St Stephen's, Pearl River

Pancake Supper and Lent

2011-03-03T08:22:00.001-08:00

This year's Pancake Supper is March 8 from 5-7. Come join the fun and "Eat what you want, pay what you wish!"

Ash Wednesday Services

12 noon Solemn, Spoken Imposition of Ashes in Chapel

4 pm Kids Service in Church

7:30 pm Solemn Choral Imposition

Bishop's Visit

2010-12-14T08:26:00.000-08:00

The Rt. Rev. Catherine Roskam will be visiting St. Stephen's this Sunday at the 10:30 service. Bishop Roskam will be joining us after the service for Hamburger Soup and the greening of the church!

Join us in celebrating Richard, Peter, kevin & Roseanne as they become confimred in the Episcopal Church!

Save the Dates

2010-09-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

September 19th 9:30 a.m. Pot Luck Church School Breakfast in the Parish Hall
10:30 a.m. Blessing of the Backpacks

September 26th Church School Starts at 9:30 a.m. and focuses on
The Best of the Stories from the Hebrew Bible

October 3rd Blessing of the Animals

Baptism!

2010-07-29T11:21:00.000-07:00

This Sunday, August 1st, we will welcome into our church family beautiful Maya! Join us for this wonderful celebration at the 10:30 service!

Facebook

2010-07-18T17:24:00.000-07:00

Does everybody know about our Facebook page? Cool photos from the Christmas pageant, Pentecost program, etc. . . Check it out and become a friend!

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Pearl River

Book Club: An Archive

2010-05-06T12:09:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Gwyn dropped by the Book Club (Thursday mornings, 10 a.m. in the conference room) and she suggested that we make a list of all the books we have read. This morning we tried, we know this is incomplete and we also voted on which books we all liked. The books that had universal appeal are marked in bold face. Now, we are a pretty diverse group and universal appeal is pretty hard to come by. These are in no particular order:

The Memory Keeper's Daughter
The Shack
Eat, Love, Pray
The Help
The Color of Water
The Same Kind of Different as Me
The Last Gift Of Time, Heilbrun (R.I.P.)
The Beekeeper's Daughter
Tuesdays with Morrie
The Five People You Meet in Heaven
Have a Little Faith
The Gift of Change, Williamson
In the Bleak Mid Winter
I heard that song Before, Clark
Population 495
Leaving Church, Taylor
Three Cups of Tea, Mortensen
The DaVinci Code
Misquoting Jesus
Angels and Demons
Changing Light
The Language of God
Evensong, Gail Goodwin

If you are an alum of Book Club and remember more titles, please pass them along!

Postal Food Drive

2010-04-28T13:10:00.000-07:00

May 8th is the collection of the Postal Food Drive at the Nanuet Post Office. This year the new postmaster has graciously allowed us to pick up the vast quantities of food on Saturday, May 8th at 4:30 p.m.

If you have never seen a postal food drive, it is definitely worth the effort to come out! We are given huge amounts of food for our Food Cupboard but the task of sorting, storing, carrying, etc. . . can be quite daunting.

We have found that our best success has come from having lots and lots of people come out and spend just a little bit of time. Could you please join us for an hour on Saturday and help us unload? It really can be quite a fun and rewarding time!

Thanks.

Holy Week

2010-03-31T08:07:00.001-07:00

Here's the schedule:

Holy Wednesday - 6 p.m. Agape Dinner followed by communion

Maundy Thursday - 7:30 p.m. Service with Choir and Footwashing

Good Friday - 10 a.m. Stations of the Cross for Kids
12 p.m. Good Friday Liturgy
7:30 p.m. Good Friday Liturgy

Saturday 10 a.m. Holy Saturday
7:30 p.m. Easter Vigil

Sunday 8:30 a.m. Easter service with Choir
10:30 a.m. Easter service with Choir

Earth Hour

2010-03-18T08:20:00.000-07:00

We will be acknowledging Earth Hour this year on Saturday, March 27 at 8:30 p.m. by turning off all the lights in the building. This is to raise awareness about climate change and the importance of conservation. We will be organizing cool games to play (in the dark) throughout the building. Candles will abound and there will be lots to do in our darkened quarters! Stay tuned for more info.

Super-Duper Night Watch

2010-02-23T07:16:00.000-08:00

Leave it to our mighty, mighty youth group (under the fabulous care of Kyle and Mary) to decide that our church could plan a better Night Watch than the Cathedral. So March 5, our Youth group will be having Super-Duper Night Watch right here at St. Stephen's. An ice skating trip, lots of games and fun and, of course, a middle of the night eucharist will all add to the fun!

All young people in the parish and their friends are welcome for this all-night fun-athon!!

Lent

2010-02-16T19:17:00.000-08:00

Just tonight (at the pancake supper) I had someone come up to me and say how much more meaningful the experience of attending the Holy Week services had made Easter. It's really true, the more effort one puts into anything, the more reward they will receive. So much more true for our spiritual lives.

Lent is one of those times when we really have the opportunity to stretch ourselves spiritually. Please do not let that opportunity pass you by. Here are some opportunities that we have at St. Stephen's in teh coming weeks:

On Saturdays, we will have a Bible study at 3 p.m. that focuses on the Letters of Paul. (Meets in conference room).

On Sundays after 10:30 church we have a special program that begins with lunch and focuses on the book 3 Cups of Tea. (See the article below for more)

On Wednesdays we have a return of the Wednesday night service at 7:30 p.m. It is a fun, family-friendly worship experience with live music and short sermons!

Please consider adding one of these experiences to your Lenten Journey. The more you put in, the more rewards you will see.

Have a happy and holy Lent.

3 Cups of Tea

2010-02-14T14:34:00.000-08:00

For Lent, we will be offering an intergenerational experience based on the book Three Cups of Tea. The program will begin with lunch after church on Sundays and include Bible stories, games, crafts, songs, prayer and lots of fun!

We will be collecting, as part of this program, pennies for the Pennies for Peace campaign that raises money and awareness for the construction of schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Please join us!

Helping the Haitian Community Here

2010-01-23T07:30:00.000-08:00

This is an appeal especially to help those who were visiting family in our area for the holidays and were unexpectedly stranded because of the Earthquake. . .

Please send to as many colleagues priest as possible so they know in what we are involve at the Haitian Congregation of the Good Samaritan.Thank you for your ongoing support.

Attached is the quote we receive for the Phones and solar panel we desperately need in order to equip 5 community leaders in Haiti with a means of communication with us

Here is a list of Items we are collecting to support family here (As I clearly explained, I don't want to be part of the confusion in Haiti. All items and money collected by HCGS is 100% dedicated to families visiting or irregularly present in USA) :

-Winter gloves, snow boot, shoes and clothing- One winter coat for a 6 year old little girl- Diapers, baby clothes and coats, wipes & bottles, infant rice cereal, formula- Clean, gently used clothing, blankets & shoes.- tote bags, backpacks, lunch box etc.- Monetary Donations for TPS application and Employment Authorization, support for sheltering. Also used to buy airtime package for Satellite phone. -Canned food and dry food.Items for care packages are also welcome, things like: toothbrush/paste, baby wipes, soap, hand sanitizer, deodorant, maxi pads, etc.

The Rev Nathanael Saint-Pierre, MIS, MCPD,Priest in ChargeHaitian Congregation of the Good Samaritan661 East 219th StreetBronx NY 10467http://haitiangoodsamaritan.com / http://haitiangoodsamaritan.org Cel: (917) 232-9583Tel: (718) 881-3779

Annual Meeting

2010-01-20T08:25:00.000-08:00

Our annual meeting will be held this Sunday, January24th during the 10:30 service. This will enable everyone to hear a very brief version of the committee's reports, see the 2010 budget and hear what is happening in the parish. Afterwards we will have a potluck lunch in the Parish Hall and have time to discuss any concerns of the parish. Please join us!

