Loading...Sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the whole earth. Psalm 96:1
On Christmas Day we'll say this Psalm. When Jesus came into the world as a little baby, just like you and I, the world was changed. Things might have looked the same and something new was beginning that would change the world. There was a new song.
Christmas is the chance for all of us to to remember how our lives are changed and different, because Jesus came into the world and because at some point in our lives, we chose to follow his teachings. Christmas is the chance to remember the new song we sing as followers of Jesus Christ.
We look at a little baby, who is so helpless, needing to rely upon others to be fed, kept clean, nurtured and loved. It's hard to believe that little one could dramatically change and re-order the world. And we know the story of Jesus Christ. When we put that baby in the manger this week, we know how the story of his life on this earth ends. We know the new songs that have been sung over the ages by his followers. And we know there are more new songs for us to sing and for others who will come and know him.
Many blessings at this awe-filled time...
Love, Rebecca+
Parlor people resumes January 8. Glenn Holliman will lead a discussion on stewardship.
Men’s Breakfast - each Wed., 9am, Espresso Yourself Café.
Women’s Breakfast - Wednesday, December 28, 9am, May’s Railside Grill.
Choir Practice The Choir will practice Wednesday, January 4, 11 and 25 at 10:15am.
The Church Office will be closed December 26—December 31. You can reach Rebecca for any pastoral care issues at her cell phone, 717-433-1556.
There will be no Taize’ on Dec. 27. Services resume on January 3.
During 2017, we will be celebrating baptism on January 8, June 4, November 5 and December 3. Let Rebecca know if you or someone you know would like to be baptized on any of these days.
All who have been baptized by water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, are welcome to receive communion. You may receive bread only or bread and wine. You may receive the wine by common cup or by dipping your wafer into the chalice. If you would prefer to receive a blessing, please come forward and cross your arms across your chest.
African Immigrant Welcome Center roundtable discussion, Undercroft at Saint Stephen’s Cathedral, Sunday, January 8 from 1-3 PM. Free parking is available in the lot beside the Cathedral. Listen to the experiences of the people who have immigrated from the continent. Native food and light refreshment will be provided.
Attending Friday prayers and discussion on Islam, Islamic Society of Greater Harrisburg, 407 N. Front St., Steelton, January 27, 1- 3pm. Please let Rebecca know if you would like to attend this service and the discussion afterwards.
Host a High School Foreign Exchange Student for 3 months. The Rotary Club of Perry County is looking for people interested in hosting a high school student from another country. The student would live with you for 3 months and then move to another family. If you are interested, let Rebecca know or email Patti McLaughlin at rotaryclubperrycountypa@gmail.com
Catholic Charities 2017 Calendar “Our Refugee Neighbors.” Show your support of refugees and immigrants in your neighborhood with your purchase of aq calendar. The calendar features refugee families in Central PA, and all proceeds will benefit the English classes provided by Catholic Charities. Calendars are only $15 each! To place your order, simply call Sara Beck at (717) 232-0568 ext. 209 or send an email to shbeck@cchbg.org with your calendar order and contact information. Pick–up and delivery options available!
Prayer Shawl Ministry of Newport meets December 29, 10-11:30am, Church of the Nativity. Bring your yarn projects and also learn how to knit or crochet.
Lunch and Craft at Episcopal Commons, January 11, 11am – 1pm. If you can attend or donate an item for lunch, please let Lynne Mitchell or Wendy Day know.
“A Journey of Discovery, 500 years since the Reformation” Friday, January 13, 6:30pm at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 5 Barner’s Church Rd., Liverpool. The Perry Valley Grange will provide the meat, beverages and place settings for a potluck meal, followed by music, fellowship and experiencing the fascinating Reformation journey. Contact Linda Byers at 717-589-7889 with a count of attendees.
Baking needs and chocolate items available through Equal Exchange. See the cart in the parish hall. We are now a wholesaler for Equal Exchange, a company that supports small farmers who use sustainable practices for chocolate, cocoa, coffee, tea, nuts, olive oil and other baking items. A price list and basket are available to pay for the items you choose to buy. Also, be sure to write down what you’ve purchased to help us maintain our inventory. A catalogue is also available. If there’s an item you’d like us to order, please see Jane Hoover.
Help people in need around the world! 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. If possible, count the money in your box and write a check to the church in that amount.
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. 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.
Connect with us on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheEpiscopalChurchOfTheNativityStStephen
Twitter: @ChnatssChurch
Instagram: https://instagram.com/chnatss/
You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMdhiksmcXv0kyz9M2uio6Q
Food Bank Donations are needed! For a list of the items needed by the Food Bank, go to their website at //www.perrycountyfoodbank.org/ and click on their wish list. Canned vegetables, fruit, nut butters and protein are always needed.
Show your support for people who are refugees
On his blog Lutheran Confessions, the Rev. Dr. Clint Schnekloth has compiled a reading list for refugee resettlement. This list was compiled in the hopes that it "will deepen both your empathy for the refugee experience, and your understanding of it and how to advocate for and with refugees." Find the reading list here.
World Relief, through We Welcome Refugees, started a solidarity pledge with refugees with the goal of gaining 10,000 signatures by Jan. 20 to share with the new Administration.
The text of the pledge is: I welcome refugees as a demonstration of my solidarity with them. Refugees are some of the most vulnerable people in the world who have been forced to flee from their homes due to circumstances outside their control, having often experienced unspeakable horrors. At a time of unprecedented forced migration, we must do more and we can do more. Welcoming refugees is not only the right thing to do but it strengthens us as a country. I urge all our elected officials to work with welcoming communities to assist refugees wherever they are in tangible and practical ways.
You can sign the pledge here.
