Cramer, and Bill Rohm for Vestry and Miguel Gonzales for Delegate to 2017 Convention and Bill Rohm as Alternate. Jill Brownfield and Joanne Pinaire will be leaving Vestry. Voting on these recommendations will be held at the Annual Meeting.
Volunteers are needed to help distribute Christmas gifts
through Join Hands.To volunteer you can fill out their online volunteer form at https://form.jotform.com/62764249447163 and they will schedule you the week of Monday, December 12th and Thursday, December 15th.
Urgent need! Refugees are currently arriving primarily from Somali, Congolese, Syria and Bhutanese Nepali. They are in urgent need of new or gently used pillow cases, twin flat and twin fitted sheets, (collection of bedding items will take place through November 26), and an ongoing need for toiletry items, (shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc). Please bring donations to church and items will be gathered and delivered to our Diocesan office. For moreinformation contact Loretta at 717-836-4378 or
lorettacollins209@gmail.com.
Advent Lessons and Carols led by the choir of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Lebanon, December 4, 4pm. Once again, St. Luke’s choir under the direction of Bill Claxton, will lead us in this service of lessons and hymns of preparation for the birth of the Christ child. A dinner will follow. If you can help with the dinner, please let Sue Beamer know.
Practicing Simplicity with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength is our Advent devotional booklet. Pick up a copy at the back of the church or go online at https://www.flipsnack.com/ebraeger/advent-2016.html. This book will be the focus of our Advent Parlor People series.
Join Hands Items of the Month –November: Items this month- Paper Products (Toilet Paper, Paper Towels), Diapers (all sizes with an emphasis on 4,5,6) and small Wheel-able Carts/Wagons: So those who walk to the Perry County Food Bank and/or to the monthly distribution sites have a Cart or Wagon to transport more
groceries home. You can drop these off at the Perry County Food Bank.
Let Rebecca know if you’d like her to come visit. She can come to your home or another location you suggest. This helps her to know you better and hopefully you will also know her a little better. Let Rebecca 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 to her at nativityrector@pa.net or leave a
message at the church at 717-567-6514.
Help people in need around the world! A Thankoffering box is available by the coffee pots in the kitchen if you'd like to make donations that way. United Thankoffering is a project of the Episcopal Church Women of The Episcopal Church. Boxes are available to collect your offering, which is brought to church twice a year. A wonderful spiritual practice is to put something in the box each time you are thankful to God. If possible, count the money in your box and write a check to the church in that amount.
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.
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. A sign-up chart is in the Undercroft.
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.
Have a Green Thanksgiving! As we get ready to celebrate our gratitude for all God has given us, here's an interesting guide to help us.... //www.coolharvest.org/food/have-a-green-thanksgiving/