Haiti Update - Episcopal Church

2010-01-13T15:48:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends in Christ:

We have devastating news to share with you from Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake yesterday. According to reports I have received here in LesCayes, the damage in Port au Prince and areas around it is terrible.

There is no Cathedral. The entire Holy Trinity complex is gone. The convent for the Sisters of St. Margaret is gone. The Bishop's house is gone.The College St. Pierre is gone. The apartment for College St. Pierre is still standing. Bishop Duracin no longer has a house in which to live.

In Trouin, four people were killed during a service. In Grand Colline, the church is gone.one part of st Martin of tours is gone. In St. Etienne Buteau the church, the rectory and the school are gone. In Les Cayes, BTI is OK, but some people were injured trying to get out of the buildings during the quake. The rectory in Les Cayes is in very bad condition.

The Rev. Kesner Ajax
Executive Director, Bishop Tharp Institute (BTI)
8 Rue du Quai, Cayes
Tel. Office: 011-509-2286-4676011-509-2286-4677Mobile: 011-509-3445-3346011-509-3724-8376
Mailing address:100 Airport Ave Venice Fl. 34285
Or Partnership Program Coordinator
Episcopal Diocese of Haiti C/o Lynx Air
P.O. Box 407139Fort Lauderdale, FL 33340

Haiti

2010-01-13T11:05:00.000-08:00

Friends,

We have all been devasted by the news of the earthquake and devastation in Haiti. At St. Stephen's we are especially effected by the tragedy because of our love for Florence and Frantz, members of the parish and also because of the many in our Food Cupboard who have family and friends in Haiti.

I have spent most of the morning on the phone to members of our extended parish family who have family and friends still in Haiti -- collecting names of those for whom we ought to pray by name. That list will be read in church on Sunday. Please keep all of those effected by this devastation in your prayers. Also, if you hear of anyone, in particular, that we should add please contact the parish office at (845) 735-8888.

May God Bless You All,

Susan+

Sort of makes you wonder. . .

2009-12-22T17:10:00.000-08:00

The Archbishop of Canterbury is coming to America! He is due on January 30th and he's coming to Westchester County! But he's not scheduled to go to any Episcopal churches because instead of visiting any of our churches or seminaries, the Journal News reports that he is going to the Roman Catholic seminary in Yonkers that Pope Benedict went to about a year and a half ago.

Y'know, I love doing Interfaith work and (I hope) everyone knows that Rabbi Dan, Monsignor O'Keefe, the late Father Angelo, Pastor Laura and Pastor John Havrilla I am proud to count as good friends and the best colleagues ever but . . . I think it's peculiar that while the Pope is offering to welcome whole American Anglican congregations into his church, the leader of our international church is going to a Roman Catholic seminary. Shouldn't we just focus on strengthening our own church -- instead of trying to raid each other's faithful members???? Just wondering. . .

Still, if anyone is interested in taking a road trip to Yonkers on January 30th let me know. . .

Christmas Eve

2009-12-22T17:08:00.000-08:00

Join us for Christmas Services. . .

Christmas Eve 4 p.m. Family Service with Communion
7 p.m. Carols
7:30 p.m. Choral Eucharist

Christmas Day 10:30 a.m. Come in your pjs & bring your favorite present!!!

Advent!?

2009-11-22T12:47:00.001-08:00

Can you believe next Sunday is teh first Sunday of Advent? I sure can't. But believe it or not, it's here.

We have some exciting activities planned.

Advent 1 (November 30) At 9:30 a.m. we will be making Advent Wresths in the Parish Hall.

Advent 4 (December 20) At 4 p.m. We will have our "Hanging of the Greens". We begin by decorating the church for Christmas. Then our famous Haburger Soup in the Parish Hall. That is followed by our World Famous Christmas Pageant and Cookies and Cider back in the Parish Hall.

And all through Advent we will be collecting goodies for our troops from our Parish and neighborhood to support them in their efforts! Stay tuned for more information!

Our young people will be practicing their Christmas Pageant after church every Sunday starting November 30.

Trunk or Treat

2009-10-28T08:48:00.000-07:00

Now you might have noticed that another church in town is advertising Trunk or Treat. . . . well make no mistake this is the original Pearl River Trunk or Treat Event. Friday, October 30 at 6:30 p.m.

It starts at 6:30 with hotdogs while people set up their trunks, then we have our service at 7 p.m. which features spooky music and a cool, Halloween story, and then about 7:30 p.m. we go to the parking lot and gather treats from trunk to trunk. Afterwards we have a Halloween Party with games, snacks, and prizes for Best Trunk, Most Original Trunk, etc. . .

Join us, bring your friends and get your spook on!!

Stewardship & All Saints

2009-10-27T10:59:00.000-07:00

As has been our custon at St. Stephen's, the collection of stewardship cards will take place at the services on All Saints Day, this coming Sunday. I think it is an important reminder that we are stewards of our past as well as our future and that all that we do and give and share is a comfirmation of the gifts given by those who have gone before as well as a promise to our children and grandchildren of what will come after us.

I know that this a difficult time for many people. It reminds me of the story about a minister during the Great Depression. Someone came and asked him if it might not be better not to celebrate Thanksgiving. He said that it was more important than ever to give thanks to God for what we have. I agree. During this time of uncertainty it is more important than ever to share what we have, to ask God's blessing on the gifts we have been given, and to rejoice in this community.

Harry Potter Church School??!!! -- Way. . .

2009-10-12T13:39:00.001-07:00

We will be having an intergenerational Harry Potter church school that begins on October 25 and runs for 5 weeks through November 22.

It will feature characters from the books (and movies), Bible readings, games, and an exciting trip to Daigon Alley, Hogswart's, and all of the places you know so well. What could be cooler?

Please sign up in the Narthex so we can be sure to have plenty of Wizard Hats and wands for everyone! Don't miss it. . . or you'll be a Mugwump. . .

Stewardship: October 18

2009-10-05T08:28:00.000-07:00

On October 18 we will have a special guest pracher, Ms. Ross Wisnewski, join us for teh 8:30 and 10:30 services. Ms. Wisnewski is the stewardship coordinator for Province II of The Episcopal Church as well as the senior warden at St. Mary's Church, Sparta, NJ.

She is a gifted speaker and has much to share about the journey of stewardship. Please join us.

Also, that day there will be a pot luck lunch after the 10:30 service. Be sure and sign up to bring a dish to share!

Blessing of the Animals!

2009-10-05T08:24:00.000-07:00

We had a great day yesterday for our Blessing of the Animals with 37 animals and many, many stuffed animals here to be blessed! Frogs, dogs, cats, guinea pigs, birds, fish, and Nikko (the bear) all took part in the fun and there were lovely refreshments for humans and animals available on the lawn. Thanks to our St. Stephen's Family choir for making "All God's Critters" feel welcome!

September!

2009-09-10T10:57:00.000-07:00

Well the weather has cooled off, the kids are back in school and there are signs that September is really upon us!

This Sunday we'll have the Blessing of the Backpacks at the 10:30 service as well as our first Youth Group meeting! The choir will wear their robes and Verger Pat will once again lead the beautiful procession into the church.

Before the summer ends (officially) just a few highlights from the Summer of '09. . .

The children's garden was a beautiful addition to our grounds!

The picnic was once again a great success with our longest and best horseshoe tournament in recent memory!

We had a blast at the Jackal's baseball game -- it was fun to see Alexa get a ball from the dugout and Artie loved the cap we brought him back from the game.

A new "clique" was formed.

The nursery school ceiling was replaced. (thank you GS)

The pool party at Jacqui's was a delightful afternoon. . .

Kathleen's 80th birthday brunch was a great 8:30 service event. (And we all have renewed our love for cheese grits)

Lots of our kids were sent off to school --some a little further than others.. .

