Reflections

Just prior to his enthronement as the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams  was asked by a reporter what were his hopes for the Church of England. His response touched me deeply.

“My hope,” he responded to the questioner, “ is that this Church could once again capture the imagination of her nation’s people.”

Capture the imagination!   Not convert the infidels, or force conformity, or even pack the pews, but capture the imagination! Somehow the work Archbishop Williams was talking about was involved in vision and beauty and grace and courage. Capturing the imagination includes daring to dream of a new world in such a way that invites others to dream, rather than compels or threatens. Capturing the imagination does what great art has always done- touching the deepest, most beautiful part of our lives.

In one sense that is  what our liturgy, week after week, seeks to do. Our lives, also, can capture the imagination. Where did she get the courage? Where did he find the capacity to love in that painful moment? What allows them to be who they are? When people begin to wonder about the lives we live, imaginations have begun to be captured.

What captures your imagination?

Other Matters of Interest

Know Something About On-Line Platforms for Giving? Nativity Needs You!

The Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair are in search of someone with experience and proficiency in various on-line giving platforms to analyze and make recommendations for increased church giving options, security considerations and reduced fees. Anyone having experience with systems such as this and looking for a short-term assignment to assist the church is encouraged to contact our Treasurer, Robbie Fisher at: robbiedfisher@gmail.com.

Nativity Becomes Part of the Compassion Food Ministry Network-Volunteers Needed

At its monthly meeting the Mission Committee, having recently sent a $500 donation, voted to formally affiliate with the Compassion Food Ministry of Yalobusha County. We will continue to make a regular donation to this special local ecumenical ministry, but we will also provide volunteers 3-4 times a year to help with the packing of food boxes for distribution. Our first packing session will 

be Tuesday, May 21 at 6:00pm at the Compassion Ministries warehouse on Highway 7 just north of Water Valley. We will be working with a small group of folks from First Methodist Church and the entire packing process should take about an hour.

If you are interested in helping out with this, please sign up on the sheet in the rear of the church.

Pentecost Celebration-Sunday, May 19

Plans are underway for a great celebration of Pentecost Sunday. We have one baptism scheduled with one or two others being considered. A number of folks have volunteered to read ( thank you!) in different languages the passage from Acts that describes the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Lunch is being planned for the congregation ( details to follow). It promises to be a great day in the life of this  congregation, so mark your calendar now!

See you Sunday!

Blessings and Peace,

Duncan

Dmgrayiii@gmail.com

(601)260-1937