Reflections

Reflections for Week of August 4, 2025 from Kathy Shoalmire

I never thought I wanted to serve on the Altar Guild until Duncan asked me if I would in early January. Who says “no” to Duncan? Now, I can’t imagine not serving on the Altar Guild.

We could need a few more who would like to serve so I thought I would share with you what we do. In general, we prepare the Lord’s table in the way of long standing tradition.

First, we make sure that we use the correct colors for the hangings. We are in the green season now (ordinary season) The next season changes to purple which will be for Advent, a solemn season as we await the coming of Christ. Purple is also used during Lent. Following Advent is Christmas when we change to white which is also used at Easter, Baptisms, weddings, and funerals, and some other special days. Red is used for Pentecost, martyr days, and Palm Sunday.

There are several linens of varying sizes used for the Eucharist. The corporal is laid first. Then we have the purificator which covers the chalice and one is stored in the burse which is the square piece that sits on top of the veil. The lavabo towel is used by the LEM for the celebrant to dry their hands. The table to the right of the altar is the credence table which is covered with a credence cloth. All the linens are kept clean and ironed. An interesting tidbit is that we use the purificator and the lavabo towels to wash the chalice, patens, and ciborium after the service. We check carefully for wine stains and remove those. These towels are laid out wet on the counter in the Sacristy and wiped with a white sponge to remove all wrinkles. They dry very crisp and are ready to fold the next week. The linens all have a white embroidered cross on them and have been blessed.

To set the altar, we start with the corporal, then the chalice which we top with the purificator. The paten (plate for the hosts is next and we place the large wafer the priest breaks and eats first). This is topped with the square piece called the pall, then the veil, with the burse on the very top. The Eucharistic candles are checked for sufficient oil supply and are placed exactly the same distance from the edges of the altar. This is done by using the prayer book to set the position. The brass stand which holds the service book is placed to the left of the celebrant and the Gospel is placed on the front of the altar.

We place the ciborium, one for the regular hosts and one for the gluten free, on the credence table which has been covered with the credence cloth. We fill the carafes with wine (Taylor Port) and with water. The handles are turned toward the priest and the crosses on top face the congregation. There is a lavabo bowl for the priest to wash his fingers. There is also a tiny silver spoon in case a communicant should drop their wafer into the chalice.

After the service, we clean the altar and credence table. Any water or wine that has been blessed, is disposed of either by drinking or pouring outside on the grounds. We do not pour blessed wine or water down the drain.

The protective dust covers are replaced on top of the hangings. We wash, dry, and return to the designated spot.

The Altar Guild is also in charge of the flowers and making sure the brass is polished at least twice a year. The coming together for polishing the brass gives us an opportunity to fellowship while doing something needed.

Let Liz Reynolds or me know if you think you might be interested in serving. We will be glad to help you get started.

Kathy Shoalmire

kathybshoal@icloud.com

SERVE THE LORD WITH GLADNESS

Sunday, August 10, 2025 - Rev. Tina Frizzell- service at 10:30 followed by coffee hour.

Readings for Sunday.

Isaiah 1:1, 10-20

Psalm 50:1-8, 23-24

Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16

Luke 12:32-40

Those who serve

LEM: Michael

Lectors: Brenda and Jo Ella

Altar Guild: Liz and Anne

Thank you to all who helped with the Watermelon Carnival.

Announcement

We have completed our focus on the Mission Committee members and would now like to move on to members of Nativity. Who will volunteer to be the focus next week or in the future? I’ll be glad to give you some prompts. Contact me kathybshoal@icloud.com.

Nativity Newsletter

Spotlight: Nativity Mission Committee Secretary: April Hammons

Like a lot of us here at Nativity, I am not a cradle Episcopalian. I was raised in the Methodist church in Northeast Louisiana. I came to St. David’s Episcopal Church in my home town of Rayville as an eight-year-old because my Brownie troop met there. I and my fellow troop members were invited to a service at St. David’s for a recognition ceremony. I remember sitting by an elderly parishioner who thoughtfully guided me through the service. Kneeling and standing over and over again and reciting from the Book of Common Prayer was different but also felt strangely familiar and right. When Let Us Break Bread Together played during Holy Communion, I had what I would describe as my first “religious experience.” I would continue to attend St. David’s with my best friend. After graduating from college, I moved to Jackson, Mississippi. I was confirmed at St James Episcopal Church in Jackson by Bishop John Allin. I was married at St. James, both of my children were confirmed there, and I spent many years there as a catechist in the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. I left St. James in 2016 after my divorce.

