16 Nov

Newsletter, November 15

Prayer for Guidance in finding a new Rector (BCP)
Almighty God, giver of every good gift:  Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a new Rector for this parish, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
Events
Date
Time
Event
Nov 15 & 29,
Dec, 6, 13, & 20
Jan 3, Wednesday
7pm – 8:45pmPilgrim Program
St Stephen’s Rectory
Nov 15, Wednesday7:30pm-10pmFinance Committee Meeting
Nov 19, Sunday11:30am-1pmVestry Meeting
Nov 19, Sunday
11amTurkey Box Collection
Dec 2, Saturday
9am-4pm
St. Stephen’s Annual Advent Retreat
Dec 12, Tuesday11am-2pmSenior Luncheon
End of Year Celebration
 
Serving at the Altar  11/19 & 11/26
Nov 19, 2017
8am Reader: N. Sieffert
Nov 26, 2017
8am Reader:  A. Walker
10am Readers:
1. F. Taber
2. L. Owolabi
3. P. Wick
10am Readers:
1. M. Barakat
2. K. Conway
3. K. Hanson
Chalicist: J. SoughanChalicist: R. Riedel
Ushers: H. Rooney & M. Chech
Ushers: T. & J. Scharff
Altar Guild: N. Sieffert & J. James
Altar Guild: A. Walker, T. & J. Scharff
Coffee Hour: Open
Coffee Hour: Open
Altar Flowers: M. Stack
Altar Flowers: Open
NOTICES
 
Transition Process
The Vestry is creating a Parish Profile which will be placed on the St. Stephen’s website as well as the Diocesan website in the hope of attracting prospective candidates.  If anyone is interested in being involved in this Transition Process with us, please contact me either by email: maryalice_chech@yahoo.com or cell: 973-951-7154.
 
cartoon_turkey.jpgTurkey Box Collection
November 19, 2017
Turkey Boxes need to be in the parish hall by 11am Sunday morning, Nov. 19th.
Delivery will be coordinated by Delouise Monroe, who helped recruit the drummers, rode the bus, and chaperoned during our August camp.
Thanks to all at St. Stephen’s Church for helping give our drummers a joyous Thanksgiving!
The following items are recommended for each Turkey box dinner that is donated:
1 sturdy box
1  10 – 15 lb. FROZEN TURKEY
1 disposable aluminum foil roasting pan
2 boxes of stuffing
1 bag of white potatoes OR two cans sweet potatoes
2 cans of vegetables (corn, green beans, peas,)
2 cans of turkey gravy
2 cans cranberry sauce
1 package rolls or corn muffins
½ gallon of apple or cranberry juice
 
UPCOMING EVENTS
  
“Now thank we all our God with heart and hands and voices”
Did you know that this familiar hymn that we often associate with abundance was actually written in the midst of a famine-stricken community during the Thirty Years War? Join us this Sunday, Nov. 19 to sing and learn about this and other favorite Thanksgiving hymns.  The Senior Choir will be leading the service from the chancel and will share a little something about each hymn.  Come and lift your voices with us!
 
St. Stephen’s annual Advent Retreat
 Saturday, December 2, 9am – 4pm
 Convent of St. John Baptist in Mendham. 
St. Stephen’s annual Advent Retreat will be on Saturday, December 2 from
9am – 4pm, at the Convent of St. John Baptist in Mendham.  Join fellow seekers for a day of prayer, reflection, and stillness.  We will be lead through our day by one of the Sisters.  Donation is $35.00, check or cash and can be given to Theresa Scharff.  Checks should be made out to St. Stephen’s church with “retreat” as the note.”  Please reserve your place by November 19.  Any questions – speak to Theresa.  Please consider giving yourself this pre Christmas gift as we reflect on transitions – both in our lives and as a theme of Advent.
Coffee, tea and breakfast foods will be provided as well as a luncheon.
 
Senior Luncheon “End of Year Celebration”
December 12, 2017 11am-2pm
Join us at St. Stephen’s Rectory on Tuesday, December 12, for an end of year celebration with seasonal songs, including Christmas carols and live musicians.  Great food and fun company, lets celebrate in style!
christmas_party.jpg
 
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.
Please Note the Parish Office hours for the week of Thanksgiving
 Monday Closed
Tuesday 9am-5pm
Wednesday 9am-12pm
Thursday & Friday Closed