The Rev. Brent H. Thalacker, Pastor
(C) 571.236.4976
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Nativity Connect
June 2, 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 and we celebrate Holy Communion drive in style (88.5 on your FM dial) at Nativity. So whether we are on the lawn, in our cars or on our screens our hearts and minds are in the same place. We are together in worship.
Sunday, June 6th, 10:00 am: Synod Live Stream Worship Service 10:00 am. (No outdoor Worship at Nativity.) See Below
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June 4th-6th: Virtual Synod Assembly.
Wednesday June 9th: Anneliese Betz's interment is at Arlington Cemetery June 9 at 11 am. Arrive at 10:15 for vehicle/id check at the administration building.
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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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Allow me to first take a moment to thank Nativity for the week of vacation that allowed me to finally see our grandsons (and dog Penny) in Chucktown, SC. I squeezed in a golf game with our son, relaxed a bit, and had a great time. Sue did all the driving, so we arrived home safe and sound. Appreciation as well to Pastor Ron for filling in on Sunday; I understand that the weather dictated another 'all auto FM' service, so he got to see what 'studio' preaching was like. We have one more outdoor opportunity on the 13th, where we'll say 'so long' to a year of outside before we return inside on the 20th. All in all, no matter how bad things were this last year, I will always appreciate the goodness that happened in the parking lot and on the lawn the past 50 Sundays. It was a sanctuary every bit as much as any I have known, and I will always regard the great outdoors at Nativity to be a holy space! |
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So having Sunday 'off' I felt frisky enough to stay awake all the way through 60 Minutes; I'm glad I did. The show updated a story from a few years ago on the "90+ Team". Scientists are working with a group of those blessed to have lived into their 10th decade and beyond to form a study team; the reporter caught up with the subjects and those gathering the data, In what will inevitably be their final years, these folks are helping researchers as they are tracked in the areas of physical and emotional activity; but the main focus is on mental alertness and brain clarity as they relate to the onset of dementia...or not. In the end, sad to say, when they succumb the brain is donated and correlations documented.
You, dear reader, know that I never speak about stuff unless I know all about it and completely understand everything (a little inside joke!) In this case, I can't even fake it, so I won't try. The study has something to do with identifying the presence of "TDP#43" in the postmortem analysis of the brain, locating these particles is a predictor of dementia. Oh, did I mention that doctors have no way of finding them while you're living...by the time they uncover them I'm pretty sure you have ceased caring. It would be nice if someday they might find a way to read these indicators while you are still alive...someday will come! Until then, there will always be more questions than answers, and those answers lead to more?
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What caught my ear is the latest discovery, involving the profile of a wonderfully robust gentleman who was sharp as a tack. He could recite with ease personal details of pandemic times...all of them! Aware, joyful, full of life; the poster boy for keeping your mind to the very end. And when he closed his eyes for the last time at the age of century +, he did so with both spirit and mind intact. So when his brain was later subject to microscopic analysis, the doctors assumed it would be clear of those pesky particles; they were shocked to see it chalk full of the dreaded dots...the indicator was cast in red, and it looked to me like Reformation and Pentecost combined!
His was the first of a number of those people who have exhibited total cognition and a lively energy level in spite of the evidence that should have spelled a very different fate than combining quality and quantity in such a fashion. And scientists are still searching for the why in these occasional cases. But they have given the phenomenon a name: "Resilience". Whether it's a gene combo yet to be sequenced, for whatever reason, they resisted the red, and without knowing it or doing anything to aid it, were fortunate to be among those who are resilient. Maybe sooner than later, we hope some of this understanding travels from laboratories to doctor's office, nursing care, and homes...it would be nice.
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So that's a long way to a short point: we who are baptized Christian and gifted with faith and hope, especially the good people of Nativity, are aging gracefully and are nothing if not resilient. And that comes from the power of God's love for us...we find our mind in Christ. That means that we are clear as a bell in our purpose to serve each other and all of creation. In case you're not fully conversant on the meaning of resiliency, I'll leave you with a snapshot from one of my favorite books, Random House Roget's Thesaurus:
Rock the Red!
Pastor Brent,
P.S. Thank you Christina!
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Greetings from your church council!
