Author: Church of the Nativity

Social Justice: June Update

Post author By Church of the Nativity
Post date June 22, 2023
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Social Justice at Nativity

Nativity’s Social Justice Committee shares the following announcements, events and recommended resources to the Nativity community as we continue our pursuit of racial justice and reconciliation.

Announcements & Events

This month’s Social Justice listing of opportunities in our area includes the end of Pride month events (although Pride never ends!), African American arts opportunities, our own Episcopal festival with focuses on justice and advocacy, a different way to start off your July 4th holiday, and as always, the Black Farmer’s market that runs through the growing season! Supporting marginalized communities in our day-to-day lives and understanding their experiences really matters. Thanks for reading!

Out! Raleigh Pride Festival | Saturday, June 24 | 11 am-6 pm | Fayetteville Street, downtown Raleigh | Free | Take the family to enjoy this inclusive festival featuring live entertainment, local vendors and artists, food, a KidsZone, and a beer garden in support of the LGBT Center of Raleigh.

2023 Frederick Douglass Community Reading | Tuesday, July 4 | 10-11:30 am | 5925 Jock Road, Bahama, NC 27503 (just north of Durham) | Bring a chair or blanket to sit on the grounds. The event will be outdoors, with some walking over grass and gravel. This free event will last about 1 hour, with the option to tour the original slave dwellings at Horton Grove available afterwards. | Commemorate Independence Day in a different way with a reading of Frederick Douglass’ powerful Fourth of July address, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July.” This is a participatory community reading. Every year, 60 volunteers sign up to read passages from this speech, in front of the slave dwellings at Horton Grove. You may sign up as a reader when you arrive. Copies of the speech will be provided to all attendees. Douglass delivered this powerful abolitionist speech on July 5, 1852 at an Independence Day celebration in Rochester, New York. Douglass’ speech remains one of the most famous abolitionist texts in U.S. history. The speech resonates today, inviting all to reflect on the history of slavery, freedom, and the United States’ founding ideals.

It’s All About Love: A Festival for the Jesus Movement| Baltimore, MD and Online| July 9-12| July 10 focus – creation care; July 11 focus – racial reconciliation; July 12 – closing Eucharist @ 10:30am-12pm ET | Cost: $255.74 or $128.74 discounted rate for students and seminarians | Register here | Across the church and around the world, we are hungry for revival and renewal. Join us for “It’s All About Love,” a churchwide festival of worship, learning, community, and action for the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement. “It’s All About Love” is organized around three Jesus Movement festival “tents”: Evangelism, Racial Reconciliation, and Creation Care. Get ready for evening revival worship and daytime speakers, workshops, panels, and practice opportunities around the big tent themes. Leaders include Brian McClaren, Catherine Meeks, Kelly Brown-Douglas, Scott Gunn and Nancy Frausto.

Black Farmers Market – Raleigh | 2^nd and 4^th Sundays, 1-4 pm | Southeast Raleigh YMCA, 1436 Rock Quarry Rd, Raleigh, NC | Support a community that has historically not received the majority of consumer dollars, leading to a huge generational gap in family wealth . . . plus the produce is great too!

Crowns | Agape Theatre Project | Two locations: June 23 – 25 @ Durham Arts Council; June 30 – July 2 and July 7 – 9 @ Burning Coal Theatre (Raleigh) | Tickets start @ $22.50 | A moving and celebratory musical play in which hats become a springboard for an exploration of history and identity as seen through the eyes of Yolanda, a young African-American woman who has been sent South to stay with her aunt after her brother is killed in a northern city. As strong women tell the stories of their lives through stories of their hats, Yolanda witnesses a tradition tracing back to African rituals and slavery and forward to the New Testament and contemporary fashion.

Michael Richards: Are you Down? | NC Museum of Art | Open until July 23, 2023 | Michael Richards’s visionary sculptures and drawings, created between 1990 and 2001, engage Blackness, flight, diaspora, spirituality, police brutality, and monuments in his largest retrospective to date. Michael Richards: Are You Down? takes its name from one of the last artworks the artist created. In his sculptures and installations, Richards gestures toward both repression and reprieve from social injustices and the simultaneous possibilities of uplift and downfall, often in the context of the historic and ongoing oppression of Black people. Flight and aviation were central themes for Richards as an exploration of freedom and escape, ascendance and descent. These themes are especially evident in Richards’s engagement with the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, including his well-known sculpture Tar Baby vs. St. Sebastian (1999)—a version of which has been on continuous display at the NCMA since 2003.

Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design | NC Museum of Art | Open until August 6, 2023 | Academy Award–winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter has defined generations through her work in film and TV. Her art adds dimensionality, flair, and culture to the characters she envisions, giving power to the incredible actors who wear her designs. Her vibrancy and attention to detail in costuming is integral to translating stories of race, politics, and culture to the big screen. From humble roots in Massachusetts, Carter has helped style the Afrofuturism movement for almost 40 years. Creating pieces for films such as Black Panther, Malcom X, Selma, and Do the Right Thing, Carter has designed costumes for legends like Oprah Winfrey, Denzel Washington, Chadwick Boseman, Eddie Murphy, Angela Bassett, and Forest Whitaker.

In this exhibition the NCMA displays more than 60 of Carter’s original garments while also showcasing her immersive process, historical research, and the attention to detail that imbues every project she brings to life.

Recommended Resources

Racial Reconciliation and Social Justice (Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina) | This website is updated regularly with social justice resources recommended by the Diocese.

Children and Youth

Introducing Haven: A Retreat for High School Youth

Post author By Church of the Nativity
Post date June 14, 2023
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by Jeremy Clos

Introducing Haven: A Retreat for High School Youth to Unwind, Play, and Pray

As the summer days slowly slip away and the whispers of the upcoming school year grow louder, there’s a need for a space where high school students can recharge their spirits before the challenges that lie ahead. We are thrilled to announce Haven, an end-of-summer spiritual retreat that aims to provide young hearts with a haven to rest, rejuvenate, and connect with their faith.

Just as Jesus sought solace and replenishment before embarking on demanding endeavors, Haven offers a time for young minds to reflect and replenish their own souls before the demands of a new academic year. Nestled in the picturesque woods of the Cedar Cross Retreat Center, this retreat promises a breathtaking setting that invites participants to explore the beauty of nature and rediscover the peace within.

Haven will be an unforgettable experience, filled with exciting activities that blend the joys of play and the depth of prayer. Imagine hiking through lush trails, your feet firmly rooted in the earth as you revel in the serenity of the forest. Visualize fun, active games with your friends, joining together in joyful play. Picture yourself gathered around a roaring bonfire, sharing stories and laughter with friends.

Haven is more than just an escape into nature; it’s an opportunity to deepen one’s spiritual connection. Guided by Jeremy Clos, The Reverend Phillip Bass, and The Reverend Deacon Dr. Karen McGugan, attendees will embark on a journey of self-discovery and faith exploration. Through thought-provoking discussions and meaningful rituals, Haven aims to ignite the flame of spirituality within each participant’s heart.

We believe that rest, play, and prayer are essential elements in nurturing a holistic well-being. By creating a space where high school youth can unwind and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature, we hope to cultivate an environment that fosters personal growth and ignites a deeper connection to faith.

So mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready to embark on a transformative adventure. Join us as we celebrate the end of summer, embrace the joys of youth, and embark on a spiritual journey that will leave a lasting impact on our hearts and souls. Together, let’s discover the haven within us all.

Registration can be done online here.

Adult Formation

Education for Ministry

by Matt Chytka

“So, have you ever thought about joining EFM?” It was fellowship hour after church, and Carl Sigel and I were chatting in Corlett Hall. I responded, “I’m not familiar with it, what is EFM?” I don’t remember Carl’s exact words after that, but I left the conversation with my interest piqued.

It was piqued enough to find myself in class a few months later, with a group of other like-minded souls, who have become dear friends and trusted confidants over the past few years.

EFM stands for Education for Ministry. It is based on the concept we are all called to minister to each other, friend and stranger, during the course of our daily lives. EFM takes you on a four-year adventure/pilgrimage that includes our bible (Old and New Testament), theologies, religious history, (both Christian and non-Christian), and books on a wide range of religious and spiritual topics.

If it sounds like a lot, well, it can be, if you were trying to do it alone. EFM meets as a cohort (class), once a week. You provide your input and insight and receive gigs of input and insight back from your mentors and classmates. If you get overwhelmed in one week and don’t cover all the material, it’s okay. Come to class, hear your cohort’s thoughts and opinions (and there will be many), and pick up on the next week’s topics. There are no tests or grades, but lots of learning occurs in this program. And if a four-year commitment seems daunting, it may help you to know that you sign up year-by-year. If you need to take a break between years, you can.

In addition to enhancing your personal understanding of religion and faith, the biggest reason I

recommend EFM is the fellowship, friendship, and love that grows within your cohort. You will bond and forge relationships like no other with your classmates. You will lift them up when they need it, and you will find yourself lifted as well.

