Loading...O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Collect for Proper 21, Book of Common Prayer, pg 234.
Jesus comes in unexpected ways. People hoped for a king who made decrees, made judgments, and overthrew the occupiers. But Jesus came in peace and love. Jesus showed power by teaching that all of us are beloved of God and all of us are equal and blessed. Jesus came to say that that's what can remove or transform the occupiers...that love and mercy and forgiveness transforms people.
In the Collect for this week, we say that God's power is through mercy and pity...not military might or harsh judgment or financial power. The social worker and Episcopalian Brene' Brown has done much research, writing and speaking about the power of vulnerabililty. Those who are vulnerable, admit their imperfections, and share deeply actually have power, less anxiety and greater peace. Listen to her TED talk on the subject.
Our faith continues to remind us that how God defines power is not how the world defines power. When we can live into God's definition of power, we are truly powerful and strong and filled with peace.
Blessings as you finish your week!
Love, Rebecca+
Latino/Latina Heritage Month observation this Sunday
On Sunday, September 27, we'll observe Latino/Latina Heritage Month. This is a reminder that we are part of the worldwide Anglican Communion. We will say The Lord's Prayer in Spanish and sing some new hymns from Latino traditions.
You can start practicing now:
Padre nuestro, que estas in el cielo,
santificado sea tu Nombre,
venga tu reino, hágase tu voluntad, en la tierra como en el cielo.
Danos hoy nuestro pan de cada día.
Perdona nuestras ofensas, como también nosotros perdonamos a los que nos ofenden.
No nos dejes caer en tentación y líbranos del mal.
Porque tuyo es el reino, tuyo es el poder, y tuya es la gloria, ahora y por siempre. Amén.
For some of the hymns and music, go to:
Alabare'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMLiTd6MWhk
Sent by the Lord am I: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqbAS6-25sY
To view The Book of Common Prayer in Spanish, go to: //archive.episcopalchurch.org/documents/HM_Libro_de_Oracion_Comun.pdf
I also have a copy.
Join in the conversation on Radical Welcome
Meets Sunday at 11am until noon
Jane Hoover reports:
Our second Parlor People session on the book Radical Welcome was entitled "The Biblical Roots of Radical Welcome." Bill Rohm (and his other voice, Screwtape), asked us to read 6 passages from the Old and New Testaments and share the words or phrases that really jumped out at us and why. (By the way, Bill's use of Screwtape grows out of skepticism about this entire Radical Welcome project.) Even though Screwtape's presence livened up our conversations, he in no way interfered with the depth of our comments and sharing of personal experiences. Before you read further though, it might be helpful to look up the Bible passages or reference the handout, which is here: https://www.churchpublishing.
Comments included:
- · Some "laws" which appear in scripture are clearly in defiance of logic and the word of God.
- · Our hearts need to be transformed to let our humanity flourish and show through.
- · "You shall love the stranger. . ." is another way to proclaim the golden rule.
- · All men and women carry the divine in the depths of their being, so to welcome the stranger is to welcome God.
- · We should not only welcome strangers but bow down and honor them
But we also shared stories and the stories said volumes about life beyond our hallowed walls.
- · Bill told of working with a Black officer on one of his missions. They discovered they both came from the same hometown and even went to the same school. However they didn't know one another and their life experiences were totally different. Bill had grown up on the hill, in an all-white neighborhood and the other officer had grown up down by the railroad tracks.
- · It's not just education and culture that keep us apart, but power. Power is the real source of anxiety among those who perceive themselves to be at the bottom.
- · Crayola used to make a color called "flesh." Of course it was pale pink. Now that color has been renamed "peach," and they make a box of crayons with a dozen different skin tones for children to choose among.
Come join in our lively discussion. Next week's topic will be "Moving from Inclusion to Radical Welcome" led by Anne Chappelka
Godly Play, a spiritual guidance for children program will meet Sunday, September 27, 9:30am.
Vestry Actions
Approved awarding Kyle Weller Scholarship to Adam Klauer
Approved Giving To Others donations - see list here
Approved painting lines on the parking lot
My Schedule Next week, I'll be available Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. My sabbath days will be Monday and Friday. You can reach me at nativityrector@pa.net or 717-433-1556 (cell) or 717-204-7642 (home).
Schedule a time for me to come visit you! I'm enjoying visiting. If you haven't scheduled a visit, yet, plan to sign up this week! I'll come to your home or another location you suggest. This helps me to know you better and hopefully you will also know me a little better. Let me know your availability on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday days or evenings and I'll be in touch to arrange a time for us to get together. You can send an email to me at nativityrector@pa.net or leave a message at the church at 717-567-6514.
Help a neighbor get to Church! Recently a neighbor asked if someone could assist her in walking to and from the church each Sunday, beginning September 13. If you can do this, please let Rebecca know.
Pictorial Directory - Marion Fluchere is putting together a pictorial directory for us. She will be asking to take photos of each family for the directory. A draft with contact information is available. Please review the information, make any corrections and initial the entry.
Join Us For Breakfast!
Men's breakfast - Every Wednesday, 9am, Espresso Yourself Cafe.
Women's breakfast - 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, 9am, May's Railside Cafe. Upcoming breakfast dates are October 14 and 28.
