14 Sep

Newsletter, September 13

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.
Our response to Hurricanes Harvey & Irma
Episcopal Relief & Development works closely with church partners after disasters, equipping them to meet needs of those most vulnerable in their communities. Currently, our staff is responding to areas devastated by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, and watching developing tropical storms. Because of our strong diocesan partnerships, Episcopal Relief & Development is ready to assist in the recovery of the impacted areas for as long as necessary. You can help provide critical relief to affected communities by donating to our Hurricane Relief Fund. To donate and read the latest updates, visit Episcopal Hurricane Relief Effort.
 

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07 Sep

Newsletter, September 6

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
Sep. 6, 13, 20, & 27
Oct. 4 & 11, Wednesdays
7pm – 8:45pm
 Pilgrim Program
St Stephen’s Rectory
Sep. 9, Saturday
10am
 St. Stephen’s Garden Club
Sep. 10, Sunday 11:15am Welcome Back Coffee Hour & Grocery Gift Card Sunday
Sep. 10 & 17, Sunday
11:15am-11:45am
 Transition Process
Sep. 12, Tuesday 11am-2pm Senior Luncheon
Sep. 13, Wednesday 7:30pm-10pm Finance Committee Meeting
Sep. 23, Saturday 11:30am-1pm
Vestry Meeting
 
  
Serving at the Altar  9/10 & 9/17
September 10, 2017
No 8am Service
September 17, 2017
No 8am Service
10am Readers:
1. K. Conway
2. F. Dorn
3. K. Hanson		 10am Readers:
1. F. Young
2. J. James
3. K. Wade
Chalicist: J. Scharff Chalicist: J. Soughan
Ushers:  J.&T. Scharff
Ushers: R.&B. Riedel
Altar Guild: A. Walker, J.&T. Scharff
Altar Guild: M. Nazareth & J. James
Coffee Hour: The Vestry
 Coffee Hour: J. Braithwaite
Altar Flowers:  J.&T. Scharff
 Altar Flowers: Open
REMINDERS
 
Hurricane Harvey
There is and will be continuing need for financial support for many months to come. We know what it feels like to flood.  Please see the link below if you wish to donate.
 
September 10, 2017
The Right Reverend Bishop Mark Beckwith will be the celebrant at the 10am service, this Sunday, 9/10.  Please join us.  We will still have our Transition Discussions in the Parish Hall during coffee hour.
 NOTICES
 
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.
 
 
Bishop Search Updates
Lay members will have two more opportunities to attend a Listening Meeting:
  • Saturday, September 9, 1pm at Christ Church Bloomfield/Glen Ridge
  • Wednesday, September 13, 6:30pm at St. George’s Maplewood
Two additional listening meetings are scheduled, but are for Episcopal House Staff (September 7) and Clergy only (September 12).
UPCOMING EVENTS
Wednesday Evenings, September 6 – October 11, 2017
Fellow Pilgrims – please put on your comfy shoes and get ready for the third session of the journey. We begin on Wednesday, September 6, 7pm – 8:45pm in the Rectory. The theme for Session 3 is “The Commandments.”
The Pilgrim Program is open to all who are interested in growing spiritually through sharing of Scripture, reflection, and prayer. Each session begins informally with light refreshments; so even  if you are unable to be present from the start you are still able to participate! While regular attendance is a plus, absence is acceptable if necessary. There is no outside preparation required for each session; there is a small manual needed and a small fee to purchase one. The manual can be purchased at the first meeting. Sessions end promptly at 8:45pm and occur over six weeks.  Hope to see you there!
Any questions: Theresa Scharff
St. Stephen’s Garden Club Meeting
Saturday September 9, 2017
The Garden Club will meet on Saturday, September 9 (WEATHER PERMITTING) at 10am to work on the flowerbeds by the Rectory.  If you missed the first meeting and want to help out – please join us on Saturday!
Thanks!
St. Stephen’s Grocery Gift Card Fundraiser -This SUNDAY!
September orders for Shop Rite and Kings gift cards will be taken this Sunday to support our operating budget.  If you shop at either Shop Rite or Kings, please consider purchasing gift cards.  Order forms are available in church, on the website http://ststephensmillburn.org or can be emailed to you.
Cash/checks (payable to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church) only, please.
Won’t be able to get to church? No problem, send me an email
or call and I’ll place your order!  Forgot your checkbook?  Just drop a check in the mail (attn.: Grocery Cards c/o St. Stephen’s) or pop it through the mailbox
slot at the rectory during the week.
If you haven’t considered using gift cards, ask how this easy and no-cost fundraiser may be right for you!  More info: contact Blair Majtyka, 973-801-1471, blairmajtyka@me.com.   Get into the habit of shopping with gift cards!!
 
