This Sunday (October 24, 2021) at The Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen

This Sunday

Michelle Neibert, Parish Administrator October 19, 2021
This Sunday (October 24, 2021) at The Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen

 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, *
then were we like those who dream. Psalm 126:1

Our Psalm this Sunday is one of great joy and thanksgiving. Have you ever had that experience where what is happening is so amazing and something you had wished and longed for? You enter a space that feels like you are dreaming. Maybe it's that space we call liminal - between earth and heaven. 

Those times are awesome and wonderful and touchstones and memories that we hold on to during our lives. 

Sometimes our dreams really do come true. And I don't know about you, but I have also had times when something wonderful happens that I did not even know to ask for!

Life can be difficult and challenging. Thank God for God's presence with us and for those dream-times.

Love,

Rebecca+

Announcements

Next Sunday, October 31, Miguel Gonzales will lead Morning Prayer and preach.

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 and Marie.  


We observe All Saints Sunday at St. Stephen's on November 7.
Bring a photo or memento of your loved ones you would like to remember on that Sunday. Also, let Michele know at chnatss@pa.net the names of loved ones you would like remembered on that day.

 

Perry County Bicentennial Celebration, Today, Sunday, October 24, Noon – 5pm, Dum Memorial Park, 2608 Shermans Valley Rd., Elliottsburg 
The celebration will include the dedication of the Bicentennial Plaza along with other programs.  Food trucks will be in attendance as well.

 

Tuesday, October 26, 1pm, Vestry Meeting


The Annual Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, November 21 at the end of the church service.
A pot-luck lunch will follow.

Perry County Literacy Council Online Auction, Sunday, October 31 – Friday, November 5, PCLC Facebook Page
Treat yourself or start your holiday shopping while supporting PCLC.

Financial donations will be accepted for the college boxes and cards and gift cards we send to college students.
Please put College Boxes in the memo line.

 

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 October is canned pasta.

If you’d like to make a donation for the Commons and Gardens bags, please write a check to the church and put Commons / Gardens in the memo line.  
In November, each resident will receive an Advent calendar and spiced cider mix with info on how to attend church.


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.

 

Friends of Newport Farmer's Market, Church of the Nativity, noon - 3pm, October 31, & November 21.

 

Volunteers Needed to Help with Free Tax Preparation
Volunteers are needed to offer free tax preparation to help working families and individuals. The tax preparation will be done at designated sites in the Capital Region from late January through mid-April, day and evening hours. Volunteers are also needed to serve as greeters (no tax preparing required for this position). No previous experience is required and training is provided. Scheduling is flexible. Several informational sessions will be held both in person and virtually. For more information, including a link to sign up for these sessions, go to: https://www.uwcr.org/how-we-help/resources/money-in-your-pocket/ 

 

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 in Harrisburg area schools. 
Provide homework assistance, one-on-one interpretation and assist with setting up and running workshops Bi-lingual volunteers are especially welcomed. If you are interested in learning more about the program, please contact Carolyn Joy Patterson, PAIRWN Program Committee Chair, at 717-736-3600 or cpatterson@diocesecpa.org

 

De-Colonizing Christ Visual Arts Exhibit, Riverfront Gallery, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Cathedral, 221 North Front Street, Harrisburg, Sundays through December 19, 12 – 3pm, free admission.
The exhibit presents 28 original works of visual art, which all present Jesus of Nazareth as a man who is not European. As part of our ongoing work toward dismantling racist systems and working toward racial justice, the Cathedral has envisioned this exhibit as an opportunity to consider Christ through images western Christian churches do not experience very often.