FROM ELETHA’S DESK

I n s i d e t h i s i s s u e :

From Eletha’s Desk

Our New Rector

1-2

3

Candles for Orlando

victims

4

Bishop Fisher’s Visit

Mission to Mexico

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6

Quiet Day Work on Rectory

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8

Parish Picnic Celebrat-ing Rev. Eletha

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Music Room Dedicated

Boy Scout Thank You

10,

Trip to Israel

Spinning

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C h u r c h o f t h e

N a t i v i t y

NATIVITY SCENE J u l y / A u g u s t 2 0 1 6 V O L U M E 5 7 , I S S U E 4

WORSHIP SERVICES

Saturdays

5:00 PM Holy Eucharist

Sundays

7:45 AM Holy Eucharist

9:00 AM Adult Education

10:00 AM Holy Eucharist

with Sunday School

and Nursery Care

(Continued on Page 2)

“If there is any path at all on which I can approach You [God], it must lead through the very middle of my ordinary daily life. If you have given me no single place to which I can flee and be sure of finding You, then I must be able to find You in every place in each and every thing I do….”

Karl Rahner, Meditations and Prayers

When I was in seminary I took a number of theology courses. In them I studied the theology of Karl Rahner, Edward Schillabeck, John Macquarrie, Teilhard de Char-din, Gustavo Gutierrez and many more. Many of these theologians helped me ad-dress my own questions, concerns, doubts and beliefs, and in so doing helped me learn to articulate my own theology.

Jesus once asked, “Who do people say that I am? Who do you say that I am?” As followers of Jesus these two questions are relevant for us today – not only in rela-tionship to Jesus, but also in relationship to God, because our own theology – who we believe that God is in our lives informs, shapes and molds our values, morals and ethics that we live by; it influences our daily living, and inspires our life choic-es. Of course, as our lives unfold our theology often changes a bit and hopefully, as it does our relationship with God, through Christ Jesus, deepens. You might say, as John Macquarrie once said about his own spiritual journey with God, that – as people of faith - we are all on a “Theological Pilgrimage.”

Life experiences and events sometimes create many questions, questions that have echoed through every generation of humankind. The first being, “Is there a God? Where is God? How did we come to be? Why is there evil in the world? Where was God when this happened? Why now? Why then,” and on and on and on. How one answers these questions for him/herself is his/her theology. In others words, we all have a theology – even when we were children.

While in Prince Edwards Island a few years ago, Bill and I visited the Ann of Green Gables Village. The village is a recreation of a very small village that Ann lived in. Every morning, in this village, the school bell rings and actors dressed as characters in the book go to the one room school house and sit at their own desks. Visiting children are also invited to participate. The teacher began with spelling, asking only the actors how to spell different words (wouldn’t want to embarrass a visiting child).

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Then it was time for composition. The teacher asked the actors and visiting children to take out their chalkboards from inside the desk. She then asked them this question, “What do you wish for most in this world?” She instructed the students to write or draw their answer on their chalkboard. One by one, beginning with the actors, the teacher asked the children to share what they had writ-ten.

One visiting child wanted a dog, another, a wagon, and another, a veneer wooden floor for his bedroom. Now that response was a bit different! Most of the children had popular and similar wishes as the first two children. But the last child, who was around eight or nine, wrote this wish on his board. “I wish the world was like heaven,” a powerful wish from a very young child.

Of course, no one asked the child why he had that wish. Whatever the reason for such a touching and powerful wish the important thing to recognize was that this child possessed a theology. Ob-viously, he believed that God existed and that he created a heaven and an earth and that living in heaven was very different then living on this earth. His was a child’s uncomplicated theology. I am sure though that as life unfolds for him questions will challenge his childlike faith. But he was already on a journey – a theological pilgrimage finding God in his answers to the unarticulated and/or articulated questions that events and experiences in his life would provoke.

So ‘Who do people say that God is as we know him through Christ Jesus?’ When we listen with discriminating ears and with observing eyes we will hear and see what others say about God be-cause they say it not only with their words, but also with their actions. Do they proclaim what you believe or are they saying something different? Your response to what you hear and see ena-bles you to verbally or nonverbally respond to that crucial question - “Who do you say that God is?” What is your theology?

