Monthly Archives: August 2017

30 Aug

Newsletter, September 30

Rev. Sheelagh’s Thought For The Week
Together We Rise
This is the theme of this year’s drumming camp.  It’s seems right on point to me. Our drummers need to listen carefully.  To build up the rhythm and add in the flourishes.  It’s hard work.  Takes a lot to really listen.  I urge you and encourage you to do this work as you discern what is needed for the church.  The Holy Spirit will speak, if you listen hard enough.  Just as the drum speaks its spirit and story. Come join us for the Drumming Camp performance on Friday at 5:30pm. See below for details and let SaraRuth know you are coming please.

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24 Aug

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!
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16 Aug

Newsletter, August 16, 2017

 

The COLLECT for 11 Pentecost

Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life:  Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of his redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  Amen. Continue reading →
10 Aug

Newsletter, August 9

Rev. Sheelagh’s Favorite Things

 

A farewell song by Julia Dorn and Kim Williams

Eucharist and preaching and all things liturgical.
Pink robes in Advent made her wardrobe more clergical!
Sermons with children, the surprises they bring,
These are a few of her favorite things!
 
Shrove Tuesday pancakes, and Ashes to Go,
Holy Week services, she loves them so,
Vigil at Easter, the joy that it brings,
These are a few of her favorite things!
 
Silent retreats, drumming camp, senior lunches,
Blessing the animals that showed up in bunches,
Missional projects and IHN hosts,
These are the things Rev. Sheelagh loves most!
 
We will we miss her, but when she’s gone, when our hearts are sad,
We’ll simply remember the joy that she brought, and then we won’t feel so bad!
 
Events

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03 Aug

Newsletter, August 2

Rev. Sheelagh’s Thought For The Week

“Where love begets love”

This coming Sunday will be my last celebration of the Holy Eucharist with you here at St. Stephen’s. It will be a poignant end to six years of shared ministry. We have travelled together through a major hurricane, and with God’s help, we rebuilt the parish buildings and the rectory. With God’s help we weathered a superstorm a year later. With God’s help throughout all these trials, we not only sustained our outreach ministries, but we began some new ones in our community. God called us to be present to one another in births, baptism, illness and yes, even loss. We have shared both laughter and tears. I will never forget any of it. It is a part of who I have become. It is also part of you too.

Let’s join each other this weekend to share the most important part of our corporate life together. As we break bread, bless wine and share in the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ one last time, let’s hear God’s words again – “This is my beloved, in whom I am well pleased.” It has, and always will be about the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord, that’s what underpins our mission, that’s what underpins our community life – “where love begets love.” + Continue reading →