Author Archives: Peter Wick

12 Dec

Newsletter, December 12

A Word from Paula+

So, I’m going to name the irony of this newsletter right at the top:  Yes, the pastor who preaches taking time to slow down and experience the blessings of a prayerful and reflective Advent today is offering a newsletter full of things to do.  While none of this changes anything about the essence of this season or the one whom we await, it is true that these are things that will make our waiting in community go a bit more smoothly (one hopes).
Because there is so much in this edition of the newsletter, I am going to leave you with a brief Advent blessing from the Book of Occasional Services:
        
May the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you and scatter the darkness from before your path; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always.  Amen .
Peace & Blessings,
Paula+
Christmas is Coming!
 
Though we are still in Advent, we are doing lots to plan for Christmas at St. Stephen’s.  These events are listed in the “Events” section below, but we thought you might like to know a bit more than can be shared in a simple table.
Blue Christmas – Friday, December 21st at 7:00pm
This simple, contemplative liturgy provides a prayerful and reflective space for those for whom the holidays do not bring joy or feel emotionally and spiritually complicated.  Come if you feel a need or desire to honor the part of you that does not feel quite like celebrating this season.
Greening of the Church – Sunday, December 23rd after the 10:00 Service
You are invited to join members of the Altar Guild in the “Greening of the Church,” church-speak for marking the transition from Advent to Christmas with beautiful, lush greens and other traditional Christmas colors.  You’ll have fun and food! because we’ll bring bagels and other light brunch foods.
Christmas Eve Family Service – 5:00pm
A full Eucharistic celebration of the birth of the incarnate God, with joyful music and a “child-friendly” homily.  A bit shorter than the Festival Eucharist, great for kids of all ages (including adults).
Christmas Eve Festival Eucharist – 10:00pm
The traditional “midnight service”, though at a friendlier hour.  Joyful music, including trumpet and descants.  This is the service for you if singing “Silent Night” as midnight nears means Christmas is here.
Christmas Day Spoken Eucharist – 10:00am
Sometimes Christmas Day is best with a quietly joy-filled liturgy.  This would be that.
Lessons & Carols – Sunday, December 30th at 10:00am
A lovely tradition in the Episcopal Church, Lessons & Carols is just what the name implies: a service of Bible readings and singing.  Join us as we relive the story of God at work in the world from the dawn of creation to the inbreaking of God into the world.   We will have our regular 8:00 service for those who would prefer a Eucharistic celebration.
Good News!
 
Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, the Community Foundation of New Jersey (CFNJ)has donated $2500 to the Rector’s Discretionary Fund.  This is money that is used ” to assist the poor of the congregation and the larger community” (from the diocesan website) and is distributed at the discretion of the clergy.  We are grateful for the donor and for the CFNJ’s willingness to help make this happen.
 
The website has been updated and now includes our Christmas Services, Rev. Paula’s bio, and current information about the vestry and location of the parish office.
Just News
The Coffee Hour sign-up sheet is posted.  Please join in this ministry of hospitality and fellowship by signing up to host a Sunday or two.  We take care of the setting up and the making of the coffee.  You prepare and lay out the delicious treats.
We will be posting a calendar on the bulletin board and invite you to add your name(s) on the dates of your birthday and anniversary.  Please write “B” or “A” after it so we know which is which.  We want to be able to pray for you on those special occasions.  Rev. Paula will NOT use this info to cajole you into receiving a special blessing, though, of course, she hopes you will come forward to get one.
The phone extensions have changed now that the parish office and rector’s study are in the Education Building.  We are in the process of updating the phone message system, which still has the old extension numbers in the outgoing message.  Please ignore the message saying “ext 11” for Rev. Paula and use her actual extension: 21 if you call her.  Until we establish the new office extension, it is okay to use ext. 10 for the parish office.
 
Rev. Paula’s business cards are in and there are some on the ushers’ table in the church (the table near the side entrance).  Please take one or two (or as many as you need) so that you have her contact information whenever you need it. 
 