All in all, it was a great summer!

Love to you all, Susan

September Events at St. Stephen’s

2009-08-26T08:19:00.000-07:00

Blessing of the Backpacks, September 13 Gives our students and teachers the opportunity to have their backpacks blessed during the 10:30 service. A great chance to get the school year off to a prayerful start!

Book Club Starts September 10 The Book Club meets on Thursday mornings at 10:30 a.m. in the Conference Room. Each season the group chooses which book it will read and discuss and celebrates each book with a lunch together. This fall they have chosen to read Three Cups of Tea, a book about a man who builds school in Afghanistan. You are welcome to join us for lively discussion, good fellowship, and lots of laughter.

Youth Group - September13 6-8 p.m. The Church Youth Group is open to all young people in the Parish and their friends from 7th-12th grades. We generally play games, watch videos, discuss things, and have supper together. Pastor Susan, Ray, Kyle and Corinne (college student) serve as advisers for this spirited group!

Confirmation Class Starts September 20, 6-8 p.m. The confirmation class at St. Stephen’s is open to any 7-9th graders who have an interest in deepening their relationship to God. It is a two year program that stresses education and Christian formation. At the end of the program we have a full day retreat and offer young people the opportunity to be confirmed in this church by a bishop.

Movie: Redemption Road: September 27, 4:00 p.m. A fascinating movie about a man who accidentally kills a boy about his son’s age and the father of the boy was killed. It raises provocative questions about revenge, fear, evil, and what we are capable of under great stress. Come join us for the movie on the big screen tv in the Lounge, popcorn will be served and a discussion to follow. What would you do?

Stewardship Training September 29, 7:30 p.m. in the Lounge. This year we have invited a stewardship consultant, Ms. Ross Wisnewski, to come both to train our stewardship leaders and also to preach on October 18 at both services. Ms. Wisnewski is the Province Two stewardship coordinator for The Episcopal Church. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and beautiful dog, Moses, and she has the great honor of serving as the senior warden for our Rector Emeritus, The Rev. Orion Davis, at St. Mary’s in Sparta, New Jersey.

Garden!

2009-08-17T08:29:00.001-07:00

Thanks to our church school and devoted teachers Casey and Bob (with some help from Donnie) the garden looks fantastic! Tomatoes, peppers, and lots of mint are coming in and teh pumpkin patch in front looks terrific.

Thanks, kids, for making this summer so special with all your hard work!

Ask the Rector #1: Swine Flu Correspondence

2009-07-27T08:48:00.000-07:00

This is a correspondence I had with a parishioner. She gave me permission to share it on the Blog. I thought some of you might be thinking about this subject.

Dear Susan,
I saw this recommendation from the Church of England today. Is it something you would consider in the future? By the way, a relative had swine flu two weeks ago.
See: http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/07/23/swine.flu.church.wine/index.html
Love, C.

Dear C.,

Interesting article. I'm so sorry to hear about your relative although I have a feeling it will serve him well during the winter when I expect the flu to get worse. I have been talking about this very subject with the vestry -- the swine flu has been in the public schools and we have had at least one confirmed case in the parish that I know of.

My inclination right now is that until things are worse (so far the cases in the county have been mild) we will keep things the same. If it gets worse, I will remind the congregation about the option of intinction and suggest that it would be preferable given the swine flu threat. The third option (were things to become quite grim) would be to intict the bread for the people.

Some problems happen for me theologically with denying the people the wine altogether and also with the common cup. Before the Reformation the Roman Catholic Church only served wine to priests and only gave people the bread. That was one of Martin Luther's primary criticisms of the church and I, for one, would be loathe to undo the reforms of 500 years ago.

The second concern that I have is around the common cup. In the 1980s during the worst of the AIDS epidemmic, a bishop was visiting Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. A helpful person explained to him that the priest was no longer consuming the wine at the end of communion out of fear of contracting the disease (you will recall that at that time we had no idea how the disease was spread and no treatment once it was contracted). He replied that he had always finished the cup and would continue to. The power of that gesture has been a lifelong symbol to me about the fact that our fates are tied to each other. The cup is common becuase our lives are common -- your pain is mine and mine is yours.

That said, I have every intention of stepping up hygeine around the altar. Asking that Purell be readily available in the narthex and in the transcepts for the acolytes as well as for me right before administering communion because it couldn't hurt. I also have spoken with the vestry about going to a modified peace and encouraging an acknowlegement of one another that doesn't necessarily include hugs, kisses, and handshakes.

Thanks for sharing this article with me. It's not the first time that the Archbishop of Canterbury and I have seen things differently and I don't suspect it will be the last.Do you mind if I post this on the blog? I think people maybe wondering about this very question but not know how to ask. Hope you are all having a refreshing summer. Blessings,Susan

Upcoming Events

2009-07-22T18:09:00.000-07:00

The annual trip to see the Montclair Jackals will be on August 9. We will leave the church at 1 p.m. for the two o'clock game. Tickets are $8 and it's guaranteed to be a fun time. Sign-up in teh Narthex so we will be sure to have enough tickets (together).

General Convention

2009-07-20T08:51:00.000-07:00

I just got back from Anaheim, CA on Saturday from ten days at the General Convention of the Episcopal Church.

Southern California is gorgeous with perfect weather every day and lots to offer in terms of restaurants and activities.

The Convention itself was rather uneventful at least compared with previous ones. With the absence of some key conservative bishops -- they have largely left to join churches in other parts of the world -- the "new" Episcopal church is left a very happy and surprisingly liberal church.

Last GC there was controversy over a resolution passed on the last day to refrain from consecrating new, openly gay bishops. This year, a resolution affirming equal access to the episcopacy for all people passed by over 70 percent.

Other highlights included settling a disputed election for a bishop in Equador and approving a new plan for the Episcopal Church Pension Fund to create a health care plan for all clergy and lay employees. This health care plan would wind up saving churches money (as we have seen health care costs go up ten percent a year for the last eight years) while providing better care.

We can be proud of our diocese for leading the way in anti-racism work. One of the interesting things that was highlighted at the Convention was the work of New York, Maryland, Mississippi, and North Carolina are doing to talk about the legacy of slavery and how churches condoned and benefitted from its practices.

More later!

Holy Week and Easter Schedule

2009-04-07T11:43:00.000-07:00

Holy Week & Easter

6:30 p.m. Wednesday - Simple Supper and Eucharist around the table (Parish Hall)

7:30 p.m. Thursday - Maundy Thursday with Washing of the Feet and Stripping of the Altar

10:00 a.m. Friday - Good Friday Stations of the Cross (especially for Kids)

12 noon and 7:30 p.m. Friday - Solemn Service in the Church (with reading of the Passion)

8:00 p.m. Saturday - The Great Vigil of Easter (begins in the Columbarium)

8:30 a.m. Sunday - Easter Celebration with baptism and full choir
10:30 a.m. Sunday - Easter Celebration with full choir

Elaine Wins Martin Luther King, Jr. Award!

2009-02-23T11:50:00.001-08:00

Our very own Elaine has won the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award! Here is her speech given last month at the awards. . .

Thank you for teh honor to receive the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award.

There are many people that have played a great role in my life.

First and foremost my parents, Joseph and Gisela S. My father would have been so proud of me, if he was with us today. I would like to also thank my mom and sister, Maria, who have been with me and help me on a daily basis.

In addition to my family, I receive support through my church and Reverend Susan. I am an active member and enjoy attending St. Stephen's Church in Pearl River.

I am also lucky to have teh support of ARC Rockland and especially, Karyl. In addition, Theresa, Kathleen, and teh staff from my residence help make my house a home. Ron and my fellow employees at Med World Pharmacy have helped me learn good work ethics.