This is a year of change and excitement for Nativity Lutheran Church. As all should know by now, Pastor Brent will retire on July 1, 2021 after 41 years in God’s service. He has had a remarkable career serving the Lord and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, and Nativity has benefitted greatly from his vision, energy, wisdom, and humor. We will miss him and promise to cherish his remaining time here as we arrange a sendoff befitting his commitment and tenure.
We knew this day was coming, so we have been working with Pastor Brent and Bishop Ortiz to consider the timing of his retirement and to explore alternatives for our transition to a new pastor. Our goal is to call a full-time pastor; however, Bishop Ortiz observed and the council agreed that there is substantial work for our congregation to do before Nativity is in the best position to make such a commitment and offer. Bishop Ortiz proposed that we move forward with a part-time interim pastor for a two-year transition period during which we will determine how we can become more effective hands for God, rediscover our mission and ministry, discern our place in the community, and establish the partnerships and relationships that will allow Nativity to flourish into the future.
After much prayer and deliberation, two open congregational discussion sessions, and many informal conversations with individual congregation members, your council consented to the appointment of Pastor Mitchell (Mitch) Watney to begin July 1, 2021. Pastor Mitch is an experienced pastor and leader with over 30 years of service (most recently at Good Samaritan Lutheran Church in MD from March 2010 – May 2020). The council has spent a great deal of quality time with Pastor Mitch and have helped him understand Nativity’s history, culture, people, and expectations. In return, we have discovered his passion, excitement, and dedication to ministering to our congregation while helping us discern our future (you can see him in action on You Tube). There will not be a gap between Pastor Brent’s departure and Pastor Mitch’s arrival and our discussions have led to a part-time commitment averaging 28 hours per week to Nativity.
Now we will prepare to say farewell to Pastor Brent and welcome to Pastor Mitch (and, hopefully, return to our beautiful sanctuary as the pandemic draws to a close). Here is the schedule of events for the next several months:
Sunday, June 6 (no service at Nativity), 10:00 AM – Virtual service. Nativity will join the churches of the Metro Washington DC Synod to celebrate the conclusion of Synod Assembly 2021. Look for details in the weekly edition of Connect.
Saturday, June 12, Time TBD – Work detail. We will help move donated items and the memorial garden from Messiah to its new home at Nativity.
Sunday, June 13, 9:00 AM – Outdoor service. Outdoor service under the trees.
Sunday, June 20, 9:00 AM – Indoor service. This is our planning date to return to the sanctuary. Look for details in the weekly edition of Connect.
Sunday, June 27, 9:00 AM – Indoor service and fellowship. This will be Pastor Brent’s last service as our pastor. Please come celebrate his time with us in worship and fellowship!
Wednesday, July 1. Pastor Mitch assumes pastoral responsibilities.
Sunday, July 4, 9:00 AM – Indoor service. Pastor Mitch officiates his first service as our pastor.
Sunday, July 11, 9:00 AM – Indoor service and fellowship. Worship and official welcoming fellowship for Pastor Mitch.
Every transition is marked by excitement tinged with sadness. We’re sad to see Pastor Brent go, but excited for his future (reducing his golf handicap . . .). We’re also excited to welcome Pastor Mitch and look forward to the opportunities we have with him in the coming two years. This is a time for optimism. Nativity can grow and thrive, but each of us must do what we can to make it happen. The pandemic has disrupted our lives – now is the time to return to the familiar warmth of our church. Come to Sunday service; reach out to members who may have drifted away; reach out to friends and family who are seeking a place to reconnect; reach out to potential members who are looking for a new church home; and reach into your hearts and recommit yourself to serving as God’s hands in this world. All are welcome at Nativity.
Yours in Christ – the Nativity Church Council
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Following worship service on June 27th, we will host a small reception to celebrate Pastor Brent’s retirement. Coffee, juice, and light refreshments (finger-foods only) will be served. If you would like to contribute, please contact Megan Armenti (msarmenti@gmail.com).