We need your help…
 
–  to get ready to welcome Doreen, our new parish administrator (announced in last week’s newsletter).  If you have a bit of time this Sunday after church to help with moving a couple of file cabinets and bookcases, please let Rev. Paula know at 973-376-0688, ext 21 or rector@ststephensmillburn.org.
– to update our Facebook and Twitter accounts.  If you are the administrator of either of these accounts (or know who is), please call or email Rev. Paula: 973-376-0688, ext. 21 or rector@ststephensmillburn.org.
Events
Date
Time
Event
December 19, Wednesday7:30pm-10pmFinance Committee Meeting
December 21, Friday7:00 pmBlue Christmas Service
December 23, Sunday11:00am – ???Greening of the Church with Brunch
December 23, Sunday11:30am – 1pmVestry Meeting
Christmas Eve
5:00pmFamily Service
Christmas Eve10:00pmFestival Eucharist
Christmas Day10:00amSpoken Eucharist
December 30, Sunday8:00amSpoken Eucharist
December 30, Sunday
10:00am
Lessons & Carols
 
 
 
 
Serving at the Altar  12/16 & 12/23
December 16
8am Reader: N. Sieffert
December 23
8am Reader: M. Ellingham
Altar Guild: N. SieffertAltar Guild: M. Nazareth
10am Readers:
F. Dorn
P. Wick
K. Wade		10am Readers:
F. Taber
K. Hanson
T. Scharff
Chalicist: J. SoughanChalicist: J. Scharff
Ushers: J. & K. WadeUshers: E. Mauer and S. Moran
Altar Guild: J. & T. ScharffAltar Guild: J. Dorn
Coffee Hour: J. & L. SoughanCoffee Hour: J. & L. Scharff
Altar Flowers: N/AAltar Flowers: N/A
Parish Office Hours
Rev. Paula’s regular schedule is Sunday thru Thursday, though that may change depending upon what’s happening in the parish or diocese in any given week.
She isn’t always working in the office, so please call or email to schedule to see her.  She can be reached at 973-376-0688, ext. 21,  though for pastoral emergencies you may try her on her cell: 508-542-1327.  Her email is rector@ststephensmillburn.org
The new parish administrator’s office hours and phone extension will be published just after the first of the year.
06 Dec

Newsletter, December 6

A Word about Advent from Paula+
 
If you were here either of my first two Sundays, you’ve heard my take on Advent: contrary to popular culture, it is not about getting ready for Christmas, not about gifts and wrapping, cookies and ham, lights and trees. Those things, which can be fun, can also shift our focus from the meaning of Advent – taking the time we need to prepare to meet the incarnate God as if for the very first time, all while preparing to meet the risen Christ at the end of time. Yeah…it’s a lot and it doesn’t sound anywhere near as fun as gifts and wrapping, cookies and ham, lights and trees.

And still, I hope you do take some time every day to nourish your hearts and your souls (actually, I hope that for you all the time) so that you are able to experience the inbreaking of God into the world in new and different ways, in deeper ways, this year. And I’ll tell ya, if you welcome that beautiful baby anywhere near as well as you have welcomed me and my family, your lives cannot help but be transformed.

Peace & Blessings,
Paula+
Events
Date
Time
Event
December 19, Wednesday7:30pm-10pmFinance Committee Meeting
December 21, Friday7:00 pmBlue Christmas Service
December 23, Sunday11:00am – ???Greening of the Church with Brunch
December 23, Sunday11:30am – 1pmVestry Meeting
Christmas Eve
5:00pmFamily Service
Christmas Eve10:00pmFestival Eucharist
Christmas Day10:00amSpoken Eucharist
December 30, Sunday8:00amSpoken Eucharist
December 30, Sunday
10:00am
Lessons & Carols
 
Serving at the Altar  12/9 & 12/16
December 9
8am Reader: C. Francis
December 16
8am Reader: N. Sieffert
Altar Guild: C. FrancisAltar Guild: N. Sieffert
10am Readers:
S. Landers
B. Churchill		10am Readers:
F. Dorn
P. Wick
K. Wade
Chalicist: R. RiedelChalicist: J. Soughan
Ushers: S. & L. LandersUshers: J. & K. Wade
Altar Guild: A. ColeAltar Guild: J. & T. Scharff
Coffee Hour: The “Church Ladies”Coffee Hour: The Soughan Family
Altar Flowers: N/AAltar Flowers: N/A
Good News!
We have hired a new parish administrator, Doreen Schindler.  She comes to us with lots of experience in office administration, marketing, and social media.  She will be working some the week of December 17th (because that is such a busy week for us!) and will begin her regular schedule January 2nd.  Her office will be in the Education Building right next to Rev. Paula’s. When you see her, please join us in welcoming her!
Parish Office Hours:
Rev. Paula’s regular schedule is Sunday thru Thursday.
She isn’t always in the office, so please call or email her to schedule to see her.
She can be reached at 973-376-0688,  though for pastoral emergencies you may try her on her cell: 508-542-1327.  Her email is rector@ststephensmillburn.org
The new parish administrator’s office hours will be published just after the first of the year.
08 Nov