If you are interested, contact our EFM mentor, Jeremy Clos. Class starts in the fall, registration will start soon.

I don’t use this phrase lightly–EFM is a life-changing program, I hope you, too, will give it a try.

Glad Tidings

Give, Get, Go! Upgrading the Nave Sound System

Post author By Church of the Nativity
Post date June 1, 2023
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Ever wonder what someone is saying at the pulpit while you are sitting in the pew at Nativity? After months of investigating ways to improve the church’s sound system for both the in-person and online Sunday morning experience, we are thrilled to announce that we are beginning an effort to fund the recommended ways to upgrade the church’s sound system.

Our fundraising goal: $11,000. We have already been blessed with $11,000 in funds to support this new sound system, and when combined with other church funds available, we can achieve our goal by raising another $11,000, to match the generous support already provided.

How can you participate? It’s as easy as Give, Get, Go!

GIVE

Our goal is 100% participation from our parishioners, since this upgrade will benefit 100% of our congregation. Every gift helps—no matter the amount. There are several ways to contribute to this effort:

To make your donation online, go to the online donations page on our website. (This is the same link as the QR Code on the back of your church bulletin). Please note that you must identify your donation as follows: “Nave Sound System (22724)”.

By check: write “Nave Sound System (22724)” on the memo line of your check.
By Venmo: write “Nave Sound System (22724)” in the “What’s it for?” field.
By PayPal: select “Nave Sound System” in the drop-down box as “the fund you want to donate to”.

GET

Donate to our silent auction. 100% of the proceeds will go to the new sound system. These can include services, restaurant gift cards, tickets to sporting events, weekend home access, etc. We will collect auction items at the church (on August 15 and September 15) and then create an online auction site for bidding.

After making your donation, please plan to join us on Saturday, October 14 for a fun night of fundraising and fellowship as we conclude the silent auction and celebrate our new sound system with a wine and cheese gathering.

Our planning committee will need more help to make this effort a smashing success. We will have different volunteer opportunities to help us make this a success, such as (1) collecting donations for the auction, (2) packaging donated items for the auction, (3) contributing food/drinks for the October 14 event, and (4) helping with setup on the day of the event.

We will announce the kickoff of this effort at both church services on Sunday, June 4. After the 10:30 am service, we will have a Sunset Slush Truck. As we move forward, we will have additional updates and testimonials from members of the congregation who are excited about this project. Please stay tuned for updates as we get closer to the dates referenced above.

Children and Youth Uncategorized

Youth Pilgrimage to New Orleans

Post author By Church of the Nativity
Post date May 25, 2023
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by Jeremy Clos

A group of 13 of Nativity’s high school students will embark on a transformative pilgrimage to the bustling city of New Orleans from June 11-16 guided by the theme of Do Justice, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly. Centered on the principles of God’s liberating power and community building, this pilgrimage will delve into the heart of New Orleans, immersing the youth in experiences that challenge, inspire, and empower. This journey will have a profound impact on the lives of these young pilgrims.

During their time in New Orleans, the youth will engage in a half-day of service work with Renew Schools, an organization dedicated to transforming underperforming schools and providing quality education opportunities for all students. This work will allow our youth to channel their energy into uplifting the lives of others. Through other acts of service, they will witness firsthand the transformative power of justice, mercy, and humble acts of kindness. Whether working with hurricane relief efforts in Lafitte, LA, or lending a helping hand at the Barataria Eco Preserve, their service will make a difference and deepen their understanding of God’s call to serve others and restore creation.

As the youth explore the rich history of New Orleans, they will confront hard truths about the past and present. A visit to the Tomb of the Unknown Slave at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church will serve as a poignant reminder of the deep wounds inflicted by slavery. Through reflection and dialogue, they will grapple with the legacy of exclusion, working towards a more inclusive and just society. They will also pay tribute to the victims of the tragic Upstairs Lounge fire, reminding them of the ongoing struggle for equality and acceptance by the LGBTQIA+ community.

