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Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said, ‘You lack one thing; go, sell what you own, and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.’ When he heard this, he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions. Mark 10:21-22
This Sunday we hear the familiar story of the rich man who approaches Jesus about what he must do to gain eternal life or the Kingdom of God. This story appears in three of our four Gospels (those known as the Synoptic Gospels).
Even 2,000 years ago, peoples' possessions kept them from discipleship. Our possessions or our longing for possessions get in the way of our truly following Jesus. They can get in the way of loving God, loving our neighbor and loving ourselves. I remember reading once about the money and energy we put into protecting our possessions. I personally know how hard it is to put my connection with my possessions in the proper perspective. I have felt sad and angry when my possessions have been stolen, as has happened to me.
Yet, they are merely things that remain after I die. Our possessions are on loan. What is eternal is what we do with our possessions and how we are disciples of Jesus Christ. Our actions and lives have eternal impact.
We are in the midst of our annual time of praying and making decisions about what we will pledge to our church for its ongoing work in 2019. This reminder about putting our possessions in their proper place is important as we make our decision.
Many blessings as you finish your week!
Love, Rebecca+
Announcements
G.I.F.T.: Growing in Faith Together
Godly Play will be today, October 21 and 28.
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Today, Bucket List led by Bill Rohm.
Next week, The Episcopal Church: Care of Creation by Kay Cramer.
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At Church of the Nativity
Today we observe Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day.
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Next week we take an additional offering for the United Thank Offering Ingathering.
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Next Sunday, Sue Beamer leads us in Morning Prayer and Rev. Tyrone Bledsoe of Sonshine Ministries will join us at worship and Coffee Hour.
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Prayerfully consider what you will pledge to contribute to the ministry of The Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen for 2019.
All pledges should be turned in by October 28.
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We are starting our prayer list over again.
If you have a name you’d like for the list, let Michele know at 717-567-6514 or chnatss@pa.net.
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The Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, November 18 following service.
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Taize’ Tuesdays, 4:45pm.
Twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by a Taize’ service.
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Join Us For Breakfast! Wednesdays at 9am.
Women will meet at Bitting’s this week; Men meet at Espresso Yourself.
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Upcoming Meetings
Thursday, October 25, 2-4pm, Clergy Council
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Bus Trip to Christmas Wonderland, Saturday, December 8.
Join the residents of the Episcopal Commons at a Christmas show and dinner at Cracker Barrel. Bus leaves at 12:45pm and will arrive back in Newport at approx. 8pm. Cost is $40 bus transportation; $15 per adult and $10 (ages 5-18) if you’d like to drive yourself. Please see Rebecca by today if you’d like to go.
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Community Events and Opportunities for Service
United Way of the Capital Region is seeking volunteers for their Money in Your Pocket program.
The program offers free tax preparation to help working families receive federal and state credits they are eligible for. No previous experience is required, training is provided. Greeters are needed also. For more information, contact Heidi Neuhaus, 717-724-4055 or hneuhaus@uwcr.org
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David Hurd Recital and Lecture/Workshop, Thursday, October 17, 7:30pm, Recital and Friday, October 19, 12pm, Lecture/Workshop, St. John’s Episcopal Church, 1A N. Hanover Street, Carlisle.
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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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From the Diocese
Sign up for news from around our Diocese.
Monthly email available. Go to https://diocesecpa.org/subscribe-for-newsletters/
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Intersections: Interfaith Community Conversation about Faith, Justice, and Mercy. What Does the Almighty Require of Us?, Sunday, October 21, 2-4pm, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral, 221 N. Front Street, Harrisburg. How do people of historic Abrahamic faith traditions make decisions that govern our public life? Are there intersections across traditions in the understanding of divine justice the call for mercy, and human responsibility? Reception to follow.
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Undoing Racism Workshop Presented by The People's Institute for Survival and Beyond, November 1-3, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 248 Seneca St., Harrisburg PA.
Thursday, 5:30pm- 9pm,
Friday 9:30am - 5:30pm,
Saturday 9:30am - 4pm.
The workshops utilize a systemic approach that emphasizes learning from history, developing leadership, maintaining accountability to communities, creating networks, undoing internalized racial oppression and understanding the role of organizational gate keeping as a mechanism for perpetuating racism. Cost is $35. Day care available upon request. For more information, please contact Kevin Barron, kevinwbarron@gmail.com or Marion Schwartz, kmarsch09@gmail.com