Newsletter, November 7

EVENTS
Date
Time
Event
November 11, Sunday11:15amCoffee Hour in honor and gratitude for Rev. Jane
November 13, Tuesday7pmDrumming Class with Norma
November 14, Wednesday7:30pm-10pmFinance Committee Meeting
November 18, Sunday11amTurkey Box Dinner Drive
November 18, Sunday11:30am-1pmVestry Meeting
 
 
Serving at the Altar  11/11 & 11/18
November 11
No 8am Service
November 18
No 8am Service
10am Readers:
B. Churchill
K. Conway
K. Wade		10am Readers:
J. James
F. Young
L. Owolabi
Chalicist: J. SoughanChalicist: R. Riedel
Ushers: J. & K. WadeUshers: B. Riedel & M.A. Chech
Altar Guild: N. Sieffert & N. ColeAltar Guild: J. Dorn
Coffee Hour: The VestryCoffee Hour: J. Spressert
Altar Flowers: The Landers FamilyAltar Flowers: Open
NOTICES
 
 
Farewell 
Friday November 9, will be my last day here at St. Stephen’s and I would just like to thank you all for an amazing journey here.  I wish St. Stephen’s family all the very best for the future, I will truly miss you all.  Until we meet again God Bless! 
Claire Temple-Jones
 
UPCOMING EVENTS
 
Sunday November 11, 2018
Coffee hour in honor of Rev. Jane  
November 11th – Vestry sponsoring coffee hour in honor and gratitude of Rev. Jane.   Additional “Baked goods” welcomed!
Drumming Class
Tuesday, November 13 at 7pm
Parents, teachers and friends, Treat yourself to an hour of relaxation!
ADULTS come along and have some fun drumming at: St Stephen’s Episcopal Church Between: 7pm-8pm. RSVP: Norma at: Norma.cook@outlook.com. Or leave a message: 862 485 1573.
Annual Turkey Box Dinner Drive
Sunday November 18, 2018
Boxes need to be at church by 11am for pick up!
cartoon_turkey.jpg
Thanks to our wonderful parish, we now have enough Turkey boxes to give to our drumming camp families.  The sign-up was very successful!
Box Dinner Menu-The following items are recommended for inclusion in each donated box:
  • 1 sturdy box
  • 1  10 – 15 lb. FROZEN TURKEY
  • 1 disposable aluminum foil roasting pan
  • 2 boxes of stuffing
  • 1 5lb bag of potatoes OR two cans sweet potatoes
  • 2 cans of vegetables (corn, green beans, peas,)
  • 2 cans of turkey gravy
  • 2 cans cranberry sauce
  • 1 package rolls or corn muffins
  • ½ gallon of apple or cranberry juice
  • Dessert-cookies, brownies, pies (no frozen pies)
Parish Office Hours:
Monday & Wednesday Closed
Tuesday & Thursday 9am-5pm
 Friday 9am-12pm
31 Oct

Newsletter, October 31

Events
Date
Time
Event
November 4, Sunday
4pm
Beckerath Organ Recital
November 11, Sunday11:15amCoffee Hour in honor and gratitude for Rev. Jane
November 13, Tuesday7pmDrumming Class with Norma
November 14, Wednesday7:30pm-10pmFinance Committee Meeting
November 18, Sunday11:30am-1pmVestry Meeting
 
 
Serving at the Altar  11/4 & 11/11
November 4
No 8am Service
November 11
No 8am Service
10am Reader:
S. Landers		10am Readers:
B. Churchill
K. Conway
K. Wade
Chalicist: R. RiedelChalicist: J. Soughan
Ushers: T. & K. ConwayUshers: J. & K. Wade
Altar Guild: C. FrancisAltar Guild: N. Sieffert & N. Cole
Coffee Hour: C. FrancisCoffee Hour: The Vestry
Altar Flowers: F. TaberAltar Flowers: The Landers Family
NOTICES
 
 

Please don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour this weekend!

 

UPCOMING EVENTS
 
St. Stephen’s Church, Millburn, NJ
Sunday, November 4, 2018, 4 pm
Trent Johnson, Organist 
Join us for an exciting program performed by composer and concert organist, Trent Johnson, on the renowned Baroque-style Beckerath tracker organ at historic St. Stephen’s Church in Millburn, NJ.  Mr. Johnson is Organist and Assistant Director of Music at All Souls Unitarian Church in NYC and Music Director and Conductor of the Oratorio Singers of Westfield, NJ. An active recitalist, he performs frequently throughout the Northeast, Europe, and Asia. As a composer, he has written both instrumental and vocal works, and his operaKenyatta premiered at The Performing Arts Center in Newark, NJ in November 2017.  The program will include works by J.S. Bach, George Walker, John Weaver, Max Reger, and Mr. Johnson himself.  No tickets required. A suggested donation of $10 can be made at the door. Children accompanied by an adult are welcomed.  Meet the artist at a reception following the recital. For directions to the church or more information visit www.ststephensmillburn.org
or call 973-376-0688.  
 
