Loading... "O mighty King, lover of justice,
you have established equity; *
you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob." Psalm 99:4
One of the most fun projects and papers I worked on in Seminary was about Dean Francis Sayre. Dean Sayre was the longest serving Dean of The Washington National Cathedral from 1951 - 1978. Dean Sayre as the first grandchild of President Woodrow Wilson and was the last child born in the White House.
What interested me about Dean Sayre and was the focus of my paper, was his work for justice. I wondered how someone born into wealth became so committed to eradicating inequality, racism and poverty.
I had an inkling about his commitment to justice when I learned he invited The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to preach at the Cathedral. This was Dr. King's last Sunday sermon. By the followiing Friday, Dr. King had been assassinated and the Cathedral was hosting a memorial service attended by President Johnson, cabinet members and Members of Congress.
I learned that Dean Sayre often appeared before Congress on issues of support for workers. He participated in the Civil Rights movements of his time. His sermons urged people to work for justice and equality.
In a 1964 sermon before a special session of the Church Assembly on Civil Rights, Dean Sayre said:
"What has become of the great doctrine of Providence in our churches? Was it not ourselves who forgot the sweep of God's love across the tides of destiny? We did not protest when people told us to 'stay out of politics,' for we did not see the breadth of God's justice nor the wideness of His love in the public domain of a whole nation. Resurrection we shut up in churches, little expecting that it would blaze forth in the world, requiring profound and total transformation of the whole society."
The Psalmist who wrote thousands of years before Dean Sayre knew our God was one of justice and equity and right action. Dean Sayre is just one example of the many who understood and continue to understand that our God is one of justice, equity and right action.
Blessings as you finish your week!
Love, Rebecca+
ANNOUNCEMENTS
At Church of the Nativity
Today Sue Beamer will lead us in Morning Prayer.
Today is Godly Play. The next Godly Play will be November 12.
No Parlor People today. Next week, Adam Britcher will lead a discussion on Law and Covenant.
Next Sunday, our music will be provided by the group Keepin’ It Simple.
The group performs acoustic country and southern gospel music.
A representative from the YWCA will join us at coffee hour next week to talk about the services they provide in Perry County.
The choir practices Wednesdays at 10:15am.
Taize’ Tuesdays, 4pm.
Twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by a Taize’ service.
On November 5, services will be held at St. Stephen in Thompsontown.
Upcoming Meetings
Wednesday, October 25, 6:30pm, Diocesan Eliminating Racism Task Group
Thursday, October 26, 7-8:30pm – Newport Anti-Racism League
Wednesday, November 8, 6:30pm, Vestry Meeting
Join Us For Breakfast!
Men's breakfast - Every Wednesday, 9am, Espresso Yourself Cafe.
Women's breakfast – every Wednesday, 9am, Bitting’s.
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.
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.
Prayerfully consider what you will pledge to contribute to the ministry of The Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen for 2018.
All pledges should be turned in by October 29.
Loving God, you alone are the source of every good gift. We praise you for all your gifts to us, and we thank you for your generosity. Everything we have, and all that we are, comes from you. Help us to be grateful and responsible.
You have called us to follow your son, Jesus, without counting the cost. Send us your Holy Spirit to give us courage and wisdom to be faithful disciples.
We commit ourselves to being good stewards. Help us to be grateful, accountable,
generous, and willing to give back with increase. Help us to make stewardship a way of life.
We make this prayer through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. AMEN
From the Diocese
Celebration of new ministry for the Rev. John Harwood will be taking place on November 1, 7pm at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, Lewistown.
The Episcopal Church Women 113th Annual Gathering, November 4,
St. Andrew’s in the Valley, 4620 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg.
Registration is $15 and includes lunch. Registration and light refreshments begin at 9am. A form is posted in the undercroft for anyone who would like to pre-register or email Shirley Wagner at srw2052@centurylink.net by October 27 and pay at the door.
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..
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.
Join Hands Items of the Month –
Clothing (especially infant and toddler, hats, gloves, scarves, socks), toiletries, household cleaning supplies, blankets, quilts, towels, wash clothes. They are also currently in great need of diapers, all sizes.
PA Interfaith Power and Light (PA-IPL) statewide conference, Sunday, October 29, 1:30-5:30pm, State College, PA.
The theme is Gratitude, Lament and Renewal: Walking Faithfully in a Time of Climate Disruption. See the conference page for more information //paipl.us/what-do-we-do/annual-meeting/
Rotary Club of Perry County, Pints for Polio, Tuesday, October 24, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. River Bend Hop Farm & Brewery with Artisan Pizza, 1800 Lower Bailey Road, Newport.
Proceeds to benefit Rotary International’s Polio Foundation. Tickets are $5. Please see Rebecca if you’d like a ticket.
From Episcopal Public Policy Network: Defend Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
In the next year, the Secretary of Homeland Security must decide whether or not to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to approximately 320,000 individuals. TPS is a temporary immigration status provided to nationals of certain countries experiencing environmental disasters or armed conflict. TPS is granted when returning home - via departure or deportation - would place those nationals at risk, or if the foreign government's ability to absorb the return of its nationals is compromised. TPS has been a lifeline to hundreds of thousands of individuals already in the United States when problems in a home country suddenly make return untenable.
Take Action to Protect TPS for 18 Months or As Long as Conditions Exist
Countries with current TPS designations include South Sudan, Nicaragua, Honduras, Haiti, El Salvador, Syria, Nepal, Yemen and Somalia. The administration terminated TPS for Sudan last month. TPS holders receive protection from deportation and work authorization to support themselves while they remain in the U.S. Over the years, as conditions in their home countries have not improved, many TPS beneficiaries have stayed, with legal permission, and built lives in the U.S. Sending TPS beneficiaries back to the unstable conditions in their home countries presents grave concerns for families, our local economies, and the stability of receiving countries.
Policy passed by The Episcopal Church's General Conventionadvocates for the designation of TPS for all immigrants fleeing for refuge from violence, environmental disaster, economic devastation, cultural abuse or other forms of abuse.
For more information: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jVCgV9kqnn1jV3KsJUbCIQHSlVMD7j0vJkZ8KZGnENQ/edit