Work Day, Wednesday, September 23
Thanks to everyone who works to keep the grounds kept. Tootser Davis, Junior Warden and Chair of the Property Committee mows and does much of the yard work and sometimes she brings a grandchild or two along who love to help out. Sue Beamer arrives early Sunday mornings to clear the sidewalks from yard debris. A group gathered this past Wednesday with tools and gloves to clear the North side of the church. A photo is above of what it was looking like. Enjoy these photos of the work group hard at work. Ask some of them about the grape vine, Virginia Creeper removal and Pokeberry bush removal. THANKS TO ALL for the upkeep, which makes our church look lovely and inviting.
September 26, 10:30am auction to benefit the American Cancer Society, Shermanata Grange
"Joining Hands for Jeri" is a team that will walk in the American Cancer Society's "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" walk on October 17 in Harrisburg. The team walks in memory of Michele Neibert's (Parish Administrator) Aunt Jeri who died of breast cancer at the age of 41.
The team works to raise thousands of dollars for the American Cancer Society, not only through the walk, but also through fundraisers and an auction on September 26, 10:30am at the Shermanata Grange. Plan now to attend the auction!
Join others from the Parish for the "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" Walk, Saturday, October 17, City Island, 8:30am. Walk is 5k (3.1 miles)
Blessing of the Animals, Saturday, October 3, 11:30am, Newport Square
Rebecca will bless the animals as part of the Canal Day festivities on Saturday, October. A short service will be held. Certificates of blessing will be given. Bring your pet OR a photo of your pet. If you're available to assist Rebecca, please let her know.
Canal Day is from 9am - 2pm. Our parking lot will be used for some of the parking for the event.
Serve on Vestry! Be a Delegate to Diocesan Convention!
The Nominating Committee, Sue Beamer, Becky Crup, and Tootser Davis, are seeking nominess to serve on Vestry and as Delegates to General Convention. If you are interested, please see one of them by Sunday, October 11.
Diocesan Convention to discuss important topics regarding church mission, the environment, prison reform, addressing racism, the death penalty, and education
October 16-17, Altoona, PA
Sue Beamer, Jill Brownfield and Rebecca will be representing The Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen at the upcoming Diocesan Convention to be held in Altoona. There will be elections for the Diocesan Council of Trustees, Disciplinary Committee and Standing Committee. The Diocesan Budget for 2016 will also be voted upon. There are eight resolutions that will be considered. Some have come from within our Diocese, while others are as a result of work to implement resolutions passed at the 2015 General Convention. Please take some time to read these resolutions and let us know what you think about them.
Interested in singing in a choir at Nativity and St. Stephen? If you're interested in singing in a choir for the church, please let Sue Beamer or Rebecca know. We'll work to find a practice day and time that works for everyone. At a minimum, you'll lead the parish in the hymns and singing of the service, and hopefully some special music occasionally.
Bingo and Pizza Party, Sunday, November 1, Honaman House, 11am - 2pm.
Plan now for a fun lunch and afternoon of Bingo and pizza at Honaman House in Thompsontown. After our service that day (we'll be at St. Stephens), we'll have pizza by Ann and Tony Roland and play Bingo. Prizes of household cleaning items, toiletries or $10 gift cards from Dollar General or Wal-Mart. See Lynne Mitchell if you have items or need more information.
United Thankoffering Boxes Available. Help people in need around the world! Ingathering is Sunday, November 8.
A Thankoffering box is available by the coffee pots in the kitchen if you'd like to make donations that way. United Thankoffering is a project of the Episcopal Church Women of The Episcopal Church. Boxes are available to collect your offering, which is brought to church twice a year.
A wonderful spiritual practice is to put something in the box each time you are thankful to God. On June 26, all of those donation boxes added up to $1.5 million dollars in grants!
Pick up your box today and get the benefits that gratitude and thankfulness bring to you, and do great works for others at the same time! The next ingathering is November 8. If possible, count the money in your box and write a check to the church in that amount.
For more information, click here.
Pick up a t-shirt Bag to collect your Food Bank Donations!
Members of the ECW made t-shirt bags to use for your food bank donations. A bag is at the back of the church. Take an empty bag and bring it back full of food donations! For a list of the items needed by the Food Bank, click here and then click on the wish list. Copies of the wish list are also available with the t-shirt bags.
And what a great use for t-shirts you're tired of wearing!
Join Hands Items of the Month - September - Personal Hygiene Items
soap, shampoo, razors, shaving cream, washcloths, toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, etc.
Their latest newsletter is Here
Follow Join Hands on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Join-Hands-Ministry/155578531190411
Honor or Remember a loved one or a special occasion with flowers on the altar!
Flowers help make our worship space more beautiful and remind us of the blossoming 
life we have in Christ. Please consider sponsoring the flowers in memory of a loved one, ot to celebrate your thanksgivings. Flowers are $35. A sign-up chart is in the Undercroft.
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.
Stitchers meet in Undercroft
Stitchers meet the 4th Thursday of every month at 10am with changes in 
November and December to knit and crochet prayer shawls and other items. The prayer shawls go to Perry Village and baby items go to families with Join Hands. See Edna Baker, Sue Beamer or Wendy Day if you'd like more information and don't worry about not knowing how to knit or crochet, because I bet this would be a great place to learn how!
Refugee Crisis
Barbara Holliman is exploring ways we can help with the current Refugee Crisis. The coordinating agency in our area is Catholic Charities. They are having a workshop this Saturday, September 26, 2pm at their offices, 939 Easst Park Drive, Ste 102, Harrisburg. Call them at 717-232-0568 to register and let Rebecca or Barbara know if you're interested in this project.
Read Bishop Scanlan's blog on this issue and look for more developments on the response of the Diocese of Central PA.
You can also find more information at Episcopal Migration Ministries.