Through the support of everyone I have been successful and have been honored with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award today and for that, I am thankfu;.

Pancake Supper:Shrove Tuesday

2009-02-09T07:35:00.000-08:00

We have our fantastic, unbelievable, not-to-be-missed Pancake Supper on Tuesday, February 24th from 5 - 7 p.m. !

The Youth Group will once again prepare and serve us a delicious meal of pancakes, sausages, bacon and other yummies and it's always. . .. "Eat What You Wish, Pay What You Want. . ."

Bp. Robinson's Prayer

2009-01-19T12:39:00.001-08:00

Here is The Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson's prayer from the Lincoln Memorial yesterday:

"O God of our many understandings, we pray that you will bless us with tears -- tears for a world in which over a billion people exist on less than a dollar a day, where young women in many lands are beaten and raped for wanting an education, and thousands die daily from malnutrition, malaria, and AIDS.
Bless this nation with anger -- anger at discrimination, at home and abroad, against refugees and immigrants, women, people of color, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people.
Bless us with discomfort at the easy, simplistic answers we've preferred to hear from our politicians, instead of the truth about ourselves and our world, which we need to face if we are going to rise to the challenges of the future.
Bless us with patience and the knowledge that none of what ails us will be fixed anytime soon, and the understanding that our new president is a human being, not a messiah.
Bless us with humility, open to understanding that our own needs as a nation must always be balanced with those of the world.
Bless us with freedom from mere tolerance, replacing it with a genuine respect and warm embrace of our differences.
Bless us with compassion and generosity, remembering that every religion's God judges us by the way we care for the most vulnerable.
And God, we give you thanks for your child, Barack, as he assumes the office of President of the United States.
Give him wisdom beyond his years, inspire him with President Lincoln's reconciling leadership style, President Kennedy's ability to enlist our best efforts, and Dr. King's dream of a nation for all people.
Give him a quiet heart, for our ship of state needs a steady, calm captain.
Give him stirring words; We will need to be inspired and motivated to make the personal and common sacrifices necessary to facing the challenges ahead.
Make him color-blind, reminding him of his own words that under his leadership, there will be neither red nor blue states, but the United States.
Help him remember his own oppression as a minority, drawing on that experience of discrimination, that he might seek to change the lives of those who are still its victims.
Give him strength to find family time and privacy, and help him remember that even though he is president, a father only gets one shot at his daughters' childhoods.
And please, God, keep him safe. We know we ask too much of our presidents, and we're asking far too much of this one. We implore you, O good and great God, to keep him safe. Hold him in the palm of your hand, that he might do the work we have called him to do, that he might find joy in this impossible calling, and that in the end, he might lead us as a nation to a place of integrity, prosperity, and peace. Amen."

January??!!!!

2009-01-18T14:19:00.000-08:00

How did it get to be January? How is it that there have been no posts since November? It certainly isn't indicative of inactivity there have been headines a-go-go but apparently no time to post them. That, in itself, is a shame. So here are some highlights:

We had our 50th anniversary of our building the weekend of December 12-14. It was fantastic!

On Friday night we saw friends like the Romers, the Harleys, the Johnsons, the Rowans, and the Leafs for a quiet gathering in the lounge. There was lots of reminiscing and even a few prank phone calls to folks we thought should have joined us!

On Saturday we had a dinner for about a hundred friends. We began with snacks and wine in the Lounge and then gathered in teh Parish Hall for dinner. We were graced with Win Perry who was an architecture intern that worked on the original design of the sanctuary who told us stories not only about the design of the sanctuary but also about the building process. Former rectors Orion Davis and George Adamik joined us and commented on the life of St. Stephen's.

Than. . . Orion, George, Al J. And John R. came and talked about the ministry of two very special people -- Al Chapin and Carol McKenna. Then the current rector (me) presented these two wonderful souls with the title of Wardens Emeritus. I think for once I finally was able to suprise them both!

On Sunday Bishop Sisk came and confirmed 9 people and received one and we had a procession taht included many of our building users over the years including a giant butterfly puppet. I know the Bishop has been in many processions over the years but he did comment that this one was quite extraordinary.

Christmas Eve and Christmas were beautiful and we once again remember how very grateful we are for this special place called St. Stephen's.

Thanks be to God!

Thanksgiving Eve

2008-11-18T12:38:00.000-08:00

There probably isn't a cozier holiday than Thanksgiving and it is so special to begin that holdiday with a service. Our traditioonal Thanksgiving Eve service is a wonderful way to put God at the heart of your Thanksgiving. It is Wednesday, November 26 at 7:30 p.m. Please join us!

Stewardship: Reflect & Renew

2008-10-15T10:46:00.000-07:00

Friends,

This year we are taking a different approach to stewardship. We are concentrating on the discipline of quiet, prayer and discernment as we attempt to discern where God is calling us as individuals and as a parish. To that end, next week we are inviting the entire parish to participate ina series of activities to help us center and focus on God's call to us to use our gifts.

Please make every effort to attend as many of these as you can.

In Christ's love,
Susan+

Week of October 20th.

Monday - Evening Prayer 7:30 in the Chapel
Tuesday - Labyrinth & Evening Prayer in the Chapel 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday - Holy Eucharist 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel & Labyrinth
Thursday - Evening Prayer in the Chapel 7:30 p.m. followed by a showing of the "Last Lecture"

Election Game

2008-09-16T07:44:00.000-07:00

Try this and see who your candidate really is. . .

http://abcnews.go.com/politics/MatchoMatic/fullpage?id=5542139 The real barometer of where you stand politically. ABCnews.com supplies a set of quotes - one each from McCain and Obama, and asks you to pick which one best representes your thinking on a wide variety of issues. At the end they tell you who you most agreed with.

