Newsletter, May 4

Reverend Sheelagh’s Thought for the Week: May 4, 2016

What a joy it was to baptize Clara Margaret Wade, and what a joy it was to give some thought to our baptismal promises and what they mean to us in our present day.  This week we witness Christ in prayer.  There is something wonderfully intimate in listening to him pray for us, “Jesus prayed for his disciples, and then he said, “I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word…” That’s you and me.  Isn’t that wonderful, comforting and uplifting.  That Jesus, who was preparing to leave, took time to pray for his friends and followers.  As I prepare to attend graduation, take a week of vacation and then take myself apart for my sabbatical time, I invite you to join us on Sunday, to pray together, and bless one another.  I will be in the office on and off until June 1st, but in case our paths don’t cross before then, let’s take time to wish each other good health and safe travels.+

Sabbatical Notes:
Thanks to everyone who attended and stayed last Sunday to hear about the Sabbatical arrangements and plans.  If you have questions, just call.  Denise, Barbara and Rev Sheelagh will be happy to answer them.

Vestry Liason For Sabbatical
I am excited the opportunity has presented itself for Rev. Sheelagh to take a sabbatical and that we here at St. Stephen’s can support her in this endeavor.  This will allow her the ability to step back from her regular parish duties so she can fully engage in spiritual renewal and reflection.  She will also get a varied and hands on look into the going local movement and obtain some reframing of the important work we do here at St. Stephen’s.  This is an opportunity to dive in deeper than she would in a typical continuing education experience which is so valuable.

During the time Rev. Sheelagh is away, Rev. Derek, members of the vestry, and church community at large will keep things moving along smoothly.  There are plenty of volunteer opportunities available if anyone is interested, more information will be provided Janet Hager.

The parish will use this time to continue our focus on the ministries we are engaged in.  We look forward to the next few months as we continue to grow in faith and community and look forward to welcoming Rev. Sheelagh back to share some of her new found knowledge and experience with us when she returns!

Denise.

Reminders

Serving at the Altar 5/8 & 5/15

All In the Family
The Spring 2016 issue of FROM THE MOUNTAIN, a publication of the School of Theology at The University  of the South in Sewanee, TN, includes an article by Felder Dorn entitled “A Triumph of Hope and Faith Over Adversity: The Second Founding of the University of the South.” The Spring 2016 issue of FROM THE MOUNTAIN can be viewed online at https://sewanee.edu/theology/seminary/media/publications/

Thank You To Our St. Stephen’s Family
Karen and I would like to express our gratitude to all of you for your kind and loving expressions of sympathy during our recent time of loss.  We have appreciated every card, visit, phone call, e-mail, and hug, as well as the beautiful flowers-they have all brought us so much comfort.  Thank you especially to those of you who stood in the long lines at the funeral home just to have a moment with us and to pay your respects to our dear John.  Our hearts are still broken, but the love you have shown to us and our family is a healing balm.

God’s peace to each of you.
-Kim Williams and Karen Eberhardt

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, May 22nd

St. John’s Episcopal Church 61 Broad Street Elizabeth, NJ 07202
Departure Time: 12PM from St. Stephens

Thank so much in advance for your help. It is because of our caring and giving community that we are able to bring smiles and full stomachs to the St. John’s community. Below is a list of what we will need.  The number in parenthesis indicates approximately how many of each item we need.

1. Pre-made Turkey & Cheese Sandwiches (20) – Linda
2. Pre-made Turkey Sandwiches (10)
3. Pre-made Ham & Cheese Sandwiches (20) – Nancy Sieffert
4. Pre-made Ham Sandwiches (20)
5. Pre-made American Cheese Sandwiches (10) – Sam and Soraya Polanco
6. Pre-made Meat Deli & Cheese Sandwiches (20) e.g. Salami, etc – Alex Cole
7. Chicken Soup (feeds 10)
8.Chicken Noodle Soup (feeds 10)
9. Vegetable Beef Soup (feeds 10) – Carole
10. Mom’s Specialty Soup (feeds 10)
11.Spicy Gumbo Soup (feeds 10) (whatever works)
12. Soup bowls – Barbara Riedel
13. Hard boiled eggs (6 dozen) – Barbara Riedel
14. Fruits (Apples and/or Oranges)
15. Condiments
16. Popcorn
17. Cookies

If you prefer to make a different type of sandwich, Vegetarian or PB&J or different soup, just send us a quick note and we will include it. Please label your type of sandwiches and soup prior to delivery, for better distribution. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact via us email at ssguillenpolanco@gmail.com  or give us a call directly Soraya at (201) 779-6852 or Sam at (646) 805-8682. Have a lovely week ahead! 🙂 Please feel free to forward this email to anyone else that might be interested in attending.

With Much Love & Appreciation,
Sam + Soraya Polanco

Christine’s Kitchen
June 4, 2016 from 10:30am-1pm

We serve neighbors in need at Christine’s Kitchen at Holy Trinity in West Orange. Holy Trinity is located at Washington and Main Streets in West Orange. Parking is on the street.  We can use entrees, fruit, and other foods, as well as volunteers.   If you feel like bringing something additional, do so!  Food will not go to waste.

If you want to volunteer or contribute call Claas at 908 451-0426, or email him at cehlers@familypromise.org.

Thought For The Week
Thinkers.  Writers.  Please consider writing a brief  “thought for the week” on anything at all for the weekly e-news during the sabbatical period.  Let Claire or Janet Hager know you are interested.

NOTICES

Please send all articles and e-mails for the newsletter to Claire by NOON on Tuesday at church@ststephensmillburn.org.