NATIVITY NEWS. November 2018

Transcription

1 NATIVITY NEWS The newsletter of the Episcopal Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen Newport and Thompsontown, PA 159 South Second Street, Newport PA Phone: Parish Website: A note from the Rector November 2018 Recently I have been dreaming. In the summer my friends began speaking about planning for their sabbaticals and I learned that I am also entitled to a sabbatical in I knew about the Lilly Endowment and had heard how they supported sabbaticals, so did some research. The Lilly Endowment has a number of clergy renewal grants. One would support not only costs for my sabbatical, but also provide some resources for the parish to do some parallel work while I am gone. In other words, we can both be studying the same topic during this time. The grant proposal for sabbaticals in 2020 must be submitted by April of The proposal is expected to be collaboratively created between you and me. The Vestry must approve it and sign off on it. Also, the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania has rules regarding sabbaticals and the Bishop must sign off on the plans for sabbatical. Proposals for the Lilly program can be up to $50,000, with $15,000 going to the congregation to support their activities. With that kind of financial support possible, I began to dream about learning and rest. The grant proposal for the sabbatical time is expected to balance both. For more in-depth study what excites me is learning more about Paul s journeys and how Christianity spread to the west. Trips with scholars that follow Paul s journey from Malta to Rome have drawn my interest for a number of years. I ve heard visiting the ancient ruins of Ephesus and Corinth (often called the Turkey Trot) is amazing. When I studied in Israel in 2012 through St. George s College, Palestine of Jesus course, my whole understanding of the life, work and words of Jesus was deepened and expanded. I frequently use my experience in sermons, writings and teachings. Learning more about Paul and the early church feels like the next step and promises to be just as beneficial to me and to the parish. In addition, I am interested in the role women played as the Christian church came west, as well as women in England, like Julian of Norwich. Being in Europe and Turkey for study also lends itself to rest time with friends and family. A Mediterranean cruise with my clergy friends and time in Sicily with family are possibilities. The tentative plan is to be on sabbatical from May 25 through September 2, What is your dream? Will you explore more about Paul, the spread of the early church, and the role of women in the early church with me? Speak with Bill Rohm, Joanne Pinaire, or Kevin Hortens to share your ideas and to hear about some ideas we have discussed. Together we can learn, grow and deepen our faith. Love, Rebecca+

2 Report from September 12 Vestry Meeting Telling Our Story Evangelism At each Vestry meeting, a member tells their story about how following Jesus Christ and living in this community of Nativity and St. Stephen s has affected their life. At the October meeting, Rebecca shared about the importance of welcome and inclusivity. Visitors often tell her about how welcoming our parish is. Maria Cramer gave her a sign like the one we have on our church lawn about welcoming our neighbors. New neighbors of Rebecca s said the sign helped them feel welcome in moving to her part of town. Also, Rebecca is taking the online course on Becoming the Beloved Community. The first presentation was about the inclusivity and diversity in the early Christian church. All were welcome to follow Jesus Christ. Our Life Together Addressing conflict This month, Vestry reviewed a document on how to address conflict in the church. The document included common underlying principles of addressing conflict: 1. Conflict is inevitable and that both positive and negative consequences may occur depending on how the conflict is managed. 2. Conflict is touchy and must always be preceded by prayer, surrounded by prayer and followed by prayer. 3. The results are likely to be better with active engagement rather than avoidance. 4. People must be motivated to address conflict. Leaders are tasked with helping people address questions/situations they might rather avoid. 5. The stress in a system will usually be felt most acutely by those with least power, influence or control. Be on the lookout for signs of conflict stress in your congregation. (disengagement, resignations, chronic lateness, sidemeetings, etc.) 6. Behavioral, cognitive, and emotional skills can be acquired. 7. Emotional skills require self-awareness. 8. The environment must be neutral and feel safe. 9. It is often helpful to pull in a third party person (Like the Canon for Congregational Life and Mission) to help address systemic conflict. The document also discussed steps to address conflict. The first step is to decide whether to address the conflict. This involves balancing the reward of addressing the issue against the price of addressing the issue. If it is decided to address the conflict, you must prepare for the discussion. This includes determining the exact nature of the conflict, understanding your own position, gather data and background information, know what you want from resolving the conflict, know what compromises you can make and which you cannot make, consider your own motivation and goals, as well as the motivation and goals of the other person or persons, consider why the other person would behave in a way that troubles you, the level of intensity of the conflict and your own emotional response and how it affects your view of the situation. Our Finances Income through September was $237,435. Expenses through the same period were $200,983. In addition, payments were made on the mortgage for August and September totaling $5,005. The mortgage principle is $88,063. Expenses included $14,400 to Tony Vorous for painting the exterior of the church and $1,850 to Ryan McClure who did carpentry work in connection with the exterior painting. The draft budget for 2019 was presented to Vestry and recommended to the congregation for approval at the November 18 Annual Meeting. The budget will be available prior to the meeting and includes projected income of $272,200 and expenses of $290,842. Repairs and maintenance on the building are budgeted at $30,000, which is in line with the Facility Condition Assessment done in May Mortgage payments of $25,000 for the year are budgeted. This includes the required monthly payment plus $500 per month additional. It is expected that contributions to the Building fund will be $15,000, which offsets this annual expense.

