Newsletter, November 23
Rev. Sheelagh’s Thought For The Week
Happy Thanksgiving To All Our Readers!
It seems amazing to me that just as soon as we clear away the turkey leftovers we are heading off for Christmas. Sunday is the beginning of Advent. It is the Church’s New Year, and we shift into the apocalyptic scriptures that point to the second coming of Christ. Liturgically we change the color to blue: the music to plainchant, simple uncomplicated prayers to bring us solace and peace in turbulent times. Advent is after all a turbulent season, when the world waits with baited breath for the hope and light of Christ to cut through the darkness. Wake up, stay awake, prepare and be ready the scriptures shout.. And that may feel just right as we go into the next weeks and months of transition and change. We should find comfort though in this season from the writings that prove that we have been this way before and that God is with us every step of the way. The prophet Isaiah urges the Hebrew people, and us,
“Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!”
Reminders
Date | Time | Event |
Nov 21 Thru Nov 28 | Mon-Fri | Parish Office Closed Emergency Contact: Rev. Sheelagh Clarke 908-456-3290 |
| Nov 27 & Dec 4 | 10am-11am | In Gathering Sundays |
| Dec 3, Saturday | 10am-4pm Eucharist for 2nd Sunday of Advent 4:00 pm | Advent Retreat St. Stephen’s Church, Parish Hall & Common Room |
| Dec 4, 11 & 18 Sunday | 11am-12pm | Pageant Rehearsals, St Stephen’s Church |
| Dec 11, Sunday | 11:15am-12pm | Cookie Sunday |
| Dec 13, Tuesday | 11am-2pm | Senior Luncheon |
| Dec 13, Tuesday | 7:30pm-10pm | Finance Committee Meeting |
Serving at the Altar 11/27 & 12/4
11/27 | 12/4 |
| 8am Reader: M. Walker | 8am Reader: C. Francis |
10am Readers: 1. K. Conway 2. K. Hanson 3. B. Riedel | 10am Readers: 1. E. Pluta 2. J. James 3. P. Wick |
Chalicist: J. Scharff | Chalicist: R. Riedel |
Ushers: P. Boegershausen & M. Hirschfeld | Ushers: S. & S. Polanco |
Altar Guild: M. Walker & J. Dorn | Altar Guild: C. Francis & A. Cole |
Coffee Hour: The Owolabi Family | Coffee Hour: S. Dinan |
Altar Flowers: Altar Flowers: Advent/Greening of the Church | Altar Flowers: Advent/Greening of the Church |
UPCOMING EVENTS
A Gentle Reminder
Sunday 27, November & Sunday 4, December
“Parish In Gathering” of Pledges and giving intentions will be on Sunday 27 November and Sunday 4, December. Your decisions help us to plan for our Parish life together. The pledge is the largest part of our budget. Please be thoughtful and prayerful. And then rejoice with us as we offer up our gifts to God in thanksgiving for all we have.
St. Stephen’s Annual Advent Retreat
Saturday, December 3, from 10:00am – 4:00pm at St. Stephen’s
The retreat director this year is Jean Marie Du Hamel, an associate with the Sisters of St. John Baptist in Mendham and an experienced retreat guide. The theme is “Who is Waiting for Whom?”
The day will include time for guided reflection, walking the Labyrinth, quiet time, a light lunch, and will conclude with a celebration of the Eucharist for retreat participants as well as other members of St. Stephen’s. This Eucharist will be a celebration of the second Sunday of Advent on Saturday afternoon.
Donation for the retreat is $35.00. Checks should be made out to St. Stephen’s Church; please submit these by November 25. You may give checks to Theresa Scharff, Rev. Sheelagh, or place in the collection plate marked “Retreat.”
Give yourself a gift this Advent/Christmas season – come to the Advent Retreat on December 3.
Cookie Sunday
December 11, 11:15am-12pm
The congregation is invited to bring a plate of cookies for Coffee Hour.
Bring your cookies to Fellowship Hall on your way into church.
It’s a wonderful way to share some yummy treats with your St. Stephen’s
Family. We’ll have a cookie exchange with the leftovers.
For further information, contact Susan Dinan at 973-508-6887
NOTICES
Coffee Hour & Altar Flowers
If you would like to sign up for coffee and flowers the sign up sheet is in the Narthex on the bulletin board.
(Please note there will be no altar flowers during Advent due to greening of the church.)
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.
Please note the Parish Office is closed on Mondays