Newsletter, January 20

Reverend Sheelagh’s Thought for the Week: January 20, 2016

This Sunday offers the seminal passage from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. The church is the “body of Christ” and we are to live in the tension of that body. We may not all have the same functions or gifts; we are quite likely not to agree all the time; but in all things we are to remember that we are working together for one purpose; the mission of Jesus Christ in the world. That is the good news. Through his life, and resurrection, Jesus is the story of good things coming for those who have faith. Throughout history bad stuff happens to good people; but God in God’s faithfulness points us to the larger picture. Love wins out, and overcomes all things, and that is the good news! Thing is that big picture is really big. Not just what happens in our lifetime, but beyond. Think of how the two or three men who started this church began. Did they dare to imagine things we do now as the church they named? I doubt it – because things are really very different now than when they lived in Millville as this town was then called in 1851. So we adapt – just as the Creation adapts, to our challenges and opportunities. Sometimes we resist the adaptive change, mostly because we fear loss; but change will happen anyway, and often it leads to wonderful, unexpected things that we could not even have imagined. That has ever been the story, and will continue to be for the Body of Christ that is called St. Stephen’s. +

Reminders

Serving at the Altar 1/24 & 1/31

Coffee Hosting And Flowers

No one has signed up for flowers for January 31 and all of February is open for both coffee and flowers. You can sign up for coffee with Susan Dinan, and let Eugene or Claire know if you would like to donate flowers. Flowers are priced at $40, $50 or $60 for the two vases.

Lifetouch Directory

Thank you to the 48 families who attended the Lifetouch directory photoshoot. There are still others who have not submitted a photo yet (it can be included for $10 admin fee into the directory). Don’t miss out! If you would rather just be listed, please let us know your current – up-to-date address, phone and email so we can include you. This is the last call. Email the church office – church@ststephensmillburn.org.

Poems & Reflections

Writers – Please consider writing a short meditation, poem or reflection during Lent. Everyone can participate, at any level. Interested? Curious? Please contact Rev. Sheelagh for more information.

UPCOMING EVENTS

St. John’s Luncheon Sunday, January 24th
61 Broad Street Elizabeth, NJ 07202
Departure Time: 12PM from St. Stephen’s

Thank so much in advance for your help. It is because of our caring and
giving community that we are able to bring smiles and full stomachs to the
St. John’s community. Below is a list of what we will need. The number in
parenthesis indicates approximately how many of each item we need.

*Items in red have been taken, thanks to all the volunteers and donations so far.
1. Pre-made Turkey & Cheese Sandwiches (20)
2. Pre-made Turkey Sandwiches (10)
3. Pre-made Ham & Cheese Sandwiches (20)
4. Pre-made Ham Sandwiches (20)
5. Pre-made American Cheese Sandwiches (10)
6. Pre-made Meat Deli & Cheese Sandwiches (20) e.g. Salami, etc
7. Chicken Soup (feeds 10)
8 Chicken Noodle Soup (feeds 10)
9. Hearty Veggie Soup (feeds 10)
10. Mom’s Specialty Soup (feeds 10)
11. Spicy Gumbo Soup (feeds 10) (whatever works)
12. Soup bowls
13. Hard boiled eggs (6 dozen)
14. Fruits (Apples and/or Oranges)
15. Condiments
16. Popcorn
17. Cookies

If you prefer to make a different type of sandwich, Vegetarian or PB&J or different soup, just send us a quick note and we will include it. Please label your type of sandwiches and soup prior to delivery, for better distribution. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact via us email at ssguillenpolanco@gmail.com or give us a call directly Soraya at (201) 779-6852 or Sam at (646) 805-8682.

Have a lovely week ahead!
With Much Love & Appreciation,
Sam + Soraya Polanco

United Thank Offering

A collection will be taken up at the Diocesan Convention for the UTO on Friday 29th January. I invite you to add any donations you wish to that fund (please mark checks UTO in the memo line), and one of our lay delegates to Convention will take them up and announce our parish name.

PARISH ANNUAL MEETING
Sunday January 31, 2016 at 10:00am
Commences in Sanctuary with Worship then continues in Parish Hall.

• Elections of officers
• Reports of parish activities
• Financial reports and budgets for 2016.

All parishioners are invited to attend.
Refreshments will be served.

Beckerath Organ Recital

The current 46th season will continue with recitals by our own John Charles Schucker on Feb 28 at 4pm, and by Ian Tomesch on April 24. We hope you can join us, especially for John’s recital on Feb 28, which will include his guided introduction to the workings of our own “King of Instruments.” For more information pick up a season brochure at the table by the church entrance-or speak to John or to Peggy and other Friends of Music.

CEMETERY TOUR: Reminder Date

Parishioners are reminded that the date of the 2016 tour of St. Stephen’s Cemetery will be Sunday, 16 October, with a rain date of 23 October. Please keep those dates on your calendar. Having friends or family for a fall visit? Excellent! Just bring them to the tour.