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All the paths of the Lord are love and faithfulness *
to those who keep his covenant and his testimonies. Psalm 25:9
First of all, Happy Thanksgiving! I pray you enjoy your day. Living in gratitude for the life that we have is important every day.
Also, Happy New Year! That's right, this Sunday begins the new year in the church - the First Sunday of Advent. Our scripture readings switch to Year C and the predominant Gospel readings are from Luke.
The above verse is from our Psalm for Sunday. The paths of God don't always feel easy, yet our Psalmist reminds us that they are love and faithfulness. Embodying love is important. A saying that is a good guide for me is, "honesty without love is brutality." In other words, how can we tell the truth, especially difficult and challenging truths in love rather than in brutality? Sometimes it is our deep love for one another that allows us to speak uncomfortable truths in loving ways.
I believe that's what Jesus teaches us. Yes, he did get angry on occasion and remember how he flipped the tables in the temple. Yet, as he deeply challenged the religious and civil system in place during the times, he did it with love and care.
May we find those paths of love and faithfulness.
Love, Rebecca+
Announcements
Today we take an additional offering for our Building Fund.
The money donated helps us pay for repairs.
Flowers for Christmas.
Donations for Christmas flowers will be taken through December 12. If you have an envelope, you can use for the donation, including marking if they are “in honor of” or “in memory of” someone. There are also envelopes at the back of the church.
Please include the following in your daily prayers.
The Rev. Joe Mitchell, Scot, Meta, Tootser, Stephanie, Wendy, Scott, Father Bill Warne, Jane, Jamey, Wendy, Canon Bob Schiesler, Rev. Carla Christopher, Shelby, Shirley, Mike, Karen, Tracy, Dan, Josh, Roger, Jim, Marie, Cookie, Stella, Matthew, Anna, Linda, Mary Jeanne, Donald, Charles, Emily, Cindy and Jamie.
Tuesday, November 30, 1pm, Vestry Meeting
Join Hands Gifts for Children
Thank you to everyone who has donated. Please have your gifts to the church by today. Also, if you are available to help deliver the gifts to Join Hands on Monday, November 29, please see Darlene.
Collections for Neighbor Helping Neighbor Food Bank
We will be collecting one specific item each month for the Food Bank. The item for the month of December is a Birthday Cake Package - cake mix, frosting, candles wrapped in a foil pan.
Help fill our community food pantry!
Items that seem to be taken first include canned pasta meals, soups, and macaroni and cheese. Vegetables don't seem to get taken. Also, please don't use this as an opportunity to clear out your pantry if at all possible.
If you would like consecrated communion elements for your home use, please let Rebecca know.
You can pick them up at the church or we can make arrangements for drop off.
Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael B. Curry discusses the year ahead for The Episcopal Church Thursday, December 9, 2021, 6pm.
The 60-minute event will include a moderated panel discussion, followed by a Q & A session. Registration is free, but required at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qHoWjoNoTG6_pe9dSO_kxQ?bbeml=tp-kZu-uZr-i0SdHnj_R20rnA.jBXnxa4lwzUelBNJStcfKBQ.rbzPMWWToKkORVEJlQxBncw.lxlRwufF0nUOFTzC-c87qbQ
Diocesan Digital Advent Calendar
The diocese has designed a 2021 digital Advent Calendar. The calendar will be composed of photos, prayers, and resources. Every day in Advent, a new window will open online. We hope that this project will help us feel connected in this challenging season. Beginning November 28, you will be able to visit https://calendar.myadvent.net/?id=e7c67b1725cb5a51f469ae446ee01106 to participate.
Perry County Literacy Council Online Auction, Sunday, December 5 – Sunday, December 12, PCLC Facebook Page
Auction items will include gift certificates for goods and services, artwork, crafts, gift baskets and more.
Joy To The Burg
Local musicians have united again in 2021 to create the third annual Joy to the Burg Christmas album to benefit people experiencing homelessness. Albums are on sale now at Karns or http://www.joytotheburg.com/ and proceeds will support the homelessness programs of Christian Churches United (CCU) in Harrisburg.
Driving PA Forward Coalition is collecting letters in support of legislation allowing people to use a Tax ID number to get a driver’s license.
Sample forms are in the undercroft. Return to Rebecca by December 12.
Afghan Resettlement Donations Needed
Donate food items for incoming refugee families including Aahubarah or Basmati Rice, Split Green Lentil, Orange Lentil, Yellow Lentil, Kidney Beans (dry or canned), Chickpeas (dry or canned), Pinto Beans and Peas (canned), Peanut Butter, Jelly or Jam, Sugar, Flour, Green Tea, Tomato Sauce or Paste, Pasta (all varieties), Potatoes (canned), Oils (Corn, Vegetable, Soybean), Salt, Black Pepper, and Cumin. New or lightly used cookware, pots, and pans, and Cleaning Kits containing (new item) dish soap, bathroom cleaner, sponges/paper towels, laundry detergent, trash bags, all packed in a large trash can or Toiletry Kits containing (new item) 4 rolls of toilet paper, shampoo, body wash or soap bars, 7 toothbrushes, 2 tubes of toothpaste, pads, shaving cream, and razors all packed in a small trash can are also needed. Place donated items in the box at the back of the church. If you have questions, please see Rebecca.
Mission: Joy available for free online viewing at home with family and friends through December 2.
Interfaith Power & Light network has been offered a unique opportunity to be among the first to share the new film, Mission: JOY - a documentary with unprecedented access to the unlikely friendship of two international icons who transcend religion: His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu. Watch the trailer and register at: https://www.interfaithpowerandlight.org/host-a-movie-screening/
Episcopal Election Activators
Episcopalians interested in helping with voter engagement for the 2022 midterm elections are invited to participate in the Episcopal Election Activators program. Activators will meet regularly to develop and implement strategies, share stories, and build a network across the country to help increase voter turnout and encourage others to take on a greater role in the elections. To learn more and apply, go https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/office-government-relations/episcopal-election-activators/?mc_cid=1a54c45514&mc_eid=30e41dc07b
The Pennsylvania Immigrant and Refugee Women’s Network (PAIRWN) is seeking volunteers to work with immigrant and refugee students and families in Harrisburg area schools through our Family Advocacy Program.
Volunteers are needed to provide homework assistance, one-on-one interpretation for parents at school meetings and events (interpreters for Spanish, Arabic, Swahili, Nepali and French are especially needed), assist with setting up and running workshops to be provided once a month for parents on topics such as school policies, enrollment, standardized testing, college prep, healthcare and health insurance, immigrant and refugee rights, and other topics. Bi-lingual volunteers are especially welcomed. All State clearances are required. To learn more contact Carolyn Joy Patterson at carolynj.patterson@comcast.net or to volunteer, contact Family Advocacy Program Volunteer Coordinator, Amy Kimmel at missamy531@gmail.com