Lambeth Blogs: A collection

2008-08-07T10:34:00.000-07:00

Bishops blogging, after Lambeth
Sitting in airports with wifi and traveling home after the Lambeth Conference, bishops reflect on their experiences and offer thoughts on "what now?"
+Marc Andrus, California, TEC, says goodbye by video to his Indaba group and praises the courage of those who came to witness at the Lambeth Conference, and comments on California's continuing to bless same sex marriages:
The Lambeth Conference came to its conclusion today, Sunday. I would like to thank the courageous –“acting from the heart” – people who came to Canterbury from many places to tell their stories as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered people, as part of the Listening Process called for by Lambeth ’98, the Windsor Document, the Primates, and the Archbishop of Canterbury. As I pointed out in several settings at the conference, the strength and courage of LGBT people coming to a place where it was commonly heard that there were significant negative places of negative energy aimed at them is something to honor......Archbishop Rowan in his final presidential address, given just after we received the reflections document noted that, “There will be some who cannot abide by these moratoria, and in this they signal that there are steps to deeper unity they cannot take; or it may be that they conceive of deeper unity in other ways.” I take this to be a profound and generous idea. In not abiding by the moratorium on same-sex blessings I take it as incumbent on me and on us in the Diocese to actively labor to both understand the position of those to whom that moratorium is important, and to convey the reality of our life together to the world. I must redouble my efforts at inhabiting a deeper unity. +Mouneer Anis, Egypt, Church of Jerusalem and the Middle East, reports the reaction and an eleven point statement on the Lambeth Conference by his GAFCON associates, which he signed:
6. We expect the Lambeth Conference, as a significant instrument of unity of the Communion, to give vital leadership towards resolving the present crisis over faith and order. This should be effected only on the agreed consensus of communion and moral commitments made in resolutions of successive meetings which provide the proper framework and basis towards addressing and resolving the crisis:the Lambeth 1998 Resolution I.10; the respective Communiqués of the Primates’ Meetings of 2003, Dromantine 2005, and most explicitly Dar-es-Salaam 2007: in particular, on the complete cessation of (a) the celebration of blessings for same-sex unions, (b) consecrations of those living in openly gay relationships, and (c) all cross border interventions and inter-provincial claims of jurisdiction, as the Windsor Continuation Group rightly observed. +Christopher Epting, Ecumenical Officer, TEC relates the split personality of the Conference:
Deep listening did indeed take place on all “sides” and a greater appreciation for one another’s ministry contexts and faithfulness was evident. Again, the Bible study and “indaba” conversation groups contributed hugely to this spirit.Yet, in the closing plenary the Archbishop of Canterbury not only gave the floor to Metropolitan Kallistos, an English Orthodox ecumenical observer, who seemed to want us to reaffirm the 1998 Lambeth resolution I.10 on homosexuality, which Rowan Williams had already publicly stated we did not need to, nor would we, do. It remains what it is – a resolution of the last Lambeth Conference which undoubtedly reflects the position of the vast majority of Anglicans (or at least Anglican bishops) around the world.
And Dr. Williams himself once again singled us out – at least indirectly – as the source of the Anglican Communion’s difficulties with scarce reference to Provinces invading US dioceses, a process which began well before the election of the present Bishop of New Hampshire. +Alan Wilson, Buckingham, CofE, is one of the few bishop who allowed comments and responded to them on his blog. In one exchange, Bishop Alan responds to a question about the sacrifice of gays and lesbians:
Your testimony speaks of how horrible it is to have that done to you. I can't imagine the pain in the heart of God, who has to see the world through the eyes of millions of people in whom he enfleshes himself who are marginalised — the child in Darfur, the victim of homophobia, the person trapped by addiction, the driven yuppie on the early morning train, the guy s'he walks by into the city wrapped up in cardboard by the roadside.
...... on another subject, he writes:
One of the more misunderstood and maligned groups in the big world out there, if I may say, has been TEC bishops. This has only been made worse by the perceived imperialism and aggression of US foreign policy. All I can say is please try and be kind to your guys. They have worked damned hard here, to represent a Westernized form of Anglicanism, but also to understand and open their eyes to the real world beyond. That's where we all have to live in the end. They have to find ways of encouraging local authenticity in the real world. Or they can go entirely local and just say ”screw the real world.” That would go with the foreign policy, I suppose. As this process happens, slowly and painfully, the healng begins to happen within the whole world, to the whole world. +Michael Ingham, New Westminster, Vancouver, Canada, has been using podcasts to communicate with his diocese. He feels that while the Indaba groups were a success, the Windsor Continuing Group and the ABC reveal rigidity and lack of wisdom. Ingham comments that there was nuance in Rowan Williams final speech that shows that it is not possible hold back the questions of innovators and prophets. He believes that the North American churches are still "onside." Ingham communicates his sense that the Diocese will have to meet and make some decisions about how to go forward with the latest speech by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the ABC's support for a moratorium on rites for same sex blessings and threats of punishment by the Anglican Communion. He says "we will decide."
+Pierre Whalon, Churches in Europe, TEC, calls the conference the biggest continuing education project in the world, putting him firmly on the rails of his episcopate:
Also, I have lost weight. (This is good.) My cincture keeps falling off, which it didn’t two weeks ago.
Seeing the various reviews this morning, it seems we are being gently ridiculed. Those who were demanding a decision didn’t get it. But our spiritual leader, that is to say, the Archbishop of Canterbury, had told us that bishops are leaders, not when we give orders or make decisions, but when we follow Jesus in the way he is opening for us. This is certainly what has happened to us. +Jonathan Gledhill, Lichfield, CofE, surveyed his Indaba group on the ideas coming from Lambeth:
Forty-three out of forty-five bishops agree to the moratoria and the Pastoral Forum and the other two more or less cancel each other out. There is one bishop who says that this would be too hard for his gay and lesbian people and another who says that the American church must repent before we can restore fellowship. +Greg Rickel, Olympia, TEC reminds all that the final Reflection Document is not legislative and was not voted upon:
This group has worked around the clock, literally, and they were tired. It was not never proposed to be a document to solve things, not a legislative document, but a "reflection" of what we were about, and where our minds are right now, to the best of their ability. +Mark Lawrence, South Carolina, TEC, seems to being saying farewell to the Episcopal Church and to an Anglican Communion centered in the Archbishop of Canterbury:
I am glad I came here for this Lambeth and worshipped one last time in the Cathedral home of Augustine and Dunstan, Anselm and Becket, Cranmer and Laud, Temple and Ramsay. I had come to speak a word of hope and perhaps to intervene on behalf of our beloved, but in the last resolve the family refused the long needed measures. So he just slipped away, our noble prince, one dreary morning in Canterbury with hardly even a death rattle.
The new prince was born last month in Jerusalem. I was there—arriving late, departing early. I was never quite sure what I was witnessing. It was an awkward and messy birth. He hardly struck me as I gazed upon him there in the bassinet as quite ready to be heir to the throne. I even wondered at times if there might be some illegitimacy to his bloodlines. But that I fear was my over wedded ness to a white and European world. May he live long, and may his tribe increase—and may he remember with mercy all those who merely mildly neglected his birth.
As for me my role for now is clear, to hold together as much as I can for as long as I can that when he comes to his rightful place on St. Augustine’s throne in Canterbury Cathedral he will have a faithful and richly textured kingdom. Francisco Silva+, Secretary General, Brazil, posts the thoughts of his bishop who believes the spirit of the Indaba groups must continue:
My hope is that people continue to look for the Anglican Communion and feel comfortable with its diversity.
From this Conference we'll bring advances and stepbacks. Advance in methodology. It was very effective to put people in the indaba process. Stepback in not considering - in a level as wished - some voices from those who are accused to betray the Comunion with their broader biblical and pastoral perspectives.
The final Reflections on Lambeth was result of a patient process of hearings and prayers. It is very honest in recognize that the Communion hasn't yet clear consensus on matters related to same sex issues. It predicts that a way of mutual conversation and respect is needed forward.
No decisions, no winners, no losers. But a great deal: the indaba must go on!
Soon, I hope to offer a more deep impressions on the Reflections on Lambeth. Now, I'm just looking through the window of my bedroom and checking the bus arrriving to collect me! +Leo Frade, Southeast Florida, TEC, writes of the powerful moment of adding the Melanesian martyrs to the Chapel of Saints and Martyrs of Our Own Time at Canterbury Cathedral:
It contains the name of people like Archbishop Janani Luwum, killed in Uganda by Idi Amin, Archbishop Romero killed by the extreme right in El Salvador, Dietrich Bonhoeffer killed by the Nazis in Germany and others.
Today we added to the number of martyrs to be remembered the names of seven members of an indigenous Anglican order of monks in the Solomon Islands who were brutally murdered during ethnic conflict. This religious order has 400 brothers and 200 novices and some of them were present at the Lambeth Conference. The martyr’s names are: Nathaniel Sado, Robin Lindsay, Francis Tofi, Alfred Hill, Ini Paratabau, Patteson Gatu and Tony Sirihi. We pray God for the saints who have entered into joy. May we also come to share in God’s heavenly kingdom. May their souls, and the soul of all faithful departed, rest in peace. +Mark Beckwith, Newark, TEC, is troubled by the inevitable spin about the Reflections Report. He will be meeting with members of the Diocese he serves soon to explore what next:
This document is not a report. We did not vote on it. It is a description of conversations. As one listening group member said, "We were not poets. We did not interpret."
I mention all of this because some have already tried to "spin" the document - indicating that it represents the decisions of Lambeth and, on some matters, holds the church accountable to certain practices. +Stephen Lane, Maine, TEC, feels sadness and hope. He is troubled by the Archbishop of Canterbury's remarks on North America and reflects that there are many "sides" in the issues of the day - it is not a case of two being locked in conflict even though the ABC and the reflection paper seem to insist on this narrative:
I think, as my new friend, George, has said, the story line we've been given for this Lambeth is actually the wrong story line. The story line we've been given is that there are two sides locked in combat here at Lambeth. The two sides may be described as progressive or liberal and traditional or conservative, and they are said to extend throughout the Communion. But a truer narrative is that there a many "sides" and that in many places passionate Christians are proclaiming the Gospel. They may have opinions about the issues that divide us, but they are not focused on them and not willing to spend all their time talking about them. Attempts to resolve the conflict do not speak to their situations or their needs.
But the "two sides" story line is very strong, and the Lambeth reflection paper will reinforce it. There are many people who hope the existing moratoria will continue and that a Pastoral Forum will be established to deal with conflicts. And while some folk express deep skepticism about the need for and viability of a covenant, others hope work will go forward. The good news hidden in these matters is the now nearly universal recognition that nothing will work unless ways can be found to continue in genuine conversation. Good relationships are the key to resolving conflicts.
For now, there have been no legislative changes. The reflection paper is advisory and the matters raised will need to be addressed by the Synods or Conventions of each Province. The Covenant process may well go through several more iterations before Provinces will be asked to decide. And in several Provinces, constitutional and canonical issues will further slow consideration. So numerous opportunities for conversation lie before us. +Catherine Roskam, New York, TEC, believes the Archbishop of Canterbury left the door open to the work of full inclusion by Anglican Church of Canada and the Episcopal Church in his final speech where he says:
Does this mean that we are all restricted by each other's views and preferences, incapable of arguing or changing? It was a problem familiar to St Paul, and you have already, in this Conference, heard something of how he dealt with it. But let me try to say how this affects our current difficulties. A fellow-Christian may believe they have a profound fresh insight. They seek to persuade others about it. A healthy church gives space for such exchanges. But the Christian with the new insight can't claim straight away that this is now what the Church of God believes or intends; and it quite rightly takes a long time before any novelty can begin to find a way into the public liturgy, even if it has been widely agreed.+Catherine writes:
So what was it like really? I would say that the Archbishop attempted to achieve balance in all of his presentations and sermons. Did everything get said that the Episcopal Church might have wanted? No, but the Archbishop said some things we have not heard before, particularly about some Christians being led by the Spirit into something new over and against those who, out of a deep commitment to Scripture, believe that those very things ought not to change. (I am not doing his eloquence justice, but I am writing to you from the airport after having wakened at 3:45AM.) He encouraged us to make room for one another with respect and a sense of mutuality. In other words, no part of the body is to say to another, "I have no need of you." +George Councell, New Jersey, TEC, reminds readers that the bishops and Lambeth are not a body that can make decisions on their own:
Although the bishops' leadership is important, this Lambeth Conference does not have the final word on several important matters that we have addressed. The Covenant process, for example, stretches out for years and years. And the observance of moratoria would, in The Episcopal Church, require the action of General Convention. And bear in mind the character of the Anglican Communion: a Communion of Churches, joined together by bonds of affection, not a juridical or legislative body.

