This Sunday (September 13, 2020) at The Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen

This Sunday

Eucharist in the yard or online or by phone

Michelle Neibert, Parish Administrator September 09, 2020
This Sunday (September 13, 2020) at The Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen

The Lord is full of compassion and mercy, *
slow to anger and of great kindness. Psalm 103:8

In our readings this Sunday, we will hear a lot about abundant forgiveness. Forgiveness is not easy, yet we work to forgive others because of God's abundant mercy and forgiveness to us. 

A part of forgiveness is acknowledging the offenses we have committed. We examine ourselves personally and as a parish community. Have we done anything that is againist God? Have we done anything that separates us from God? Knowing the specifics is important because that helps us discern what we can do to return to God.

However, sometimes we don't know the specifics. Sometimes things are done on our behalf and we are unaware of what has been done. Most Sundays we say the Confession of Sins. We "cover all bases," so to speak.

The Confession reminds us to pay attention to our lives. We pay attention to what we do and also to what we have failed to do. We pay attention to the things done on our behalf. We know we can ask for forgiveness and we are guided to do better.

 

Love, Rebecca+

Announcements

Today, The Episcopal Church celebrates the life and legacy of a notable saint: the Rev. Alexander Crummell.
This day is also designated as Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) Sunday to commemorate the racial justice ministry of this organization which was an outgrowth of Crummell’s advocacy.

Next Sunday, we observe Latinx History Month.

Prayerfully consider what you will pledge to contribute to the ministry of The Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen for 2021. 
All pledges should be turned inby October 4.

Rebecca can bring communion to you.
Please be in touch with her at 717-567-6514 or 717-433-1556 and she can arrange a time and talk how to do this safely.

Parlor People Resumes Today after the Service
We will meet in person in the yard and via Zoom. Through November 1, we will discuss the topics in the Democracy Values & the 2020 Election: A Reflection Guide for Faith Communities. Today Rebecca leads the discussion on Democracy and Voting Rights. Next week Kay Cramer leads the discussion on Protecting God’s Creation: Climate Justice for our Children and World. You should have received a copy of the guide with your recent service booklet mailing.

Celebrate Seasons of Creation Sept. 1–Oct.4
Your most recent mailing included a booklet on Season of Creation 2020: Renewing, repairing and restoring our commitments to God, to one another and to all of creation.

Prayer Shawl Ministry meets Thursday, September 24, 10am.
Bring your projects and also learn how to knit or crochet. Please also wear a mask.

Farmer’s Market Coming to Newport September 27, October 25 & November 22
Plans continue for a monthly farmer’s market adjacent to our parking lot.  There will be up to ten vendors. The market is sponsored by Friends of Newport.

Ignited Fundraising Webinar with Lori L. Jacobwith
Attend this no-cost special webinar training to learn how to increase your fundraising revenue.
Session I, September 19, 10-11:30am - register at:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYtc-GoqT4rHtx3IWRH_dHmD0jiY7_iS9Gk  
Follow up Session II, September 29, 6-7:30 pm – register at:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYvc-ypqTsiHNyqIFgr4_iKlSSqrFxULIv1
Please let Rebecca know if you’ve registered.

Perry County Area Agency on AgingFreeWellness Programs.
Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, Sept.14 – Nov.5, Mon.&Thur., 6–7pm, In Person orZoom, Senior Center, New Bloomfield

Tai Chi for Arthritis, Sept.14 – Nov.18, Mon.&Wed., 6:30–7:30pm, In Person Only, Messiah Lutheran Church, Elliottsburg

Tai Chi for Arthritis, Sept. 29 – Nov.19, Tues.& Thurs., 9am–10am, In Person or Zoom, Cornerstone Christian Church, Duncannon

Everyone MUST pre-register @717-582-5128. No Walk-Ins and masks required.