3 In past years we have budgeted $165,000 from the Bechtel Trust; however, our experience has been that we receive close to $200,000. The Finance Committee recommended a budget figure of $180,000 from the Bechtel Trust. Rebecca was given an additional raise. She currently receives the starting salary for a priest with 5-9 years since ordination to the Diaconate. However, Rebecca will have been a priest to us for 4 years, so should be above the starting salary. Therefore, the 2019 budget figure is $51,578, which is 9% above the starting salary for her years since ordination. Stewardship of our Property Rebecca has encouraged Kevin Hortens to use our garage space as a shop for making things, mostly from wood. Kevin would store his equipment there. He would assist with small repairs or projects of the church, as well as do his own projects. Vestry approved of this use of our facility. People Step Forward for Leadership Positions Vestry recommended the following slate for leadership positions in the church: Vestry (3-year term): Bill Day, Todd Saner. We are also considering a third person. Delegate to 2019 Diocesan Convention: Lynne Mitchell Alternate to Diocesan Convention: Rebecca Crup Representatives to Harrisburg Convocation: Lynne Mitchell Rebecca Crup Another person could also serve as a Representative. Next Vestry Meeting The next Vestry meeting will be November 14.

4 Commons and Gardens Upcoming Activities If you are able to help out or contribute to any of the Episcopal Gardens or Commons activities, please see a member of the Program and Mission Committee. Episcopal Gardens Activities: Thursday, November 15, 9am - 4pm - Trip to Susquehanna Mall and Country Cupboard Thursday, January 24, 11am - 1pm, - Lunch and Winter Craft Tuesday, March 5, Invite residents to our Shrove Tuesday pancake supper, bus to leave Honaman House at 5:30, return approx. 8pm. Thursday, March 14, 11am - 1pm - BINGO and Lunch Sunday, June 2, after church at St. Stephen s - Cookout Episcopal Commons Activities: Saturday, December 8, 12:45pm - 8pm, Bus trip to Christian Life Assembly, Camp Hill for Christmas Wonderland and Dinner at Cracker Barrel. Members of the parish also encouraged to attend. Tuesday, February 13, 11am - 1pm - Lunch and Valentine s Craft Tuesday, March 5, Invite residents to our Shrove Tuesday pancake supper Wednesday, April 10, 11am - 1pm - Easter/Spring Activity and Lunch Wednesday, June 5, 11am - 1pm Cookout

5 Nativity Happenings Parlor People and Godly Play have resumed. See calendar on last page for specific dates and Parlor People topics. to The Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen! We ve added a Give Online button to our website. You can use your credit card to make a onetime or recurring monthly donation to the church. On the second screen before final confirmation, you can give special instructions if you d like to split your donation between the program fund, building fund, flowers or another area of the church. Check it out! Send notes or cards to our friends who are unable to attend service on Sundays. Arlene McGowan Edith Jones 92 Village Drive 232 W. Main Street Room 108 New Bloomfield PA Mifflintown PA 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 chnatss@pa.net or phone, Food Bank Donations are needed! For a list of the items needed by the Food Bank, go to their website at and click on their wish list. Canned vegetables, fruit, nut butters and protein are always needed. 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. Baking needs and chocolate items available through 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. We ll honor our Veterans in the parish on November 11. If you ve served in the military, please provide your name and branch of service to Michele at or chnatss@pa.net by November 4. Our observance of All Saints Day will occur on Sunday, November 4. We will worship at St. Stephen's in Thompsontown that Sunday. Please bring a photo of the loved ones you would like to remember on that day to be placed in the window sills of the church.