Lambeth Blog #8

2008-07-30T13:03:00.000-07:00

Lambeth Blog #8
July 30, 2008
Sorry for the silence! It is not that there isn't much to say, but only sometimes a dearth of time in which to say it.
A quick update: Saturday the Episcopal Church was responsible for our Evensong. The Bishops and Spouses Choir provided most of the music. We were blessed to have our regular choir director Dent Davidson with us for a couple of days to get us ready and to be with us on the day. The music was lively and spirited and beautifully signed by Donna Scarfe, spouse of Alan Scarfe, the Bishop of Iowa. Michael Curry, the Bishop of North Carolina, and I read the first chapter of Genesis, as our meetings that day were devoted to the care of creation. The funny thing was that the print out of the lesson did not include the seventh day. I know it was an accident, but somehow it seemed emblematic of our schedule. So we restored the seventh day in our reading at Evensong on Saturday. Having ears to hear, Phil and I took real sabbath time on Sunday afternoon, going to the oyster festival in nearby Whitstable and then to the movies in the evening.

Last night the Archbishop of Canterbury gave an extraordinary reflection on where he thinks we are in terms of our differences. He took the part of the traditionalists first, saying what he felt traditionalists wanted others to know in terms of love of scripture, deeply held beliefs and the magnitude of the change they perceive in our actions to bless and ordain gay and lesbian people. I must admit, that I had no small trepidation when the Archbishop began to represent those of us in the church in America and in Canada, because as I have mentioned before, I hadn't felt we had been particularly well heard here even yet. My fears were unfounded. I thought he represented our position beautifully and accurately, and not just those of us who are in full support of these actions.

Two points in particular gave me great hope. The first was the phrase, that we feel traditionalists are "pouring scorn on our witness." This is the first public acknowledgment that our position is something even larger than an argument for justice, as valid as that might also be. We are witnessing to the love of God and the presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of gay and lesbian Christians both lay and ordiained. It is the same sort of witness that Peter made to the Council of Jerusalem about the full inclusion of the Gentiles in community of faith. (Acts 10 and 11) We understand that not all will agree with us, but the Archbishop has taken our witness seriously, and for that I am grateful.

The second point he made on our behalf is the solidarity of bishops in our house, including those who voted no on the consent to Gene Robinson's election. I believe that these bishops are setting an example and giving a model for the rest of the Communion about remaining in relationship despite our differences. Their commitment has gone largely unnoticed and unsung by those outside our House until now.

The Archbishop invited both sides to reflect on ways to set aside their differences and "to speak life to each other," instead of death. When he finished, the audience sat in stillness for some minutes absorbing the power of his remarks. The theme for yesterday was the Bishop as Shepherd. It was as if during his speech the Archbishop had picked up his crozier--his shepherd's crook--and walked ahead of us to lead us into more nourishing pastures.

Today's theme has been the Bishop and Scripture. It was a day full of rich sharing among people with very different approaches to the Bible. I am sure the Archbishop's remarks yesterday helped to make this sharing possible. More tomorrow...Many blessings!
+Catherine

Lambeth Blog #7

2008-07-28T07:58:00.001-07:00

Please do forward on to friends, family, parish family....Thank you!

Lambeth Blog #7
July 25, 2008

As hard as this may be to hear, the Episcopal Church of the Sudan may be showing the Communion a way forward. Recently the Archbishop of the Sudan made some very strong statements about Bishop Gene Robinson and the Episcopal Church. Since the Sudanese along with Liberian bishops and some others had been invited by our Presiding Bishop for a reception tomorrow afternoon, when we first learned of Archbishop Bul's statement to the press, we thought it signalled a rejection of us and a further splitting in the Anglican Communion. This does not appear to be the case.

We in the Episcopal Church have always said that we do not demand agreement with our positions in order to be in relationship. Now is the time to live into that commitment. The Archbishop of the Sudan was signalling to the rest of Africa, and I imagine particularly to the bishops of GAFCON who have stayed away from this conference, that he and the Sudanese are not being "bought" by the Americans. They do not agree with our actions, just as our other partners in Africa do not necessarily agree with us. And still they are choosing to be in relationship with us.

Hold in mind the words of Bishop Mdimi Mhogolo to me when we first entered into a partnership for Carpenter's Kids. "We do not agree with your decision [concerning Gene Robinson] but we think the division is the devil's work to keep the church from ministering to a suffering world." Of course, Bishop Mdimi said those words to me in private and the Archbishop of the Sudan went very public very unexpectedly. Nevertheless, I believe we should keep this particular door wide open. The Sudan is one of the places where extreme poverty and extreme violence combine to produce some of the greatest suffering on this earth. As long as the bishops choose to be in relationship with us, we can move ahead to minister together to this suffering world.

