07 Jun

Newsletter, June 7

Rev. Sheelagh’s Thought For The Week
Sometimes… it’s just about trust.  This week I am with my family as we make some family decisions about my father’s care.  Alzheimer’s is a horrible disease that takes away dignity and respect.  It isn’t about what or who my dad knows now, but what we hope for.  Simply a place where he will be treated kindly, gently and with respect.  The gift of the Holy Spirit has always been present as I look back over the most important events of my life and probably yours too; for example in knowing that we are in love, choosing a life partner, welcoming a child, changing a job, or discerning a calling.  The Spirit of God is present right there in the moment as we pray and discern these things.  I think we actually notice the presence of the Spirit in the harder moments of our lives, because it is then that we really understand that we have so little control, and are most willing to place our trust in God.  Come, Holy Spirit, come, as we walk through whatever awaits us.

Events
Date
Time
Event
June 7, Wednesday7pm-8:45pmPilgrim
June 13, Tuesday11am-2pmSenior Luncheon
June 20, Tuesday7:30pm-10pmFinance Committee Meeting
June 25, Sunday
11:30am-11:45am
Annual Mustard Seed Meeting
June 25, Sunday11:45am-1pmVestry Meeting
June 25, Sunday7:30pmHudson Valley Shakespeare Festival
 
Serving at the Altar  6/11 & 6/18
June 11, 2017
8am Reader: M. Ellingham
June 18, 2017
8am Reader: N. Sieffert
10am Readers:
1. K. Conway
2. B. Churchill
3. K. Wade		10am Readers:
1. J. James
2. L. Owolabi
3. P. Wick
Chalicist: D. ColeChalicist: S. Clarke
Ushers: F.L. & M. Priddy
Ushers: P. & O. Moore
Altar Guild: M. Nazareth, T. & J. Scharff
Altar Guild: N. Sieffert & A. Cole
Coffee Hour: The Wade Family
Coffee Hour: Open
Altar Flowers: T. & J. Scharff
Altar Flowers: Rev. Sheelagh


 
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
Summer is Coming!
The summer brings an opportunity to share something fun with our Sunday school children.  What can you do? Bake a cake, paint a picture, plant a pot, make a kite – any practical activity is great fun during the summer months for our kids and if you can tell a little of your faith story in there – even better!
Congratulations and welcome home!
Congratulations and welcome home to all our college students and graduating seniors.  We all wish you some well-earned rest and refreshment during the summer months.  Pop in and see us if you are around. We would love to catch up with your news. We also have few small projects and volunteer opportunities, including Drumming Camp that may interest you.

Volunteers Needed
High School / College students needed. Service hours, Internship?
We have a variety of small short term projects that need your help. Please call or e-mail Claire in the Church office. (Hours flexible to suit your schedule.)
Re-Licensing
Re-licensing of the Chalice bearers, worship leaders and lay preachers is required every three years – please see Reverend Sheelagh to check the status of your license, or if you are feeling called to explore these ministries.


UPCOMING EVENTS
 
 
Pilgrim
June 7  2017 from 7pm-8:45pm
Join us for the last Pilgrim session tonight at 7pm, Pilgrim is a program of spiritual growth and reflection on Scripture.
 Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival
June 25, 2017 At 7:30pm
If you have any questions give me a call at 908 686 5489. Thanks!! Theresa Scharff.
Drumming Camp!
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!
 
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
You may leave a message by phone or e-mail when the office is closed, we will respond to your message when we return. Thank You.