Nativity Blog Archives

One of the outreach efforts your pledge dollars support each year is the Episcopal Habitat Build. Nativity contributes toward building materials and provides volunteers to help construct a home for a qualified homebuyer. More ways to support Habitat 1) Donate to Habitat ReStores If you’re spring cleaning or downsizing, consider donating gently used items to a Habitat ReStore. Wake and Johnston Counties have 10 locations. ReStores are thrift stores, and… Read more: Episcopal Habitat Build

This summer, we invite you to join a new adult formation offering: Lectionary Divina. Meeting Sundays from June 21 to August 23, from 9:30–10:20 am in Curry Hall, Room 204, this group will engage one or more of the lectionary readings appointed for the day through a reflective, discussion-based approach. Sessions will be led on a rotating basis by The Rev. Dr. Grey Maggiano, Jeremy Clos, and others. All are… Read more: Lectionary Divina

Join The Rev. Nancy Titus as we conclude our exploration of Christian mysticism in Secrets of the Christian Mystics. Due to winter weather cancellations, we will complete the series by focusing on Thomas Merton and Cynthia Bourgeault. Meeting Sunday, June 7 and 14, from 9:30–10:20 am in Curry Hall, Room 204. This continuation offers a rich introduction to these modern voices in the mystical tradition. All are welcome, whether or… Read more: Secrets of the Christian Mystics – Part 2

Young Adult Bible Study meets on Zoom on the first Tuesday of each month from 6:30–8 pm, led by The Rev. George Black. Our next gathering is on June 2. This is a relaxed, welcoming space to explore scripture, ask questions, and grow in community. Whether you’re new to Bible study or have lots of experience, you’re invited. And who counts as a “young adult”? That’s up to you. To… Read more: Young Adult Bible Study

We live in a time where, sadly, scammers attempt to collect personal information online. In order to add an additional layer of security, email links in Glad Tidings and on our website now go through a secure “Contact Nativity” form. Your message will now be sent from website@nativityonline.org, keeping your personal email private. Please be sure to include your email in the form so recipients can reply directly to you.… Read more: Email Security at Nativity

Happy May, Seniors! In case you missed your Cinco de Mayo celebration, join us for a festive lunch gathering on Sunday, May 17 at 12 pm at Carajillo’s Mexican Restaurant – 6675 Falls of Neuse Rd., Raleigh 27615. Our host this month is Ed Mussman! Please let him know you’re joining. Come enjoy great food, warm fellowship, and time together as a community. We look forward to sharing this special… Read more: Senior Luncheon Sunday, May 17

Nativity has been accepted into the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina’s Let the Children Come discernment and grant process, an initiative focused on imagining and experimenting with intergenerational worship and prayer that honors the gifts and spiritual lives of children. Over the coming months, we will work with The Rev. Canon Kathy Walker as our guide to explore new ways children and adults can worship and grow in faith together.… Read more: Let the Children Come

I am very sad to announce that June 14 will be Christian Schoen’s last Sunday with us as our Music Minister. It has been an inspiring year for our choir and our music program, and we will miss Christian’s leadership behind the console. The vestry is working on the next steps, and you should hear shortly from Nativity leadership about the next steps for our music program. Please join us… Read more: Saying Farewell to our Music Minister, Christian Schoen

Nativity is partnering with local congregations to sponsor a Guns to Gardens Safe Surrender event on Saturday, June 13, at Umstead Park United Church of Christ. Individuals can anonymously surrender unwanted firearms at no cost. Weapons are safely disabled on-site and later repurposed into garden tools. This effort responds to concerns raised by our youth. Volunteers are needed before, during, and after the event for setup, greeting, assisting participants, and… Read more: Guns to Gardens Safe Surrender Event

We are delighted to share that the Episcopal Divinity School has named nine leaders to its inaugural “Innovating Beloved Communities” cohort, including our Rector, the Rev. Dr. Grey Maggiano!  This year-long program supports leaders in nurturing ministries rooted in justice, compassion, and inclusion through mentorship, retreats, and shared learning. We celebrate this joyful milestone in Father Grey’s ministry and invite you to meet the cohort and learn more here.  

Save the date for Vacation Bible School, July 19–23! We’re excited to once again partner with North Raleigh Presbyterian Church for a great week of faith and fun. VBS will be held on their campus this year. Mark your calendars now and watch for the theme and registration details coming soon. We look forward to another wonderful week together!

