Nativity Newsletter

Dear Nativity Family,

The Mission Committee met with the Rt. Rev. Duncan M. Gray, III on Wednesday evening. Bishop Gray will be coming to Nativity to serve as Vicar beginning June, 19, 2022. Please keep this transition time in your prayers. James McCormick, senior warden, will share more details with you in the coming days.

This Sunday begins what is known as Rogation Days. Our service of Holy Eucharist will be held at the Church at 10:30 a.m. We will gather on this Sixth Sunday of Easter to give thanks for seed and sun and showers that will give growth to a bountiful harvest later in the year. The Rogation Days come before Ascension Day, which is Thursday May 26. In the Book of Common Prayer beginning on page 258, you will find special prayers for Rogation Days. There are three prayers, one for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I invite you to join me in these prayers. More will be said this Sunday about Rogation Days as we gather together for worship. (I could not find a Vicar of Dibley Rogation episode, but you might check out the one about the blessing of the animals!)

As we celebrate Rogation Days, I ask that each of you bring some canned vegetables to be blessed and placed in our Blessing Box. If each of us contributes a few cans, we will continue to make a difference in the community. The Mission Committee has once again designated money to assist in purchasing items for the Box. But I encourage you to purchase one or two (or more) items each week as you grocery shop to donate.

In the Gospel according to John, we read these words, “ He must increase; I must decrease.” (John 3:30) I am reflecting on these words as my time as your Vicar draws to a close. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you. And as time moves forward, I hope to serve you in new and different ways as may be appropriate. I have thought of you as family; you are becoming a beautiful community! Under the direction of the new Vicar, I have no doubt you will flourish and grow in new ways as the Holy Spirit leads you. Thank you for allowing me to journey with you.

Faithfully,

Ann +

Vicar