Monthly Archives: November 2017

30 Nov

Newsletter, November 29

Prayer for Guidance in finding a new Rector (BCP)
Almighty God, giver of every good gift:  Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a new Rector for this parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
Events
Date
Time
Event
Dec 2, Saturday
9am-4pm
St. Stephen’s Annual Advent Retreat
Dec 3, Sunday
11:15am
Transition Process
Dec 10, Sunday11:15amFinal Grocery Gift Card Sunday
Dec 12, Tuesday11am-2pmSenior Luncheon
End of Year Celebration
Dec 13, Wednesday7:30pm-10pmFinance Committee Meeting
Dec 17, Sunday11:15amAngel Tree Gift Collection
Dec 17, Sunday11:30-1pmVestry Meeting
Dec 21, Thursday7pmBlue Christmas Service
Dec 24, Sunday
Christmas Eve Schedule of Services
10am
5pm
10pm
Eucharist Service
Family Service
Candlelight Service
(Pre-service music, Organ & Harp starts at 9:40pm)
Dec 25, Monday
Christmas Day
10amEucharist Service
Serving at the Altar  12/3 & 12/10
Dec 3, 2017
8am Reader:  C. Francis
Dec 10, 2017
8am Reader:  M. Ellingham
10am Readers:
1. B. Churchill
2. T. Scharff
3. P. Wick
10am Readers:
1. F. Taber
2. B. Riedel
3. L. Owolabi
Chalicist: S. ClarkeChalicist: J. Scharff
Ushers: J. & K. Wade
Ushers: S. & L. Landers
Altar Guild: C. Francis & J. Dorn
Altar Guild: M. Nazareth & A. Cole
Coffee Hour: J. James
Coffee Hour: M. Cruikshank & N. Sieffert
Altar Flowers: No altar flowers during Advent
Altar Flowers: No altar flowers during Advent
 
NOTICES
 
North Porch
Thanks to all who recently contributed to North Porch!! A very generous donation was recently dropped at the collection center which is now St. Peter’s Episcopal church in Morristown.  The previous collection center we used was in Newark and it lacked storage space for items other than emergency supplies. So, if you would like to donate new or like new, gently used infant clothing
(newborn – 1 year) this is now possible.  Please leave these items in the Narthex by the North Porch collection box.
Thanks!!
UPCOMING EVENTS
 
St. Stephen’s annual Advent Retreat
 Saturday, December 2, 2017 9am – 4pm
 Convent of St. John Baptist in Mendham. 
St. Stephen’s annual Advent Retreat will be on Saturday, December 2 from
9am – 4pm, at the Convent of St. John Baptist in Mendham.  Join fellow seekers for a day of prayer, reflection, and stillness.  We will be lead through our day by one of the Sisters.  Donation is $35.00, check or cash and can be given to Theresa Scharff.  Checks should be made out to St. Stephen’s church with “retreat” as the note.”  Please reserve your place by November 19.  Any questions – speak to Theresa.  Please consider giving yourself this pre Christmas gift as we reflect on transitions – both in our lives and as a theme of Advent.
Coffee, tea and breakfast foods will be provided as well as a luncheon.
 
Transition Process December 3, 2017
Please join Vestry members this Sunday, 12/3, during coffee hour to further develop the questions you answered in September.  This time, we will center
the questions around our Congregations strengths, challenges and goals.
This will better inform us about the type of person we need as our Priest in Charge.  Please look for these 3-4 questions in your bulletin and join us for some coffee and conversation.  See you in the parish hall on Sunday!
 
Final ShopRite Gift Card Sale December 10, 2017
We will have the last fundraiser sale of ShopRite gift cards at coffee hour on December 10.  Plenty of cards will be available!  Please bring cash or check.
If you’d like cards reserved please contact Blair: blairmajtyka@me.com,
973-801-1471.
 