6 Community Happenings PP&L OnTrack Representative will be available the 2nd Wednesday of each month through December at Tri County Community Action, 129 Market Street, Newport, 9am 4pm. The program can help lower your monthly bills, forgive debt, and help with annual benefits. Call or for more info. Level Ground Support Group, meets Tuesdays, 6:30 8:30pm, Duncannon Assembly of God, 500 N. High Street, Duncannon. Level Ground provides support for anyone struggling with addiction, alcoholism, depression, domestic violence / abuse, money management, suicidal thoughts and anything you may be struggling with. Child care and refreshments are provided. For more info, contact Bill Fickes or Doug Weaver Diocesan Happenings Sign up for news from around our Diocese. Monthly available. Go to to sign up. Annual ECW Gathering, Saturday, November 3, 9am, St. Paul s Episcopal Church, Harrisburg. Pre-registration required by Friday, October 26 if attending the luncheon. A donation of $15 per person is appreciated. Women s clothing, accessories, shoes and toiletries will be collected for Queen Esther s Closet. More info is posted in the undercroft including schedule and how to register. Invite, Welcome, Connect!, Saturday, November 10, 9am 3pm, St. Stephen s Cathedral, 221 N. Front Street, Harrisburg. Led by Mary Parmer, Episcopal Diocese of Texas, this 1 day workshop teaches about hospitality and inclusion of new people into our community. The cost is $15 per person or $50 for a team of 4 or more. To register, visit: bit.ly/diocpaiwc On Sunday, November 11, we will collect donations for the Episcopal Home. The home is a personal care / assisted living facility that has been in operation under the auspices of our Diocese since We are encouraged to give $25 per giving unit or at least $1,000 from our parish. The Home s fees are lower than the average for Pennsylvania. Money raised provides care for people who cannot pay the full monthly fees. The Home is one of the few places in Central PA that provides care regardless of a person s ability to pay. The Home also supplies significant spiritual care with a chaplain on staff and care from St. Andrew s Church Appalachian Camino, Walking the Way of Love in PA, a Pilgrimage with the Bishop, June 23-28, Preparation begins in Advent. To sign up, go to

7 November Honaman House 2 Mark Hoover 1 Edward Murray 3 Michael Day Dennis Reichenbach 8 Fred Cabell 6 Marvin Flory Daniel Emerson 14 Dorothy Reich 9 Jeffrey Billger 15 Anna Risban 10 Amanda Beamer 17 William Doyle Joshua Heffner 23 Carol Frye 13 Kay Cramer 28 Robert Hart Jim Paroda 29 Ruth Cisney Joanne Pinaire 30 Sharon Gully 15 Matthew Gainer Charlotte Morlock Andrea Rohm 26 Holly Cabell 27 David Warne 29 Larry Davis October Service Participants Schedule Date Greeters Lector Prayers Acolyte Euch. Min. Coffee Hour **Nov. 4 (A.G. 1) Bakers Need Volunteer Wendy D. Elizabeth H. Day Edna / Andrea All Saints / renewal of Baptismal Vows Nov. 11 GP (A.G. 2) Rice/Gephart-Crup Jan Y. Gail S. Amsler Amsler Joanne/Tootser Native American Observance / Remember Veterans Nov. 18 GP (A.G. 3) Rolands Mary P. Jane H. Davis Davis Pot Luck Annual Meeting Nov. 25 (A.G. 4) Yocums Wendy D. Becky C. Lillian H. Saner Anne C./Elizabeth Christ the King ** = St. Stephen's GP = Godly Play Counters November 4 Bill D. and Jill November 11 Becky and Darlene November 18 Gail and John November 25 Kay and Sue

8 November 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Daylight Savings ends, turn clock back!! 4 Worship - 9:30am, St. Stephen s, All Saints Sunday, Renewal of Baptismal Vows 5 6 Taize Tuesday, 4:45pm 7 Men s Breakfast (Espresso Yourself) Women s Breakfast (Newport Family) 9am 8 Friends of Newport Game Night, 7-10pm 9 10 Special Offering Sabbatical Committee, 10:30am 11 Worship - 9:30am, Remember Veterans And Native American Observance Episcopal Home Offering Godly Play Taize Tuesday, 4:45pm 14 Men s Breakfast (Espresso Yourself) Women s Breakfast (Bitting s) - 9am Vestry, 6:30pm 15 Episcopal Gardens Trip To Susquehanna Valley Mall and Country Cupboard Parlor People, 11am The Episcopal Church: Evangelism led by Mary Novello 18 Worship - 9:30am, Annual Meeting followed By Pot Luck Godly Play Taize Tuesday, 4:45pm 21 Men s Breakfast (Espresso Yourself) Women s Breakfast (Newport Family) 9am Worship - 9:30am, Christ the King Special Offering Parlor People Planning Committee, 2pm Taize Tuesday, 4:45pm 28 Men s Breakfast (Espresso Yourself) Women s Breakfast (Bitting s) - 9am 29 Stitchers, 10am 30 Special Offerings: November 4 Caring for Nativity s Neighbors November 25 - Building Fund