Out! Raleigh Pride Family Day is Saturday, June 27. Last year, a small group from Stand Up Speak Out volunteered as “shields” for participants and found it deeply meaningful. If there’s interest in serving again, we’re looking for one or more people, within SUSO or beyond, to help coordinate with the LGBT Center of Raleigh. This is a meaningful way to support and stand in solidarity with our community. Let… Read more: Out! Raleigh Pride Event

Since launching in December, we’ve raised about $5,600 toward our goal of $8,000—matching what we’ve achieved each of the past five years and helping over 30 students attend college. The campaign runs through May. To give, visit our website and click “donate,” or write a check to Church of the Nativity with “NAACP” in the memo line and place it in the offering plate or mail it. Thank you for… Read more: It’s Not Too Late to Support the 2026 Nativity NAACP Scholarship Fund!

A new Sunday morning study, The Resurrected Christ, will continue to meet April 19–May 17, from 9:30–10:20 am in Curry Hall, Room 204, led by the Rev. Dr. Jim Melnyk. Through readings from the Gospels, Acts, and Paul’s letters, participants will explore several biblical accounts of encounters with the risen Christ: on the road, by the sea, at the empty tomb, and beyond. Each class begins with a brief practice… Read more: The Resurrected Christ

If you have photos from last Sunday’s cookie decorating or time capsule burial, we would love to have them for the parish archives. We are also looking for any volunteers to capture “Nativity Activity” moments to share in our archives and with the Raleigh community on Facebook and beyond. You don’t have to be a pro to capture the moment. Interested? Please let Josh know. Our Communications and Social Media… Read more: Get Your Camera Ready

The Pastoral Care committee is looking to expand our list of Nativity members who are willing and able to help our fellow parishioners. At the present time, there is a need for transportation to doctor’s appointments and child care. If you are able to help in this way, please send us an email.

Nativity will celebrate Graduation Sunday on Sunday, June 7, honoring both our eighth-grade students and graduating seniors. Eighth graders are invited to wear their school colors, while seniors are encouraged to wear their academic regalia. All graduates will take part in the procession and receive a special blessing, followed by a celebration after the service. Families and friends are warmly invited to join us for this celebration. Please register to… Read more: Graduation Sunday – June 7

Be part of our team on Saturday, March 28 at Olde Poole Place as we partner with Habitat for Humanity! We need 15 volunteers to work on the house and helpers to provide lunch for 40 people. No experience is needed – core volunteers will guide us. Youth 16+ may participate with a parent. It’s a wonderful opportunity for learning, fellowship, and building beloved community. You can register here, just… Read more: Habitat for Humanity Build Day on Saturday, March 28

Happy March, Seniors! We’re gathering for our March Senior Luncheon on Sunday, March 15, 12 pm, at The Piper’s Tavern (8304 Falls of Neuse Rd., Raleigh 27615). David and Ellen Nason are our gracious hosts. Please give them a call or send an email to let them know you’re coming so we can plan accordingly. We look forward to good food and great fellowship!

Lent calls us to center our lives on Christ. As Nativity looks toward the next 40 years, how do we keep Jesus as the ONE THING? Join us March 4, March 11 and March 18 (on Zoom at 7 pm) and March 25 (in-person potluck) for prayerful, forward-looking conversation. We’ll celebrate our past, explore the future of the Episcopal Church with Rev. Katie Nakamura Rengers on March 18, and gather… Read more: Wednesdays in Lent: The Next 40 Years

By Ailsa Tessier If you need some quiet or meditative time in any season, I invite you to reflect and meditate on all the works of art here at Nativity. Let’s look at some of the art we are fortunate to enjoy in our parish. Probably the most prominent art we see are the many lovely works created by former parishioner Doug Smith. Doug designed and created our altar, the… Read more: Invitation to reflect and meditate on all the works of art at Nativity

From June 16 – 21, our high school students will travel to Richmond and Williamsburg, VA for a week-long pilgrimage into the story of The Episcopal Church. We’ll step into the moments when our Church wrestled with big questions, shaped its identity, and found new direction. We’ll worship together, serve alongside local communities, have a lot of fun, and make memories that last. This is more than a history trip;… Read more: Registration Open for Youth Pilgrimage 2026: Roots & Renewal

Join us in Corlett Hall on Sunday, March 22, following the 10:30 service, for an intergenerational postcard-writing event in support of Advocacy Day 2026. Nativity members of all ages are invited to write, draw, and share their voices on issues that matter most, including Climate Care, Affordable Housing, and Gun Violence, an urgent concern voiced by our youth. Snacks, art supplies, and postcards will be provided. Your handwritten message or… Read more: Together We Speak: Advocacy Day Postcards – Sunday, March 22, following the 10:30 service

Spring is almost here, and that means it’s time for our Church of the Nativity Spring Workday! Join us on Saturday, March 14 from 9 am–2 pm as we care for our church home together. We’ll be working on projects inside and out including gardening, regular maintenance, cleaning, organizing, and more. There’s something for every skill level, and many hands make light (and joyful!) work. Come for part of the… Read more: Buildings and Grounds Spring Workday – Saturday, March 14 from 9 am – 2 pm