Senior Luncheon “End of Year Celebration”
December 12, 2017 11am-2pm
Join us at St. Stephen’s Rectory on Tuesday, December 12, for an end of year celebration with seasonal songs, including Christmas carols.  Great food and fun company, lets celebrate in style!
christmas_party.jpg
Angel Tree
December 17, 2017
religion_angels2.jpg
Our Drumming Camp partner, PATCH, which serves children with an incarcerated parent, is collecting holiday gifts for the children they serve.
They have asked for 10 gifts.
  • Gifts should be wrapped, labeled as boy, girl or either, and the appropriate age.
  • Any gifts we receive in excess of the 10 will be distributed to children in the Interfaith Hospitality Network which serves homeless families..
  • We will be collecting the gifts on Sunday December 17.
Sign up at coffee hour or email greenfieldmargo@gmail.com.
 
Parish Office Hours
Mon & Wed Closed
Tues & Thurs 9am-4:30pm
Friday 9am-1pm
16 Nov

Newsletter, November 15

Prayer for Guidance in finding a new Rector (BCP)
Almighty God, giver of every good gift:  Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a new Rector for this parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
Events
Date
Time
Event
Nov 15 & 29,
Dec, 6, 13, & 20
Jan 3, Wednesday
7pm – 8:45pmPilgrim Program
St Stephen’s Rectory
Nov 15, Wednesday7:30pm-10pmFinance Committee Meeting
Nov 19, Sunday11:30am-1pmVestry Meeting
Nov 19, Sunday
11amTurkey Box Collection
Dec 2, Saturday
9am-4pm
St. Stephen’s Annual Advent Retreat
Dec 12, Tuesday11am-2pmSenior Luncheon
End of Year Celebration
 
Serving at the Altar  11/19 & 11/26
Nov 19, 2017
8am Reader: N. Sieffert
Nov 26, 2017
8am Reader:  A. Walker
10am Readers:
1. F. Taber
2. L. Owolabi
3. P. Wick
10am Readers:
1. M. Barakat
2. K. Conway
3. K. Hanson
Chalicist: J. SoughanChalicist: R. Riedel
Ushers: H. Rooney & M. Chech
Ushers: T. & J. Scharff
Altar Guild: N. Sieffert & J. James
Altar Guild: A. Walker, T. & J. Scharff
Coffee Hour: Open
Coffee Hour: Open
Altar Flowers: M. Stack
Altar Flowers: Open
NOTICES
 
Transition Process
The Vestry is creating a Parish Profile which will be placed on the St. Stephen’s website as well as the Diocesan website in the hope of attracting prospective candidates.  If anyone is interested in being involved in this Transition Process with us, please contact me either by email: maryalice_chech@yahoo.com or cell: 973-951-7154.
 
cartoon_turkey.jpgTurkey Box Collection
November 19, 2017
Turkey Boxes need to be in the parish hall by 11am Sunday morning, Nov. 19th.
Delivery will be coordinated by Delouise Monroe, who helped recruit the drummers, rode the bus, and chaperoned during our August camp.
Thanks to all at St. Stephen’s Church for helping give our drummers a joyous Thanksgiving!
The following items are recommended for each Turkey box dinner that is donated:
1 sturdy box
1  10 – 15 lb. FROZEN TURKEY
1 disposable aluminum foil roasting pan
2 boxes of stuffing
1 bag of white potatoes OR two cans sweet potatoes
2 cans of vegetables (corn, green beans, peas,)
2 cans of turkey gravy
2 cans cranberry sauce
1 package rolls or corn muffins
½ gallon of apple or cranberry juice
 
UPCOMING EVENTS
  
“Now thank we all our God with heart and hands and voices”
Did you know that this familiar hymn that we often associate with abundance was actually written in the midst of a famine-stricken community during the Thirty Years War? Join us this Sunday, Nov. 19 to sing and learn about this and other favorite Thanksgiving hymns.  The Senior Choir will be leading the service from the chancel and will share a little something about each hymn.  Come and lift your voices with us!
 
