Nativity Newsletter

Sunday is Mothers' Day. For some, this is truly a joyous day. A day to remember our mothers and perhaps a day of reflection of when we first became a mother. However, for many, it is not a joyous occasion for any number of reasons. Maybe our mothers were not there for us or we wanted to have children but it never happened. I didn't have a child until three months before I turned 40. For a decade, I tried to avoid Mothers' Day until I realized that I might never have a child to shower the love built up inside of me. That's when I started working with youth, It helped me to have somewhere for that "love energy" to go.

We are so fortunate that the number of children at Nativity continues to grow. I love the energy they bring - even if it's rowdy at times. It's honest, joyful, and what a treat to watch them collect the offering. They are doing such a good job.

Several years ago, I asked the Reverend Sarah Moses to talk to a parents' lunch group I coordinated at Baptist Hospital in Oxford. I assigned her the month of May. I had never thought about Mary, the mother of Jesus, as compassionately as I did that day through Sarah's portrayal. She talked about the apprehension she may have felt with the responsibility to "mother" Jesus. She talked about how tired Mary probably was but no bottles of formula to give him, trying to get her rest after her journey on the back of a donkey. She talked about Mary singing to baby Jesus and all the things she may have done to soothe him. She talked about watching him play with the neighbors, how he must have learned from Joseph to be a carpenter, and his wisdom when asking questions in the Temple. I wonder if her heart was filled with pride? Can you imagine how scared she must have been when his ministry started unfolding. What about the heaviness of her heart when she knew that he most likely would be killed. And then....the crucifixion. Through it all, Mary had faith to go on. Perhaps we can grasp a smidgen of that faith when we reflect on this Mother's Day and remember that we are God's beloved, too.

Speaking of Mothers' Day: Kelcey and Austin Roye are expecting a baby boy, Castien, about the 2nd week in September. Castien will be joining his big brother Aldrich who is celebrating his 7th birthday this week. Kelcey and Austin gave me permission to share his name. They will be added to our prayer list for a safe delivery every week from now until he joins us. Kelcey reports that all is well and she is looking forward to staying cool in their new swimming pool this summer.

Those Who Serve - Sunday, May 10, 2026

Celebrant: The Reverend Deacon Tina Frizzell

Music: Brenda/Katherine

LEM: James

Altar Guild: Kathy/Margaret Love

Lectors: Jack/Brenda

Offertory: Vivienne/Rose

MC POD:Vince

Lessons

Acts 17:22-31

1 Peter 3:13-22

John 14:15-21

Psalm 66:7-18

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:

The Reverend Ann Whitaker is missing her red prayer book with hymnal. She has not seen it since Easter Sunday. Please let Kathy Shoalmire know if you have seen it.

Save the Date: On Saturday June 6 from 1-2:30 pm we will be hosting Amigos and the Immigrant Alliance for Justice and Equity for an educational session on getting to know our immigrant neighbors, learning about challenges they face resulting from current federal and state policies and practices, and discerning ways in which members of the Nativity Community can become engaged with our immigrant neighbors.