The Episcopal Church of the Nativity January 2021
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The Episcopal Church of the Nativity
January 2021
•HUNTSVILLE, AL• •THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF THE NATIVITY• •NATIVITY-HSV.ORG•
CLERGY & STAFF God’s family at the historic Church of the Nativity is joyfully and energetically committed to
The Rev. T. Michael Goldsmith sharing Christ’s love and healing by proclaiming the Good News of the Gospel through worship
Rector and service to the world.
The Rev. Susan Sloan
Priest Associate
The Rev. Worth Stuart
Priest Associate
The Rev. Robert A. Serio, M.D.
Deacon
The Rev. Rose Veal Eby IN THIS ISSUE
Outreach Missioner If you were unable to attend the
Amy Brooks 3 CONFIRMATION 2021 virtual farewell celebration for
Coordinator of Youth Ministry The Rt. Rev. Kee Sloan you can
Lee Anne Bryant 4 ADULT CHRISTIAN find the link to watch it below.
Assistant Children & Youth Ministries FORMATION Pay special attention at the 1
Coordinator
John Buyse hour 32 minute mark, because
6 LENT 2021
Property Manager that is where you will hear the
Mary Coe 8 CHILDREN& YOUTH story of the very thoughtful and
Children’s Formation beautiful gift given by The
Austin Cook FORMATION
Finance Manager Church of the Nativity to Bish-
Christian Crocker 10 MUSIC AT NATIVITY op Sloan that was made by
Choirmaster and Organist Elaine and Richard Hamner.
Vicky Hinton 11 STEWARDSHIP OF CREATION Thank you Elaine and Richard
Communications
for sharing your time and talent
Amy Kennedy 12 A LETTER FROM CAMP
Worship & Ministry Assistant to make this beautiful gift!
Regina Milton 13 SACRED GROUND, A REVIEW https://www.facebook.com/
Weekend Sexton dioala/
Emily Rodgers 14 A NOTE FROM A VOLUNTEER videos/182442110225142
Administrative Office Assistant
Sally Stockton AT A FOOD BANK
Kitchen Coordinator SHELBY NEXT MEMBERSHIP
Lane Tutt
Adult Christian Formation 15 PARISHIONER UPDATES
Marlin Wilder
Sexton FINANCIAL UPDATE
EMERGENCY CALLS
A member of the clergy is always on
call. If you need assistance from a
priest outside office hours, the number 2020 Christmas Ornaments
to call In Case of an Emergency Only is This year’s ornament, a dove,
256-533-7007. All other calls including is still available. Please email
church or building and grounds issues mcoe@nativity-hsv.org to
should be directed to the main phone have one delivered.
256-533-2455. Leave a message for a
KEEP US IN THE KNOW! On the cover...
Do you have a change of address, Stewart and Harriet Davis having fun
email, phone or perhaps major life as sheep in the Nativity online
event? Christmas Pageant.
Contact Emily Rodgers
Send your pictures from Nativity
256-533-2455 ext.204 or
activities and events to:
erodgers@nativity-hsv.org. vhinton@nativity-hsv.org.
2
CONFIRMATION 2021
Dear Parish Family,
I am excited to report that Bishop Glenda Curry will be with us on May 16 for Confirmation! She is very
much looking forward to being with our Nativity family. Our adult confirmation class will begin in March.
It will be led by me and will be a combination of online meetings, videos from the National Episcopal
Church, and a confirmation book. Please let Emily Rodgers know if you are seeking confirmation and she
will make sure you receive all of the information you need.
For our youth, we will hold a Confirmation “retreat” on the first weekend in May. This retreat will be led by
me and is open to all High School age youth. Amy Brooks will be the point person for this. Parents,
expect to receive an email from Amy soon.
I don't yet know exactly what the service on May 16 will look like. However, I do know that it will be safe
and that we will follow all the proper COVID-19 protocols. The 2020 Confirmation Class will also be
confirmed on that day so it will be necessary for us to have two or three services in order for the
confirmands and their families to be able to attend safely. It is going to be a wonderful celebration!
In the meantime, please feel free to call me anytime with any questions or concerns. I miss y'all and I hope
to be able to worship with you soon.
God’s Peace,
The Rev. Michael Goldsmith
ADULT CHRISTIAN FORMATION IN 2021
GOOD BOOK BIBLE STUDY
The Good Book Bible Study group invites you to join in our study of Mark’s gospel. Mark is the gospel we
hear each week for the year 2021 and we hope to delve more deeply into his writing. This group of women
will meet Wednesdays at 1 via Zoom as we look at each chapter week by week under the leadership of
Susan Morley, Jeanne Robison, Pattie Cline and Susan Sloan. If you will send your email to Carole Sue
Goodwin Wgood35801@aol.com she will send you a link for the class. Welcome aboard!