 
Sunday November 11, 2018
Coffee hour in honor of Rev. Jane
dessert_buffet.jpg coffee_croissants.jpg
November 11th – Vestry sponsoring coffee hour in honor and gratitude of Rev. Jane.   Additional “Baked goods” welcomed!
Drumming Class
Tuesday, November 13 at 7pm
Parents, teachers and friends, Treat yourself to an hour of relaxation!
ADULTS come along and have some fun drumming at: St Stephen’s Episcopal Church Between: 7pm-8pm. RSVP: Norma at: Norma.cook@outlook.com. Or leave a message: 862 485 1573.
Parish Office Hours:
Monday & Wednesday Closed
Tuesday & Thursday 9am-5pm
 Friday 9am-12pm
25 Oct

Newsletter, October 25

Events
Date
Time
Event
November 4, Sunday
4pm
Beckerath Organ Recital
November 11, Sunday11:15amCoffee Hour in honor and gratitude for Rev. Jane
November 14, Wednesday7:30pm-10pmFinance Committee Meeting
November 18, Sunday11:30am-1pmVestry Meeting
 
 
Serving at the Altar 10/28 & 11/4
October 28
No 8am Service
November 4
No 8am Service
10am Readers
J. James
K. Conway
K. Wade		10am Reader
S. Landers
Chalicist: E. MaurerChalicist: R. Riedel
Ushers: L. & O. OwolabiUshers: T. & K. Conway
Altar Guild: N. Sieffert & J. JamesAltar Guild: C. Francis
Coffee Hour: The Landers FamilyCoffee Hour: C. Francis
Altar Flowers: The Landers FamilyAltar Flowers: Open
NOTICES
Sunday November 11, 2018
Coffee hour in honor of Rev. Jane
dessert_buffet.jpg coffee_croissants.jpg
November 11th – Vestry sponsoring coffee hour in honor and gratitude of Rev. Jane.   Additional “Baked goods” welcomed!
 
St. Stephen’s Church, Millburn, NJ
Sunday, November 4, 2018, 4 pm
Trent Johnson, Organist
Join us for an exciting program performed by composer and concert organist, Trent Johnson, on the renowned Baroque-style Beckerath tracker organ at historic St. Stephen’s Church in Millburn, NJ.  Mr. Johnson is Organist and Assistant Director of Music at All Souls Unitarian Church in NYC and Music Director and Conductor of the Oratorio Singers of Westfield, NJ. An active recitalist, he performs frequently throughout the Northeast, Europe, and Asia.  As a composer, he has written both instrumental and vocal works, and his opera Kenyatta premiered at The Performing Arts Center in Newark, NJ in November 2017.  The program will include works by J.S. Bach, George Walker, John Weaver, Max Reger, and Mr. Johnson himself.  No tickets required. A suggested donation of $10 can be made at the door. Children accompanied by an adult are welcomed.  Meet the artist at a reception following the recital. For directions to the church or more information visit www.ststephensmillburn.orgor call 973-376-0688.  
Parish Office Hours:
Monday & Wednesday Closed
Tuesday & Thursday 9am-5pm
 Friday 9am-12pm
11 Oct

Newsletter, October 10

Events
Date
Time
Event
October 17, Wednesday7:30pm-10pmFinance Committee Meeting
October 21, Sunday11:30am-1pmVestry Meeting
October 23, Tuesday7pmDrumming Class With Norma
November 4, Sunday4pmBeckerath Organ Recital
 
 
Serving at the Altar 10/14 & 10/21
October 14
No 8am Service
October 21
No 8am Service
10am Readers:
F. Taber
T. Scharff
B. Churchill		10am Readers
S. Landers
J. James
O. Owolabi
Chalicist: J. SoughanChalicist: S. Clarke
Ushers: B. Riedel & M.A. ChechUshers: S. & L. Landers
Altar Guild: J. DornAltar Guild: T. & J. Scharff
Coffee Hour: OpenCoffee Hour: Open
Altar Flowers: A. WalkerAltar Flowers: Open
ANNOUNCEMENT
 