While we are on the subject of a suffering world, I confess to you that I almost lost my temper in our Indaba session this morning when one bishop said he thought that our focus on the MDG's was a distraction from the issue of human sexuality. I responded, trying to remain as civil as possible, that no matter what we might choose to discuss, the world's suffering is not a distraction for a gathering of bishops from around a Communion riddled by poverty, violence and catastrophe.

I have never heard a bishop from the developing world call the MDG's a distraction. For those of us in the developed world, suffering seems to us an abberration from a life intended to be free of it. Hence, we often ask "Why me?" when we experience the inevitable sufferings attached to being human. We are reluctant to recognize that for the vast majority of human beings on this planet, suffering is a way of life. And for some, extreme suffering is a daily occurrence. (If you would like some figures on this, I encourage you to google theminiatureearth.org.)

It is as Gordon Brown said yesterday, people of faith can make a difference. The Anglican Communion does make a difference. Let us not spend time worrying about who is the wheat and who is the tare, but simply grow together in God's garden, trusting in the abundance of God's grace to get us through.

+Catherine

Lambeth Blog #5

2008-07-28T06:48:00.001-07:00

Another post from Bishop Catherine in Lambeth

Please do forward on to friends, family, parish family....Thank you!

Lambeth Blog #5
July 23, 2008
Just a brief blog tonight, as the hour is late.

Some of us hit a bit of a wall today with sheer fatigue. The pace has been relentless and the walking distances back and forth and around the campus very long. Someone told me that the buildings and campus lay out were a response to student unrest in the sixties, the point being to design a campus which would make demonstrations difficult. I don't know if that is true, but it certainly could be. The campus is assymmetricaI and some of the buildings themselves have been compared to rabbit warrens. It is often hard to know which is the direct route to a particular building, campus maps notwithstanding.

Fortunately, most of this afternoon's offerings will be repeated, so I noticed quite a number of us took some down time for an hour or two to take a nap or do some laundry or just to have some quiet time.

In this morning's bible study we read John 8:1-20, the story of the woman taken in adultery. This is the second bible study on chapters in which a woman takes center stage, the other being the Samaritan woman at the well, which is quite unusual for gatherings such as these. The focus of our group was on God's mercy and Jesus's lack of condemnation. Repentence and amendment of life are more apt to come from understanding God's love and mercy than they are from accusation and blame.

Our indaba was a bit rocky this morning.. Our topic was The Transforming Society--the Bishop and Social Justice, a subject we all warmed to. We were shown a short video in which Hellen Wangusa, our Anglican Observer at the U.N. spoke about the Millennium Devleopment Goals. The difficulty came afterward,when a number of us expressed concern that the indabas are now too organized to allow for in depth discussions, which is precisely what indabas are meant to allow for! I expect the leadership is going to make some adjustments.

Supporting the MDG's from a Christian standpoint cannot simply be about good works or charity. Even working for justice does not entirely cover it. Sharing wealth and resources is the inbreaking of God's realm, Mountains of wealth and resources are lowered and the valleys of poverty are raised so that the path may be made straight for the coming of the Lord. Therefore, those who give are need of those who receive, because it is only working together that the roadway can be leveled.

This evening Province I of the Episcopal Church gave the first of two receptions and presentations for Bishop Gene Robinson to meet bishops and spouses from around the Communion who might wish to get to know him. It was well attended and I believe went a long way in fostering understanding and charity towards one another.

Tomorrow we go to London to take the Walk of Witness in support of the Millennium Development Goals. We will then go to Lambeth Palace and after that to Buckingham Palace. (A bit ironic as to the combination of events, but that is the schedule.) It will be a very different sort of day, which I look forward to writing to you when we return to Canterbury.

Many blessings!
+Catherine

Bp. Roskam on Lambeth

2008-07-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

Read what Bishop Roskam is thinking about as Lambeth begins!

Lambeth Blog #3

July 21, 2008

Because of time constraints and computer availability I am not able to blog every day. Normally, I will only blog for the current day and just skip or summarize briefly those days when I have had no access. Except for today, when I am going to tell you about yesterday.

I would be remiss if I did not try to capture the beauty and grandeur of Sunday's service at Canterbury Cathedral. While in 1998, we were only permitted to wear cassock, this time we were invited to turn out in full choir dress, scarlet rochet (floor length red vest) and white chimere, which one might describe as a long, full, floor length shirt with full sleeves, gathered at the pleated cuff by scarlet bands. Over that most wore a black tippett (scarf) or festal stole. The few bishops that did not wear rochet and chimere nevertheless wore colorful cassocks of different shades of purple and crimson, or light colored tropical vestments.

One of the most moving parts of the service was actually the procession in, which took close to half an hour, as we walked up the aisle two by two to the accompaniment of glorious music. The colorful lines of bishops split and then rejoined in order to circumnavigate the free standing altar at the top of the nave. Then we continued through a narrow opening into the great chancel, where the second altar stood and also the ancient stone seat or cathedra of the Archbishop of Canterbury. (I urge you to google some of the pictures available at various sites on the web.) [Editor's note - click here] The bishops and our ecumenical partners filled every corner of the chancel. The music was diverse as well as traditional and often accompanied by wonderful drumming. One of the high points within the service was the gospel procession in which Melanesian dancers in their native dress danced up the aisle with a small canoe like boat on their shoulders. The golden gospel book was place in the boat and then danced down the aisle in the midst of the people for the reading of the Gospel, the same one read in all our churches, in which Jesus tells the parable of the wheat and the tares.

Duleep De Chickera,the bishop of Colomba in Sri Lanka and the chair of the planning team preached the sermon. He shocked the gathered community with his forthrightness when he said as part of his exhortation to be an inclusive church, "There is space equally for anyone regardless of color, ability, gender or sexual orientation." The air was electric. ( If you would like to hear the sermon, just google Bishop De Chickera's name and you will find it easily both in taped and text form.) [Editor's note - click here] Bishop De Chickera ministers in a very challenging and insecure part of this Communion. His courage and inclusiveness of spirit was particularly appreciated by those of us who found it hard to sing the concluding hymn "All Are Welcome" when one of our number does not appear to be.

Nevertheless, I was deeply moved by the service and immensely grateful for the experience. It is a privilege to be here and to be a part of the history of Anglican bishops dating back to Augustine of Canterbury in the fourth century. We have a rich history and tradition that I greatly treasure. I was aware during the service that this will be my last Lambeth, as I will be retired in ten years and only active bishops are invited to atttend, and so I was intent on savoring every moment.
After the service I did some interviews with the BBC and the AP, went for a quick bite with my husband Phil, Bishop Sisk and Archdeacon Kendall and then headed for St. Stephen's Meadow for an outdoor eucharist sponsored by Inclusive Church (UK) and Integrity (US) and attended by about 200 people, including Bishop Gene Robinson and about 20 of the bishops from the morning service.. We got back to the campus just in time for the opening session of the conference at 4 p.m. I will say more about that tomorrow and about the format we are using now that the conference has begun in earnest.

Thank you for all your prayers and good wishes.

+Catherine

U2charist!

2008-07-08T07:31:00.000-07:00

We are having Rockland's first U2charist on Friday, July 11 at 7:30. It will be a standard communion service featuring the music of the band U2. Join us for this exciting opportunity. All the proceeds will be donated to ending poverty in Africa.

Pastor Susan's Book Club

2008-07-02T15:59:00.000-07:00

Every summer we pick a book to read over the summer and then gather togather to discuss it. THis year we will have an extra special treat because one of Pastor Susan's friends, The Rev. Timothy Schenck has published a book entitled: What Size Are God's Shoes?

It is a humorous book of essays about what it is like to have young children and all the demands of that and trying to have a spiritual life at the same time. A topic that couldn't be more appropriate for St. Stephen's.

You can order the book from Amazon or from Morehouse publishing company.