MEN’S BIBLE STUDY
Men’s Wednesday AM Bible Study meets on Wednesdays at 10:00AM via Zoom. We just began a study of
Romans. For more information on this relaxed discussion-based Bible Study, please contact Father Worth
at wstuart@nativity-hsv.org.
Continued on page 4….. 3
ZIMMERMAN CLASS
Our wonderful Zimmerman Sunday School class resumed on Sunday, January 31st at 10:00am. Hopefully you
can join us! We will be starting with Acts 20, and continuing through the end of Winter through to early Spring
in Acts. I’m excited to share that Basye Holland Shuey will be leading several of our lessons, as well as Natalie
Rushing. CLICK HERE for a study guide for these next 8 Sundays; with our ESV verses and study prompts
for each Sunday. The invitation to get on ZOOM is listed below. I also have included our closing prayer for
you to read if needed! Please feel free to share and invite others!
On call for questions! Looking forward to the fellowship our Sunday School provides for each session!
Elise Taylor
Zoom Invitation Details:
Zimmerman Zoom Meeting Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9720940434
Meeting ID: 972 094 0434
One tap mobile: +13126266799,,9720940434# US (Chicago)
Dial in on the phone: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
SOCIAL JUSTICE CLASS
The Social Justice Sunday School Class will begin a new series of
classes on Sunday, February 7 at 1:30 p.m.
Our study together will be centered on Bishop Michael Curry’s
book, Love is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times. Please
join us on Sundays as we gather via Zoom to discuss topics such as
“What is This Thing Called Love?” and “Looking for God”
and “What Desmond Tutu and Dolly Parton Have in Common”
and “Hope, Help, and Healing.”
From the book jacket: “Bishop Curry asks us to love ourselves, one
another, and God more fully, and unlike so many others, he
actually shows us how. …” Rabbi Steve Leder
We look forward to having you join us! Contact Freya Neely at WLN719@hiwaay.net to be added to the email
list for notifications and the Zoom invitations, or for more information.
4
REFLECTIONS
We are going to try something a bit different for the spring! Priscilla Shirer has a new study on Elijah coming
out February 16, and the videos will be available online for a $10 fee
to access all 7. You can choose to order a printed workbook or an
electronic workbook. We plan to try and gather outdoors (weather
dependent) and discuss our weekly study. Our plan is to start
gathering on Thursday, March 4 at 9:30am. Please plan to watch
week 1 and do the first week of homework for our meeting on
March 4th. You can purchase the bundle of study book and online
videos at the link below:
https://lifewaywomen.com/2020/12/15/announcing-the-elijah-online-bible-study-experience-WITH-
PRISCILLA-SHIRER/?ECID=797261897&BID=136249790
If you have an Amazon Prime account it is a few dollars saved if you order your book from Amazon and your
digital videos from Lifeway. If you prefer an 'ebook' then the bundle on Lifeway is cheaper. (I sure hope that
makes sense to everyone!). *you can also download an audio version or just rent the sessions at Lifeway. If you
have questions please contact Stephanie Ortel
5
LENT 2021
ASH WEDNESDAY
Dear Parish Family,
The Imposition of Ashes is a sacred tradition of our church. As part of your Lenten discipline this year, I
invite you to participate in our online Ash Wednesday service. In order to participate more fully, please
come by the front portico of Joffrion Hall anytime between Sunday, February 14 and Wednesday, February
17, to pick-up your individual packet of ashes.
At the appropriate time during the liturgy, you will be asked to administer ashes to others or to yourself.
With the ashes on your thumb, re-trace the mark of baptism by making the sign of a cross and saying,
“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
I look forward to participating in this service with you all and anxiously await the time when we can come
together in person safely.
God’s Peace,
Father Michael
LENTEN MEDITATION BOOKLETS
Lenten meditations will be sent to your email inbox beginning Ash Wednesday
through Holy Saturday. Included will be five guest meditations. Because we are
not able to have our Wednesdays Nights in Lent series, Lane Tutt asked the five
guest preachers to offer a meditation to be included in the booklet. We appreciate
The Rev. Callie Plunket-Brewton (Trinity Episcopal Church, Florence), The Rev.