Unity and community-building will be at the core of this pilgrimage. The youth will share in the joy of cooking meals together, breaking bread as a symbol of solidarity and fellowship. They will gather in prayer, seeking God’s guidance and strength as they navigate the challenges and revelations of their journey. Through teamwork and collaboration, they will witness the power of working together towards a common goal, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

Finally, after days of meaningful engagement, the youth will have a day to explore and appreciate the beauty of New Orleans. They will embark on a swamp tour, encountering the wonders of God’s creation and reflecting on the interconnectedness of all life. The iconic Jackson Square, with the historic St. Louis Cathedral at its heart, and the surrounding environs will offer an opportunity for both contemplation and fun. Finally, they will culminate their pilgrimage with a jazz dinner cruise on the historic Steamboat Natchez, celebrating the vibrant culture and spirit of New Orleans.

As these 13 young people and their three chaperones, Reverend Phillip Bass, Jeremy Clos, and Anne Krouse embark on this profound journey, we ask the parish to uplift them in prayer. Pray for their safety, open hearts, and minds, that they may be vessels of God’s love and agents of liberation. Pray that their experiences in New Orleans shape their faith, deepen their understanding of justice and mercy, and empower them to walk humbly in service to others following the example of Jesus Christ.

This journey to New Orleans is not merely a trip but a true pilgrimage. Through service, encounters with hard truths, communal activities, and exploration, they will witness God’s liberating power and forge connections that will last a lifetime. Let us join together in prayer, supporting and uplifting these young pilgrims as they embark on this experience.

Peace Library Reviews Social Justice

A Day for Rememberin’ (Peace Library Review)

Post author By Church of the Nativity
Post date May 18, 2023
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A Day for Rememberin’
by Leah Henderson
review by Lillis Ward

A Day for Rememberin’ tells the story of the first Memorial Day celebration from the perspective of a young African American boy whose family has recently been freed following the Civil War. In this picture book written for grades 2-5, Henderson describes the little known events of the 1st Decoration Day which was specifically to honor those who died fighting in the Civil War. The African Americans who led the effort wanted to show their gratitude to the fallen Union soldiers who fought to bring freedom to their families and to end slavery once and for all. The beautifully illustrated pages of the book will capture the reader’s interest and help explain the sequence of events. Even though this is a children’s book, there is plenty to be learned for all ages about the origin of Memorial Day and how it came to be as we know it today. At the end of the book, Henderson includes actual photos from 1865 when 28 newly freed men volunteered to make a final resting place for the fallen Union soldiers. She also includes background information and a timeline of this historical era.

For Parents:
The following link gives guidance to parents about discussing the somber topic of Memorial Day with children so that they understand more about this special holiday: How to Explain Memorial Day to Kids, Plus 5 Traditions to Start

Questions to discuss with your child:

Before reading the book, ask your child, “What do you know about the holiday called Memorial Day?”
After reading the book, brainstorm with your child some ways your family can start a tradition for Memorial Day such as flying the flag, visiting a memorial, saying a prayer of thanks, planting flowers, or attending a parade.
Talk with your child about family members who served in the military. Look at their photos if you have them and talk about what parts of the world they served. Look at a world map to find that region of the world.

Create your own Memorial Day Prayer with your child.
God of the nations, we remember before you with grateful hearts the men and women of our country who gave their lives for the protection of our freedoms. We especially remember __________________. In Christ’s love, Amen

Social Justice

Episcopal Farm Workers Ministry

Post author By Church of the Nativity
Post date May 4, 2023
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Hello Friends,

Church of the Nativity has had a rich history of working with the Episcopal Farm Workers Ministry headquartered in Dunn, North Carolina. We collaborate with agricultural workers (farmworkers, meat processing plant workers, and workers from nurseries, packing houses and poultry, swine, or livestock farms) and immigrant families in Eastern rural NC. Much of the people that we serve live in Duplin, Harnett, Johnston, Lenoir, and Sampson counties. Since 1982, we have worked with farmworkers and their families to create a better world for the future generations. At EFWM you will find a place that welcomes immigrants, a place for fellowship, and a place to serve others.

MISSION

Episcopal Farmworker Ministry responds to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of farmworkers and actively supports opportunities for them to become self-directive. We seek to minister to farmworkers in three principal ways:

• through direct services;
• through the development and support of programs that work towards the empowerment of farmworkers;
• by encouraging leadership development, advocacy, and education aimed toward a systemic change of agricultural policy.

We will have rich volunteer opportunities coming up in the future and a grand kick off in October. We will also be making a special place for our youth to connect with farming families at these fun events. We currently have a food drive in place through Amazon for anyone that wishes to contribute to this initiative.