In 2017, I remarried and in 2022 my husband Jack and I bought a house on Market Street in Water Valley. I walked into Nativity for the first time on Pentecost Sunday of 2022. I quickly realized that most of the people I had met since moving to “the Valley” also attended Nativity. I immediately felt at home there and knew that I had found a special community of like-minded souls. We have all learned about the three pillars of our faith: scripture, tradition, and reason. As I described in my first childhood experience with the Church, it was the tradition that pulled me in! I loved the ritual, the incense, the music, the liturgy, and all the other details that have come to be so familiar to me. What keeps me in the Church, however, especially now, is reason. I both love and appreciate the fact that we are both allowed and encouraged to ask big questions. The times that we are in currently feel difficult. The world can be scary. When I am overwhelmed, I know that I can go to church on Sunday and be filled with the Word that always reminds me of the love that God has for each of us and also be surrounded by this wonderful community that makes Nativity the wonderful place it is!

As for my life outside of Nativity, I can be found Monday through Friday working at the University Counseling Center. I am a Licensed Certified Social Worker and have worked in that field for over 30 years. My husband Jack and I enjoy cooking, entertaining, and going to see live music! Between us, we have three adult children. We love our little house on Market Street and wonder aloud every day how we got so lucky as to end up in this house, in this town, with so many wonderful friends!

Sunday, August 3, 2025 - Morning Prayer with Michael Prather - 10:30 a.m.

Lessons for Sunday

Hosea 11:1-11

Psalm 107:1-9, 43

Colossians 3:1-11

Luke 12:13-21

Those who serve: Tommy Reynolds and Liz Reynolds

Altar Guild: Margaret-Love Denman and Liz Reynolds

Announcements:

For those assisting with handing out lemonade for the Watermelon Carnival on Saturday, there is parking behind the building.  

INVITATION TO CELEBRATE

You are cordially invited to rejoice with us in the glorious rebirth of our church on August 3, 2025! Join us for an uplifting morning service at 8:15 a.m. and an empowering afternoon service at 3:00 p.m., featuring the dynamic Rev. Mitch Steen. Together, let's lift our voices in triumphant praise to the Lord! Dear friends and fellow believers, come witness the magnificent work of God. Eternal gratitude from the Springhill Church Family.

Nativity Newsletter

Mission Committee Member Focus this week is James McCormick, Jr. Warden

Fifty years ago if somebody had predicted, “James, in the year 2025 you will be all settled down. You will be living in a small town in Mississippi. You will be retired from teaching Statistics. You will be a grandpa, and you will be active in the local Episcopal church.” Eighteen-year-old James would have laughed long and hard at the absolute absurdity of such a bizarre future for myself.

You see, my ‘life plan’ 50 years ago was to ride my bicycle to Tierra del Fuego and then turn around and ride to Alaska. That travel adventure did not happen. Instead, I am enjoying a marvelous and fulfilling life journey filled with love, family, and fun. The fulfilling journey led Juawice and me here to Water Valley in 2019. We love it here. Nativity Episcopal Church has been a vital part of our life here in Water Valley. We have found friendship and inspiration through our involvement in this little church.

Personally, I am deeply skeptical of all things Theological — but I thoroughly believe in this little church. I believe in this little church because it truly is a place where we ‘lift our hearts to the Lord’. It is a place that prioritizes helping people. I think Nativity has the whole “with gladness and singleness of heart” thing dialed in solid.

I am proud to be serving as Nativity’s Junior Warden. Also, there is absolutely no truth to those rumors about me building an AI VicarBot in my garage.

Sunday, July 27, 2025 - Rev. Ann L. Whitaker, TSSF - Holy Eucharist - 10:30 a.m.

Lessons for Sunday

Hosea 1:2-10

Psalm 85

Colossians 2:6-15, (16-19)

Luke 11:1-13

Message from Rev. Ann L. Whitaker, TSSF

Calling all students, homeschoolers, professors, teachers, school workers, school board members, and lifelong learners: A Back to School Blessing is scheduled at Nativity for July 27. Children are invited to bring backpacks or other school supplies to the blessing. We will gather together to remember ALL learners for the 2025-2026 school year. I look forward to joining everyone for this special event.

Blessings,

Ann +

The Rev. Ann L. Whitaker, TSSF

Announcements:

Watermelon Carnival Nativity Lemonade Stand - two hour shifts. Set-up will be outside of Salt & Light Building. See sign-up sheet on Sunday. We need at least 3 people per shift starting at 8:00 am and ending at 4:00 pm.