Jeffrey K. Evans (St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Huntsville), The Rev. Ranie
Neisler (St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Huntsville), The Rev. Chase D. Ackerman
(St. John's Episcopal Church, Decatur) and The Rev. Danielle Thompson (Grace
Episcopal Church, Sheffield) for contributing to our Lenten journey.
Lent 2021
Printed copies of the booklet will be available by calling the church office.
6
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT LENTEN SMALL GROUPS
The Spiritual Development Committee is sponsoring a number of online Zoom groups to discuss Bishop
Michael Curry’s book, Love is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times. This is the same book that the Social
Justice Class will be discussing on Sundays. We will be meeting weekly at various times to hopefully offer
everyone a chance to participate during the six weeks of Lent
(Feb 22 – April 2). The tentative class schedule is (although we can adjust times as required for the group)
Monday 11:30 am Basye Holland-Shuey
Tuesday AM Christine Starnes
Wednesday PM Mary Johnson
Thursday after work Ted Briggs
Friday PM Walter Thames
Please join us we gather via Zoom to discuss topics such as “What is This Thing
Called Love?” and “Looking for God” and “What Desmond Tutu and Dolly Parton
Have in Common” and “Hope, Help, and Healing.” We look forward to having you join us! Contact Lane
Tutt at the church office, 256-533-2455 or ltutt@nativity-hsv.org to register for a class. Books are available in
hardcover or Kindle on Amazon or your favorite book dealer.
Bibb Chapel is open
Monday-Friday
9:00 am until 4:00 pm
for prayer & quiet reflection.
Masks required. Please observe social distancing
guidelines posted at entrance.
7
8
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Porch Drop
For Nativity Youth
5th-12th grade
Sign up below and we will drop pancake mix on your
porch for your family to enjoy on Shrove Tuesday!
www.tinyurl.com/pancakeporchdrop
9
PANDEMIC PARTNERSHIP
By Christian Crocker
Over the past four years, the choirs of St. John’s Tallahassee and the Church of the Nativity have collaborated
to provide services of choral evensong and Holy Eucharist in both their home parishes and Montgomery. This
collaboration was intended to culminate in a two-week pilgrimage to England to sing eight choral evensongs
and 1 Choral Eucharist. Unfortunately 2020 had other plans for the world and we have had to reschedule our
trip to June of 2021 with services at Winchester Cathedral and Bath Abbey.
Throughout the pandemic, both choirs have been offering music virtually for worship and other various social
media posts. This March the choirs will come together virtually to provide a Choral Evensong for the Lenten
season. Join us on Facebook or Vimeo on March 14th at 4:00pm Central Time for this service with an extended
prelude played by organists Elizabeth LaJeunesse and Christian Crocker.
JOINT CHORAL EVENSONG
MARCH 14, 2020 4:00PM CENTRAL
Choirs of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Tallahassee, FL & the Episcopal Church of the Nativity, Huntsville, AL
10STEWARDSHIP OF CREATION
By David Chadwick
We have always enjoyed hiking on Monte Sano, but the lockdowns of
the last year have encouraged us to explore some new trails. One trail we
have been enjoying recently is the High Trail accessed from the Land
Trust parking lot on the side of Monte Sano. At one point it runs across a
power line clearing and you get a great view of downtown Huntsville. It
is more level and less rocky than some other trails and has some
interesting streams and rock formations to discover.
Jesus’ ministry was carried out, not so much in synagogues or in the
Temple, but often on the side of a mountain, in the cathedral of nature.
Jesus used mountains as a quiet place to pray, to talk to His Father, and
to receive strength and guidance from him. At other times, crowds would follow him to a mountainside to
hear him speak and to witness healing.
We are fortunate to have the green side of Monte Sano as the backdrop for our city, a reservoir of peace and
nature just two miles from our downtown. But nature is not contained to the mountain. I am always amazed
to see how it reaches its fingers right into our city. I often see Red Foxes on my early morning dog walks, and
I am pretty sure they have a den behind the Huntsville Depot. Another favorite that seems to have adapted
well to city life is the Yellow Crowned Night Heron. I often see these in Bud Cramer Park (again, early
morning is best) just steps from the interstate.
Jesus displayed an appreciative and contemplative love of
nature which was rooted in God’s love for all creatures.
‘Consider the ravens. They do not sow or reap; they have no
storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them’ (Luke 12:24). You
may have witnessed an example of God’s creation in Big
Spring Park last summer. A lone Muscovy duck raised 19
ducklings from tiny fluff balls to rambunctious teenagers
without losing one. No storerooms or barns required.