St. Stephen’s annual Advent Retreat
 Saturday, December 2, 9am – 4pm
 Convent of St. John Baptist in Mendham. 
St. Stephen’s annual Advent Retreat will be on Saturday, December 2 from
9am – 4pm, at the Convent of St. John Baptist in Mendham.  Join fellow seekers for a day of prayer, reflection, and stillness.  We will be lead through our day by one of the Sisters.  Donation is $35.00, check or cash and can be given to Theresa Scharff.  Checks should be made out to St. Stephen’s church with “retreat” as the note.”  Please reserve your place by November 19.  Any questions – speak to Theresa.  Please consider giving yourself this pre Christmas gift as we reflect on transitions – both in our lives and as a theme of Advent.
Coffee, tea and breakfast foods will be provided as well as a luncheon.
 
Senior Luncheon “End of Year Celebration”
December 12, 2017 11am-2pm
Join us at St. Stephen’s Rectory on Tuesday, December 12, for an end of year celebration with seasonal songs, including Christmas carols and live musicians.  Great food and fun company, lets celebrate in style!
christmas_party.jpg
 
Please Join Us In Prayer As We Search For Our Next Bishop
Gracious God,
We, your people in the Diocese of Newark, give you thanks and praise for your work among us and through us, generation to generation. Lead us in the months ahead as we prayerfully search for our next Bishop. Raise up for us a steadfast steward who will embrace our broad and blessed diversity and uphold the apostolic heritage of your Church. Guide us to a faithful witness who speaks the Gospel truth in love and joy, and intimately knows your Word and world. Direct us, your disciples, in our discernment so our faith may increase and our works glorify your Name. All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.
Please Note the Parish Office hours for the week of Thanksgiving
 Monday Closed
Tuesday 9am-5pm
Wednesday 9am-12pm
Thursday & Friday Closed
08 Nov

Newsletter, November 8

Prayer for Guidance in finding a new Rector (BCP)
Almighty God, giver of every good gift:  Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a new Rector for this parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
Events
Date
Time
Event
Nov 11, Saturday10am-12pmGarden Club Meeting
Nov 12, Sunday4pmBeckerath Organ Recital
Nov 14, Tuesday11am-2pmSenior Luncheon
Nov 14, Tuesday7pm-8pmDrumming Class
Nov 15 & 29,
Dec, 6, 13, & 20
Jan 3, Wednesday
7pm – 8:45pmPilgrim Program
St Stephen’s Rectory
Nov 15, Wednesday7:30pm-10pmFinance Committee Meeting
Nov 19, Sunday11:30am-1pmVestry Meeting
Nov 19, Sunday
11amTurkey Box Collection
Dec 2, Saturday
9am-4pm
St. Stephen’s Annual Advent Retreat
 Serving at the Altar  11/12 & 11/19
Nov 12, 2017
8am Reader: M. Ellingham
Nov 19, 2017
8am Reader:  N. Sieffert
10am Readers:
1. B. Riedel
2. J. James
3. F. Young
10am Readers:
1. F. Taber
2. L. Owolabi
3. P. Wick
Chalicist: J. ScharffChalicist: R. Riedel
Ushers: T. & K. Conway
Ushers: H. Rooney & M. Chech
Altar Guild: M. Nazareth & A. Cole
Altar Guild: N. Sieffert & J. James
Coffee Hour: C. Francis
Coffee Hour: Open
Altar Flowers: J. James
Altar Flowers:  M. Stack
NOTICES
 
Transition Process
The Vestry will be creating a Parish Profile over the next couple of weeks.  A Parish Profile is a representation of our community of faith and tells our St. Stephen’s story. This Parish Profile will ultimately be on the St. Stephen’s website as well as the Diocesan website in hopes of attracting prospective candidates.

If anyone is interested in being involved in this Transition Process with us, please contact me either by email: maryalice_chech@yahoo.com or cell: 973-951-7154.

 
cartoon_turkey.jpgTurkey Box Collection
November 19, 2017

Maryalice Chech is the coordinator this year for the Turkey Box Collection.  Boxes need to be in the parish hall by 11am Sunday morning, Nov. 19th.

