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He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High, *
abides under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1
The Lord Almighty grant us a peaceful night and a perfect end. Amen (Book of Common Prayer, p. 127) So begins the service of Compline. The service of Compline, beginning on p. 127 of the Book of Common Prayer is the last prayers of the day before going to sleep. There is a confession, Psalms and lots of prayers.
One of the recommended Psalms is the one we read this Sunday, Psalm 91. The Psalm reminds us that when we dwell with God, God protects us. This doesn't mean that nothing challenging will happen to us; it means that whatever comes, we are in God's arms and in the ultimate way, cannot be harmed.
It reminds me of words of the last verse of my favorite hymn, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.
"let goods and kindred go,
this mortal life also;
the body they may kill:
God's truth abideth still,
his kingdom is for ever." (hymn 688)
No matter what comes, God's truth remains. Many of the saints of the church knew this deeply. They would not denounce their faith in God and Jesus Christ, even when it meant their death.
Psalm 91, the hymn and our Compline prayers provide us assurance to rest, whatever comes.
Many blessings as you finish your week.
Love, Rebecca+
Announcements
G.I.F.T.: Growing in Faith Together
Godly Play will be October 13, 20 & 27.
Today Jonathan Martz of Perry Human Services joins us for Parlor People.
Next week, Biblical Archaeology led by Bill Rohm.
At Church of the Nativity
Today we take an additional offering for our Building Fund.
The money donated helps us pay down our mortgage and pay for major repairs.
Prayerfully consider what you will pledge to contribute to the ministry of The Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen for 2020.
All pledges should be turned in by October 27.
Jesus Christ, you call us to follow you as disciples.
Help us to respond wholeheartedly without counting the cost.
AMEN.
Upcoming Meetings
Each Sunday, 5pm, Perry County PRIDE
Wednesday, October 9, 6pm, Vestry
Thursday, October 24, 2 – 4pm, Clergy Council
Taize’ Tuesdays, 4:45pm.
Twenty minutes of Centering Prayer followed by a Taize’ service.
Join Us For Breakfast!
Wednesdays at 9am. Women will meet at Newport Family Restaurant this week; Men meet at Espresso Yourself.
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, or to celebrate your thanksgivings. Flowers are $30. Let Michele know by email – chnatss@pa.net or phone, 717-567-6514.
From the Diocese
Donations for the Beacon Clinic Needed
This year at diocesan convention, we are collecting donations for The Beacon Clinic for Health and Hope in Harrisburg. The Beacon Clinic is a faith-based, FREE primary healthcare clinic serving the uninsured and underserved in the Greater Harrisburg communities. They provide health education and the promotion of health and health care to adults 18 years and older. For more information, visit http://beaconclinicpa.org/
Please bring items to Nativity by October 17.
Anti-bacterial wipes, Hand sanitizer, Copy Paper, Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Tissues, Kitchen size trash bags, White out tape, Scotch tape for dispensers, Medium size binder clips, Post it notes, Black ball point pens, Cases of spring water, Mechanical Pencils
Make a $1 gift to our bishop Audrey
Audrey has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel to Sri Lanka with the Presiding Bishop toward the end of this year. The expenses for the trip are covered except for $3,000. We are asking for a $1 donation; no one can contribute more than $1. Also, please add a message to the card and wish her well in her travels. Cards and a check will be presented to Bishop Audrey at convention.
Community Events and Opportunities for Service
Hospice of Central PA is looking for volunteers.
HCP Volunteers contribute in a number of ways including: Patient and Family Support Volunteers, Veteran-to-Veteran Volunteer, 11th Hour Volunteers, Carolyn’s House Volunteers, and Administrative Volunteers. Call the volunteer department at 717-732-1000 or 866-779-7374 or email volunteers@hospiceofcentralpa.org
Volunteers Needed to Help Working Families with Tax Preparation
Volunteers are needed to offer free tax preparation to help working families receive the federal and state tax credits they are eligible for. The service is offered through the United Way of the Capital Region’s Money in Your Pocket, program, a community collaboration of organizations committed to the economic stability of local families. Volunteers are also needed to serve as greeters. No experience is required and training is provided. Flexible scheduling. For more info, contact Heidi Neuhaus, 717-724-4055 or hneuhaus@uwcr.org
Chat & Chew, Thursday, October 3, 6:30pm, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, 2339 N. 6th Street, Harrisburg
CCU in partnership with The Race & Unity Action Coalition presents Sharing Our Stories About Race with Dr. Rodney D. Smalls, Host Pastor. For more info, please call 717-763-4537.
Canal Day and Animal Blessing, Saturday, October 5, 9am – 2pm
We will have a table at Canal Day in Newport Square. If you are able to help, please let Rebecca know. Rebecca will conduct a Blessing of the Animals service at 11:30am. Bring your pet, or a photo to our table receive the blessing.
How To Be An Anti-Racist, Sunday, October 6, 5pm, Midtown Scholar Bookstore, 1302 North Third Street, Harrisburg
Discussion with authors Ibram X, Kendi and Imani Perry. This is part of the Harrisburg Book Festival taking place from October 3-6 at the bookstore. See https://www.hbgbookfest.com for a complete schedule which includes a number of authors of color.
Undoing Racism Training, Friday, October 11 – Sunday, October 13, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 301 St. Thomas Road, Lancaster.
The workshop utilizes a systemic approach that emphasizes learning from history, developing leadership, maintaining accountability to communities, creating networks, undoing internalized racial oppression and understanding the role of organizational gate keeping as a mechanism for perpetuating racism.
Friday, Oct. 11, 5:00 pm (dinner) w/ session 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm; Saturday, Oct. 12, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, lunch included; Sunday, Oct. 13, 9:30 am - 4:00 pm. lunch included. All other meals are on your own. Registration Fee: $35 for the weekend w/double occupancy for lodging incuded. (Value: $500 per person) Lodging: Clarion Inn & Suites, 1492 Lititz Pike, Lancaster. Single occupancy has charge of $72.25. Day care & scholarships available upon request. Register at: http://www.cvent.com/events/undoing-racism-training-2019/event-summary-76a2c72eaaa142bcbf68a6215016dbf7.aspx
For more information, please contact: Kevin Barron at kevinwbarron@gmail.com or Marion Schwartz at kmarsch09@gmail.com
Pints for Polio, Thursday, October 17, 5-8pm, River Bend Hop Farm & Brewery, 1800 Lower Bailey Road, Newport
Help the Perry County Rotary eradicate polio worldwide. $5 donation and all donations matched 2:1 by the Gates Foundation. River Bend will also donate a percentage of the evening’s food and beverage sales. See Rebecca if you’d like tickets or call 717-839-1434.