Amazon Food Drive Registry

Blessings,
Cuyler+

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:6–8

Children and Youth

Meals Needed for Middle School Youth

Post author By Church of the Nativity
Post date May 4, 2023
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We are currently seeking volunteers to provide meals for our middle school youth on Sunday nights. On average, we have 8-10 young people in attendance and we would greatly appreciate your help in providing them with a meal. Detailed information and sign-up can be found on Take Them A Meal. Most importantly, we would like to invite those providing the meal to eat with the group.

Why is this important? Studies have shown that intergenerational relationships can be incredibly beneficial for both young people and adults. Young people benefit from the wisdom, experience, and guidance of adults, while adults can learn from the fresh perspectives and energy of young people. Furthermore, these relationships help to bridge the generation gap and foster a sense of community within our parish.

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the young people in our parish and get to know them on a more personal level. We hope that by doing so, we can create meaningful relationships that will continue to grow and thrive in the years to come.

So, if you are interested in volunteering to provide meals for our middle school youth, please sign up today. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at our next Sunday night gathering!

If you have questions, please reach out to Jeremy Clos. Email Jeremy Clos

Uncategorized

Voice of the Vestry: Perry Suk

Post author By Church of the Nativity
Post date April 27, 2023
2 Comments on Voice of the Vestry: Perry Suk

This is the first in a series of posts from members of the Vestry, which offer their personal reflections of serving Nativity in their capacity as vestry members.

I have been on the Vestry for just over a year, but these past two months, in particular, have been jam-packed with lots of personal experiences for me at Nativity. I have relished them all. Before I continue, I just want to point out that this is not a Spring push for new Vestry members, but rather a little insight into my interactions at church that may not have happened if I weren’t a Vestry member. It’s not that the Vestry has some special knowledge or connections that are unavailable to the church community; it’s just that as a 30-year on-again-off-again parishioner, I never really looked beyond those things that were of interest to me or that I was able to participate in based on time commitments. Now my eyes and heart are wide open to so many special Nativity opportunities, and I thought it might be fun to share!

After the March Vestry meeting, which lasted longer than usual, I found myself smiling on the way home. It was such a productive and interesting meeting, starting with the Bible Study. I truly appreciate the meaningful, interesting, and sometimes outside-the-box discussions that develop from a reading that Stephanie selects. And that particular evening, we also had the perspective of two ordination candidates, Karen McGugan and Ryan Parker (who had just woken up on the previous Sunday morning and decided he wanted to preach). Wow! Both of these delightful candidates, along with Philip Bass, Cuyler O’Connor, and Anne Stokes, have all been nurtured and mentored by Stephanie as they find their own separate paths into ministry. I highly recommend reaching out to these amazing and inspirational folks!

As the Vestry liaison to the Children’s Formation, I have been involved in some of the changes that occurred in March; in particular, moving the Sunday School time from before to during the church service. The number of kids, from age 4 to 11, tripled in number creating what one teacher called ‘chaotic joy’! I am grateful to all the volunteers who teach not only the young children but our youth as well and who are willing to be flexible with their time. In addition, I feel lucky to be given this opportunity to meet two generations of parishioners – the young parents and their children! I look forward to Jeremy Clos’s involvement in all levels of formation to more fully integrate multiple generations.

And then there was the Grounds Work Day! My husband, who pretty much begs me to stay out of the garden due to my ever-so-not-green thumbs, couldn’t believe I was headed to church to help out. But, with the patience and guidance of others, I managed to pull my weight and, yet again, engage with more friendly folks (young and old), connecting names to faces!

Throughout March and April, I have also spent several Wednesdays knitting with the Chatty Yarns group. I have become addicted, not just to the craft, but to the wonderful group of women who know so much about the history of Nativity as well as what’s happening now! Through our conversations, I’ve learned about what some of them are doing to keep Nativity thriving in Outreach programs, church guilds, and the bell and choir groups (by the way, hats off to Bradley for his incredible musical wisdom!). As a bonus, I also pick up travel pointers as many of the Chatty Yarners have been to faraway places!

Finally, during Easter Week, I attended my very first Maundy Thursday service, for the sole reason, I admit, that I was scheduled as the Vestry rep that evening. Unexpectedly, the homily, the foot washing, and the stripping of the altar made quite a spiritual impact on me. It was calming, peaceful, and moving; a wonderful way to prepare for the joyfulness of Easter Sunday.

I hope you can tell that I am grateful to be a part of the Nativity community and I encourage you to embrace as many opportunities as you can! Who knows, maybe you’ll find yourself considering a spot on the Vestry or perhaps a leadership role on one of our many committees. I believe it’s important to share the wealth, so to speak, in order for Nativity to continue to be the special place that it is!

— Perry Suk