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.