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.

Groovy VBS 2026: A Joyful Celebration of Peace, Love, and Jesus

This August, Church of the Nativity was transformed into a far‑out summer adventure as children ages 4–11 gathered for Groovy VBS 2026: Peace, Love, and Jesus. Over three joyful days, nearly 60 children explored the miracles and teachings of Christ through groovy music, creative crafts, engaging stories, and fun games.

Day 1: Peace

The week kicked off with a focus on Peace. Children learned the story of Jesus calming the sea, a powerful reminder that even when life feels stormy, Christ is with us. Our memory verse for the day came from John 14:27:

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid."

The Parish Hall was filled with singing, arts and crafts, story time, games, and plenty of smiles as we began this exciting time together.

Day 2: Love

Day 2 focused on Love through the story of the Good Samaritan. We learned that loving our neighbor means showing mercy and kindness even when it is inconvenient—and even when the person in front of us seems different from us.

Our memory verse was a simple and powerful one:

"We love because he first loved us." — 1 John 4:19

It also seemed especially fitting that today's Psalm in the Daily Lectionary reminded us:

"Things that we have heard and known, that our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their children; we will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done." — Psalm 78:3–4

Watching these children learn and grow in faith is a beautiful reminder that this is exactly what the psalm calls us to do: to tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord and the wonders God has done.

Day 3: Jesus

On our final day, the children learned the story of Jesus calling Peter and the first disciples, inviting them to leave their nets and become "fishers of people." Our memory verse came from Matthew 4:19:

"And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.'"

What a beautiful reminder that following Jesus is an invitation to a life of love and sharing the Good News with others.

The laughter kept rolling, the singing got a little louder, the crafts got a little messier, and our kids spent each morning learning just how deeply God loves them.

A Heartfelt Thank You

A special thank you goes to Madeline Kirk for the months of organizing and leading that made this week such a success. We are also grateful to our wonderful music team—Alicia, Charles, and David—whose energy and joy filled the Parish Hall with songs that the children will be singing for weeks to come.

And to our many, many volunteers, thank you. Whether you welcomed families, prepared snacks, led crafts, taught lessons, played games, kept children safe, or quietly stepped in wherever you were needed, you made this ministry possible. Every smile, every lesson, every song, and every act of kindness helped share God's love with nearly 60 children this week.

Three wonderful days, countless smiles, and hearts full of God's love. Groovy VBS 2026 has come to a close, and what a joyful week it has been!

We are already looking forward to next year!

St. Nicholas Sip and Savor Fundraiser

Some evenings just have a way of reminding you what church family looks like—and the St. Nicholas Sip and Savor fundraiser on July 31 was one of those evenings.

Friends gathered around the table for five beautifully prepared courses, each thoughtfully paired with wines selected by Marian Chancellor. From Whispering Angel Rosé and Harken Chardonnay to Pinot Noir, Malbec, and Prosecco, every course brought new flavors and plenty of smiles.

The meal itself was extraordinary:

• Burrata with grilled peaches and prosciutto

• Shrimp cakes with citrus salad

• Grilled tuna

• Seared pork tenderloin with sweet potato grits and a red wine cherry reduction

• Chantilly cream cake with fresh berries

A Ministry of Love

Proceeds from the evening will benefit the St. Nicholas Project, which serves foster children and families through Children's Protective Services in Leflore County. Every person who attended became part of that ministry.

Gratitude

Our sincere thanks to Marian Chancellor for leading us through each pairing with such grace and enthusiasm. We are also deeply grateful to Loren and Lee Leflore, Michael and Spencer Jennings, Vicki Yaeger, Ben and Stribling Hargett, Robin Stuckey, Jamie Hargett, and the many others who planned, prepared, served, and worked behind the scenes to make the evening such a success.

Jamie's leadership of the St. Nicholas Project continues to be a blessing to the Nativity Parish and to the children and families we serve.

There was wonderful food, exceptional wine, and more laughter than we could have hoped for. It was a beautiful reminder that some of life's greatest gifts are found around a table—sharing a meal, enjoying one another's company, and supporting a mission that makes a real difference in the lives of children.

Wyatt to Represent Nativity on Diocese of Mississippi Youth Council

We are delighted to announce that Wyatt, a member of our parish family, has been selected to serve on the Diocese of Mississippi's Division of Youth Council for 2026–2027.

DOY is a team of youth leaders from Episcopal churches across the state who help lead diocesan youth events and represent young people in the life of the Church. It is a significant leadership opportunity, and we are proud of Wyatt for stepping forward to serve.

In addition to his diocesan responsibilities, Wyatt is also representing Mississippi this week at the 4-H National Championships in Nebraska, competing in compound archery. This is a tremendous achievement, and we wish him the very best as he competes against archers from across the country.

Congratulations, Wyatt! We are so proud of you and grateful for the ways you represent Nativity and the Diocese of Mississippi with grace and dedication.

Nativity Shines in The Anglican Digest

Church of the Nativity is honored to be featured in the Summer 2026 edition of The Anglican Digest, a publication read by Episcopalians across the country.

The article highlights our parish history and notes that our congregation's membership is among the youngest in our diocese and the wider Church—a testament to the vitality and energy of our community.

It also shines a light on some of the ministries that define our parish life, including:

• The St. Nicholas Project, serving foster children and families through Children's Protective Services in Leflore County

• The Community Thanksgiving Service, bringing together churches across Greenwood

• A Day of Giving, a parish-wide day of service and outreach

• Our ongoing work in ecumenical ministry and racial reconciliation through partnerships with churches and organizations across our community

We are grateful for everyone who helps make Nativity a place of worship and service. Most of all, we are thankful for the ways the Holy Spirit continues to move in and among us, drawing people together and calling us into the work God has set before us.

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!