Reflections

Reflections

Just when I start to become a little prideful about my own gifts and talents, God reminds me of my limitations and my need for grace in all things.

After publicizing Nativity’s new relationship with Compassion Food Ministries and recruiting several folks to help pack the food boxes last Tuesday, I started receiving calls on Wednesday evening from our volunteers asking me why there was no one at the warehouse at the appointed time. Turns out, I had recruited people for the wrong day of the week! Embarrassed and humbled, I recognized my error, and apologized for my mistake. 

The folks from Nativity were gracious and forgiving, as were those from Compassion Ministries and the First Methodist Church, and it reminded me, again, of how dependent we are on the willingness of others to see beyond our human frailties and accept us in grace-filled ways. None of us truly deserves the best things in life that come to us. None of us really earns the love that is poured into our lives by others. It is all, ultimately, a gift, and our only real response is a  grateful heart and a willingness to offer to others what has been given to us. 

We’ll try Compassion Ministries again in August. I will double check my written communication next time! 

Other Matters of Interest

The Reverend Ann Whitaker-Celebrant and Preacher this Sunday, May 26

Ann will be joining us for her monthly visit this Sunday. There will be a Coffee Hour this Sunday ( Thank you, Katelynn Dillard, for organizing this over the past few months!), but this will be our last organized social for a few months. We will reorganize in the fall.

Nativity Still Needs Help With On-Line Platforms for Giving

Our Treasurer and Finance Chair are in search for 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 willing to work for a short time to assist the church is encouraged to contact our Treasurer, Robbie Fisher at robbiedfisher@gmail.com

In the Meantime…

As folks take trips in the summer, normal church contributions( including pledges) tend to decrease. Please make an effort to keep your financial pledge current. The ongoing financial stability of Nativity requires your attention.

Vicar’s Vacation and Supply Clergy in June

As I’ve mentioned to many of you,  I will be gone for three Sundays in June for a golf trip ( North American Episcopal/ Anglican clergy versus Anglican clergy from the United Kingdom!) and our annual beach trip with children, spouses and grandchildren ( all 16 of us!). This will necessitate my missing three Sundays in June. You will be well served by the clergy who have agreed to be with you at Nativity in my absence. Our June schedule is as follows: 

June 2 - Preacher and celebrant: Gray

June 9- Preacher and celebrant: the Rev. Christopher Powell

June 16- Preacher and celebrant: the Rev. Ann Whitaker

June 23- Preacher and celebrant: the Rev. Taylor Moore

June 30- Preacher and celebrant: Gray

Blessings and Peace,

Duncan

Dmgrayiii@gmail.com

(601)260-1937