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!
Events
Date | Time | Event |
| August 23 Wednesday | 7:30pm-10pm | Finance Committee Meeting |
| Aug-28 – Sept-1 Monday-Friday | 3:30pm-7:30pm | Drumming Camp |
| September 2 Saturday | 10:30am | St. Stephen’s Garden Club Meeting |
| Sep-6, 13, 20, & 27 Oct-4 & 11 Wednesdays | 7pm – 8:45pm | Pilgrim Program St Stephen’s Rectory |
September 10 & 17 Sunday | 11:15am-11:45am | Transition Process |
| September 12 Tuesday | 11am-2pm | Senior Luncheon |
Serving at the Altar 8/27 & 9/3
August 27, 2017 No 8am Service | September 3, 2017 No 8am Service |
| 10am Readers: 1. T. Scharff 2. F. Taber | 10am Readers: 1. L. Owolabi 2. B. Riedel |
| Chalicist: R. Riedel | Chalicist: S. Clarke |
Ushers: C. Jeter & M. Hirschfeld | Ushers: TBD |
Altar Guild: M. Nazareth & A. Cole | Altar Guild: C. Francis & J. Dorn |
Coffee Hour: L. Rugbeer | Coffee Hour: Open |
Altar Flowers: Open | Altar Flowers: Open |
NOTICES
Dates & Deadlines for St. Stephen’s Online News, Bulletin & Schedules
In order to keep current with the St. Stephen’s online calendar, and prepare for upcoming future events, please send all event dates, articles, scheduling, and information to church@ststephensmillburn.org, or call the Parish office at 973-376-0688.
If you are part of a St. Stephen’s ministry or organization, please try to get the information to the office well in advance of the event (date/schedule/other), in order to avoid conflicts, and so that everyone may have time to plan for the event.
- Deadline for bulletin and online newsletter is Tuesday at noon.
Thank You, Parish Office
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).
For more information please visit the website below.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Drumming Camp
28 August – 1 September
Once again St. Stephen’s Church will host a week-long summer drumming camp for children in the PATCH program (these are children with incarcerated parents.) The camp will take place from 28 August to 1 September, from 3:30pm -7:30pm. The camp is staffed by volunteers who help to coordinate snacks and dinner, arts and crafts, sports and games, and we leave the drumming instructions to a pro, Ya-yah Kamete who has worked with us for many years. If you are interested in volunteering at the camp please contact Susan Dinan at sdinan@pace.edu. If you want to hear a lovely concert from some very enthusiastic drummers please join us on Friday evening of 1 September. Thank you!
St. Stephen’s Garden Club Meeting
Saturday September 2, 2017
The first meeting of St. Stephen’s Garden Club will be on Saturday, September 2 at 10:30am in the Common Room. This is an organizational and planning meeting so bring your ideas! Anyone interested in helping with planning and/or working in the church gardens is welcome!
Questions: Theresa Scharff or Sue Macbeth
Pilgrim Program
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
Parish Office hours are as follows:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9am-4:30pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 9am-4:30pm
Friday: 9am-1pm