Newsletter, September 14

Rev. Sheelagh’s Thought For The Week

Welcome back everyone, and I just want to say how glad I am to be back.  Of course it was wonderful to have the summer on sabbatical, but it is also good to re-establish routines and return to normal life.  I also want to express my deepest gratitude.  I was able to rest and return restored, and as I shared on Sunday, I gleaned much.

So now, as the summer wanes, and the fresher air of the fall comes, we begin anew.  In the gardener’s world there are two planting seasons, the spring and the fall.  The fall is a time for the soil to be plowed and enriched, ready to receive seeds that need to incubate.  I think in our spiritual life that means it is a time to be prayerful and to sit loosely with the idea of what is our ‘mission’ from God.  I return with pockets full of ideas, and some may be what we need; but, like any good gardener, it is time for us to clear out the beds and fertilize the soil, to prepare a place for the new seeds and ideas to thrive.

I look forward to conversations and listening together with you as to what God through the Holy Spirit might be up to here in our St Stephen’s garden.

Reminders

Serving at the Altar  9/18 & 9/25

NOTICES

Thank you so much to all who donated for gift cards for flood victims in Louisiana. Your generous gifts were so gratefully received. Thank you, as always, for opening your hearts to those in need. –Ellen

UPCOMING EVENTS

Christine’s Kitchen
September 17, 2016 from 10:30am-1pm

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

Little Secret
September 17 at Crossroads in Garwood, NJ

If you’re looking for a fun and music-filled evening, Ellen Pluta’ s band, Little Secret, will be playing at Crossroads in Garwood on Saturday 9/17 at 9pm. Cover is $8. All ages welcome!

Cocktails & Commiseration
September 22, 7:30pm – 8:30pm

For our Mother’s whose children have left the nest.  (The venue has changed since last week) Moonshine Supper Club, 55 Main Street in Millburn.  Call church office for details 973-376-0688.

Anti Racism Workshop September 23 & 24, 2016
Diocese of Newark, NJ
Click on the link for details
http://www.dioceseofnewark.org/event/anti-racism-dialogues-4

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
1:00 PM Sunday, October 2nd 2016
St. Stephen’s will hold our annual Blessing of the Animals at 1:00 PM on the Parish lawn (or inside if it rains).

As always, we will have a brief ceremony to celebrate the joy our pets bring us and then bless each animal individually. “Hambone Kelly” will provide music and there will be refreshments for animals and for people.

Each pet will receive a “certificate of blessing” to commemorate the event. For the safety of the pets, we ask that they come in appropriate carriers and containers or on a secure lead. We sincerely hope that you and your animal friends will be able to attend.

NEW PRAYER LIST
We are in the process of updating our Prayer List, those names that have been on the list for numerous weeks will come off.  If you have just added a name or sent in a request recently, within the last week or so, those names will stay.  A blank sheet will be on the “Eagle Stand” in Church for anyone who would like to to add a name.

EVENTS / ARTICLES / NOTICES
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.