Nativity Blog Archives

Position Description June 11, 2026 Who we are: Church of the Nativity is a young(ish) Episcopal Church (40 years old this year!) with a history of being actively engaged in worship, justice and Christian formation. We average approximately 150 worshippers on Sunday morning, and our sanctuary features a two-manual, 20-stop Andover pipe organ that was installed in 2007 and has been well maintained. For more information about our organ, please… Read more: Organist/Choirmaster Church of the Nativity (Episcopal) – Raleigh, NC

Many thanks to all who contributed to the most successful Church of the Nativity/NAACP Scholarship Fund we have had since we began in 2021. In case you missed the church announcement, we concluded the campaign with a total of $10,000, 25% more than we have raised in each of the previous five years! Leaders of the Raleigh-Apex Chapter of the NAACP, our partners in this program, are delighted to award… Read more: NAACP Scholarship Fund a Huge Success!

A full email address usually has two parts: “Display Name” <email address> The display name is optional. Sometimes you will only see the email address, such as Alfred@gmail.com. The sender can type almost anything as the display name. It is usually meant to be a name people can read easily, such as “Alfred C.” But it is not checked against the real email address, so the display name can be… Read more: Who does that email really come from?

This is the story of the Alabama River, which runs from Montgomery Al. to Mobile Al and its trip through the history of the State of Alabama. With a particular focus on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, this beautifully illustrated story tells the history of Alabama, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement in the 60s.

This story uses gorgeous illustrations that show the beauty of God’s Creation during walks that a Grandad shares with his Grandson. On these walks, the grandfather explains to his grandson how different parts of nature pray to God. This does not always make sense to the child during these walks. As he grows older, he realizes the beauty that Grandfather brought into his life through a connection with nature.

This is a beautiful story about a child going with their father to an annual visit to a family reunion. Beautiful illustrations show African-American family traditions that are centered around their land that has been with them for years, and will be theirs for years to come. Every year, the family gathers to share how the land has affected them, their lives, and history.

This beautifully illustrated picture book recounts the racial discrimination and injustice present in our American society in the 1950’s and 60’s.  This intergeneration story is told by a grandfather to his grandson and has a positive message of changes that have enabled black Americans to have more opportunities now than in the pre-civil rights era.    The story is appropriate for 4-8 year olds and concludes with an author’s note… Read more: These Hands

The Energy Bus for Kids by Jon Gordon is an illustrated fable that teaches children how to overcome negativity, bullies and daily challenges by cultivating a positive attitude. Following a boy named George who learns to “fuel” his life with positivity, the book introduces five rules to help kids find inner motivation, stay positive, and share positive energy with others. As the book begins, nothing is going right for George… Read more: The Energy Bus

Often in our lives we look to others for inspiration and example. Learning about the way others have lived their lives can be a positive force for young readers. BLACK BOY, BLACK BOY, and  BLACK GIRL, BLACK GIRL are two such books that highlight the lives of inspirational people of color.  Each book has selected particular people to give the reader a peek into the work these people have accomplished. … Read more: BLACK GIRL, BLACK GIRL

Often in our lives we look to others for inspiration and example. Learning about the way others have lived their lives can be a positive force for young readers. BLACK BOY, BLACK BOY, and  BLACK GIRL, BLACK GIRL are two such books that highlight the lives of inspirational people of color.  Each book has selected particular people to give the reader a peek into the work these people have accomplished. … Read more: BLACK BOY, BLACK BOY

A Rose for Abby  by Donna Guthrie (1988) is a simple but meaningful story about helping those less  fortunate than ourselves.  In this story, Abby sees an old woman looking through the trash for whatever she needs, most likely food.  Abby is concerned,  so she decides to help in some way.  By enlisting the help of her father, who is a pastor, and the local grocer as well as other… Read more: A Rose for Abby

In 1959 a boy named Junior moved with his family to Roxboro, North Carolina. Their farm was failing and they hoped for a better life in the city, but Junior’s family was black, and this was the era of Jim Crow when public spaces were segregated. Although Junior missed life on the farm, his new school friends introduced him to a small library in the woods for black residents. After… Read more: The Library in the Woods

“You never know what can happen.” This opening line about the life of Sonia Sotomayor captures the essence of her childhood growing up in public housing in the South Bronx section of New York City, through her appointment and current position as the first Latina Supreme Court Justice of the United States. It is a remarkable story. The book focuses on the early challenges facing Sonia and her family as… Read more: Sonia Sotomayor – A Judge Grows in the Bronx

The Acorn and the Oak By Rhonda Accardo  Reviewed by Mari Borstelmann This is a story about a young girl and her mom who love walking together through the forest on a dirt road they know very well.  At the end of the road is an old oak tree, a wonderful place for the girl and her mom to sit together and talk about nature. The girl learns how the Great Oak… Read more: The Acorn and the Oak

June 10 and July 12: Join a ONE Wake Listening Session. Help Us Understand How Housing is Affecting Our Congregation and Those We Care About How has the affordable housing crisis affected you or those you know? Your story matters. Join the conversation virtually on Zoom June 10 from 7-8 pm or in person in Corlett Hall on July 12 following the 10:30 am service. All are welcome.  Please sign… Read more: One Wake Coming Events

Sunday, June 7, begins our Summer Peace Library program. Go to the Peace Library Review page for a list of all the books that have been reviewed by Nativity. Look for the special display at the front of the sanctuary featuring Peace Library books chosen to complement each week’s Gospel reading. Many of these titles are new to the collection. Activity sheets for most books will be available for children… Read more: Peace Library Summer Reading

You can make a difference by donating to the Leesville Elementary Backpack Program on the first Sunday of every month – next time is Sunday, June 7. Donations of shelf-ready milk, snacks, and protein items are greatly needed. Monetary donations are also appreciated. Donations can be placed in the basket in Estill House. Thank you for sharing your generosity and ensuring students have enough food through this season.

Registration for the 2026–27 Education for Ministry (EfM) seminar will open this summer. Offered through The University of the South School of Theology, EfM is a small-group program for theological education and reflection that meets Monday evenings at Nativity. Through study, prayer, and guided conversation, participants explore scripture, church history, and theology while reflecting on the relationship between faith and daily life. EfM is grounded in the belief that every… Read more: Education for Ministry

It’s time to register for Vacation Bible School, July 19–23! This year’s theme is Kingdom Quest, an adventure-focused VBS that invites children to explore what it means to seek God’s kingdom through scripture, worship, service, and friendship. We’re excited to once again partner with North Raleigh Presbyterian Church, with VBS taking place on their campus this summer. Mark your calendars now and register to participate. Volunteer opportunities coming soon.

Join ONE Wake on Tuesday, May 19, at 1 pm for Raleigh’s affordable housing budget discussions. We hope to have a strong turnout to show support for affordable housing priorities. RSVP with ONE Wake and the Nativity group if you’d like to carpool. Also, save the date for the ONE Wake Statewide Candidate Forum on Saturday, September 19, and consider volunteering as a “shield” at Out! Raleigh Pride Family Day… Read more: ONE Wake Upcoming Actions

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: Habitat for Humanity

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

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

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

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