Delivery will be coordinated by Delouise Monroe, who helped recruit the drummers, rode the bus, and chaperoned during our August camp. Thanks to all at St. Stephen’s Church for helping give our drummers a joyous Thanksgiving!
The following items are recommended for each Turkey box dinner that is donated:
1 sturdy box
1  10 – 15 lb. FROZEN TURKEY
1 disposable aluminum foil roasting pan
2 boxes of stuffing
1 bag of white potatoes OR two cans sweet potatoes
2 cans of vegetables (corn, green beans, peas,)
2 cans of turkey gravy
2 cans cranberry sauce
1 package rolls or corn muffins
½ gallon of apple or cranberry juice
Thank you again for your continued generosity.
 
Please Join Us In Prayer As We Search For Our Next Bishop
Gracious God,
We, your people in the Diocese of Newark, give you thanks and praise for your work among us and through us, generation to generation. Lead us in the months ahead as we prayerfully search for our next Bishop. Raise up for us a steadfast steward who will embrace our broad and blessed diversity and uphold the apostolic heritage of your Church. Guide us to a faithful witness who speaks the Gospel truth in love and joy, and intimately knows your Word and world. Direct us, your disciples, in our discernment so our faith may increase and our works glorify your Name. All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.

Continue reading →

03 Nov

Newsletter, November 3

Prayer for Guidance in finding a new Rector (BCP)
Almighty God, giver of every good gift:  Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a new Rector for this parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
Events
Date
Time
Event
Nov 4, Saturday10:30am-1pmChristine’s Kitchen
Nov 11, Saturday10am-12pmGarden Club Meeting
Nov 12, Sunday4pmBeckerath Organ Recital
Nov 14, Tuesday11am-2pmSenior Luncheon
Nov 14, Tuesday7pm-8pmDrumming Class
Nov 15 & 29,
Dec, 6, 13, & 20
Jan 3, Wednesday
7pm – 8:45pmPilgrim Program
St Stephen’s Rectory
Nov 15, Wednesday7:30pm-10pmFinance Committee Meeting
Nov 19, Sunday11:30am-1pmVestry Meeting
Nov 19, Sunday
11amTurkey Box Collection
 
 
Serving at the Altar  11/5 & 11/12
Nov 5, 2017
8am Reader: C. Francis
Nov 12, 2017
8am Reader:  M. Ellingham
10am Readers:
1. F. Dorn
2. K. Conway
3. K. Hanson		10am Readers:
1. B. Riedel
2. J. James
3. F. Young
Chalicist: S. ClarkeChalicist: J. Scharff
Ushers: S. Moran & R. Riedel
Ushers: T. & K. Conway
Altar Guild: C. Francis & J. Dorn
Altar Guild: M. Nazareth & A. Cole
Coffee Hour: M. Chech
Coffee Hour: Open
Altar Flowers: The Ellingham family
Altar Flowers:  J. James
NOTICES
 
Transition Process
The Vestry will be creating a Parish Profile over the next couple of weeks.  A Parish Profile is a representation of our community of faith and tells our St. Stephen’s story. This Parish Profile will ultimately be on the St. Stephen’s website as well as the Diocesan website in hopes of attracting prospective candidates.

If anyone is interested in being involved in this Transition Process with us, please contact me either by email: maryalice_chech@yahoo.com or cell: 973-951-7154.

 
 
Please Join Us In Prayer As We Search For Our Next Bishop
Gracious God,
We, your people in the Diocese of Newark, give you thanks and praise for your work among us and through us, generation to generation. Lead us in the months ahead as we prayerfully search for our next Bishop. Raise up for us a steadfast steward who will embrace our broad and blessed diversity and uphold the apostolic heritage of your Church. Guide us to a faithful witness who speaks the Gospel truth in love and joy, and intimately knows your Word and world. Direct us, your disciples, in our discernment so our faith may increase and our works glorify your Name. All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.
 