We can read the writings of every theologian that has lived for the past four hundred years, but when it comes right down to it, it is your theological pilgrimage – finding God in the questions that life has provoked – that is important and significant. It is your theological pilgrimage after having found God that will inform your daily living, inform your life-choices, and inform the un-expected challenges.

Peace, Eletha+

N A T I V I T Y S C E N E

V O L U M E 5 7 , I S S U E 4

(Continued from Page 1)

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N A T I V I T Y S C E N E

This cartoon appeared on a calendar in April. Apologies to our new Rector.

The Vestry has called the Rev. Chad McCabe to serve as our rector. Based on the outstanding work of the Profile and Search Committees, the Vestry would like to personally thank all of them for their effort and their faithfulness. After prayer, dis-cernment and trusting the Holy Spirit the Vestry was able to confidently make the call and ask Chad to join Nativity on our spiritual journey.

Fr Chad came to ministry in the Episcopal Church after over a decade of service to our nation. Chad served for four years in the U.S. Marine Corps and then worked in the Security Forces of the U.S. Air Force. From 2002-2014 Chad worked for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Awarded the Master of Divinity degree from Wesley Theological Seminary, Washington, DC in 2013, Chad was ordained priest in 2014 for the Diocese of Albany, NY. For the past two years, Chad served as Curate for Christ Episcopal Church, Denver, CO. His ministry there focused on Young Families, Young Adults and Youth. He has served as Chaplain in the Army National Guard since 2016.

The plan is for Chad and his family to arrive in Northborough in early August.

Please welcome Chad, his wife Karen and their son, Ethan three (3) years old to The Church of the Nativity. May God bless Chad his family as they begin their shared ministry with us

THE REV. CHAD MCCABE CALLED TO BE RECTOR

N A T I V I T Y S C E N E

V O L U M E 5 7 , I S S U E 4 P a g e 4

REMEMBERING THE ORLANDO MASSACRE VICTIMS

At all three services on June 18/19 members of the congregation came forward to light 49 candles in memory of those who died in the Orlando Massacre. One larger candle was for those who were wounded. The single candle in a dark container was for the shooter who we are called to forgive. During the lighting Rev. Eletha read the Prayer of St. Francis:

“Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.”

REMEMBERING THE VICTIMS IN SYRIA

AND REFUGEES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD

At all three services on June 25/26 candles were lighted to re-

member the victims who have been killed in Syria and in honor

of all refugees throughout the world.

N A T I V I T Y S C E N E

V O L U M E 5 7 , I S S U E 4 P a g e 5

BISHOP FISHER AT NATIVITY ON PENTECOST

Bishop Douglas Fisher visited Nativity on Pentecost. While there were no Confirmations or Receptions

that day, there were three Baptisms: Eli Mwase and twins Ainsley and Amalea Brower-Kendell. More

than one hundred persons in the congregation renewed their baptismal vows.

Sherryl Brower, Grandmother, wrote this on her Facebook:

‘I am Blessed, my grand daughter's Blessed, James Brower Blessed, Laurel Sinclair-Kendell Blessed, my

Brother Captain PJ LeBlanc Blessed, My Mom Blessed...my loving family of Nativity Church

Blessed...what an awesome day! My Dad and Gail were here too! This was truly, a heartfelt day of Joy!!!!

Welcome Ainsley and Amalea to God's family!!! “

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N A T I V I T Y S C E N E

DEB HESEK ON MISSION TO MEXICO

I returned to Teacapan, Mexico for my third mission trip to this im-poverished fishing village in February of 2016. The team from Project Stretch (www.projectstretchdentistry.org) included two dentists from the States, a dentist from Mexico ,two dental assistants and me, a dental hy-gienist. Louis Sanchez, a Mexican dentist, who also treats patients in the clinic when we are not there, supplemented our team. We spent Sunday preparing the clinic, which was freshly painted during the year. Monday through Friday local volunteers brought patients to the clinic for screening appointments, followed up by procedures as necessary. All patients arriving at the clinic received tooth-brushing instruction and all received topical fluoride application. We were able to provide sealants, glass ionomer restorations and extractions for selected patients. As al-ways, we provide information on prevention of dental disease for patients and any parents coming to the clinic. We went to the elementary schools with local volunteers to reinforce the weekly fluoride rinse program, which continues through the year with powder we provide. The stickers that were collected from Nativity were given to the teachers; these stickers are used to replace candy as rewards in the classrooms. The residents of Teacapan look forward to our program every year and we have been able to significantly improve the dental health of the children in the village.