Transition Process – Come One and Come All!
On Sunday, September 10th & 17th, for approximately half an hour, during coffee hour, each Vestry member will help lead a group of parishioners at individual round tables, in discussion about their feelings regarding the past, present and future of St. Stephen’s and what they would like to see in their new Rector.  Each Vestry member will take notes during each discussion.  Below, are the 4 questions that will be asked of each group.  This will provide time to think about your answers. Please try to attend one of these 2 sessions.
1.                 If you had 3 wishes for our Worship, what would they be?
2.                 What keeps you coming back to St. Stephen’s?
3.                 What are your hopes for this congregation and what would you be
        most invested in/participate in?
4.                 What are the most important qualities or experiences that our new
        Rector should have?
Any questions please email Maryalice Chech at: maryalice_chech@yahoo.com
 
UPDATES
 
Drumming Camp 2017
“Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.”
from Romans 12
 
These words from this past Sunday’s lessons rang out in my heart as I heard them, and as I reflected on the week just prior.  For five years in a row now, St. Stephen’s has hosted a group of children for a week-long camp, whose activities include drumming and dancing with a master African drummer, art classes, outdoor play and organized games, and delicious and wholesome meals and snacks.  These children, all of whom have a parent who is or has been incarcerated in local jails or prisons, come to us via the PATCH program (Parents and Their Children).  PATCH helps see to it that the children are able to visit their incarcerated parent on a regular basis.
Drumming camp is the result of a commitment that our vestry and rector made several years ago to somehow become involved in prison ministry.  It has been funded by a variety of grants from the Diocese of Newark, bequests, and donations.  It has grown and changed through these past five years as we have learned how to do it a little better each year.
We had only 12 children in attendance this year, but they all came every day. One little boy, when given the choice, even chose to come to camp on his birthday instead of staying home. Several had been part of the camp in previous years; many were first-timers, but said they hoped to come again next year.  One of our campers who had attended in two previous years became a “counselor-in-training” this year, and some of the other older children expressed a hope to fill that role in future years.  They all worked hard, played hard, made beautiful artwork, learned complicated dance moves, performed intricate rhythms, and hopefully, took home memories that will sustain and inspire them in the days and years to come.
Thank you to everyone who helped in any way, whether big or small, to make this camp the success that it was.  I won’t try to name everyone, for surely I would leave someone out. But do know that your contribution made a difference in the lives of these 12 kids.  Your love was genuine, you held fast to what is good, you certainly did not lag in zeal, but you were ardent in spirit as you served the Lord, and by the grace of God, extended hospitality to strangers. Blessings to you all!
Kim Williams
Parish Office hours are as follows:
Monday & Wednesday Closed
Tuesday & Thursday: 9am-4:30pm
Friday: 9am-1pm
30 Aug

Newsletter, September 30

Rev. Sheelagh’s Thought For The Week
Together We Rise
This is the theme of this year’s drumming camp.  It’s seems right on point to me. Our drummers need to listen carefully.  To build up the rhythm and add in the flourishes.  It’s hard work.  Takes a lot to really listen.  I urge you and encourage you to do this work as you discern what is needed for the church.  The Holy Spirit will speak, if you listen hard enough.  Just as the drum speaks its spirit and story. Come join us for the Drumming Camp performance on Friday at 5:30pm. See below for details and let SaraRuth know you are coming please.

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24 Aug

Newsletter, August 23

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.
 
Transition Process – Come One and Come All!
On Sunday, September 10th & 17th, for approximately half an hour, during coffee hour, each Vestry member will help lead a group of parishioners at individual round tables, in discussion about their feelings regarding the past, present and future of St. Stephen’s and what they would like to see in their new Rector.  Each Vestry member will take notes during each discussion.  Your feedback is extremely important for us to learn what parishioners want for the future of St. Stephen’s.  Have your voice heard!
Please try and attend at least one of these sessions.  If you have any questions please email maryalice_chech@yahoo.com.   Thank you in advance for your participation!
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16 Aug

Newsletter, August 16, 2017

 

The COLLECT for 11 Pentecost

Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life:  Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen. Continue reading →
10 Aug

Newsletter, August 9

Rev. Sheelagh’s Favorite Things

 

A farewell song by Julia Dorn and Kim Williams

Eucharist and preaching and all things liturgical.
Pink robes in Advent made her wardrobe more clergical!
Sermons with children, the surprises they bring,
These are a few of her favorite things!
 
Shrove Tuesday pancakes, and Ashes to Go,
Holy Week services, she loves them so,
Vigil at Easter, the joy that it brings,
These are a few of her favorite things!
 
Silent retreats, drumming camp, senior lunches,
Blessing the animals that showed up in bunches,
Missional projects and IHN hosts,
These are the things Rev. Sheelagh loves most!
 
We will we miss her, but when she’s gone, when our hearts are sad,
We’ll simply remember the joy that she brought, and then we won’t feel so bad!
 
Events

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03 Aug

Newsletter, August 2

Rev. Sheelagh’s Thought For The Week

“Where love begets love”

This coming Sunday will be my last celebration of the Holy Eucharist with you here at St. Stephen’s. It will be a poignant end to six years of shared ministry. We have travelled together through a major hurricane, and with God’s help, we rebuilt the parish buildings and the rectory. With God’s help we weathered a superstorm a year later. With God’s help throughout all these trials, we not only sustained our outreach ministries, but we began some new ones in our community. God called us to be present to one another in births, baptism, illness and yes, even loss. We have shared both laughter and tears. I will never forget any of it. It is a part of who I have become. It is also part of you too.

Let’s join each other this weekend to share the most important part of our corporate life together. As we break bread, bless wine and share in the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ one last time, let’s hear God’s words again – “This is my beloved, in whom I am well pleased.” It has, and always will be about the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord, that’s what underpins our mission, that’s what underpins our community life – “where love begets love.” + Continue reading →