Newsletter May 6, 2015
The believing Jews who had come with Peter, couldn’t believe…that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on “outsider” Gentiles. Acts 10:45.
This moment marks a significant shift in the early church, which was initially focused on trying to persuade the Hebrew people that the Risen Christ was the Messiah, and held fast to Jewish religious traditions. Peter, Jesus’ appointed leader, is beginning to realize that the good news is not exclusive and needs to include all people. Here we see the boundaries start to shift, and a spirit of inclusivity start to emerge. It is a pivotal moment that prepares the early church to be more flexible and dare to go outside their comfort zone. It is a message we still need to hear. Where are our boundaries? Who are the “outsiders”? And where do we need to go outside our comfort zone to do God’s work?
| Date | Time | Event |
| May 7, Thursday | 7:30pm | Preschool Committee |
| May 12, Tuesday | 7:30pm | Finance Committee |
| May 16, Saturday | 6:00pm | Spring Auction Fundraiser |
| May 17, Sunday | 11:30am | Vestry |
Serving at the Altar this Sunday 5/10
8am reader: Marvin Walker
10am readers: L. Owolabi, K. Hanson, F. Dorn
Chalicist: Sheelagh C. Clarke
Ushers: Claas Ehlers and Ellen Pluta
Coffee Hour hosts: Barbara Riedel
Flowers are given by: – Peter Wick for Kira’s birthday
Coffee hosting and flowers
No one has signed up for the coffee hour for May 24, or for flowers. Please let Eugene or Claire in the office know if you want to donate flowers. Please sign up for coffee with Susan Dinan.
UPCOMING EVENTS
ST STEPHEN’S AUCTION WILL BE HELD SATURDAY, MAY 16 FROM 6 PM TO 9 PM.
We hope you are planning to attend with a group of family or friends. We promise not only an enjoyable evening but an opportunity to show your support for the needs of our church.
The following is a list of a few of the items up for Auction.
A life size Santa
Collectible dolls
Antique flow blue pitcher and bowl set
A stay at the historic B&B, The Red Hook Inn, in Red Hook NYA week in a lovely vacation home in Rhode Island
A Seth Thomas Helmsman’s Ship Clock and Barometer circa 1970
Tickets to Papermill Playhouse
Gift certificates to local restaurants
Genuine Fox fur scarf
Wooden tray/table top UK
Pair of metal wall sconces
New Vera Bradley backpack and purse
SPA facial
Pair of Lily Pulitzer shoes
Eddie Bauer New leather jacket XXL Ladies
$200.00 gift certificate for Darren Michael’s Jewelers
Lessons at Arthur Murray Dance Studio
$20.00 towards shoes at Happy Feet, children’s footwear
$50.00 Gift certificate for Charlie Browns
Tickets for Cape May Stage
$100.00 gift certificate from Shoprite
Lenox vase
Ladies Dolce & Gabanna watch
Ladies Swiss Army Watch
Christine’s Kitchen
Each Saturday 70 to 80 people in need enjoy a hot lunch. They come from all over the area, and include families, single people and seniors. The soup kitchen is located at Holy Trinity Church in West Orange, but is served by faith communities which take turns hosting.
What can St. Stephen’s do?
St. Stephens will host the May 16, 2015 soup kitchen. We are responsible for providing meals and volunteers. We also have the opportunity to spend a few hours with our brothers and sisters, enjoy a meal together and share the blessings of our lives.
What can you do?
Sign up. We need volunteers and we need about 12 meals made (serving 10-12 people) as well as donations of staples like coffee, napkins, paper plates. Let us know which (you can do both) you want to do. If you are volunteering, it will be between 10:30 am and 1:30 pm and involves warming food, setting tables, serving meals, dining and cleaning up. Contact Claas cehlers@familypromise.org or 908 789-2356 if you will be attending.
Where is it?
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church is located at 315 Main Street at the intersection of Main and Franklin streets in West Orange, opposite the Washington Elementary School. There is no parking lot. You can park along Franklin Street.
Shakespeare in the Summer?
All those interested in Shakespeare, outdoor picnics by the Hudson River, and warm summer nights- you might like a parish trip to Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival to experience ” A Midsummer’s Night Dream” on a Saturday in July. Let me know 908 686 5489 and we can begin a plan. The date is July 19 at 7:30. The grounds of Boscobel open around 5:30 for picnicking. There is a group discount available for 12 more.
May 24 we are scheduled to serve at St John’s in Elizabeth. Sam and Soraya are unable to be there this time and Rev Sheelagh will be in the UK. Is there anyone who is willing to take food down to the Church and organize service? Please contact us immediately.
Notice:
In the interest of Rev. Derek Darves we are currently relocating the entrance from the back door at the Rectory to the side door on the porch.