Parade’s, picnics, fireworks: the United States celebrates her independence on July 4. That’s because on July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, thus officially breaking from English rule. But did you know that the day the document was actually signed was two days earlier, and accordingly, John Adams thought July 2 was the country’s genuine birthday — and so refused to participate in Fourth of July celebrations for the rest of his life? Ironically, he died on July 4, 1826 — as did Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration’s primary author.

In recent years it’s sometimes felt hard to celebrate being an American as our country seems increasingly divided over so many issues. Often, I wonder what it must have been like to live in simpler times without the technology we now experience and I convince myself that those must have been better times. But of course, the reality is that they were just different times, with different hardships.

As I’ve spent time in Scripture this year, I’ve been reading and engaging with more Old Testament stories: stories of foreign leaders dominating God’s people, ancestors in faith searching for a land where they might be free. Problems not so different from colonial America and often not so different than our own.

So I have decided this Independence Day I will focus on all the blessings in my life and our country. There are many. I just need to have an attitude of gratitude! It’s our choice to focus on the good in each day, rather than the bad. Just realizing that can create freedom in our lives.

I am thankful for those who sacrificed so much for our freedom. This 4th of July I will spend time in prayer thanking God for our country (despite its faults), for those who came before us, and for our future. I’ll start with a prayer found in our ELW worship book. I hope you will too.

Almighty God,

you have given us this good land as our heritage.

Make us always remember your generosity and constantly do your will.

Bless our land with honesty in the workplace, truth in education, and honor in daily life.

Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance;

and from every evil course of action.

When times are prosperous, let our hearts be thankful;

and, in troubled times, do not let our trust in you fail.

We pray in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor

Click on the Nativity Lutheran Church Calendar Link below if you would like an "easy-to-read" full size view of the month.

It will open a new window featuring the calendar.

Saturday, July 1

10:00 AM - Al-Anon Family Group Meeting

Sunday, July 2

9:30 AM - Worship in-person and online

Assistant: Ted Long

Flowers: Sherry Cobb

Altar Care/Acolyte: Tina Huntley

Reader: Mimi Moore

Usher: Mimi Moore

Monday, July 3

7:00 PM - Men’s Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting

Tuesday, July 4 - Happy Independence Day!

No "Out of Office Hours" today

Thursday, July 6

8:00 AM - Morning Prayer, via Zoom

Saturday, July 8

10:00 AM - Al-Anon Family Group Meeting

Sunday, July 9

9:30 AM - Worship in-person and online

Assistant: Ann Walker

Flowers: Sherry Cobb

Altar Care/Acolyte: Tina Huntley

Reader: Kim Murphy

Usher: Tina Huntley

Monday, July 10

7:00 PM - Men’s Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting

Tuesday, July 11

9:30 - 11:00 AM - Out of Office Hours

Walker Park, Sea St, Rockport (Pascal Ave. to Elm St. to Sea St.)

Thursday, July 13

8:00 AM - Morning Prayer, via Zoom

Saturday, July 15

10:00 AM - Al-Anon Family Group Meeting

10:00 AM - Stewarding Our Watersheds - Part II

“Exploring an Ecosystem” at Payson Park on the St. George River, Route 90, Warren

Sunday, July 16

9:30 AM - Worship in-person and online

Assistant: Ted Long

Flowers: Sherry Cobb

Altar Care/Acolyte: Tina Huntley

Reader: Jane Monhart

Usher: Sue Dawson

Monday, July 17

7:00 PM - Men’s Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting

Tuesday, July 18

9:30 - 11:00 - AM Out of Office Hours

Owls Head Lighthouse State Park, 186 Lighthouse Road, Owls Head

Thursday, July 20

8:00 AM - Morning Prayer, via Zoom

Saturday, July 22

10:00 AM - Al-Anon Family Group Meeting

Sunday, July 23

9:30 AM - Worship in-person and online

Assistant: Marty Taylor

Flowers: Sherry Cobb

Altar Care/Acolyte: Tina Huntley

Usher: Carol Brazier

12:00 PM - Loaves and Fishes Soup Kitchen at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Rockland

Monday, July 24

7:00 PM - Men’s Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting

Tuesday, July 25

9:30 - 11:00 AM - Out of Office Hours

G.W. Hodson Park, Molyneaux Rd, Camden

Thursday, July 27

8:00 AM - Morning Prayer, via Zoom

Saturday, July 29

10:00 AM - Al-Anon Family Group Meeting

Sunday, July 30

9:30 AM - Worship in-person and online

Assistant: Kim Murphy

Flowers: Sherry Cobb

Altar Care/Acolyte: Tina Huntley

Reader: Sue Ann Moore

Usher: Denise Stadler

Monday, July 31

7:00 PM - Men’s Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting

Note

For midweek prayer via zoom - there is a separate Zoom link. Email Pastor at office@nativityrockport.org if you would like the zoom link.