Now that’s what we do but how God is present so powerfully is a little bit of a different story. I am blessed to be able to pray for the children as we treat them, I know only a little “dental Spanish” so I rely on a gentle touch and a smile to comfort a child who might be afraid. The children we treat are from the elementary school in the village as well as some children of the migrant workers living in the village. The migrant families are the poorest of the poor, they often squat in abandoned shacks in the village with no running water. When we can get them to the clinic we try and provide all their needed dental treatment.

There is a group of expats from Canada and the US who winter in Teacapan these wonderful people fundraise both in Teacapan and in their home towns to provide the Project Stretch teams with housing, food and organize the transportation of the children to the clinic. We stay in their homes in the heart of the com-munity. God is present in the hearts of these faithful people who want to give back to the community they enjoy living in.

Now I want to thank you my Nativity family for supporting me both financially, in funds and stickers and spiritually in prayers and blessings. You all make the trip even more special!

Yours in Christ

Deb Hesek

QUIET DAY, May 14, 2016. CREATION by Lisa Phelps

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N A T I V I T Y S C E N E

As the world began to come alive in May, our theme for Quiet Day was Creation, God’s original incarna-tion. The “Cosmic Christ,” central to it all, existed from the beginning. A gift and a communication of God’s love, in astounding scope and detail, Creation may be sufficient to tell us all we need to know about his unfathomable goodness. In fact, scripture tells us that he looked at what he had made, which included even ourselves, and saw that it was good! So rightfully understood, we can see ourselves as part of a great cosmic Oneness of God’s love, and we can immerse ourselves in Creation to know him better. There are messages everywhere. Look inside the tiniest blossom and see design, water, leaves, the patterns in an ani-mal’s fur, taste a berry, care for a pet – all are messages of God’s love.

I have these messages constantly but will mention one related to Nativity’s transitional period. I was digging rocks to ready ground for a new garden bed. I dug the pitchfork into the soil repeatedly in an effort to dig in deeply, but I kept hitting rock. Each time, I moved farther to the right. After I had moved about 4 feet, I be-came intimidated by the size of the rock below the surface. Feeling powerless, I considered relocating the new bed, which would be a woeful surrender. Then it occurred to me that rather than a single mammoth rock, I was encountering a series of rocks nudged tightly together so as to eliminate all but the tiniest space between then.

For the most part, isn’t that what happened at Nativity during the past year? First, just as I studied my gar-den situation and didn’t let the Father of Lies” convince me that it was hopeless, we moved ahead in faith. We also moved closely together to do what had to be done, leaving no space for the Enemy to insert conten-tion, fear, discouragement and intimidation. As a result, it was a creative, even jubilant period for the church. God was telling me something through my interaction with his creation. Look for God’s messages for such truths, and for the constant refrain: “I love you.”

The following is a poem written during the Quiet Day by Lori Blackwell

Our creator is in the depths of the ocean and the galaxies of the sky. In the dirt and sand, gravel and rocks that support my steps, and each breath I take is filled with the creator’s love. There is no time or space where our creator has not existed.

The creator’s voice can be heard in the hum of the hummingbird or the roar of the lion. In every kindness expressed, the creator’s heart can be seen. Our maker painted every shade of green on the trees and designed the flutter of even the tiniest wing.

Our creator is in the light and in the darkness. in the stillness and the chaos Our creator is in the joy and in the sorrow, and every moment between life and death.

Our creator is the ‘us’ we surround ourselves with, and our creator is the ‘them’ we are separate from Father, mother, friend and lover, Our creator is so much more than one. Our creator is many… Our creator is ALL.

Our creator is the perfectness that exists in all that is imperfect. And this master architect has faith that we, the creations, will walk in this space and make their vision a reality. We are the creator’s eyes & ears, hands & feet.

As I love the creation more fully I am able to know the creator more deeply ...or is it the other way around... As I know the creator more deeply I am able to love the creation more fully.

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N A T I V I T Y S C E N E

WORKING AT THE RECTORY

GUESS WHO? REVEALED

AND THE WORK GOES ON! Another Saturday work party!