Join us for our next Stand Up, Speak Out gathering on Sunday, February 22, following the 10:30 service. As we begin the season of Lent, we’ll take time to touch base, reconnect, and look ahead to the many meaningful opportunities coming up. There’s a lot on the horizon, and we’d love for you to be part of the conversation. Bring a snack to share and come ready for thoughtful discussion… Read more: Stand Up Speak Out (SUSO) Meeting

The youth, working alongside Randy Smith, will assemble Blessing Bags for the homeless during Lent this year. These bags will be available for pickup on Palm Sunday, March 29, after each service, so that you can share them during Holy Week. If you would like to contribute, items can be purchased through our Amazon Wishlist. We provide this for convenience, but you are absolutely welcome to purchase items elsewhere as… Read more: Holy Week Blessing Bags

What hopes and dreams do you have for Nativity? Share a message with future members by writing on the special acid-free paper in the Narthex using the pens provided. Your note will be placed in our time capsule and opened 40 years from now! The display will remain in the Narthex through the end of February. Watch for details about the Time Capsule burial after the Lenten season. And don’t… Read more: Talk to the Future

Looking to make new connections or reconnect at Church of the Nativity? Foyer groups are a fun way to share a meal and good conversation in a relaxed setting. Groups of 4-5 gather monthly and cook, host, or order in! Families are welcome to join through Family Foyer if there’s enough interest. Email Gail Till to sign up. Group assignments will be shared the last week of February.

StoryBuilders is a devising summer theater camp for rising 3rd–9th graders, offered in partnership by Nativity and The Justice Theatre Project. The two-week camp runs the weeks of July 27 and August 3. Campers work in age-based groups to create an original stage performance inspired by texts from Nativity’s Peace Library, developing characters and scenes with guidance from teaching artists. The cost is $285 per week, and scholarships are available.… Read more: StoryBuilders Theatre Camp

Delve into Hell Bent by Brian Recker during our Lenten book study, as we explore Christian spirituality, community, and the nature of God’s love. The group will meet Tuesdays, February 24–March 24, from 1–2 pm in the Estill House Conference Room, just following the Lenten Tuesday Eucharist. The study will be offered in a hybrid format, with a Zoom option available. Please register to indicate your preference and to receive… Read more: Hell Bent Lenten Book Study

Episcopal 101 is a three-week Sunday-morning class for newcomers, visitors, seekers, and anyone who wants to learn more about what it means to be an Episcopalian, covering our history, beliefs, and practices. The class meets Sundays, February 22–March 8, from 9:30–10:20 am, in the Estill House Conference Room and will be led by The Rev. Grey Maggiano. Please register to indicate your interest and help with planning.

Lent Madness is a Lenten devotion that invites participants to learn about the saints through a fun, tournament-style bracket. Brackets will be available in the Narthex beginning Sunday, February 8, or you can print your own. Voting at Nativity begins Monday, February 23, with 10 e-mail ballots across the season of Lent to determine Nativity’s choice for the Golden Halo. If you want even more fun, take part in the… Read more: Get Ready for Lent Madness!

Lenten devotionals are now available for pick up in the Narthex. Choose from four titles: Pick up yours today!

Nativity has been invited to once again participate in the Annual Friendship Iftar Dinner at the Divan Center (1076 W Chatham St, Cary, NC 27513) on Thursday, February 26, at 6 pm. This special evening is an opportunity to share in the spirit of Ramadan, enjoy a meal with our neighbors, and celebrate unity in diversity. Space is limited, so please register soon. Join us as we gather to learn… Read more: Ramadan Friendship Dinner

Have you ever rung handbells? Our handbell choir has one or two openings, and we’d love to welcome new ringers. If you have any experience with handbells or are comfortable reading music, you might be a great fit for our group. We rehearse on Wednesday evenings and have a lot of fun making music together. Interested or curious to learn more? Please reach out to Ailsa Tessier by email or… Read more: Handbell Ringers Wanted

Abukloi The mission of the Abukloi Foundation is to develop a new generation of peaceful leaders in South Sudan through excellence in education and economic and community development. Read more: https://www.abukloi.org/ Episcopal Farmworker Ministry Serves agricultural workers (chiefly crop field workers and meat processing plant workers) and their families across Eastern rural NC. Read more: https://www.efwm.org/ Episcopal Relief and Development Partners with faith and community leaders to advance lasting change… Read more: 2025 Day Of Giving

Church and money. Talking about it makes many of us uncomfortable, but the fact remains that the church as we know it requires more than prayers to function. Gail Christensen shared her reasons why giving to the church is as important to our spiritual lives as it is to the church’s finances. Skin in the game: A term coined by renowned investor Warren Buffett to refer to the situation in… Read more: Stewardship Moment: Skin in the Game

But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream (Amos 5:24). He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.   And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy  and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8). Do your little of bit of good where you are; it’s these little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world (Archbishop Desmond Tutu). I… Read more: Justice for All God’s Creation

As clergy, there is one question I dislike perhaps more than any other. It is not “Are you allowed to swear?” or “You can be a priest and be married?” or even “What’s it like to only work one day a week?” The question that is the hardest for me to answer is “So what do I call you?”  Because the honest answer is – I don’t know. Father Grey, Reverend Grey, Pastor… Read more: What’s in a Name? (Or a Title?)

