Newsletter, February 15
Rev. Sheelagh’s Thought For The Week
“For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others?” Matthew 5:38-48
It’s hard isn’t it to live those we don’t like, or don’t agree with, or who hurt us? But this Gospel calls us to do just that. Walk the extra mile, turn the other cheek – and yes these were actions of passive resistance, but they are also filled with humility. In a recent Ted Talk, Brene Brown talks about the authority of vulnerability. Contrary to our perception that vulnerability signals weakness, there is something very powerful about vulnerability. When we signal a willingness to be available, even to be hurt, we can invite others into real relationships. It’s the stuff of love – that’s the theological imperative of the Gospel, and it has always been so. +
Date | Time | Event |
February 15, Wednesday | 7pm | Lenten Pilgrim Program |
February 15, Wednesday | 7:30pm-10pm | Finance Committee Meeting |
February 26, Sunday | 4pm-5pm | Beckerath Organ Recital |
February 28, Tuesday | 6pm-8pm | Pancake Supper |
March 1, Wednesday | 6:30am-7:30am | Ashes to Go at the Millburn Train Station |
March 1 Wednesday | 12pm-1pm & 7pm-8pm | Ash Wednesday Services |
Serving at the Altar 2/19 & 2/26
Feb 19, 2017 8am Reader: N. Sieffert | Feb 26, 2017 8am Reader: A. Walker |
10am Readers: 1. F. Dorn 2. B. Churchill 3. O. Owolabi | 10am Readers: 1. P. Wick 2. T. Scharff 3. K. Wade |
| Chalicist: J. Soughan | Chalicist: R. Riedel |
Ushers: S. & L. Landers | Ushers: R. Riedel & M. Hirschfeld |
| Altar Guild: N. Sieffert & A. Cole | Altar Guild: A. Walker & J. Dorn |
Coffee Hour: Open | Coffee Hour: Open |
Altar Flowers: Donated by M. & J. Stack in celebration of their daughter’s birthday. | Altar Flowers: The Dorn Family |
NOTICES
Volunteers needed for Sunday school!
We are changing the format of our Sunday school and need your help. Instead of one person leading the children in the lesson each week, we’d like a group of volunteers to take turns on a rotating basis. Reverend Sheelagh will provide a children’s message at the 10am service on the first Sunday of each month, so that just leaves three Sundays a month to cover. Many hands make light work! Please contact Sarah Jeter if you’re interested in volunteering (917-673-4679) or scktrestrail@yahoo.com).
Coffee hour & Flowers
Please don’ t forget to sign up for coffee hour and/or flowers. If you would like a dedication with the flowers please write it on the sign up sheet along with the amount you would like to spend, or call Claire in the office with the details at 973-376-0688.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Lenten Pilgrim Program, February 15, at 7pm
Join us tonight at 7pm for the introduction to our spring spiritual study group “Pilgrim.” We will have a simple soup and bread supper and then follow a study guide aimed at introducing our faith to newcomers and going deeper for those already on the journey. There is a study book, so please let us know if you plan to attend. Wednesdays every week in the Rectory, except ASH WEDNESDAY which is March 1st.
Save the Date!
Sunday, February 26, at 4pm
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear British-born organist BENJAMIN SHEEN, prize-winning organist and widely traveled recitalist, play the 2nd recital of this 47th recital season on our beloved BECKERATH organ. Hailed as “a brilliant organist” by the New York Times, Mr. Sheen’s musical education began early, and at 13 he became the youngest person to give a full recital at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. He now holds a BA from Oxford with 1st class honors and a Master of Music degree from the Juilliard School in NYC. At St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue in NYC Mr. Sheen currently holds the position of Associate Organist, working with newly appointed Music Director Daniel Hyde (and earlier with John Scott prior to his untimely death a year and a half ago). Mr. Sheen has chosen for us a program of some of the most inspirational works written through the centuries from Bach to Mozart, Schumann, and Brahms, plus a few surprises. Don’t miss it!
Pancake Supper, Tuesday, February 28, 6pm-8pm
Pancake Supper February 28, from 6pm-8pm. Join us as we prepare for Lent. Helpers needed and welcome. Please contact MaryAlice Chech or sign up on the notice board outside the Parish Hall.
March 1, 2017Ash Wednesday – Ashes to go will be offered at Millburn Train Station from
6:30 am. We will have a noonday service and a 7pm service in the Church. Imposition of ashes is available on request all day.
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.