Newsletter, May 24
Rev. Sheelagh’s Thought For The Week
Rogation days are set aside in our church calendar to remind us of the four seasons of the year. They hearken back to a time when we were more in tune with agricultural seasons and the gift and blessing of our Creator God. Rogation Sunday in rural parishes is filled with meanings we have forgotten. Many hold a procession into the fields, to sprinkle Holy water and bless the crops and the coming harvest of wheat, corn or tomatoes.
Here in Millburn, it is hard to remember that people still make their living off the land. Yet we are the Garden State, and a twenty minute drive north, south or west quickly puts us into horse country, orchards and agricultural fields. Yes, even in New Jersey things still grow, and no, they don’t all glow in the dark! For me, Rogation Sunday heralds the summer season. The promise of steamy, slower days, and the fresh produce of farmers’ markets. It is also the Pentecost season and the celebration of the gift of the Holy Spirit among us, marked by a round of baptisms, first Holy Communions, Confirmations, graduations, and yes, weddings. Lots and lots of joyous things to anticipate and celebrate. Let’s rejoice, and give thanks to God from whom all blessings flow!
EVENTS
Date | Time | Event |
| May 24, 31 & June 7, Wednesday | 7pm-8:45pm | Pilgrim |
| May 29, Monday | 9:15am | Memorial Day Service at St. Stephen’s Cemetery |
| June 13, Tuesday | 11am-2pm | Senior Luncheon |
| June 20, Tuesday | 7:30pm-10pm | Finance Committee Meeting |
| June 25, Sunday | 11:30am-1pm | Vestry Meeting |
| June 25, Sunday | 1pm-2pm | Annual Mustard Seed Meeting |
| June 25, Sunday | 7:30pm | Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival |
May 28, 2017 8am Reader: N. Sieffert | June 4, 2017 8am Reader: c. Francis |
| 10am Readers: 1. P. Wick 2. F. Dorn 3. M. Barakat | 10am Readers: 1. T. Scharff 2. K. Hanson 3. F. Taber |
| Chalicist: J. Scharff | Chalicist: J. Soughan |
| Ushers: S. & L. Landers | Ushers: H. Rooney & M.A. Chech |
| Altar Guild: N. Sieffert & J. James | Altar Guild: C. Francis & J. Dorn |
| Coffee Hour: H. Rooney | Coffee Hour: The Dorn Family |
| Altar Flowers: S. & S. Polanco J. Rossiter | Altar Flowers: Mary Stack Kim Williams, Choir appreciation |
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.
Wondering about the Johnson Amendment and preaching politics from the pulpit?
Check out the Bishop’s latest blog on the Diocese home page and at
http://dioceseofnewark.org/bishops-blog/fraud-executive-order-religious-expression
NOTICES
Cemetery Tour Photo Book
A photo book made from photographs taken during the October 2016 cemetery tour is now available. The cost of a copy will be $18.00 plus shipping charges. If you wish to have a copy, please get your name put on a list at the coffee hour on Sunday, 28 May. There will be a copy of the book available for inspection at a table in the parish hall. You may also call or e-mail Felder Dorn, 973-467-9847 or email him at fdorn231@AOL.com to get on the list. This needs to be done by Tuesday, 30 May.
Summer is Coming!
June 4, Pentecost marks the end of our program year, when we will appreciate our choir, move to a generic bulletin, finish our regular programs of seniors’ lunches, Bible studies and other things we do regularly. We will also baptize Samantha Chronley and welcome our children into church to celebrate the baptism. Coffee hour becomes punch in the garden – weather permitting. It’s a great time for sunhats, watermelon and other summer treats.
There are plenty of summer offerings though. A summer workshop on July 26th at Grace Church Madison, “Ditch your devices and feed your soul” featuring the labyrinth, a dream workshop, sacred art, yoga, prayer and breathwork. We will be hosting our fifth annual Drumming Camp on August 28-September 2. More details to come shortly, but mark the dates and let Susan Dinan and Fran Taber know if you want to be involved and help.
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!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Pilgrim
May 24, 31 & June 7
2017 from 7pm-8:45pm
Pilgrim group continues its pilgrimage: interested in going deeper? Meet on Wednesdays from 7pm – 8:45pm in the rectory May through June 7.
Pilgrim is a program of spiritual growth and reflection on Scripture.
New members are welcome – participation in the first session is not required to join. Also, while consistent participation is a plus, it is not required that you attend every meeting. Thanks and hope to see you there!!
Memorial Day Service at St. Stephen’s Cemetery and the Memorial Day Parade
Join your rector, local dignitaries and members of the American Legion at a short commemorative service at the Cemetery at 9:15 am on Monday May 29th. Our cemetery is the final resting place for many who gave their service for the protection of our country and its values, “Lest we Forget”.
Save The Date, June 25, 2017 At 7:30pm
The trip on June 25 to the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival is in the planning process. If you have any questions give me a call at 908 686 5489. Thanks!! Theresa Scharff.
Please note the 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.
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.
Thank You.