North Porch Thanksgiving Collection
This year our Thanksgiving collection at St. Stephen’s will take a somewhat different focus.  The theme this year is “Thanks for Young Life!” and the collection will be for the mothers and infants who are served by North Porch Center.  Collection boxes will be available in the Narthex throughout November and there will be a special Coffee Hour to celebrate a Baby Shower.
Please donate the following:
Diapers, sizes 4,5,6 and pull ups, baby wipes, baby formula: Enfamil 12.5 oz powdered and soy, jars of baby food: fruits and vegetables, and 1st foods, cereal, and toiletries for infants.
St. Stephen’s North Porch collections are limited to emergency needs – items that are required for infant care but  may not be available as the month comes to an end.  Please donate these.  Also, North Porch locations have limited storage space and cannot take large items.  If you have larger items please contact North Porch to determine if your items can be used.
Thank you again for your continued generosity.
 
 
UPCOMING EVENTS
 
Christine’s Kitchen
Saturday, November 4th
Each Saturday 70 to 120 people in need enjoy a hot lunch, and take home with them cake and bread. They come from all over the area, and they include families, homeless and seniors. The soup kitchen is located at Holy Trinity Church, but it is the product of a group of over a dozen churches, youth groups and synagogues which take turns hosting.
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church is located at 315 Main Street at the intersection of Main and Franklin streets in West Orange, opposite the Washington Elementary School.
If you would like to volunteer to help or just donate a meal (feeds 6 to 8 people,) contact

Deryck Rugbeer at 201-452-9068, or Deryck.Rugbeer@UBS.Com or  turkeyen@gmail.com .
P.S. Left over Halloween Candies are welcome.
Garden Club Meeting
Saturday, November 11 
The next Garden Club Meeting (in the gardens) will be Saturday, November 11 from 10am-12pm. Please bring garden tools and gloves.  Anyone interested in gardening is invited to join in!
 
BECKERATH ORGAN RECITALS 48th Season   (2017-2018)
MONICA CZAUSZ – November 12, 2017 at 4 pm
Friends of Music at St. Stephen’s
119 Main Street
Millburn, New Jersey 07041
Contact Peggy Thompson 908-233-1570
Admission is by donation at the door ($10 suggested).  Children accompanied by an adult are cordially invited to come as guests.  A reception to meet the artist follows the recital.
FRIENDS OF MUSIC:  This recital series relies heavily on the generous financial support of its Friends of Music to maintain the series, now entering its 48th season.  As you are able, please consider supporting the series as a Friend of Music with a tax deductible donation, entitling you to admission to each recital and acknowledgment in the program. Donors are listed in the. following categories:
   PHILANTHROPISTS      $300 or more
   BENEFACTORS              $200 to $299
   PATRONS                       $100 to $199
   SPONSORS                    as able
Mail checks payable to “Friends of Music at St. Stephen’s,” and mail to Friends of Music at St. Stephen’s, 119 Main Street, Millburn, NJ 07041. Please print your name as it should appear in the program, and include your postal address as a backup.  And many thanks for your support!
Drumming Class
Tuesday, November 14, 2017 St Stephen’s Episcopal Church
Parents, Teachers and Friends,
Need to energize and remember to breathe!
Come along and have some fun Drumming
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
At: St Stephen’s Episcopal Church
Between: 7pm-8pm
RSVP: email Norma at Norma.cook@outlook.com
Or leave a message 862 485 1573
 
Turkey Box Collection
November 19, 2017
Maryalice Chech is the coordinator this year for the Turkey Box Collection.  Boxes need to be in the parish hall by 11am Sunday morning, Nov. 19th.
The following items are recommended for each Turkey box dinner that is donated:
1 sturdy box
1  10 – 15 lb. FROZEN TURKEY
1 disposable aluminum foil roasting pan
2 boxes of stuffing
1 bag of white potatoes OR two cans sweet potatoes
2 cans of vegetables (corn, green beans, peas,)
2 cans of turkey gravy
2 cans cranberry sauce
1 package rolls or corn muffins
½ gallon of apple or cranberry juice
 
Parish Office hours are as follows:
Monday & Wednesday Closed
Tuesday & Thursday: 9am-4:30pm
Friday: 9am-1pm