Reflections
The last two Sundays have been so very special and and reminded me again of just how remarkable is this small church community of Nativity. The baptisms on All Saints Sunday and the large number of friends and visitors that joined us last Sunday made for two joyous occasions where we, in both formal and informal ways, invited others to join us in the healing and reconciling work of Jesus. Yes, it was wonderful to have the overflow crowds on both Sundays, but it was even more exciting to imagine how Nativity is becoming a place where the spiritually hungry can find a home and be empowered to be instruments of justice, hope and joy in a hurting world.
One consistent refrain of newcomers and visitors when I talked to them is how they much they feel welcomed and at home at Nativity. That welcome is critical to our corporate worship, a moment where we defy the individualism ( and subsequent isolation) of our contemporary culture to remember that we are not alone. God is truly present, but so are the kindred souls who travel with us, carrying many of the same burdens, but daring to believe and live as though there is hope and purpose to be found. We need each other in so many ways, and by showing up week after week we take our place in the multitude of saints who have traveled this same human journey and dare to say to one another: “I understand. You are not alone.”
Your gracious hospitality to all who have found their way to Nativity is a source of extraordinary grace. Thank you for being such instruments of God’s love.
Other Matters of Importance:
Welcome to the World, Catherine Dickson! -
Virginia Anderson and Andy Dickson are now proud parents of a new baby girl, Catherine Dickson, born November 5. For several weeks at Nativity we have been praying for a safe delivery and birth, and last week our prayers were answered.
We are now putting together a schedule of those who would be willing to prepare a meal for the new parents. The meal schedule can be accessed at the following address: takethemameal.com. IMPORTANT-use 2581 as the user password to access the schedule.
Thanks for helping us make things a little easier for these new parents, and thanks for making Catherine feel at home in this world!
Thanksgiving Meal for Residents of Yalobusha County Jail: November 23-
Laura Pitre has wonderfully organized this new jail ministry initiative. There are still spots available for those who would like to help out with this effort. You may contact Laura at laurahoffman10@yahoo.com, or (662)417-9246 if you are interested in helping.
Pre-Christmas Party at Reynolds Home- December 7
As a part on Nativity’s ongoing efforts to nurture our common life and fellowship, Tommy and Liz Reynolds will once again be hosting a pre-Christmas party for the Nativity family at their home (1720 North Main) on December 7. We’ll begin with appetizers and drinks at 5:30pm, followed by dinner at 6:00. All ages are invited!
REMINDER- It will be very helpful to our hosts to know how many of us to expect, so let Liz know if you are planning on joining us. ( emfreynolds@9gmail.com/ 662-473-6044)
The Rev. Ann Whitaker - Celebrant and Preacher- November 17:
As I conclude my two year consulting program in the Diocese of South Carolina, Ann Whitaker will be our celebrant and preacher on November 17. We are grateful for Ann’s ongoing presence among us and appreciate her unique gifts so freely shared.
GoFundMe Effort for Spring Hill North Missionary Baptist Church:
Our sisters and brothers at Spring Hill are in the final phase of their efforts to rebuild their sanctuary. Even without insurance payments( a matter being litigated), the congregation, with community support, is within about $30,000 of finishing their project. Nativity’s own Joe York is producing a GoFundMe video that the congregation hopes will get them past the financial finish line. Nativity’s Vicar will be a part of the video, and Nativity’s Mission Committee has already made a commitment to further support this project.
Stay tuned for how all of us can be supportive of this effort to build up the Body of Christ in this community.
Blessings and peace,
Duncan
(601)260-1937
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