Newsletter, October 28
Reverend Sheelagh’s Thought for the Week: October 28
All Saints’ Sunday is this weekend. It is that moment when we all join one another in the collective understanding of our loss, but also in the recognition of the wonderful gift that we have received in each of those lives and how they are missed. God gives, and God taketh away; one for one, and yet we are often so angry in our loss that we shut out the light of how we were gifted. Take a moment to think of the people who have shaped your lives. How their words and wisdom have travelled with you. Give thanks for the many memories you have, and bless them all with a smile this weekend.
Reminders
| Date | Time | Event |
| Nov 10, Tuesday | 11am | Senior Luncheon |
| Nov 12, Thursday | 7:30pm | Finance Committee Meeting |
| Nov 14, Saturday | 10:30am | Christine’s Kitchen |
| Nov 15, Sunday | 11:30am | Vestry Meeting |
| Nov 18, Wednesday | 7:30pm | Social Justice Book Discussion Group |
| Nov 22, Sunday | 12pm | St John’s Elizabeth |
Serving at the Altar Sunday 11/1 & 11/8
| 11/1 | 11/8 |
| 8 am Reader: C. Francis | 8 am Reader: A. Walker |
| 10 am Readers: 1. C. Ehlers 2. O. Owolabi 3. B. Churchill | 10 am Readers: 1. K. Conway 2. K. Hanson 3. K. McClellan |
| Chalicists: J. Hager & J. Soughan | Chalicists: S. Clarke & R. Riedel |
| Ushers: M. Chech & B. Riedel | Ushers: J. Herry & J P. Soughan |
| Coffee hour: Blair Majtyka Flowers are given by: Marvin Walker in loving memory of Delsita and Hunter Marvin Walker Jr, and Hunter Marvin Walker III. | Coffee hour: Open Flowers are given by: Mary Stack in loving memory of Mary and Norman Morrison. |
Coffee hosting and flowers
There are only two dates left for coffee hour this month. November 8 & 15. Please sign up with Susan Dinan! Please let Eugene or Claire know if you want to donate flowers. Please consider taking ONE Sunday in memory of a loved one, or in thanksgiving for an event. Flowers are priced at $40, $50 or $60 for the two vases.
It’s Grocery Gift Card Sunday
November 1 is the first Sunday of the month – you know what that means – Kings and Shop Rite gift cards will be available for purchase after the 10am service.
Your purchase of these gifts cards supports St. Stephen’s! For every card purchased, 5% of its value is donated to our church. Cards will be available in $25, $50 and $100 denominations and you can pay with cash or a check (made out to St. Stephen’s Church).
Please see Blair Majtyka to purchase the cards and email or call me with any questions, blairmajtyka@me.com/973-801-1471.
Going Local Gets Noticed!
St. Stephen’s got a P.R. bump this week with a photo of our summer drumming celebration illustrating the Houses of Worship page in the just published Millburn Townscape – an annual guide issued by the local paper.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Consecration of Bishop Michael Curry as Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in America.
This weekend at The National Cathedral in Washington, many in the church gather to witness the consecration of Bishop Michael Curry. The evening before, some of us will be in DC to celebrate his consecration at an extra service. I will be there. Our friend, the Reverend Sandye Wilson from St Andrews Holy Communion will be preaching. It is time for some joy. Our almost Presiding Bishop is a great preacher, and we all look forward to that gift.
Christine’s Kitchen
November 14, from 10:30am-1:15pm
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.
Social Justice Book Discussion Group.
November 18 at 7:30pm in the Rectory
Thirteen of us gathered last week to discuss Michelle Alexander’s book The New Jim Crow,examining mass incarceration of young black and Hispanic men as a result of the “war on drugs.” (See NYT book review below) Join us as we continue the conversation on these uncomfortable, but urgent issues. Wednesday, November 18 at 7:30pm in the Rectory. Reading the book is not necessary.
St. John Baptist on December 5, 2015
The retreat at the convent of St. John Baptist is planned for December 5, with an Advent theme. Time frame: 10:00am – 5:00pm. In addition to opportunities for prayer with the community, there will be sessions led by Sr. Suzanne Elizabeth. Lunch is provided and Eucharist will take place near the end of the day with Sr. Barbara Jean as presider. Donation: $35.00. Please give or send checks by November 15 to Theresa Scharff. These should be made out to Srs. of St. John Baptist. Any questions: 908 686 5489.
NOTICE
We now have an active online giving button on our website. You can use this to make a one time donation (in case you are away from church), or set up your regular contributions. See Rev Derek for more information.
If you would like an article put in the e-news, please e-mail Claire in the office at church@ststephensmillburn.org