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Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your gift that your faithful people offer you true and laudable service: Grant that we may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. Collect for Proper 26, Book of Common Prayer, p. 235
I am definitely not a runner. I think running is great for people who do it and enjoy it. Yet our Collect this week talks about running without stumbling to obtain God's heavenly promises. The prayer reminds me of these scripture verses:
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.... Hebrews 12:1
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
What is it about these writers that living our lives is akin to running a race? Running conveys a sense of urgency or quickness. We run when we are excited to greet someone. We run when someone needs our care. We run for our health. We run to reach a destination more quickly.
And we run towards God. We don't run in faith perfectly, but we persevere. The finish line is a life well lived and rest in the loving arms of God.
Love, Rebecca+
Announcements
Today Miguel Gonzales will lead Morning Prayer and preach.
Today we take an additional offering for our Building Fund.
The money donated helps us pay for repairs.
Next Sunday we observe All Saints' Day and honor our Veterans at St. Stephen.
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.
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, and the family and friends of Ron Zeiders, Ed Tye and Ashley Garber.
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.
Join Hands is in Need of Volunteers for their Christmas Program
Volunteers are needed to help with drop off and pick up of gifts for the Christmas program. A variety of dates and times are available. Visit https://joinhands.help/donate-your-time to sign up.
Collections for Neighbor Helping Neighbor Food Bank
We will be collecting one specific item each month for the Food Bank. The items for the month of November are juice and canned fruit.
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, today & November 21.
MILPA is hiring a Communications Coordinator to help us win important human rights fights! Please apply at: https://www.milpafamilia.org/jobs
This is a part time position at 25 hours per week and includes healthcare benefits. This position will be evaluated in 2022 with the possibility of becoming full-time. Please send questions or your resume and cover letter to jobs@milpafamilia.com with the subject title, MILPA Communications Coordinator.
Volunteers Needed to Help with Free Tax Preparation
Volunteers are needed to offer free tax preparation to help working families and individuals and to serve as greeters. 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
American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and American Friends of Parent Circle-Families Forum Online Conversation, Thursday, November 4, 11am
Hear the personal stories of an Israeli and a Palestine speak about loved ones who were killed in the conflict. Register at www.afedj.org/conversation
Diocesan Youth Retreat, Adventures in Narnia, Friday, December 3, 7 – 8pm for drop off and pickup Sunday, December 5, 1pm, Camp Mount Luther 355 Mt. Luther Lane, Mifflinburg, Cost $50
Aslan is on the move! This retreat will feature a program based on the beloved Chronicles of Narnia. Walk in to an old belief through a wardrobe and see if you can find the Lion’s love! Participants will explore the deep power of faith and fantasy experience. Everyone in grades 6-12 is welcome to attend! Register: https://cvent.me/O77xnB
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.