George Black is currently an Ordinand for Holy Orders in the Episcopal Church. He holds a Master’s of Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary, with aspirations of serving as a full-time prison and school chaplain. He will be helping out part time at Church of the Nativity serving as Curate. Most recently, George served as a Venture Manager of Collab, a community-centered accelerator for Connecticut entrepreneurs and project builders. Before Collab,… Read more: Welcoming George Black to Church of the Nativity

After a thorough search process, it is my pleasure to announce we have called our next Organist and Choirmaster, Christian Schoen, to serve at Nativity.  We had many qualified candidates, and it was a difficult decision but ultimately Christian’s deep connection to the Episcopal Church, his passion for involving children in worship and music, and his excellent track record in the Church made him a perfect fit for Nativity.   He… Read more: Announcing our new Organist and Choirmaster

Join us on Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 11 am – 3 pm for Springfest! Meet new neighbors, join in on activities and games for everyone, and enjoy free food. This is a great opportunity to meet and grow as a community.Help us spread the word and don’t forget to add it to your calendar.Looking forward to seeing you at the Church grounds to enjoy the warmer season!

SUNDAY MORNING CLASS, 9:30 – 10:20 am May 4 – June 15 Come and meet the remarkable women of the New Testament—those who followed Jesus, were healed by him, supported his ministry, and helped spread the good news. Some names are familiar: Mary the mother of Jesus, Elizabeth, Mary Magdalene, Martha and Mary of Bethany. Others, like Joanna, Prisca, Susanna, and Eunice, may be less known—but all played meaningful roles… Read more: Adult Formation: Women of the New Testament

Church of the Nativity seeks an Organist/Choirmaster who appreciates the full breadth and depth of musical expression within the Episcopal Church. Our successful music program is rooted in The Hymnal 1982, but we seek to expand our musical expression using newer resources such as the LEVAS II hymnal, Wonder, Love and Praise, and Voices Found. We also will prioritize applicants who have familiarity with new composers, and who are comfortable… Read more: Organist / Choirmaster Job Description

Where Every Child is a Star: A Summer Theater Camp Rooted in Story, Justice, and Creativity This summer, something special is taking shape at the intersection of imagination and community. The Justice Theater Project, in partnership with Church of the Nativity, is now accepting registrations for its 2025 Youth Summer Theater Camp, a weeklong theatrical journey for students entering grades 3 through 9. From August 4–8, children won’t just learn… Read more: Youth Summer Theater Camp

Easter lilies have been used for many centuries as symbols of purity and immortality. The lily’s growth cycle from a bulb in the ground to a tall and stately white flower parallels Jesus’s death and resurrection, with the trumpet shape of the flower reminding us that Jesus has risen. At Easter they are often placed in Memorial Gardens and given as gifts to represent purity, renewal and the hope of… Read more: Easter Lilies in the Memorial Garden

And when they arrive before the Cross the daylight is already growing bright. There the passage from the Gospel is read where the Lord is brought before Pilate, with everything that is written concerning that which Pilate spoke to the Lord or to the Jews; the whole is read.And afterwards the bishop addresses the people, comforting them for that they have toiled all night and are about to toil during… Read more: Holy Week Reflection

One of the definitions of the word pastoral’ is “…the work and concern of the shepherd for his sheep.” At Nativity, pastoral care is concern for parishioners and their lives in good times and hard times. Our pastoral care team comprises The Rev. Grey Maggiano, George Douglas, Megan Douglas, Viola Baldwin, Jo Dykes, and Ailsa Tessier, as equal partners in this work. When someone experiences a loss or requests prayers,… Read more: Pastoral Care at Nativity

In January, the 2025 Vestry met to do some team building and strategic brainstorming for the direction of The Church of the Nativity. One of the items we identified was a desire to provide more opportunities for our parish community to connect with and support our surrounding community in a more personal and hands-on way.  If you were present for Grey’s sermon on January 26  (and, if you weren’t, you… Read more: Friends & Family Day

by Lillis Ward and Beth Crow The Church of the Nativity identifies itself as a community that cares for each other and for the larger society. This was so well demonstrated during this year’s Week and Day of Giving. The spirit of the season could be felt throughout Estill House this past Sunday through the conversations with outreach representatives, the amazement over the many beautiful homemade items, and of course… Read more: Week & Day of Giving a Resounding Success