Pastor's Greeting

Pastor’s Ponder – August / September 2021

On Saturday, August 14, 2021, your Nativity council members met for an extended "visioning" meeting.  We began with a reading from scripture that is typically more associated with benediction (closing and sending) than with visioning - the Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:22-27.  The words are very familiar:

 "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift his countenance upon you and give you peace".

As we considered three important questions about our ministry at nativity (where have we been, where are we where are we going), we asked this blessing upon us!  That God would in fact bless our ministry and keep us - as a congregation - in good faith.  That God would look upon us with favor, be gracious to us and give us peace.  All of us.  In all that we do.

With the assurance of God's blessing upon us, we move boldly into the next phase of our life together.  At a most basic level, we remain committed to keeping our congregation safe while worshipping and meeting together.  We are planning events for the fall and into Christmas with the earnest prayer that God will see us safely though the Covid-19 virus.  These are just a few dates to mark on your calendar!

Saturday September 18:  WELCA Convention

Sunday October 10: Stewardship Campaign begins

Saturday October 16: Work day (around the church/Briscoe Mill)

Sunday October 31: Reformation Sunday - Fall Festival (potluck, Trunk-or-Treating to follow worship).  The "Red Door" will be up to return pledge cards

Sunday November 28: Thanksgiving Celebration (potluck after church)

Wednesday December 1: Advent Services begin (including Soup Suppers)

Saturday December 4: First Annual "Hanging of the Greens" (wine and cheese for adults; Advent activities for the kids)

There will probably be more, but this is a sample of congregational activities coming up.  One of the things we discussed at the meeting is creating more small group fellowship opportunities.  One of the most loved small groups has been "Bible and Brew".  We will tentatively resume this group on Wednesday, September 15 at 6:00 at Top Dawg Tavern in Bethlehem.  Plans are to meet the third Thursday of the month and see how it goes.  All adults are welcome!

For our younger members,  we are actively exploring what a children's ministry might look like as we move forward.  Please stay tuned for updates and please pray for our children and teenagers!

May we all feel the weight of God's blessing - God's holy name - in our lives!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Julie