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.
Events
Date
Time
Event
August 23 Wednesday7:30pm-10pmFinance Committee Meeting
August 27  Sunday11:30am-1pmVestry Meeting
Aug-28 – Sept-1
Monday-Friday		3:30pm-7:30pmDrumming Camp
September 2 Saturday10:30amSt. Stephen’s Garden Club Meeting
Sep-6 – Oct-11 Wednesday
7pm – 8:45pm
Pilgrim Program
St Stephen’s Rectory
September 10 & 17 Sunday
11:15am-11:45am
Transition Process
September 12 Tuesday11am-2pmSenior Luncheon
 
Serving at the Altar 8/20 & 8/27
August 20, 2017
No 8am Service
August 27, 2017
No 8am Service
10am Readers:
1. F. Dorn
2. O. Owolabi		10am Readers:
1. T. Scharff
2. F. Taber
Chalicist: D. ColeChalicist: R. Riedel
Ushers: R. & B. Riedel
Ushers: C. Jeter & M. Hirschfeld
Altar Guild: N. Sieffert & J. James
Altar Guild: M. Nazareth & J. James
Coffee Hour: K. McClellan
Coffee Hour: L. Rugbeer
Altar Flowers: Open
Altar Flowers: Open
 
 
Please Join Us In Prayer As We Search For Our Next Bishop
Gracious God,
We, your people in the Diocese of Newark, give you thanks and praise for your work among us and through us, generation to generation. Lead us in the months ahead as we prayerfully search for our next Bishop. Raise up for us a steadfast steward who will embrace our broad and blessed diversity and uphold the apostolic heritage of your Church. Guide us to a faithful witness who speaks the Gospel truth in love and joy, and intimately knows your Word and world. Direct us, your disciples, in our discernment so our faith may increase and our works glorify your Name. All this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.
 
 
 
NOTICES
 
Bishop Search Updates
As you are aware, your XI Bishop Search/Nominating Committee began an online survey in July to compile information from within our Diocese about what God is up to in and around the communities where we serve.  That survey will close today Wednesday, August 16.  If you haven’t already done so, please complete your servey today.
Lay members will have three more opportunities to attend a Listening Meeting:
  • Wednesday, August 16, 6:30pm at St. Dunstan’s Succasunna
  • Saturday, September 9, 1pm at Christ Church Bloomfield/Glen Ridge
  • Wednesday, September 13, 6:30pm at St. George’s Maplewood
Two additional listening meetings are scheduled, but are for Episcopal House Staff (September 7) and Clergy only (September 12).
Summer Spirituality
Resources you may like to try this summer: iphone and Android apps for iphone for the Daily Office, and The Book of common Prayer (look in your online app store,) and Echo a daily prayer and blessing app.  You can also find text Daily prayers at
www.missionstclare.com following the Episcopal Church lectionary, and a variety of other traditions.
 
Summer Coffee hour
During the summer, sign up to bring iced tea, fruit punch or lemonade and a seasonal fruit offering or light snack to share at coffee hour.  Keep it simple and easy.  See Heloisa Rooney for more information.  Sign up sheet is on the bulletin board.
UPCOMING EVENTS
  
Drumming Camp
28 August – 1 September
Once again St. Stephen’s Church will host a week-long summer drumming camp for children in the PATCH program (these are children with incarcerated parents.)  The camp will take place from 28 August to 1 September, from 3:30pm -7:30pm.  The camp is staffed by volunteers who help to coordinate snacks and dinner, arts and crafts, sports and games, and we leave the drumming instructions to a pro, Ya-yah Kamete who has worked with us for many years.  If you are interested in volunteering at the camp please contact Susan Dinan at sdinan@pace.edu. If you want to hear a lovely concert from some very enthusiastic drummers please join us on Friday evening of 1 September.  Thank you!
 
St. Stephen’s Garden Club Meeting
Saturday September 2, 2017
The first meeting of St. Stephen’s Garden Club will be on Saturday, September 2 at 10:30am in the Common Room. This is an organizational and planning meeting so bring your ideas! Anyone interested in helping with planning and/or working in the church gardens is welcome!
Questions: Theresa Scharff or Sue Macbeth
 
Pilgrim Program
Wednesday Evenings, September 6 – October 11, 2017
Fellow Pilgrims – please put on your comfy shoes and get ready for the third session of the journey. We begin on Wednesday, September 6, 7pm – 8:45pm in the Rectory. The theme for Session 3 is “The Commandments.”
The Pilgrim Program is open to all who are interested in growing spiritually through sharing of Scripture, reflection, and prayer. Each session begins informally with light refreshments; so even  if you are unable to be present from the start you are still able to participate! While regular attendance is a plus, absence is acceptable if necessary. There is no outside preparation required for each session; there is a small manual needed and a small fee to purchase one. The manual can be purchased at the first meeting. Sessions end promptly at 8:45pm and occur over six weeks.  Hope to see you there!
Any questions: Theresa Scharff
 
Transition Discussions
Sunday September 10 & 17, 2017
On Sunday, September 10th & 17th for approximately half an hour, during coffee hour, each Vestry member will 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 next priest.  Each Vestry member will take notes during each discussion.  Your feedback is important for us to learn what parishioners want for the future of St. Stephen’s.
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!
 
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.
 
Parish Office hours are as follows:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9am-4:30pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 9am-4:30pm
Friday: 9am-1pm
To conserve the air conditioning in the Rectory please use the kitchen door for entry.