Nativity Newsletter

Are you looking for a way to serve Christ at Nativity?

As Christians, we are all called to serve Christ but we are not all called to serve in the same way. If you have been wrestling with this question, have you considered serving on the Altar Guild? It has traditionally been a role for females, but at Nativity all are welcome.

I never considered being a member of the Altar Guild until Duncan asked me if I would serve because some members were stepping back. I had never volunteered because I heard you had to clean the linens. I struggle with my own laundry, much less the holy linens. However,it's not easy to say no so I said yes.

I am glad I did. I have found it to be another form of worship steeped in tradition. Changing the colors according to the season, filling the eucharist candles and paschal candle with oil, setting up the altar according to tradition (by the way all parts have a name). Placing the priest's wafer, counting out the wafers for the congregation, pouring the wine all have become to be a "holy" moment for me because I see it as preparing the table for our Lord and Savior. I think the others on the Altar Guild have similar feelings. Cleaning up is not difficult and most of the time there are very few stains to remove. How much time does it take - about 20-30 minutes to set-up and about 20 minutes to clean up. We work in teams and alone, whichever you prefer. We each serve about once a month.

There is also a special bonding that takes place among the members of the Altar Guild. Currently those who serve are Margaret Love Denman, Vivian McKey, Liz Reynolds, Karen Simard, Anne Winebrenner, and me, Kathy Shoalmire. Please talk to us to learn more. We need you. 

Those Who Serve - April 26, 2026

Celebrant: The Rt. Reverend Duncan M. Gray, III

Music: Brenda/Katherine

LEM: Suzy

Altar Guild: Vivian and Kathy

Lectors: Joe and Alexe

Offertory: Denny and Rosemary

MPOD: Debbie

Lessons:

• Acts 2:42-47

• 1 Peter 2:19-25

• John 10:1-10

• Psalm 23

  
  

Collect for Nativity

Father of all wisdom and love,

In whose wisdom we trust and in whose love we dwell.

We come asking you to guide us as we search for a new shepherd for this flock, a new teacher for those who seek, and for a steadfast companion who will walk with us along the way.

All this we ask in the name of our creator, redeemer and sustainer, one God, whose mercy endures forever. Amen

Announcements:

Registration is now open for Camp Bratton-Green. Scholarships are available. If interested, please see Mary Beth Pulsifer.

Please pray for those attending Cursillo May 1 - 3: Becky Kelly, Karen Simard, and Susan Hunsicker Still. Also, please pray for Margaret Love Denman and Kathy Shoalmire who will be serving on staff.

Book Group starts up Saturday, May 9 at 9am. The book is The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. This best-selling compilation of letters written to and by Sybil Van Antwerp leads us through her journey of coming to terms with connection, forgiveness, grief, and aging. It's an easy read with deep meaning as she reaches out to friends, family, and authors in the telling of her story. Open to all. Please join us.