Newsletter, September 7

Rev. Sheelagh’s Thought For The Week

It’s 9/11 again.  How can it be that this year’s high school freshmen were not even born on that iconic day?  It is fifteen years ago now.  For many of us though, the tail end of summer and the slight freshness of the breeze bring back memories of that beautiful September morning.  I had planned to can tomatoes with my friend. I was a stay at home mom, had not begun seminary, and my daughter was six.  The scriptures this week speak of God’s faithfulness even in the face of evil and desolation.  That even when “the fool has said in his heart there is no God,” and “all are corrupt and commit abominable acts;” God still looks “to see if there is any who is wise, if there is one who seeks after God.”(Ps14:1).

In times of tragedy and horror, it is hard to find the presence and action of God, but that struggle is the true nature of hope and faith.  God it seems, always hoping that we will get it, never abandons us, no matter how far we stray. +

Reminders

Serving at the Altar  9/11 & 9/18

NOTICES

New Coffee Hour & Flower Sign-Up Procedure
The congregation of St. Stephen’s gathers each week after the 10am service to share coffee, treats, and conversation.  All members of the community are welcome to host coffee hour.  I have placed a poster in the Narthex that has sign up sheets for each week’s coffee hour.  Please sign up to host using this sheet. The church office will then send you a reminder note about serving coffee hour a few days before the event.   You can also sign up here for the altar flowers, Just add your name and the amount and the church office will call to confirm dedication names, memorials etc.  Prices are $40, $50 and $60 dollars.

Two years ago I introduced the online Sign Up Genius program to help with coffee hour hosting, but we did not care for this online approach.  So, we are returning to paper and pen!  The sign up sheets will hang in the Narthex, and anyone may sign up for the weeks they would like to host.  If you have any questions please let me know.

– Susan
sdinan@pace.edu

UPCOMING EVENTS

Welcome Back Breakfast September 11, 2016
Looking forward to enjoying fellowship on Sunday at 9:00 AM at our Welcome Back Breakfast! We could use another egg bake, juice, biscuits, and additional fruit is also welcome if anyone is looking for something to contribute. Please contact Denise Price denise.price75@yahoo.com or 917-548-5520

to let her know what you will be bringing.

September 11, 2016 Town Wide Interfaith Service
Town-wide interfaith 9/11 prayer service on Sunday, September 11 at 10:30am, sponsored by Community Congregational Church, B’nai Israel, and the Township of Millburn/Short Hills. With local speakers and participants such as Mayor Bourke, Board of Education Superintendent Dr. Burton, Police Chief Gilfedder, and Fire Chief Roberts, as well as clergy representatives of various houses of worship, we hope to draw people of all faiths and walks of life to this community event as we peacefully gather in remembrance and tribute.

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

Cocktails & Commiseration – September 22, 7:30pm – 8:30pm
For our Mother’s whose children have left the nest.
Martini Bar & Bistro
40 Main Street 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

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.