29 Dec

Newsletter, December 28

Happy New Year!
We had a beautiful Christmas here at St. Stephen’s attended by over two hundred people (189 last year).  The early service was well attended with many families and babes.  We had a charming rendition of the Christmas story with a little extra stage business and beautiful music and readings at the late service.  Our quieter Christmas Day service was attended by more people than usual this year.
As we continue to celebrate the glory of Christ’s birth we rejoice in the love and hope that we share together.  Wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year!

 

Reminders
Date
Time
Event
Jan 1, Sunday10amService of Lessons & Carols
Jan 8, Sunday11amGrocery Gift Card Sunday
Jan 18, Wednesday7:30pm-10pmFinance Committee Meeting
Jan 22, Sunday11:30am-1pmVestry Meeting
Jan 27 & 28
Friday & Saturday
8am-10pmDiocesan Annual Convention
Jan 29, Sunday10amSt. Stephen’s Annual Meeting
Serving at the Altar  1/1/ & 1/8
Jan 1, 2017
10am Service
Jan 8, 2017
8am Reader: A. Walker
Readers:
1. F. Dorn
2. K. Hanson
3. J. James
4. L. Owolabi
5. T. Scharff
6. K. Wade
7. C. Francis
8. P. Wick
10am Readers:
1. Polanco
2. K. Conway
3. F. Young
Chalicist: R. Riedel
Ushers: R. & B. Riedel
Ushers: J. & B. Majtyka
Altar Guild:  C. Francis
Altar Guild: N. Sieffert & J. James
PLEASE NOTE:
 There is no noon bible study this Thursday December 29
There is no 8am Service on January 1, 2017

 

IHN of Essex County Thanks you
A note from Devinka Peiris, Development Associate at the Interfaith Hospitality Network
On behalf of Interfaith Hospitality Network of Essex County (IHN), I would like to thank you for your donations of $25 gift cards to our IHN families.  We will provide the gift cards to parents in our network — both those in the shelter and those who have moved into their own homes — so they can buy food and other goods for their family members. What a difference this makes in helping parents provide for their children during a time that can often be financially stressful!
At IHN, besides helping families with emergency shelter, we also work with them after they move to their own homes so they can become truly self-sufficient. Services such as financial workshops, healthy cooking classes, afterschool tutoring, and skills training all contribute to the ability of a family to move out of poverty and into economic independence.
Again, thank you for your generosity and best wishes for a joyous holiday season.
With gratitude.
Upcoming Events
 
Parish Annual Meeting
Our Parish Annual Meeting will be the 29th of January, beginning with the Eucharist at 10am  This is when we elect our Vestry, Wardens and Leadership of the Church.  We also present our proposed budgets for 2017, and our annual reports of 2016.
The Annual Diocesan Convention
The Annual Diocesan Convention is slated for Friday January 27 and Saturday the 28th of January at the Hilton Hotel in Parsippany.  St Stephen’s will be represented by your elected delegates, Sarah Jeter and Oyin Owolabi, and your two clergy, for the business sessions of Diocesan policy, positions and budgets. The Bishop and Chair of Convention have also extended an open invitation to anyone who would like to attend the listening and conversation sessions. These have been well received to date,  and given people new hope and vision.  If this is of interest to you please let me know and I will give you details.
Dates & Deadlines
If you have any dates or events that need adding to the St. Stephen’s Calendar please send them to Claire, and all articles and e-mails for the newsletter by NOON on Tuesday to church@ststephensmillburn.org.  Thank You.
Happy New Year to you and your family from all of us here at St Stephen’s.