A Night of Song and Story: Greenwood Chorale Celebrates America's 250th at Nativity

On Tuesday, June 23, the Parish Hall of Church of the Nativity was filled with the sound of voices raised in song as the Greenwood Chorale presented "Our Heritage: A 250th Celebration." This special concert commemorated the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding through a moving blend of music and narration.

The audience heard beloved favorites including America the Beautiful, The Stars and Stripes Forever, a stirring tribute to each branch of the Armed Forces, In Flanders Fields, Let There Be Peace on Earth, and God Bless America. Along the way, community leaders brought to life words from Thomas Jefferson, Emma Lazarus, Ronald Reagan, John F. Kennedy, and others.

A True Community Event

The Chorale was joined by a number of community groups, including:

• Boy Scout Troop 200

• American Legion Posts 29 and 200

• Girl Scout Troop 33150

• A children's chorus

• Cellist Stephanie Weldon

The evening was led by pianist and director Paul Brown, whose passion for music and community was evident throughout the performance.

Nativity Well Represented

We are especially proud that Fr. Don offered the opening prayer and closing remarks, and that Alicia, Melanie, and Cam sang with the community group. A huge thank you to Harris for helping get everything set up!

Admission Free

Admission was free, and the evening was a wonderful reminder of the power of music to bring people together. We are grateful to the Greenwood Chorale for choosing Nativity as the venue for this special celebration and look forward to hosting them again in the future.

Blessing the Fields: Nativity and Advent Gather for Rogation Sunday

On Trinity Sunday, the annual gathering of Nativity and Advent took place at the home of Billy and Melanie for a beloved parish tradition: the Rogation service.

Together, we offered prayers for our farmers, for the land, for favorable weather, and for all those whose labor helps provide. Rogation Sunday is a centuries-old tradition in the Anglican Church, a time to bless the fields and pray for a bountiful harvest. It is a beautiful reminder of our dependence on God's provision and our connection to the land and to those who work it.

Following the service, we shared a wonderful potluck lunch and enjoyed time together as a parish family. The food was delicious, the fellowship was warm, and the afternoon was filled with laughter and conversation.

A heartfelt thank you to Billy and Melanie for their gracious hospitality and to everyone who helped make it such a special day. We are already looking forward to next year's gathering!

Nativity Leaders Shine at 20th Annual Community Prayer Breakfast

Nativity was well represented at the 20th Annual Community Prayer Breakfast on May 2, an event benefiting The Greenwood Mentoring Group.

Paula Provine emceed the program with her signature warmth and grace, guiding the morning's proceedings with skill and heart.

Cam Abel was one of two keynote speakers, sharing an inspiring message that reflected the values of faith, service, and community.

John and Marsha are also dedicated supporters of the Greenwood Mentoring Group, and their presence at the event was a testament to their ongoing commitment to the organization's mission.

The Community Prayer Breakfast is a cherished Greenwood tradition, bringing together leaders from across the community to pray, share a meal, and support the important work of mentoring our young people. We are grateful for the ways our parishioners continue to serve and lead in the wider community.

Rev. Don Chancellor Opens Mississippi Senate Session with Prayer

On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the Mississippi Senate opened its session in a spirit of reverence as The Rev. Don Chancellor, rector of the Episcopal Church of the Nativity, delivered the opening prayer. He was invited to offer the invocation by Sen. Lydia Chassaniol, who also led the Pledge of Allegiance before Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann guided the lawmakers through the day's agenda.

The invitation reflects the deep respect for faith and community that characterizes Mississippi's legislative tradition, as well as the recognition of Nativity's leadership within the Greenwood community. As rector of Church of the Nativity, Fr. Chancellor has served the parish with dedication, guiding the congregation in worship, outreach, and fellowship.

For over a century, the Episcopal Church has maintained a presence in the public square, offering prayers for wisdom, justice, and compassion for those in positions of leadership. Fr. Chancellor's invocation continued that tradition, asking for God's guidance upon the senators as they deliberated on matters affecting the people of Mississippi.

Nativity extends its congratulations to Fr. Chancellor on this honor and gives thanks for his faithful ministry, both within our parish and in the wider community.

Celebrating Ali Hargett: Nativity Member Represents Greenwood at Miss Hospitality Competition

This summer, Ali Hargett, a beloved member of the Episcopal Church of the Nativity, represented Greenwood at the 76th Mississippi Miss Hospitality Competition in Hattiesburg. As Greenwood's Miss Hospitality, the 18-year-old Pillow Academy graduate spent her year promoting the "heart and soul of the Delta" and sharing all the incredible things our hometown has to offer.

"Greenwood is full of true hospitality because of the people who live and work here," Hargett said.

A Passion for Service

Hargett has been an active member of Nativity and has a long history of community service. Her commitment to volunteering began in high school and has only grown stronger. She served on the Mayor's Youth Council, volunteered at community events like the 300 Oaks Road Race and the Viking Half Marathon, and participated in mission trips to New York and Texas organized by her school.

Through the Junior Auxiliary of Greenwood's Crown Club, Hargett contributed to projects benefiting Greenwood's Boys and Girls Club, Beacon Harbor, and the Leflore County Humane Society. Her fundraising efforts helped purchase a new freezer for Greenwood's Community Food Pantry and a new transport swing for Happicare day care. She was recognized with the club's award for the most hours of service, with a combined total of 60 hours.

"I have realized that my commitment to volunteering will be a lifelong commitment," she said. "I hope my title allows me to share my love of community service with others and draw attention to ways we can all give back to our communities."

A Greenwood Native at Heart

Hargett has lived in Greenwood all her life and says she cannot imagine a better place to grow up.

"Greenwood offers the best parts of living in a small town, where everyone knows each other, but it also offers so much more," she said. She highlighted the arts and culture at ArtPlace Mississippi and the Museum of the Mississippi Delta, culinary experiences at the Viking Cooking School, and the vibrant downtown with anchors like The Mississippi Gift Co., Fincher's, and Lynbar Jewelers.

"Greenwood is the birthplace of the blues and home to the most perfect Delta sunsets," she added.

Preparing for the State Competition

Under the guidance of local director Renae Hardy and Ashley Farmer of the Greenwood Convention and Visitors Bureau, Hargett prepared diligently for the state competition. Her favorite—and most challenging—part of preparation was mock interviews with judges knowledgeable about Greenwood's tourism and economic development.

Hargett also embraced the competition's social media challenge, using her Greenwood Miss Hospitality Facebook and Instagram pages to highlight interesting facts, local businesses, and even a tutorial on how to make comeback sauce. She discovered some surprises along the way, including that Greenwood once had successful minor league baseball teams.

"Through my research, I have learned a lot about Greenwood's history," she said.

A Bright Future

Hargett will major in biology at the University of Mississippi as a member of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College, with the goal of becoming a pediatric dentist and improving access to oral health care in rural Mississippi.

A Parish Proud

Nativity is proud to count Ali Hargett among its members and celebrates her dedication to community service and her passion for Greenwood. We give thanks for her witness and the way she shines a light on all that is good in our community.

"I am proud of the work that I have done to highlight all that is good about Greenwood, but I am most proud of the incredible community support I have been shown."

We invite the entire parish to join us in celebrating Ali's accomplishments and in continuing to support her as she pursues her dreams. Well done, Ali!