The Rev. Brent H. Thalacker, Pastor
(C) 571.236.4976
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Nativity Connect
June 16, 2021
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We invite you to join us each Sunday morning as we gather in assembly. Service of the Word arrives in your email. We are together in worship.
Saturday, June 19, Men's Breakfast/Luncheon...Noon at Outback Steakhouse. See details below.
Sunday, June 20, 9:00 AM – First Day of Summer, Father's Day (We have a gift waiting for all Fathers.) and Holy Communion Indoor service. This is our planned date to return to the sanctuary. (See below.)
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Sunday, June 27, 9:00 AM – Holy Communion Indoors and Fellowship (outdoors). This will be Pastor Brent’s last service as our pastor. Please come celebrate his time with Nativity!
Wednesday, July 1. Pastor Mitch Watney assumes pastoral responsibilities.
Sunday, July 4, 9:00 AM – Independence Day. Holy Communion. Pastor Mitch officiates his first service as our pastor.
Sunday, July 11, 9:00 AM – Holy Communion and Fellowship. Worship and Welcoming Reception for Pastor Mitch.
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SEEK to grow in God's Word
TELL the story of Jesus' love & forgiveness
ACT as God's Hands in the world
REACH OUT to welcome all
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You shouldn't be left hanging, so I'll report that the four appointments I referenced last Connect all were accomplished in fine fashion. Pastor Mitch and I had a productive and cordial meeting, and the skids are greased for a smooth transition just 2 weeks from today. For our final worship outdoors before returning inside Sunday we dedicated our time spent and the scene of this past year's lawn and drive-in and celebrated creation's gifts. We 'moved Messiah', including the Memory Garden, and are moved by that congregation's generosity; and thankful for our own CTL, who provided 4 trucks and more than enough limber backs! And I began last Wednesday in Arlington National Cemetery, as we laid our beloved Grandma Betz, a charter member of Nativity, to rest. Family and friends gathered, there was no rush, we remembered her loving care with tears of sadness, none of regret, and smiles shared in joyful recall. Grandma would continue to be proud of her grandchildren (and great), some wore the uniform of service to our nation, a fitting sight at Arlington. As I left the graveside, I was touched with gratitude for our church and the privilege of leading...and following saints such as Anneliese.
And then I got lost...twice! Now there's no shame in getting turned around in Arlington Cemetery, even with the number of times I've officiated there. I finally humbled myself and asked for directions, but only after I'd pulled over on a bluff to watch another procession played out on a street below. There were the soldiers in full dress, two bands, one in continental garb. I love horses; many mighty white steeds pranced pulling the caisson behind, carrying the flag draped coffin. And then bringing up the rear, the jet black stallion being led, saddle empty. Whether an informal and intimate setting as what I'd just left or the sight played out as I watched, both were equally awesome in impressing on me the blessings of God and the country for which citizens would willingly sacrifice their lives.
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The second time is' fool me twice, shame on me'. Having safely exited and on my way to Nativity I panicked and pulled off one exit too soon, and found myself in the North Parking Lot of the Pentagon, which is an awesome sight as well. In attempting to plan my escape, I parked at the visitor entrance to the "LBJ Grove", managed by the National Park Service. The site is on an island Johnson used to visit when he was President, so Lady Bird chose it for his memorial, marking it with a two ton granite obelisk quarried near their ranch in Texas. Although I didn't have time to cross the footbridge, I did add it to the list of local attractions Sue and I would start visiting come July 1!
While getting my bearings, I read a quote from LBJ inscribed on the welcoming kiosk, and I thought of Nativity: "The past is not ours to recover; but tomorrow is ours to win or lose." We are mindful that we should not settle for redecorating the old ways, especially after the year and a half we've been through...though it is tempting. If the fabric of our 'couch' is worn thin, my first thought is to recover it; after all it is familiar and cozy. But that might be because you know where the coils lurk and work around them; the guests who arrive will not be so aware. So we must shop for a new sturdier settee, one with a modern design and inviting genuine comfort for all. To look for a future over our shoulder is lax, ignoring the terrific possibilities in decor and decorum waiting ahead. Our place is found in first inviting folks to relax, and then go from there.
I agree with LBJ that the issue is always up in the air, the verdict uncertain or even in doubt; each day's issues call for our attention and engagement in every tomorrow...save one. There will come a Tomorrow for each of us, with a capital 'T'. That is the day when there will be no next; we will find our winning ways, and loss will be lost forever. Since we are already assured of that victory in Christ, let us start celebrating today. Yesterdays are gone and tomorrows not yet here; "This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it"!
