Nativity Newsletter

What a wonderful service this past Sunday with Ann, the priest, Tina, the deacon, Robbie, the verger, and Tom, the crucifer and Noa Caroline did a great job taking up the offering by herself. Also, I just love back-to-school Sunday with Ann and the Blessing of the Backpacks. Please continue to pray for our kids, their parents, and their teachers. I love this picture and missed several who were not there.

Last week, I wrote my non-scientific version of the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics and how it compares to the energy we bring to Nativity and to the Water Valley Community. Well, Brenda Prager, was intrigued by it and as a chemical engineer decided to expand on what I wrote in a more technical and scientific way. It is attached to this email. Please read it. Our email system does not format correctly if I copy and paste an email. It is a better format to attach it.

Brenda Prager 2nd Law of Thermo (1).pdf

Download PDF • 47KB

Sunday, August 9, 2026 - Morning Prayer

Morning Prayer Leader: James McCormick

Music:  Brenda 

Altar Guild: Liz

Lectors: Kathy/Liz

Offering: Rose/Elijah

MC POD: Mary Beth

Lessons:

1 Kings 19:9-18

Psalm 85:8-13

Romans 10:5-15

Matthew 14:22-33

Collect for Nativity

Father of all wisdom and love,

In whose wisdom we trust and in whose love we dwell.

We come asking you to guide us as we search for a new shepherd for this flock, a new teacher for those who seek, and for a steadfast companion who will walk with us along the way.

Announcements:

Bible Slam starts September 1st. See James McCormick for more information or newsletter for the week of July 26.

Book Group restarts on August 29. Book: Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World by Joanna Weaver. We meet at 9:30 at Salt & Light. Everyone is invited to join us - just bring your energy or if you don't have any to share, we will share ours.

Mission Committee meeting is on Tuesday, August 11 at 6pm in the Salt & Light Building. Meetings are open to the congregation.

Exciting Community Announcements and Opportunities You Don't Want to Miss

This week brings a host of engaging events and new initiatives that offer wonderful ways to connect, serve, and grow within our community. Whether you want to volunteer, deepen your spiritual journey, or join a unique group activity, there is something here for everyone. Let’s explore these opportunities in detail so you can mark your calendar and get involved.

---

Watermelon Carnival on Saturday, August 1

The summer fun kicks off with the Watermelon Carnival happening on Saturday, August 1. This event promises a lively atmosphere filled with games, music, and delicious treats. One highlight is the free lemonade stand, perfect for cooling off on a warm day.

Volunteers are essential to making this carnival a success. If you want to help, please check the sign-up sheet available on Sunday. Volunteering here is a great way to meet neighbors and show our community spirit. Your participation will help raise awareness about our presence and strengthen local connections.

---

New Benevolence Fund Approved by the Mission Committee

The Mission Committee has recently approved the creation of a Benevolence Fund, similar to a Vicar’s Discretionary Fund. This fund is designed to assist individuals facing urgent needs that fall outside the regular budget.

If you feel moved to support this cause, please write Benevolence Fund on the memo line of your check. Your generosity will provide critical help to those in unexpected situations, reflecting our commitment to compassion and care.

---

!Eye-level view of a community gathering with tables and colorful decorations

---

Cursillo Weekend from September 18 to 20

The upcoming Cursillo retreat at Camp Bratton Green is scheduled for September 18-20. This spiritual weekend has been a transformative experience for many. The cost has been reduced to $50, making it more accessible, but only three spots remain.

Cursillo offers a chance to explore your faith in a supportive environment. Participants often find new insights and renewed energy for their spiritual lives. Several community members, including Margaret Love, Becky, Karen, Susan, and others, are available to share their experiences and answer questions.

The latest issue of The Mississippi Episcopalian features two articles about Cursillo: one by Danny Blanton, a recent pilgrim, and another by a staff member who has served on the retreat team. Whit Rayner, a Jackson attorney from Chapel of the Cross in Madison, will lead as Rector, bringing strong leadership and inspiration.

