In Person AND live on Zoom

From Vicar Ann: Be present, O merciful God, and protect us through the hours of this night, so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this life may rest in your eternal changelessness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Dear Nativity Family, As I write this, night approaches after a long day. The prayer above comes from the office of Compline, often known as the bedtime office, for in monastic settings the Great Silence follows the prayers and sleep seems to fall upon the people. The phrase "we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this life" captures my attention. There have been many changes in our lives, many chances in our days, and many of us are weary. Do not lose heart, for we are in this together. As many of you know, there is an increase of the Delta variant of Covid-19 in our State. And, there is no shortage of confusing information! The Standing Committee of the Diocese is in contact with the clergy during the Bishop's sabbatical as we all watch and wait for continued wisdom. This Sunday, we will gather in person for a service of Holy Communion. There are some of you who will not join us; we are all encouraged at this point to make decisions that are best for our own health and that of our family. That being said, we will be trying an experiment to do this service via Zoom, thanks to the wisdom of Joe York. Here is the link to join us via Zoom: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82158978730?pwd=UGVHMTI0c0s0WUdNeXY5RlVERVpGdz09 Meeting ID: 821 5897 8730 Please give us your feedback! Beginning in August, we will have communion in both kinds; bread as usual, and the wine will be served by intinction (dipping). This Sunday we will spend some time in preparation, history and instruction. Unless the Diocese makes changes, we will proceed with this plan until further notice. If you are unable to attend in person, please contact me so that Communion may be made available to you. I am excited to announce that the Mission Committee and I have come up with a plan for months in which there are five Sundays. In August, we will premiere our 5th Sunday Folk Mass. More complete details will follow in an upcoming newsletter. If you play a musical instrument, please let me know. Odds and Ends: We are looking for a Treasurer! Please contact James McCormick or me if you are interested in assisting with this position. The Blessing Box needs a little attention. If you are able, please bring one or two canned or non-perishable goods this Sunday. I will have a sign up sheet beginning this Sunday for each family/member to sign up for a month of oversight for this special project. I'll be taking a month, too. Your role is not to provide all the goods, but to assist me and the Mission Committee in calling attention to needs. What joy it is to share life with you. As I sat in the Church on Thursday of this week, the presence of the Holy Spirit was very palpable. The Spirit is moving in and among us. Although we may be some what weary, let us continue to love and serve the Lord... together. Faithfully, Ann + Vicar