St. Stephen’s Full Time Rector
Dear friends,
After much consideration and thoughtful discernment, the Vestry of St Stephen’s Church is thrilled to share this announcement about our new full time Rector. Our church family has supported each other through a long transition and we are happy to welcome Rev. Paula Toland as our leader and partner as we begin the next chapter in St. Stephen’s history.
Rev. Paula brings a broad range of skills and experience in ministry, liturgy, Christian formation, pastoral care, and administration. She is passionate about inviting people to experience God’s grace because of her deep appreciation for the Gospel. Rev. Paula is committed to inter-generational ministry and inclusiveness; creating a space where all are welcome as part of our community.
We hope that you will join us in welcoming Rev. Paula as she begins her partnership with St. Stephen’s by presiding at the 10am service on November 25th.
Sincerely,
Maryalice Chech
Warden, Programs
Roger Riedel
Warden, Property
UPCOMING EVENTS
Drumming Class
Tuesday, October 23, at 7pm
Parents, teachers and friends, Treat yourself to an hour of relaxation!
ADULTS come along and have some fun drumming at: St Stephen’s Episcopal Church Between: 7pm-8pm. RSVP: Norma at: Norma.cook@outlook.com. Or leave a message: 862 485 1573.
Parish Office Hours:
Monday & Wednesday Closed
Tuesday & Thursday 9am-5pm
 Friday 9am-12pm
04 Oct

Newsletter, October 3

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.
Events
Date
Time
Event
October 6, Saturday9am-3:15pmVestry University
October 7, Sunday10amChurch School Fall Semester begins
October 7, Sunday1pmBlessing Of The Animals
October 17, Wednesday7:30pm-10pmFinance Committee Meeting
October 21, Sunday11:30am-1pmVestry Meeting
October 23, Tuesday7pmDrumming Class With Norma
 
Serving at the Altar 10/7 & 10/14
October 7
No 8am Service
October 14
No 8am Service
10am Readers:
B. Riedel
L. Owolabi
T. Scharff		10am Readers:
F. Taber
T. Scharff
B. Churchill
Chalicist: R. RiedelChalicist: J. Soughan
Ushers: P. Boegershausen & M. HirschfeldUshers: B. Riedel & K. Hanson
Altar Guild: C. FrancisAltar Guild: J. Dorn
Coffee Hour: S. Macbeth, M. Nazareth & B. ChurchillCoffee Hour: Open
Altar Flowers: J. RossiterAltar Flowers: A. Walker
NOTICES & LOCAL NEWS
St. Stephen’s Church School
The Fall semester of Church School will begin this Sunday, October 7th.
Newsworthy
You can read an article about St. Stephen’s Drumming Camp in the diocesan online version of The Voice at https://dioceseofnewark.org/news. On the same page, you can see photos and video of the consecration of Bishop Caryle J. Hughes, 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Newark.
The Community of St. John the Baptist
A small group from St. Stephen’s visited the Community of St. John the Baptist in Mendham, NJ on September 28th.  Our day began with a period of personal reflection followed by Noonday Prayers in the Chapel. Then we took Sr. Barbara Jean to lunch in Chester to show our appreciation for her presence in our lives.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Vestry University
Saturday, October 6, 9 am to 3:15 pm
Vestry University will be held on Saturday, October 6, from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at St. Elizabeth’s Church in Ridgewood.
It is a day for all wardens, vestry members, treasurers, clergy and other congregational leaders to learn, network and celebrate your ministry. There are 24 different workshops to choose from!
Further information, including how to register, is on our website – https://dioceseofnewark.org/event/vestry-university-2018 . The cost is $20 per person, which includes lunch.
The deadline to register is 5pm on Monday, October 1!
Blessing of the Animals
St. Stephen’s Church,
Sunday, October 7, 2018 at 1PM
All members of the community and their pets are welcome.
pets-banner.jpg
The event will be held on the parish lawn or inside the church if it rains. A brief ceremony to celebrate the joy of having a pet will include the blessing of each individual animal, and each pet will receive a “certificate of blessing” to commemorate the event.

For the safety of the pets, we ask that they come in appropriate carriers and containers or on a secure lead.

We sincerely hope that you and your animal friends will be able to attend.
Drumming Class
Tuesday, October 23, at 7pm
Parents, teachers and friends, Treat yourself to an hour of relaxation!
ADULTS come along and have some fun drumming at: St Stephen’s Episcopal Church Between: 7pm-8pm. RSVP: Norma at: Norma.cook@outlook.com. Or leave a message: 862 485 1573.
Parish Office Hours:
Monday & Wednesday: Closed
Tuesday & Thursday: 9am-5pm
 Friday: 9am-12pm