14 Sep

Newsletter, September 13

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.
Our response to Hurricanes Harvey & Irma
Episcopal Relief & Development works closely with church partners after disasters, equipping them to meet needs of those most vulnerable in their communities. Currently, our staff is responding to areas devastated by Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, and watching developing tropical storms. Because of our strong diocesan partnerships, Episcopal Relief & Development is ready to assist in the recovery of the impacted areas for as long as necessary. You can help provide critical relief to affected communities by donating to our Hurricane Relief Fund. To donate and read the latest updates, visit Episcopal Hurricane Relief Effort.
 

Events
Date
Time
Event
Sep. 13, 20, & 27
Oct. 4 & 11, Wednesdays
7pm – 8:45pm
Pilgrim Program
St Stephen’s Rectory
Sep. 13, Wednesday7:30pm-10pmFinance Committee Meeting
Sep. 17, Sunday11:15am-11:45amTransition Process
Sep. 23, Saturday
10am
St. Stephen’s Garden Club
Sep. 23, Saturday11:30am-1pm
Vestry Meeting
 
Serving at the Altar  9/17 & 9/24
September 17, 2017
No 8am Service
September 24, 2017
8am Reader:  N. Sieffert
10am Readers:
1. F. Young
2. J. James
3. K. Wade		10am Readers:
1. F. Taber
2. M. Barakat
3. P. Wick
Chalicist: J. SoughanChalicist: A. Cole
Ushers:  R. & B. Riedel
Ushers: O. & P. Moore
Altar Guild: M. Nazareth & J. James
Altar Guild: N. Sieffert & A. Cole
Coffee Hour: J. Braithwaite
Coffee Hour: S. C. Clarke
Altar Flowers:  Open
Altar Flowers: Open
NOTICES
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.
 
 
UPCOMING EVENTS
Pilgrim Program
Wednesday Evenings, September – October 11, 2017
Fellow Pilgrims – please put on your comfy shoes and get ready for the third session of the journey. We begin on Wednesday, September 6, 7pm – 8:45pm in the Rectory. The theme for Session 3 is “The Commandments.”
The Pilgrim Program is open to all who are interested in growing spiritually through sharing of Scripture, reflection, and prayer. Each session begins informally with light refreshments; so even  if you are unable to be present from the start you are still able to participate! While regular attendance is a plus, absence is acceptable if necessary. There is no outside preparation required for each session; there is a small manual needed and a small fee to purchase one. The manual can be purchased at the first meeting. Sessions end promptly at 8:45pm and occur over six weeks.  Hope to see you there!
Any questions: Theresa Scharff
Transition Process – Come One and Come All!
This Sunday, September 17th, for approximately half an hour, during coffee hour, a few Vestry members will help lead a group of parishioners at individual round tables, in discussion about their feelings regarding the past, present and future of St. Stephen’s and what they would like to see in their new Rector.  Notes will be taken during each discussion.  Below, are the 4 questions that will be asked of each group.  This will provide time to think about your answers. If you were unable to make last week’s session, please join us this week!  Your opinions matter!
1.  If you had 3 wishes for our Worship, what would they be?
2.  What keeps you coming back to St. Stephen’s?
3.  What are your hopes for this congregation and what would you be
     most invested in/participate in?
4.  What are the most important qualities or experiences that our new
     Rector should have?
Any questions please email Maryalice Chech at: maryalice_chech@yahoo.com
 
Saturday September 23, 2017
The Garden Club will meet on Saturday, September 23, (WEATHER PERMITTING) at 10am to work on the flowerbeds by the Rectory.  If you missed the first meetings and want to help out – please join us on Saturday!
Thanks!
 
UPDATES
 
Bishop Search Update
Lay members will have 1 more opportunity to attend a Listening Meeting:
  • Wednesday, September 13, 6:30pm at St. George’s Maplewood
 
Parish Office hours are as follows:
Monday & Wednesday Closed
Tuesday & Thursday: 9am-4:30pm
Friday: 9am-1pm