A great crew came out to work at the rectory. As usual I was amazed to see what was done! The mulch

was spread ,gardens restored. Bushes trimmed, lawns reseeded.. Garth Johnson took on making repairs

inside the rectory. They worked all day! We stopped for a great lunch where we shared laughs as we

looked at our dirty faces! Thanks to a great crew, Marsha Page, Glen Campell, Wayne Deslauriers, Bob

Roche, Jean Bruce, Lisa Phelps, Karen Emery, Cassidy, Bill and Ann Rawstron, and Brad Nutting.

Thank you so much.

MARSHA AND GLEN GARTH SUE, LISA, BRAD, BOB, AND KAREN WAYNE, MARSHA, GLENN

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N A T I V I T Y S C E N E

On a beautiful day in June the Parish came together to celebrate the time that Eletha has spent with us

as Interim Rector and her 30th Anniversary of Ordained Ministry.

WE DID IT YOUR WAY

And now, the end is here

And so we face the final curtain

My friend, we'll say it clear

We'll state our case, of which we’re certain

We've lived a time that's full

We traveled each and ev'ry sermon

And more, much more than this, we did it your way

Regrets, we’ve had a few

But then again, too few to mention

You did what you had to do and saw it through

without exception.

You planned each charted course, each careful step along the byway

And more, much more than this, You did it your way

We’ve loved, we’ve laughed and cried

We've had our fill, our share of loving

And now, as tears subside, we find it all so amusing

To think we did all that

And may we say, not in a shy way,

"Oh, no, oh, no, not us, WE DID IT YOUR WAY"

PARISH PICNIC CELEBRATING REV. ELETHA’S TIME WITH US

SERENADE TO ELETHA

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N A T I V I T Y S C E N E

At the suggestion of Tyler Clausen, a

long time member of the Nativity Praise

Band, and by vote of the Vestry. the mu-

sic room on the lower lever has been

dedicated to Carl Kinkel. Carl was the

Minister of Music at Nativity for many,

many years. He and his wife Julia have

moved to Albuquerque, NM.

MUSIC ROOM DEDICATED TO CARL KINKEL

(Continued

A NOTE FROM BOY SCOUT TROOP 1

Many thanks to the Church of the Nativity community for attending our cookout this Tuesday, June 21. It was great to have you there for our end of the year celebration. All of our scouts grew in maturity, capabil-ity, and responsibility. We awarded 19 rank advancements and 18 merit badges at the Court of Honor. Most importantly thank you for giving us a home and for your on- going support. Things will now wind down a bit for the summer. We have a trip this weekend to Bear Mountain, a trip to Block Island in July, and summer camp in August. We also have a group of scouts going out to Philmont Scout Reservation at the end of July.

SPINNING CLASSES

A Note from Marge: Just so you all know it can be real-ly fun in Israel- sometimes you are on a plane, sometimes a bus, sometimes you are riding in a jeep, and sometimes you take a ride on Pedro the donkey. In this instance, we visited Menachem in a hillside community who taught us how to dress in the fashion of Biblical Is-rael and make pita bread on an outdoor hot oven and ride the don-keys. On other days, we went to Samaria and planted fruit and nut trees outside a new senior center.

MARGE CARLSON IN ISRAEL

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N A T I V I T Y S C E N E

Rev. Eletha set up several spinning wheels in the Conference Room and held classes on spinning. For

those involved it was a time to chat as well as learn a new skill.

Louise Austin from Minnesota spends time each summer with her daughter and us in Northborough. Her

parish found some spinning wheels in an attic closet. She is now looking forward to bringing her new

skill back “home” and putting the wheels to a new use.

Also participating in the classes from Nativity are Karen Taylor, Barbara Dexter, Melinda Rea, Kathy

Eastham, and Deb Campbell.

CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY

45 Howard Street

Northborough, MA 01532

508-393-3146 (fax) 508-393-0702

We have been called together by God

to be and to make faithful followers

of our Lord Jesus Christ

www.churchofthenativity.org

Check out our weekly News and Notes listing of

announcements and events.

THE NATIVITY SCENE

JULY/AUGUST

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT NO.52

NORTHBORO, MA

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

JULY

16/17 Rev. Eletha’s Last Weekend

23/24 The Rev Alfred Zadig at Nativity

30/31 The Rev Rich Simpson at Nativity

AUGUST

6 Evening Prayer at 5 PM

7 Morning Prayer at 7:45 and 10 AM

8 Rev. Chad McCabe arrives

13/14 Rev. Chad’s first services

14 Simple Social Lunch