I reckon I've penned well over 300 columns for our weekly Connect, now they belong to the dustbin of history; I can only hope some were interesting for the day I wrote them. Next Wednesday's is maybe the most meaningful one for me...it will be my last. I am most thankful for Marianne, whose commitment made it possible for you to read them, and to you, dear reader I shall be ever grateful!
Pastor Brent,
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Hello fellow members of Nativity!
This is a very busy and exciting time in the life of our congregation and I’m happy to report that optimism and opportunities abound. Let’s start with a quick recap of the upcoming schedule.
First and maybe most importantly we will return to services in the sanctuary on Sunday, June 20th, at 9:00 am!! Please let that sink in for a moment as you reflect on our collective journey since March of 2020. We’re here, we’ve survived as a congregation, and we’re ready to worship in our familiar setting again.
But…there are still some precautions we need to take to comply with federal and commonwealth guidelines and to protect those who are not vaccinated (remember we have some young members who are not yet eligible for vaccination, some who are pending or in-between shots, and others who cannot be vaccinated for various reasons). So here is how we will proceed this coming Sunday morning.
- Wear a mask.
- Practice 6-foot social distancing (seated and when moving around).
- Sing quietly inside your mask (Carrie can do the singing for us—and no offense to anyone in the congregation, but it will be more pleasing to the ears…).
- Be patient with more noise during the service since we will be running our ventilation fans and opening the side exits to ensure good airflow.
- Fist bump (no hugs please).
- Pick up communion elements in the individual wrappers (we will not have communion at the chancel railing).
- Please stay home if you are sick, have been exposed to someone with Covid-19, have an elevated temperature, etc., etc.
Next, we are preparing for Pastor Brent’s final service as our pastor and have three events for your calendar. For those men who can attend, Joe Mattaino has arranged for our monthly breakfast on Saturday, June 19, to become a farewell lunch for PB at Outback Steakhouse (6804 Richmond Highway). Put Saturday at 12:00 pm on your calendar and enjoy an hour’s worth of fellowship (and lunch) with Brent.
Sunday, June 27th, will be a bittersweet day as we say farewell to PB at his final worship service and show our appreciation for his 9 years with Nativity and 41 years as an ordained minister. Pastor Erin Reinhold-Swenson will represent Bishop Ortiz, and Megan Armenti is orchestrating an outdoor fellowship hour following the service. This is our opportunity to turn out in full force to honor PB and Sue as they begin “chapter 2.” The outdoor venue will provide an extra margin of safety.
Finally, our new interim Pastor Mitch Watney will begin his time with us on Sunday, July 1st at 9:00 am, with his first service scheduled for July 4th! Since his first service occurs on a major national holiday we will delay a welcoming fellowship hour until Sunday, July 11th. The council has been interacting with Pastor Mitch for several months and we can say without hesitation that he is excited to begin his journey with us; and we are excited to have him. Please come and meet him as he learns more about each of us and our needs and expectations as individuals and as a congregation.
Well…not much going on at Nativity.
See you INSIDE on Sunday,
Bob Kehler
Council President
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This Saturday, June 19th Nativity Men's Breakfast will be a lunch at The Outback Steakhouse 6804 Richmond Hwy at noon. We really enjoy each other's company and this will be Pastor Brent's last chance to join us. We need at least 8 folks for the reservation. Please let Joe Mattaino know if you will be attending by Friday June 18th. cjmattaino@verizon.net
Newcomers always welcome!
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Following worship service on June 27th, we will host a small Fellowship to celebrate Pastor Brent’s retirement. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments (finger-foods only) will be served on the lawn. If you would like to contribute, please contact Megan Armenti (msarmenti@gmail.com).
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We Want to Hear From You
Thank you for participating in this year's Metro D.C. Synod Assembly. We hope you had as much fun attending as we did organizing it.
Please help the Synod Assembly Planning Team evaluate this year's assembly by completing the Metro D.C. 2021 Synod Assembly Participant Survey.
We want to hear your feedback so we can keep improving our logistics and content. Please fill this quick survey and let us know your thoughts (your answers will be anonymous).
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We will be keeping all reports online and In case you missed the inspirational worship, speakers and content from the 2021 Synod Assembly, below is a recap of all the happenings from the assembly.
