Nativity Newsletter

Reverend Christopher Powell will be celebrating the Holy Eucharist with us this Sunday, October 19th

Christopher Powell has been an Episcopal priest for almost 40 years. He has served parishes in the Hudson Valley of New York, Vermont, Jackson, Mississippi, and Winnetka, Illinois. He retired to Oxford in 2022 and lives just west of town on 5.5 acres, which necessitates a tractor, which in turn means there are no bad retirement days because each one includes tractor time.

Christopher just finished serving 15 months as Interim Rector of St. Peter’s in Oxford. He has two married, grown sons and three grandchildren.

Those Who Serve

Priest: Christopher Powell

Music: Dianne Falkner

LEM: Robbie 

Altar Guild: Liz/Margaret Love

Lectors: Kathy/Suzy

Coffee Hour: No one signed up. Please bring food and plan to help set-up/clean-up

ANNOUNCEMENTS

PLEASE COMPLETE the Church Family Survey for additional fellowship opportunities. At the request of the Mission Committee, Shannon Adams created a survey regarding opportunities for us to spend more time together as a church family. Please complete the survey - one per household and let us know what you might be interested in. The survey can be accessed at Fellowship Survey

Christmas at Parchman: St. Peter's is once again returning to Parchman for our version of Lessons & Carols on Saturday, December 6. This is an all-day outing, and security clearance is required for all. Even if you have visited Parchman before, you must complete a clearance form. Forms may be downloaded HERE or are available on the bulletin board outside the office. Completed forms are due in the office no later than Friday, October 31. For more information, contact the Rev. Jennifer Southall or Don Newlin. Jennifer: jennifer@stpetersoxford.org - Don: dfnewlin@gmail.com

Pledge Cards: Please pick up your pledge cards in the back of the church or at the Salt & Light Building. They will be mailed if not picked up by November 2. Please return completed pledge cards by December 1.

Andy Andrews, Missioner for Beloved Community and Congregational Vitality for the Diocese, will be leading our Worship on November 16. Prior to the service, 9 am at Salt and Light, Andy will be leading a session titled "First things first: Let's Pray! "

 Our church is in a moment filled with opportunities. We are discerning God's desire for the next steps of our Nativity family. Please join us as the Rev. Andy Andrews leads us through a group process of constructing a collect (Episcopal language for prayer) to help our dreams match up with God's dream for us!

The Rev. Andy Andrews' current role is Missioner for Beloved Community and Congregational Vitality for the Episcopal Church in Mississippi. He serves the Bishop and Diocese as the loudest cheerleader and advocate for amplifying the ministry of renewal, welcome, and belonging. Ordained in 1996, Andrews has led congregations in Louisiana, Tennessee, and Mississippi. His passion is creating unlikely partnerships which build collective leadership inspiring Gospel transformation. He holds a DMin from Episcopal Divinity School, an MDiv from Seminary of the Southwest, and a BBA from the University of Mississippi. He is married with three children.

Youth Ministries: Last week the Mission Committee announced the creation of a Youth Ministries fund to implement a number of priorities in which Nativity serves our children and teens in worship and fellowship opportunities. This fund will help to provide formation (Sunday School) opportunities, activities for youth and development of child-friendly spaces, such as the new deck area in the rear of Salt & Light which Jr. Warden James McCormick announced last Sunday.  James is leading this construction project.  

As a part of this we announced a scholarship program for all children and teens "known" to Nativity ("official" family members of Nativity or an established personal connection to Nativity) to attend the diocesan summer camp. Camp Bratton Green, and Diocesan Division of Youth events and Happenings. Parents are responsible for registering their children and for the initial registration fees for Camp Bratton Green. Nativity will pay the entire fee for the Camp experience or youth event directly to the diocese. We will announce in the newsletter when registration is open. It is open for Winter Soltice now (grades 9-12). To register for child or children for camp, please contact Sr. Warden Mary Beth Pulisfer or Robbie Fisher.

For additional information or details on any of the above, speak to Mary Beth Pulsifer: 540-285-0480 or mpulsifer23@gmail.com. 

If you would like to contribute to the Youth Ministries Fund, please designate that on your check or payment made out to the Church of the Nativity.

Photos for Church Directory - Robbie will once again be taking photos for the church directory in the Salt & Light building following the service on. October 19th. Nativity’s Church Directory, assembled and created by Jenni Campbell, is undergoing a few additions and revisions. No need to reserve a spot, just drop in during coffee hour along with anyone else you wish to include in a family photo.  You may also add your own photos to your profile in the directory and edit your profile.

To view and edit the Directory on-line, please visit our church website (nativitywv.org) and click on the “Directory” tab at the top right.  There are directions there on how to log in and access the directory.  For those who prefer a printed copy, we plan to print hard copies of the Directory and make them available after photos are added in October.  

If you are not listed in the Directory and wish to be listed, cannot access the directory, or if you would like to reserve a printed copy of the Directory, please e-mail Robbie at robbiedfisher@gmail.com