Please also email Pastor if you do not have the Sunday link.

It’s beginning to look a lot like tourist season! Our usual coffee shop venues for “Pastor’s Out of Office Hours” have been getting crowded so we’ll be moving out into creation and gathering at our local parks. Bring a cup of coffee (or your morning beverage of choice) and a treat if you like, and join Pastor Anderson for conversation. Most of the places have some kind of seating but you may want to bring your own folding chair to be more comfortable and for the flexibility to move into the shade (let’s pray for some sunshine). If it rains we’ll gather inside at Nativity.

July 4 -No Out of Office Hours—Happy Independence Day!

July 11 - Walker Park, Sea St, Rockport (Pascal Ave. to Elm St. to Sea St.)

July 18 - Owls Head Lighthouse State Park, 186 Lighthouse Road, Owls Head

July 25 - G.W. Hodson Park, Molyneaux Rd, Camden

Aug 1 - No Out of Office Hours—Pastor is on vacation

Aug 8 - Laite Mem. Beach, Off Bay View St, Camden

Aug 15 - Thomaston Green, Wadsworth St., Thomaston (bring a chair)

Aug 22 - Walker Park, Sea St, Rockport (Pascal Ave. to Elm St. to Sea St.)

Aug 29 - G.W. Hodson Park, Molyneaux Rd, Camden

At its annual meeting on June 25, Nativity’s congregation took several important steps and discussed significant questions of sustainability.

• The constitutional amendment to remove the requirement that Council present a balanced budget was approved for the second time.

• The proposed budget for FY 2024 was approved, with a projected revenue shortfall of almost $22k, to be covered from our ample cash reserves.

• An updated welcome statement was approved, adding the provision that we strive “to embrace gender and racial equity” in order to maintain our standing as a Reconciling in Christ congregation.

• Four Council members were re-elected to new terms: Sue Dawson, Mary Ann Hawkins, Ted Long, and Jane Monhart.

In small group discussions, members reviewed the interim report of the Sustainability work group. Overall, members thought that the team had assessed the challenges of our situation correctly, and they had few additional ideas to support sustainability. Most attention centered on assessing the ideas suggested by the team. Members expressed interest in developing a ministry niche, spreading the word about what we do at Nativity, fostering creativity in worship, and in partnering with other churches and agencies, with some cautions about the perils of partnerships. The Sustainability group will continue its work during the coming year, primarily through the BTS program to strengthen the resilience of small congregations.

Ted Long, President

As I write this in late June, The first Regular Session of the 131st Maine Legislature is about to adjourn. I hope you found an issue or two that interested you and were able to let your legislators know how you wanted them to vote.

The long-term resolution bill for bottle/can redemption centers, LD1909 was unanimously voted out of committee as OTP-AM (ought to pass as amended). The amended version has passed the House and the Senate and was forwarded to the Appropriations table for funding, and ultimately, the Governor's signature.

The second Regular Session of the 131st Maine Legislature begins in the Fall and I plan to provide some updates when work gets underway. In the meantime, please check the ELCA Advocacy website for action items at the national and international level that might be of interest to you. https://support.elca.org/site/SPageNavigator/elca_action_center.html?NONCE_TOKEN=79453EBE8877017CC7FA25A5D37CE22D

Lynne Taylor

Care for Creation Team

On June 22, participants gathered next to the footbridge over Lindsey Brook at the Rockland harbor for the first presentation in Nativity’s Summer series, STEWARDING OUR WATERSHEDS: A PRECIOUS GIFT. Rebecca Jacobs, Program Manager for the Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District, gave an introduction to watersheds and their importance and spoke about the impact of cities and towns on streams such as Lindsey Brook and landscaping practices that support watersheds (see photos).

Nativity will host PART TWO of the series on Saturday, July 15 at 10 am on the banks of the St. George River at Payson Park, Route 90 in Warren (next to Lincoln’s Country Store). We are fortunate to have Linda Littlefield Grenfell who will bring us a presentation entitled “Exploring an Ecosystem”. She is an Environmental Educator, Registered Maine Guide and Maine Master Naturalist, who is currently serving at the Wells Preserve at Laudholm. Linda will describe watershed ecosystems and estuaries using an interactive watershed model, sample the water at the St. George River’s head of tide, and lead a short walk on the historic Georges River Canal trail. All are invited to bring questions and explore how we can care for our watersheds together, while enjoying time with our neighbors in the community, surrounded by God’s Creation.