All presentations, worship videos and speakers can be viewed on our YouTube page.
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Gifts of Hope has a New Look and Website Address! |
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Gifts of Hope, the alternative gift-giving ministry of the Metro D.C. Synod, has gotten a makeover! Gifts of Hope worked with Evoke Engagement Experts on a rebrand and improved communications to make it easier for you to participate in our alternative giving program.
Check out the new look, the new website, and the new online shopping experience at www.giftsofhopedc.com. Please bookmark this new URL in your favorites so you can find it when you need to make a gift all year around!
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The Metro D.C. Synod Racial Equity Team invites you to pause on Thursday night, June 17, 2021, at 7:00 PM (EST) as we commemorate the 6th anniversary of the massacre of the Emanuel 9 with a communal Bible study. Mindful of the deep presence of God at Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, we will read the scripture that was part of the bible study in 2015, that night when Dylan Roof was welcomed as a stranger. Rooted in the Word and in small groups, we will ask what was God saying then and what is God saying now?
Attendance will be limited to allow for meaningful small group participation, but all materials will be posted after the event to allow for future congregational and other group use.
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June 20th is World Refugee Day – a time when we acknowledge the overwhelming adversity faced by the nearly 80 million displaced people worldwide. At Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, it is our deepest belief that these vulnerable individuals should be protected, embraced, and empowered in a world of just and welcoming communities.
Join us on World Refugee Day (and every day!) in celebrating the incredible resilience and contributions of refugees in America – and remembering those overseas who look to us for protection.
Explore this interactive page to learn more about refugees, to advocate for compassionate policy solutions, to share and uplift their voices and to support our work.
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Feel Good Friday
Special Edition: Be The One Countdown to Summer!
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June 11 is the last day of school for many in our area and June 21 is the first Monday of Summer! To celebrate, we're counting down the next 10 days in our "Be the One" Countdown to Summer! |
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United Community's Early Learning Center- Building Community One Child At A Time: The COVID pandemic impacted thousands of lives -- including families at United Community's Early Learning Center.
Early Learning Center Director Torria Baker shares her experience and excitement, as the center prepares to reopen on July 1, 2021 (for more information visit www.earlylearningctr.org)
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Bringing Food Directly to Those In Need: Even as the COVID pandemic begins to wind down, food insecurity remains a daunting challenge in the Route 1 community - especially for those without easy access to food pantries and other resources.
For the past year, United Community has been working to bring food directly to those communities in need. Our mobile food distribution serves 300 families per week at two difference locations.
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Bringing Summer Fun to Our Community: Starting July 12th, we are so excited to welcome kids for our SPARK Tinker Thinker Summer Camp! We’ll be doing field trips, STEAM workshops, team building activities, and more!
Studies show that summer camps can have a huge impact on a child’s academic, social, and physical growth. After this past year of COVID lockdowns, restrictions, and isolations, who couldn’t use a little more of that?
What our kids lost last year cannot be replaced, but what we can do is show our youth that life can return to normal, they can be with their peers, and that learning IS fun.
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From your Editor
Marianne
We have been sending the Connect and Worship via email for many months now and will continue to do so even as we gather again. I am always looking for a funny picture, anniversary, graduation, birth or an intercession for someone close to you whom we can pray for, an insight, idea or something to lighten everyone's spirit...feel free to email them to me at momwendel57@gmail.com. This is something Pastor does on Sunday...but not often enough! I would love to share these special moments with our whole church family by adding them to our Connect.
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New Address
As a reminder, please use the new PO Box for donations, or bring your donation to church on Sunday and deposit it in the familiar collection plate (same plate-different location).
If you need it, here is the PO Box info:
Nativity Lutheran Church
PO Box 8083
Alexandria, VA 22306-9998
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ELCA
Below are the links to our Church websites where you will find up to date info about what is being done by and for Lutherans across our nation and the world.
Quick Links
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The Rev. Brent H. Thalacker,
Pastor
bthalacker@cox.net
Carrie Brutscher, Music Director and Council Secretary
Bob Kehler, Council President
Eric Remick Vice President
Debbie Bowers, Treasurer
Donilou24@gmail.com
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Joe Mattis, Stewardship
Sandi Kottman, Council Member (at large)
Brian Bauman, Council Member (at large)
2brianbauman@gmail.com
Marianne Wendel, Administrative Assistant (Volunteer)
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Address:
1300 Collingwood Road,
Alexandria, VA 22308
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