Nativity Newsletter

Sunday at 9am at Salt & LIght- Join Andy Andrew as he leads us as a congregation in the development of a collect (prayer) for Nativity as we match our dreams with what God wants for us. Just like the congregational survey this is an important piece of our quest for a new vicar. 

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.

Those Who Serve

Celebrant: Rev. Andy Andrews

Music: Dianne 

Altar Guild: Kathy/Jackie

LEM: James

Lectors: Jack/Jo Ella

MC POD: April

Coffee Hour: Everyone (no one signed up)

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

LENTEN BOOK STUDY: Expecting Emmanuel - Eight Women Who Prepared the Way by Johanna Harader. 

We will meet through the Epiphany to discuss the book and talk about how we are impacted by what we learn from the lives of these women. 

Everyone is invited to participate. Please contact Kathy Shoalmire at nativitywatervalley@gmail.com. We will meet on Sunday mornings at 9:15 in the Salt & Light building.

The following is copied from the Amazon website. You can order from Amazon. The cost with tax is approximately $17.

journey through Advent and Christmas with the women of Jesus’ family line.

Christmas is about so much more than twinkle lights, sugar cookies, and perfect family photos. It’s about the world-changing, transforming, and sometimes messy reality of “God with us.” As we dive deep into the biblical accounts of Jesus’ female ancestors and reflect on God’s presence in their complicated lives, we can begin to release our expectations of a “perfect Christmas” and instead seek the experience of a holy season.

Through invitational spiritual practices and reflections, this daily devotional centers the stories of five women in Jesus’ genealogy—Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, Bathsheba, and Mary—plus three additional female figures connected to Jesus’ early life in the days leading up to Epiphany. You will also find resources for exploring the lives of these women in worship, small group, and retreat settings. This Advent and Christmas season, step into the true power of the Incarnation as we journey together to the manger and encounter the omnipotent God who has come to us in the vulnerable Christ-child.

DECEMBER 11 - Liz and Tommy Reynolds invite you to attend their annual Christmas party. This year it will be at Fountain Square. Food will be provided.

DECEMBER 12 - We will be offering the Salt & Light porch and building as a gathering spot for the Water Valley Christmas parade. Volunteers needed for serving the hot chocolate. Details to follow.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY

As a congregation we generated $487 last Sunday in the undesignated offering for our Blessing Box. 

In addition, the Mission Committee voted to donate $300 to the Water Valley nursing home to purchase Christmas gifts for the residents.