If you have been thinking about how to deepen your spiritual journey, this weekend is a valuable opportunity.

---

Bible Slam Starting Tuesday, September 1

A unique and interactive way to engage with scripture is returning this fall with Bible Slam, beginning Tuesday, September 1. This event started during the Covid period but was paused before completion.

Bible Slam is a communal effort to read the entire Bible aloud over a set period. It began when Kirk LaFon, the Vicar at the time, brought an old, large Bible from St. Peter’s to Water Valley. The group managed to read through the Old Testament before the pause.

Here’s how it works:

• Visit the church at any time, day or night.

• Find the marked page in the Bible.

• Read aloud, either alone or with a partner.

• Mark the page where you stop.

  
  

This ongoing activity invites everyone to participate at their own pace, creating a shared spiritual experience that connects readers across time.

---

It started when Kirk LaFon was the Vicar. He found a large old Bible at St. Peter's and brought it to Water Valley. It stopped after Covid but they got through the Old Testament. How does it work? If you want to participate you go to the church (anytime. night or day) and find the marked page and start reading ALOUD. You can take a partner or do it alone. When you finish, you mark where you ended. It will start at the marked spot in the Apocrypha and go through Revelations. If you are interested, let James know. He will compile a list, share the code to enter the church, and give more detailed instructions. When it is finished, he hopes to make a formal return of the Bible to St. Peter's and challenge them to do the same. The goal is to be finished by Christmas Eve!

Note: the flowers this past Sunday were given in honor of Rose Stroup in honor of her birthday by her family: Elle, Vince, Isaac, and Vivienne.

Sunday, July 26 - 9th Sunday after Pentecost

Morning Prayer: Michael 

Music: Brenda 

Crucifer: Suzy

Altar Guild: Karen and Margaret Love

Lectors: Brenda and Karen

Offering: Elijah and Benjamin

MC POD: Eddie

Lessons:

1 Kings 3:5-12

Psalm 119:129-136

Romans 8:26-39

Matthew 13:31-33,44-52

Collect for Nativity

Father of all wisdom and love,

In whose wisdom we trust and in whose love we dwell.

We come asking you to guide us as we search for a new shepherd for this flock, a new teacher for those who seek, and for a steadfast companion who will walk with us along the way.

Nativity Newsletter

Three times a week I attend the "older" adults exercise class at the Y. One of the stretching exercises is to turn our necks as far to the left and to the right as possible. The other day I thought what a good exercise for Sundays - turning around to see who is coming in. Last weekend, out-of-the-blue Sally Lott made a comment that I've pondered all week. She said, "I know it's probably rude, but I get excited when I hear the church doors open. I just have to turn around and see which of my friends is coming through the door." I wonder if God gets excited, too, when he sees his Beloved coming through the doors. If you haven't been through the doors lately, know that you are missed. We are truly stronger together: individually and collectively.

Those Who Serve: Sunday, July 19 - 8th Sunday of Pentecost

Celebrant: The Reverend Christopher Powell

Music: Dianne

LEM: Joe

Altar Guild: Vivian

Lectors: Sean and Jack

Offering: Emma and Herschel

MC POD: Debbie

Lessons

Wisdom of Solomon 12:13, 16-19

or Isaiah 44:6-8

Psalm 86:11-17

Romans 8:12-25

Matthew 13:24-30,36-43

Collect for Nativity

Father of all wisdom and love,

In whose wisdom we trust and in whose love we dwell.

We come asking you to guide us as we search for a new shepherd for this flock, a new teacher for those who seek, and for a steadfast companion who will walk with us along the way.

Announcement

Watermelon Carnival - Saturday - August 1 - Nativity will be providing free lemonade in front of the Salt & Light Building. Volunteers are needed from 10-4. Sign-up sheet available Sunday or contact Mary Beth.