Newsletter April 15

Reverend Sheelagh’s thought for the week:

“Many are saying, “Oh, that we might see better times!” Psalm 4

Two of the Easter season themes are renewal and new birth. Today I am mindful that renewal often means change, and we are mostly reluctant to change. Having no administrative help this week has brought into focus that some things really need to change, at least in the short term.

At vestry we decided to slim-line the bulletin while we regroup ourselves. We have a beautiful new website, and a new logo, so we are using them. This e-newsletter is sparer, because your rector cannot spend all the time needed to put in all the extra text boxes and color backgrounds. We are in a “needs must” situation and I think we all agree that we have become a little over-elaborate.

As the Bishop invites us this weekend to renew our Baptismal Vows, let’s remember what our mission and ministry is. We are a small parish, with a small staff, and we need to use our resources wisely, in terms of both costs and time.

God is always in the midst of us recreating what is good, “See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God.” Alleluia, the Lord is Risen indeed.

REMINDERS

Date	Time	Event
April 16, Thursday	12:00 PM	Healing Service and Bible Study
April 19, Sunday	10:00 AM	Bishop’s Visitation
April 19, Sunday	4:00PM	Beckerath Organ Recital
April 26, Sunday	7:00PM	Broadway Show Choir Benefit

Sunday, April 19 at 4pm – Beckerath Organ Recital by Gail Archer

A rare opportunity, not to be missed—and a first for St. Stephen’s! A program of organ works all composed by women—played by another talented woman, Gail Archer: International concert artist, Grammy-nominated recording artist, and NYC based recitalist, choral conductor, and lecturer Be sure to come and bring your friends and family!

Admission to the recital is by donation at the door ($10 suggested). Children accompanied by an adult are cordially invited to come as guests. A reception for the artist follows the recital. The church can be reached at (973) 376-0688, or consult www.ststephensmillburn.org.

Spring Auction May 16th

Tickets are available for the Auction on May 16th. This is our MAIN fundraiser this year, so please buy your tickets, and invite your friends, neighbors and family. Tickets are $20 and available from Rev Sheelagh on973 376 0688 x11

2015 MISSION TRIP

Wednesday, July 8 – Saturday July 11, 2015

OPEN TO RISING 9TH GRADERS THROUGH NEW HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES

This year our mission trip will be local! There is no cost attend this trip but participants should plan to have $100 in cash with them.

Registration is due April 15, the registration link and additional details to follow.

IT IS MANDATORY THAT TEENS ATTEND THE FOLLOWING PREPARATION MEETINGS Sunday, May 31 5-6:30 P.M.

Sunday June 21, Scavenger Hunt in NYC

For more information contact Denise Price at 917.548.5520 or denise.price75@yahoo.com

About the Trip

Join other high school students from the Episcopal Diocese of Newark on a local Mission Trip, working right here in New Jersey! We will work together at Apostle’s House, a shelter for families founded by several Episcopal Churches, in Newark. Our days will be spent creating art projects and other experiences for the children of Apostle’s House, and helping with simple construction.

We will also learn about Newark, the ways it has changed through the years and some of its current challenges. As Christians, we know that the work we do isn’t for our own sake, but for the sake of Jesus Christ. Our Mission Trip group will live together in intentional Christian Community. At the end of every workday we’ll stay on the Close at the General Theological Seminary in Chelsea. There, we will participate in Daily Office and reflection on our work. We will also take time to visit other churches in New York City. Of course, there will be plenty of additional time for fun in Manhattan. The teens will attend cultural events and experiences, try new foods, enjoy fellowship and have a blast!