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This Sunday, June 6th, Nativity will be joining a "Synodwide Celebration of God’s Word Service" that will premiere at 10:00am on Youtube and Facebook. The Rev. Yehiel Curry, Bishop of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, will be preaching. We invite everyone to join us in worship as we celebrate being "Alive: Inspired by the Holy Spirit". The texts for the day are Genesis 3:8-15, Psalm 130, Mark 3:20-35. A bulletin for the service will be available on the synod website.
In order to emphasize the import of this event, Nativity will not gather on the lawn this Sunday. These links will be repeated in your usual Sunday Service email.
Special thanks to Eric Remick, who will endure hours of Zoom Assembly this weekend as your voting member, So then our shared participation on Sunday morning is a sign of the mutual commitment we hold with the 70+ congeragations and staff of our Synod.
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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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ELCA Youth Gathering 2022: Apply to be a Volunteer |
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Would you like to volunteer at the Gathering and help our young people grow in faith and encounter Christ? Serving the youth of this church is a vocational calling that requires careful discernment.
There are three volunteer categories: local volunteers, Gathering Volunteer Corps (GVC) and servant companions. Although responsibilities and commitments vary by category, every volunteer must agree to follow the terms of a volunteer code of conduct and complete a background check by the ELCA.
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Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Summer Camps Hiring Staff for Summer of 2021 |
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Many of the Lutheran summer camps around the United States are still looking to hire camp staff for the summer of 2021. Please spread the word to those who might consider such an opportunity! Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (LOM) has a new app to make it easier for interested persons to find a summer camp that is right for them.
The Camp MatchUp app allows users to receive quick and easy access to information about camps. Camp MatchUp is a touch tool for camps to connect with interested applicants and to assist applicants in their camp discernment process.
All are encouraged to share this app with all who might be in a position to consider working at an LOM camp this summer.
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Feel Good Friday
Sam Rasoul Visits Sequoyah, FY20 Impact Report, and Amazon Fresh Partnership
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Sam Rasoul Visits Sequoyah Mobile Food Distribution: We had a few extra helping hands at our Mobile Food Distribution in the Sequoyah Neighborhood this week. Sam Rasoul - a candidate for Virginia's Lt. Governor - and his team came by to help us distribute food in our community. Thank you Sam for taking time to serve and visit with our community!
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United Community Releases FY20 Impact Report: COVID-19 hit us all this year like a CAT-5 hurricane. It has engulfed everyone and every aspect of our daily lives, our work, our families and our community.
The people we serve at United Community are vulnerable and have suffered systemic inequities that the pandemic has only exacerbated. Communities of color have experienced drastically higher levels of job loss from closed businesses, higher rates of illness and tragic loss of lives - losing loved ones to a relentless disease that prevented families from being able to even say goodbye or embrace with one final hug.
And while much uncertainty still exists about our community's future, what we do know is that this crisis has united us as a community.
As United Community was called upon to respond and channel resources based on evolving COVID-19 restrictions, we were awe inspired by the love and care from our supporters and partners on a level that lifted our spirits and strength to meet rapidly growing needs.
We are proud to share with you highlights of just some of the many families, civic groups, small businesses, non-profit partners and churches who came to our loading dock each day with cars and truckloads of food and supplies – eager to help, even when they themselves may have been struggling
This year demonstrated that we truly are a United Community.
Click here to read our Full FY20 Impact Report
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Amazon Fresh Partnership Brings Food Distributions to a New Level: This week thousands of pounds of milk, eggs, meat, and fresh produce were distributed to families at Creekside Village Community Center. Residents were so excited that not even a pouring thunderstorm could keep them from coming out.
This distribution was made possible thanks to our new partnership with Amazon Fresh, which opened their new location in Manchester Lakes this past Thursday.
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Now Hiring Summer Camp Counselors: Do you know someone looking for a fun summer job? The Sacramento Neighborhood Center and Creekside Village Community Center are now hiring for paid, part-time and full-time Summer Camp Counselors!
Applicants will work with youth in our exciting SPARKS Summer Camps and should be 18 years or older. The camps include field trips, educational STEAM activities, team-building exercises, and so much more!
Applicants will develop mentor and leadership skills, as well build lasting relationships with youth in our community.
Click here for more information!
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"Be The One" Campaign - We all want our kids to learn, thrive and grow. Just $125 can sponsor a child at our STEAM Tinker Thinkers Camp for one week!
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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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