Newsletter, May 11

Reverend Sheelagh’s Thought for the Week: May 11, 2016

Be still, for the spirit of the Lord is moving in this place…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZugvUQ4m90U

This is a favorite worship hymn that I adore (sorry about the ad before the video, btw).  Pentecost is all about the amazing events of the arrival of The Holy Spirit as it descended upon the disciples and early church.  They all babble in different languages, speaking in tongues, and yet were understood.  Given that this passionate event came from God, Love itself, is it any surprise that the language of love is universal?

Vestry Liason For Sabbatical
I am excited the opportunity has presented itself for Rev. Sheelagh to take a sabbatical and that we here at St. Stephen’s can support her in this endeavor.  This will allow her the ability to step back from her regular parish duties so she can fully engage in spiritual renewal and reflection.  She will also get a varied and hands on look into the going local movement and obtain some reframing of the important work we do here at St. Stephen’s.  This is an opportunity to dive in deeper than she would in a typical continuing education experience which is so valuable.

During the time Rev. Sheelagh is away, Rev. Derek, members of the vestry, and church community at large will keep things moving along smoothly.  There are plenty of volunteer opportunities available if anyone is interested, more information will be provided by Janet Hager.

The parish will use this time to continue our focus on the ministries we are engaged in.  We look forward to the next few months as we continue to grow in faith and community and look forward to welcoming Rev. Sheelagh back to share some of her new found knowledge and experience with us when she returns!

– Denise

Reminders

Serving at the Altar 5/15 & 5/22

ALL IN THE FAMILY
Congratulations To All Our Graduating And College Bound Students.

Here’s where they are headed:
Jadyn Herry – NYU
Eilis Price – Goldsmith’s College – London
Rammi Rugbeer – University of British Columbia, Canada
Grace Savoie – Americorps
Thomas Singer – Franklin & Marshall College, Pennsylvania
John Soughan – George Washington University, DC
Autumn Jones – Berklee College of Music, Boston MA

And Congratulations To Our College Graduates

Jessica Clarke – from GWU going to NYU Law.
Arabella Pluta-Ehlers – from University of Chicago working in DC.
Ramadan Smith McCloud – from Rutgers Business School

Spring 2016 Issue Of FROM THE MOUNTAIN
The Spring 2016 issue of FROM THE MOUNTAIN, a publication of the School of Theology at The University  of the South in Sewanee, TN, includes an article by Felder Dorn entitled “A Triumph of Hope and Faith Over Adversity: The Second Founding of the University of the South.” The Spring 2016 issue of FROM THE MOUNTAIN can be viewed online at https://sewanee.edu/theology/seminary/media/publications/

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, May 22nd at St. John’s Episcopal Church
61 Broad Street Elizabeth, NJ 07202
Departure Time: 12PM from St. Stephens
Thank so much in advance for your help. It is because of our caring and giving community that we are able to bring smiles and full stomachs to the St. John’s community. Below is a list of what we will need.  The number in parenthesis indicates approximately how many of each item we need.

1. Pre-made Turkey & Cheese Sandwiches (20) – Linda
2. Pre-made Turkey Sandwiches (10)
3. Pre-made Ham & Cheese Sandwiches (20) – Nancy Sieffert
4. Pre-made Ham Sandwiches (20)
5. Pre-made American Cheese Sandwiches (10) – Sam and Soraya Polanco
6. Pre-made Meat Deli & Cheese Sandwiches (20) e.g. Salami, etc – Alex Cole
7. Chicken Soup (feeds 10)
8. Chicken Noodle Soup (feeds 10)
9. Vegetable Beef Soup (feeds 10) – Carole
10. Mom’s Specialty Soup (beef & Veg) Sara Ruth Dorn
11. Spicy Gumbo Soup (feeds 10) (whatever works)
12. Soup bowls – Barbara Riedel
13. Hard boiled eggs (6 dozen) – Barbara Riedel
14. Fruits (Apples and/or Oranges) – Sue Macbeth
15. Condiments
16. Popcorn
17. Cookies

If you prefer to make a different type of sandwich, Vegetarian or PB&J or different soup, just send us a quick note and we will include it. Please label your type of sandwiches and soup prior to delivery, for better distribution. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact via us email at ssguillenpolanco@gmail.com  or give us a call directly.

Soraya at (201) 779-6852  or  Sam at (646) 805-8682

Have a lovely week ahead! 🙂

Please feel free to forward this email to anyone else that might be interested in attending.

With Much Love & Appreciation,
Sam + Soraya Polanco

Christine’s Kitchen
June 4, 2016 from 10:30am-1pm

We serve neighbors in need at Christine’s Kitchen at Holy Trinity in West Orange. Holy Trinity is located at Washington and Main Streets in West Orange. Parking is on the street.  We can use entrees, fruit, and other foods, as well as volunteers. If you feel like bringing something additional, do so!  Food will not go to waste.

If you want to volunteer or contribute call Claas at 908 451-0426, or email him at cehlers@familypromise.org.

Thought For The Week
Thinkers. Writers. Please consider writing a brief  “thought for the week” on anything at all for the weekly e-news during the sabbatical period. Let Claire or Janet Hager know you are interested.

NOTICES
Please send all articles and e-mails for the newsletter to Claire by NOON on Tuesday at church@ststephensmillburn.org.