Bring a folding chair or blanket for sitting. Carpooling is encouraged, and refreshments will be provided. You are also encouraged to bring an optional picnic and enjoy the park and river following the presentation.

In the event of heavy rain, the presentation will be held indoors at the church. For more information, go to Nativity’s website or contact a member of the Creation Care Team.

The Harvest Festival/Tag Sale is less than 4 months away!!!!

If you have donations to drop off, there are tables inside the basement outside doors marked "Drop Offs".

If you need help with drop offs of any size please contact Phil Pratt 207-832-4335.

There is plenty of room - if you want to donate it, we have room for it.

Karin and Phil Pratt

The Loaves and Fishes Community Meal is one way that Nativity and its members do God’s work in our community. The meal is held every Saturday and Sunday at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Rockland at 12:30 PM and is served by a variety of small volunteer groups on a regular schedule.

Nativity is scheduled to serve this month on Sunday, July 23rd. If you are interested in helping in some way: cooking at home, serving at the meal, or providing funds for groceries please contact Donna Perry.

June was PRIDE month. Members of Nativity showed their support for the LGBTQIA+ community by walking in two parades (pictured below and at the top of the View newsletter). The weather could not dampen the spirits of the participants. Spread the word - Nativity welcomes all.

...for your support and care during Ron's struggles over the past few years. Your friendship and compassion expressed through your prayers, the cards and phone calls, the meals, and the visits both at home and when he was in the hospital or in rehab were appreciated by him and me more than you can ever know. I am also very grateful for the visits to Sussman House and the expressions of sympathy I received after he entered eternal life. Your memories and relections of Ron are truly comforting. We will all miss him. Again, thank you very much for your thoughtfulness.

God's blessings on all,

Fran & Ron's Family

9 - Carol Coiley

14 - Sandy Abate

23 - Ann Walker

Editor's note: Did we miss your birthday? Please email your birthday date to kmusicorama@gmail.com so that we can add you to our monthly salutation.

Thanks to everyone who made Nativity’s participation in the Inaugural Rockport Donut Festival Parade on June 3 a huge success. Denise Stadler coordinated our efforts to create a “float” that included handing out 400 donut holes! A grant from Thrivent Financial along with the donations, time, energy, and creative input of a bunch of people made it all possible.

Our parade entry showed our community spirit and created visibility for Nativity. Thanks to those who contributed decorations and creative energy, packaged donut holes, and to those who braved the cold that day to be a part of the parade: Denise and Mark Stadler, Lynne and Marty Taylor, Bob and Sue Dawson (Sue missed the actual parade to visit the Pen Bay ER), Aaron Cramp (starring as Captain Hanson Gregory), Donna Perry and her granddaughter. A fun way to invite people to join us!

Pictured below - scenes from the Donut Festival Parade.

Our banner read: Hole-y, Hole-y, Hole-y. Thank God and Hanson Gregory for the Doughnut as we know it. Nativity Lutheran Church, Join us for worship, Sundays at 9:30 AM.

• “Christ in Our Home” daily devotional booklets for July—September are available in the narthex. Please help yourself.
  
• The Pastor’s Discretionary Fund: Please remember that an extra $5 or $10 each month may make a huge difference to a family in need! Please indicate any additional donations as "Pastor's Discretionary" when you mail in your monthly offering.
• Don't forget: One simple way to help care for creation is to download the weekly bulletin onto your smart phone or tablet and then bring that device to worship or use it when you zoom at home saving paper and resources. Need help figuring that out? Call Pastor for Android help or Denise Stadler for Apple help.
  
• Your aluminum pop tabs can help keep families with sick children close to each other and the care and resources they need. Look for the paper bag on the Social Ministry bulletin board in the Narthex. Place your tabs in the bag and take your container home and fill it again! The tabs are donated to the Ronald McDonald House.
  

Connect with ELCA greater church

Read Bishop Eaton’s monthly article:

https://www.livinglutheran.org/

https://www.elca.org/Resources/Presiding-Bishop-Messages

A Note from your editor, Kim Murphy

Reminder - send articles and photos by the 15th of each month.

Email kmusicorama@gmail.com

Photos this month: Pastor Anderson, Ann Walker, Lynne Taylor, Elaine Isakson, Mimi Moore, Thank you photo by Debby Hudson on Unsplash, Soup Kitchen photo by Farhad Ibrahimzade on Unsplash, internet resources

Rev. Wendy J. Anderson

Sunday Worship (Sept -May) 10:30 AM

Summer Sunday Worship (June - August) 9:30 AM

Email: office@nativityrockport.org
Website: www.nativityrockport.org
Location: 179 Old County Rd, Rockport, ME, United States
Phone: 207-594-4665
Facebook: facebook.com/nativitylutheranchurch.rockport.maine