11A LETTER FROM CAMP
By The Rev. Rosie Veal Eby
My family and I went on vacation in January. Now with living in the midst of COVID-19 you might be judging
me right now but first let me tell you a bit about our trip. Because I want to encourage you to go, get out of the
house and take a trip as well. We left Huntsville after Annabelle finished school on Friday, and we loaded up my
truck not with outreach supplies, but with luggage and took off to wonderful, wonderful Camp McDowell.
We pulled into Scott House just as it was getting dark and unloaded. The place was unlocked and a welcome
folder explaining all we needed to know. We chose to bring our own linens and towels but they would have
provided them if needed. I had packed simple meals to cook and s’mores to enjoy by the fire.
Saturday we hike down to the camp and up to the cross. Once there we enjoyed a picnic. Later that day we had
some fun with a photo scavenger hunt. We played several games of scrabble and discovered the best place to
roller skate. Naps were taken and books were read.
Camp McDowell is such a great resource of the diocese and anyone can book a cabin there to go enjoy a safe,
socially distanced getaway while supporting the camp and all the great work they do such as Special Sessions,
the Environmental Center and Farm School. Being a conscious consumer is good stewardship and being at
Camp McDowell is simply wonderful.
Please think about taking your next vacation at
McDowell as a way of supporting the camp!
Peace,
Rosie Veal Eby
205-387-1806
wonderful@campmcdowell.org
Just a few pictures from
our family trip to
McDowell
12SACRED GROUND, A REVIEW
By Bill Goodson
After completing the series of study via Zoom with other church members, I feel called to recommend it to
others. I found it to be enlightening and encouraging, while also bringing me
up short for many of my blind spots.
If you haven’t participated, you probably know something anyway about this
Sacred Ground project, a “Film-based dialogue series on race and faith.” The
national Episcopal Church developed and approved it as a part of the broader
mission, Becoming The Beloved Community. The Participant Preparation
Guide states:
“Making a commitment to the full ten sessions is a powerful sign that we are
engaging in what is actually a lifelong journey.”
Nativity has just finished the series, with eight groups Zooming. (Total of
approximately ninety participants.) There are assigned readings and internet
videos for each session. And there are two basic books that every participant should buy or borrow (or steal?)
which are, to my way of thinking, essential reading:
• Waking Up White, by Debby Irving. This book stirred up recognition of my racial biases like I
never thought possible. White privilege runs deep in our veins.
• Jesus and the Disinherited by Howard Thurman. First published in 1949, this is an amazingly
forthright searchlight on the correlations between Jesus’ teachings and racial injustice that are alive and well today.
Another book that was referenced is “Slavery by Another Name,” by Douglas Blackman, and I highly
recommend it. Another of our members also recommended the book, “Caste,” which is a best-seller.
There were other readings and also videos to watch, as we covered a wide range of sub- jects. Such as history of
African-American slavery and Jim Crow, as well as discrimination against Native Americans, Latinos, and Asian-
Americans. We also learned how our Episcopal Church is attempting to come to terms with these issues.
My particular group met every-other-Thursday at 2 p.m. and consisted of six members. Worth Stuart was our
convener, and the sessions were lively with contributions by all.
In our last session, we wondered about the “next step,” if there is to be one. Apparently there will be a (Zoom, I
suppose) meeting of all the groups in Huntsville that have finished the series. We all hoped there would be follow
-up programs of some kind, and that there will be opportunity for more Nativity members to take the basic series
that we finished.
Most important, I suppose, is that we each personally search ourselves and pray for ways that we can continue
efforts to conform our thoughts and actions to the Gospel example.
13NOTES ABOUT GIVING SHELBY NEXT
FROM A FOOD BANK For almost two years, we have been operating
with Shelby Next Membership. While the staff
VOLUNTEER uses this software on a daily basis, it is also used
by many parishioners to stay in touch.
1. Everyone donates Kraft Mac & Cheese in the box.
Some of the advantages of the software app on
2. Boxed milk is a treasure. Kids need it for cereal, which your cell phone:
they get a lot of.
Look up a parishioner and call that person
3. Everyone donates pasta sauce & spaghetti noodles. WITHOUT having to write down their
4. Canned foods should be pop tops OR donate can number
openers.
Email a parishioners WITHOUT having to
5. Oil is a luxury needed for Rice a Roni which they get a lot write down their email address
of.
