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I sought the Lord, and he answered me *
and delivered me out of all my terror. Psalm 34:4
Every morning I read the digital New York Times. I have loved this newspaper for much of my life. Yes, I know they have a viewpoint and I appreciate the depth of their reporting and their ability to go to original sources. I also love the mini crossword and Ken Ken on Sundays.
Yet, some days I'd rather not read the news at all. Some of the things we do to each other I find horrifying. I'd rather not know. I'd rather live in ignorance.
A recent article reported on the ages-old tactic of appealing to White supremacy to win elections...to stoke in people who are White, fears about people who are not considered white. Galvanizing the base as it is called. If you've seen the documentary 13th (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/13th_(film), which you can watch on Netflix, you know that this fear-based appeal to White supremacy has occurred in most elections throughout our history.
This fear-mongering and these scare tactics are antithetical to our following Jesus Christ.
Luckily, this Sunday we have a baptism to remind us that while we are in this world, we are not of this world. The waters of baptism connect us to people all over the world. People all over the world are part of The Episcopal Church and we all share a common service of baptism. We share a common baptismal covenant. We are united through Jesus Christ.
This baptism - an outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible grace - reminds us of the generosity and overflowing love of God. This baptism is available to all, even a little child who must rely on her family to guide her into a mature relationship with Jesus.
Blessings as you finish your week!
Love,
Rebecca+
Announcements
G.I.F.T.: Grow In Faith Together
Today at Parlor People,The Episcopal Church: Racial Reconciliation led by Rebecca.
There will be no Parlor People November 4. November 11 – The Episcopal Church: Evangelism led by Rebecca.
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Godly Play is today and November 11 and 18.
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At Church of the Nativity & St. Stephen
Today we welcome Payton Remi Saner into our family through the sacrament of baptism.
We also welcome her parents, sponsors, family and friends.
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Altar flowers are given by Nick and Jessica Saner in honor of Payton’s baptism.
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Today we take an additional offering for our Building Fund.
The money donated helps us pay down our mortgage and pay for major repairs.
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Thursday, November 15, 9am - 4pm, Trip to Susquehanna Valley Mall and Country Cupboard with the Honaman House residents. If you’d like to go, please see Wendy, Darlene, Sue or Lynne.
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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 today.
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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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Our observance of All Saints Day will occur on Sunday, November 4. We will worship at St. Stephen's in Thompsontown.
Please bring a photo of the loved ones you would like to remember on that day to be placed in the window sills of the church.
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We’ll honor our Veterans in the parish on November 11.
If you’ve served in the military, please provide your name and branch of service to Michele at 717-567-6514 or chnatss@pa.net by November 4.
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We will take an annual offering for the Episcopal Home on November 11.
We encourage you to give $25 if you can to provide care for people who cannot pay the full fee. We hope to raise at least $1,000 from our parish. Any amount is appreciated.
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Taize’ Tuesdays, 4:45pm.
Twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by a Taize’ service.
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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 18.
Vestry – Bill Day, Todd Saner
Delegate to 2019 Diocesan Convention – Lynne Mitchell
Alternate to 2019 Diocesan Convention – Rebecca Crup
Representatives to Convocation (3)
Rebecca Crup
Lynne Mitchell
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Upcoming Meetings
Wednesday, October 31, after breakfast, Yard Clean-Up
Thursday, November 8, 7pm – 10pm, Friends of Newport Game Night
Wednesday, November 14, 6:30pm, Vestry
Tuesday, November 27, 2pm, Parlor People Planning Committee
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Daylight Savings Time ends at 2am, November 4.
Remember to turn your clocks back an hour before going to bed on Saturday, November 3.
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If you would like Pledge envelopes for 2019, please see Sue Beamer.
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Community Events and Opportunities for Service
Surviving the Holidays, November 8, 6:30 – 8:30pm, Veterans Memorial Building, 25 W. Main Street, New Bloomfield.
Surviving the Holidays is a two hour Christian-based program designed to help people cope with the loss of a loved one during the holiday season. Program is free. Reservations are requested. Call Pastor Mike Boehm,
717-536-0163 or email revboehm@yahoo.com
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Level Ground Support Group, meets Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:30pm, Duncannon Assembly of God, 500 N. High Street, Duncannon.
Level Ground provides support for anyone struggling with addiction, alcoholism, depression, domestic violence / abuse, money management, suicidal thoughts and anything you may be struggling with. Child care and refreshments are provided. For more info, contact Bill Fickes – 717-884-3928 or Doug Weaver – 717-654-1931.
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Food Bank Donations are needed!
For a list of the items needed by the Food Bank, go to their website at http://www.perrycountyfoodbank.org/ and click on their wish list. Canned vegetables, fruit, nut butters and protein are always needed.
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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.
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From the Diocese
Invite, Welcome, Connect!, Saturday, November 10, 9am – 3pm, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, 221 N. Front Street, Harrisburg.
Led by Mary Parmer, Episcopal Diocese of Texas, this 1 day workshop teaches about hospitality and inclusion of new people into our community. The cost is $15 per person or $50 for a team of 4 or more. To register, visit:
bit.ly/diocpaiwc