Check on ministries you are involved with at
6. Spices, salt & pepper are a real gift. Nativity
7. Tea bags & coffee are caring gifts.
Access the Church calendar for events
8. Sugar & flour are treats.
Have your picture next to your name in the
9. Important are fresh produce donated by farmers & directory
grocery stores.
Easily access your giving to Nativity
10. Seeds are great in spring & summer because growing can
be easy for some. Shelby Next Membership is a free app! And that’s
better than a free lunch! If you need help getting
11. Rarely is there fresh meat. Canned is a good second best.
started with Shelby Next Membership, please
12. Tuna & crackers make a good lunch. contact Emily Rodgers, 256-653-9903 or
erodgers@nativity-hsv.org
13. Hamburger Helper goes nowhere without ground beef.
14. They get lots of peanut butter and jelly but NEED
sandwich bread.
15. Butter or margarine are good.
16. Eggs are a commodity!
17. Cake mix & frosting makes it possible to make a child's
birthday cake.
18. Dishwashing detergent is very expensive & is always
appreciated.
19. Feminine hygiene products are a luxury & women will
cry over them.
20. Everyone loves Stove Top Stuffing.
*Please check with the food bank you are supporting to
determine what fresh or perishable items they accept if any.* 14DEATHS: Vestry
Parish News David Phillips Darren Malone-Clerk
BIRTHDAYS Jim Phillips Elizabeth Foster-At Large Member
OF OUR CHILDREN: Virginia Parnell Finance Committee:
John Bohan Richard Hubbard Jason Angelichio-Treasurer of the
Lily Slaton Charles Welch Parish
Clara Keener Vernon Hutchens, Jr. Allen Daniel
Annsley Cook Jerry Ellis Elizabeth Foster
Cooper Gunter WELCOME NEW MEMBERS: Virginia Caruso
Caden Jackson Edna and Jimmy Farrar Jerry Nutt
Alex McCarty Margaret Gleason
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mem Mullins Frederick Lanier
HAP SUNDAY is February 7th. Items
Harris Whitfield Greg Whitehead
needed include small canned ham,
John Hutchens any other canned meats, boxed 2020 CONTRIBUTION TAX
Margot Doss cereal, Christmas cookies and canned STATEMENTS
Olivia O'Halloran fruit. Please place items in the bins Contribution statements for tax
Jordan Copeland located in the portico of Joffrion records will be emailed or mailed by
Clayton Donovan Hall. the end of January. If you do not
Taby Hartland NEW VESTRY ROLES receive your statement by the end of
January, or if you have any questions
BIRTHS Warden’s Council:
about your statement, please contact
Pierce Conlan Reddy, son of Brynnan Virginia Caruso-Sr Warden
Austin Cook at the church office
and Jim Reddy, little brother to Sam Jerry Nutt-Jr Warden
(256-533-2455) or by email at
and Anne Crosby Greg Whitehead-treasurer of the
acook@nativity-hsv.org.
Parish Financial Report
Budget for Period Actual for Period Budget YTD Actual YTD
Pledges Received $103,736.93 $180,961.78 $1,244,843.12 $1,277,979.33
Plate $10,391.61 $49,798.24 $124,699.25 $132,638.70
Other Revenues $10,606.84 $6,113.31 $127,282.00 $336,584.39
Total Income $124,735.38 $236,873.33 $1,496,824.37 $1,747,202.42
Diocese & Missions $13,695.42 $27,691.20 $164,345.00 $168,935.47
Outreach $11,412.88 $14,740.44 $136,954.00 $137,199.64
Personnel $65,933.76 $70,306.24 $791,205.11 $798,688.49
Other Expenses $33,693.69 $31,395.82 $404,320.00 $328,389.57
Total Expenses $124,735.75 $144,133.70 $1,496,824.11 $1,433,213.17
Net -$0.37 $92,739.63 $0.26 $313,989.25
15Church of the Nativity, Episcopal
208 Eustis Avenue SE Huntsville AL 35801
256.533.2455 Fax: 256.533.2374
nativity-hsv.org
2021 Altar Flower Dedications
Your Name:______________________________________
Phone #: ________________________________________
Dates requested: __________________________________
Name(s) for dedication: ______________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
Please choose one:
__ in loving memory of… __in thanksgiving for…
__in celebration of… __in honor of...
Will you share this dedication? ___YES ___NO Can we list your name in the bulletin? ___ YES ___NO
Dedications are $40 each or $20 if shared.
Make check payable to:
Nativity Flower Guild and mail your check along with this form to:
Andrea Vandervoort
434 Locust Ave. Huntsville, AL 35801
Questions? Call Andrea: 256-539-2673
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