I also ask you to save the date for Friday, September 12 when Tim will come here to do a book reading and signing for us. Childcare will be available so be sure and save that date!

Parish Picnic: June 22

2008-05-13T08:25:00.000-07:00

The church picnic will be on Sunday, June 22nd immediately following the 10:30 service (about noon-ish). We have hotdogs, hamburgers (plus some low-fat vegetarian options) and lots of games for the whole family. Join us for this fun afternoon of fellowship!

This year there will be a couple of suprises. . . (think Palm Sunday), music and, of course, the best horseshoe tournament ever. . .

Pentecost: May 11

2008-05-01T06:53:00.000-07:00

Pentecost celebrates the birth of the church when the Holy Spirit comes to Earth to help guide us. It is a really fun day.

At 9:30 a.m. we will be having a special event for all ages. We will learn about Pentecost, learn to sing Happy Birthday in a new language, and make crafts to carry into the church. Join us for this special time!

Where's the Choir?

2008-03-27T09:51:00.000-07:00

This Sunday (March 30) and next Sunday (April 6) the choir will be experimenting with singing from the Loft. Allen organs has graciously donated an organ for us to try this with and we will have a Parish meeting on April 6 to discuss how it went!

Be sure and come so you can have a voice and vote!

Holy Week Schedule

2008-03-18T16:56:00.000-07:00

Here's the Holy Week Schedule for 2008:

Holy Wednesday 6:30 p.m. Foods authentic to Jesus' times prepared by the Confirmation Class with an Agape meal around teh table

Maundy Thursday 7:30 p.m. Service with Choir and Foot Washing

Good Friday

10 a.m. Stations of teh Cross (For Kids)
12 noon Solemn Service*
7:30 Solemn Service*
* Children are not encouraged to attend the noon and evening services on this day

Holy Saturday

8:00 p.m. The Great Vigil of Easter

Easter 8:30 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Service with Choir

We're in the Paper Again!!!!

2008-03-18T16:52:00.001-07:00

Happy Palm Sunday everybody! Let Holy week officially begin. . .

http://lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080317/NEWS03/803170338/1028/NEWS12

We're in the Paper!

2008-02-26T06:00:00.000-08:00

Check out this way cool article

http://lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080225/NEWS03/802250355/1019

Rabbi Dan to Preach!

2008-02-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

This Sunday, February 24 Rabbi Dan will be here to preach at the 10:30 service. Rabbi Dan is a funny, smart, very spiritual man with a gift for communicating complex ideas in an engaging way. Come hear the Rabbi!

Heifer Project

2008-02-13T08:27:00.000-08:00

This Lent the whole congregation will have the opportunity to participate in the Heifer project. The Heifer project sends animals to villages across the globe in an effort to end global poverty. We will be learning about poverty across the globe and the church school will be raising monies through a variety of activities including selling chocolate bunnies at Easter time. All monies that are raised by the church school will be matched by the Outreach monies.

On 9:30 on Sunday mornings during Lent:

Our K-5 class will meet in Room E.
Our Middle School Class will meet in the Conference Room (led by Pastor Susan)
Our Adult Class will meet in teh Lounge (led by Cort)

Also calendars and mite boxes are available in the Narthex. Lets go get us a cow!!!!

Pancake Supper!

2008-01-23T10:46:00.000-08:00

Our annual pancake supper is a not-to-be-missed event. Pancake races, chaos, teenagers cooking and pinatas always means big fun!

It's from 5-7 p.m. on February 5 in the Parish Hall and as always "Come as you are, eat what you want and pay what you will. . . "

Advent Project: Results

2008-01-09T11:40:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everybody for making our Advent Outreach Project a sucess! We collected 229 pieces of cold weather gear. . . mittens, gloves, scarves & hats. The vote was unanimously in favor of giving to the homeless. Did you know one in four homeless persons are Veterans of the Armed Services? So we will be passing them onto Midnight Run, an organization that brings food and clothing to the homeless in Manhattan.

Thanks to everyone who helped us in this important endeavor!

Annual Meeting

2008-01-02T13:27:00.000-08:00

This year's annual meeting will be on Sunday, January 27th after the 10:30 service. It begins with a community lunch (which you'll hear more about).

It's a great chance to hear about all the exciting accomplishments of 2007 and hear about dreams for 2008. We also have the opportunity to elect officers for the coming year and to hear the reflections by outgoing Senior Warden, Ray.

Hanging of the Greens!!

2007-12-16T10:27:00.001-08:00

Is on!!!!!! We're not going to let a little snow get in the way of our Hanging of the Greens are we? No sireee. It's tonight from 4-6:30 p.m. See you there!

Christmas Schedule

2007-12-11T07:56:00.000-08:00

Our schedule of Christmas Services:

Hanging of the Greens, December 16 at 4 p.m.*
Christmas Pageant, December 16 at 5:30 p.m.*

Christmas Eve, December 24 Carols begin at 7 p.m. Service at 7:30 p.m.
Christmas Morning, December 25 at 10:30

* In case of inclement weather, check on the blog and e-mail for cancellation, rescheduling, etc.

Millenium Development Goals: Vote!

2007-12-10T08:48:00.000-08:00

As we get close to the caucus and primary season, we have an opportunity to use the power of our voice and vote to put issues at the heart of our common faith -- our concern for the extreme poor around the world -- at the top of our national agenda.

As you prepare to cast your vote, I encourage you to visit the ONE Vote'08 website -- and particularly this page - http://www.onevote08.org/ontherecord/ -- at which you can compare all the candidates on-the-record statements on six issues drawn from the Millennium Development Goals.

This isn't about party politics. ONE Vote'08 is a bipartisan (Bill Frist and Tom Daschle are the co-chairs) initiative of the ONE Campaign, of which we are a partner through ONE Episcopalian.

Advent Outreach Project

2007-11-28T12:22:00.000-08:00

As you know each year during Advent, we have a church-wide project to help those in need. This year we will be collecting gloves, mittens, hats and scarves. For whom? We're glad you asked.

The Outreach Committee has nominated three groups -- homeless veterans (did you know that 1 in 4 homeless individuals is a veteran?), migrant workers on Route 59 (many of whom have no warm clothing), and sailors through the Seamen's Church Institute who are far away from their families, often badly treated, and because of the changes in law after September 11, rarely allowed to leave the ship.

We would like you to vote for your favorite organization, or add names to this list. With each donation of cold-weather gear you make, please take a moment to cast a vote for the group you would like to see receive the donated items. the gloves, hats, scarves and mittens will be distributed proportionately based on teh number of votes received.

It is a reminder of how fortunate we are to have our many blessings and our on going obligation to care for those most in need.

Let's Save the World

2007-10-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

Simply by clicking on this site, you can help end hunger around the world. Pretty cool!

http://www.thehungersite.com/

Blessing of the Animals

2007-10-04T06:40:00.000-07:00

It's back and better and wilder than ever! We will be having the blessing of teh animals on the front lawn of the church at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, October 7. Bring your pets (or a picture of them) and celebrate the abundant blessings that our animals bring into our lives.

A Likely Story

2007-09-19T10:36:00.001-07:00

Minister 'Wings It' After Sermon Stolen
September 18, 2007 8:29 PM EDT

SAN BENITO, Texas - A minister in South Texas arrived at church anddiscovered thieves had escaped with $15 in petty cash, a set of keys and hersermon.The Reverend Dori Zubizarreta said she had to "wing it" for worshippersafter the September 1st robbery at All Saints Episcopal Church in SanBenito.Zubizarreta arrived at church to find the lights and phone cut off, theoffices in disarray, and a computer packed in a kitchen trash can as though"ready to go."She said she thought she surprised the robbers, who apparently fled throughan office window.Damage repair including cleaning and a new alarm service totaled about$1,000.

As for the sermon?The minister thinks it ended up in the trash somewhere.---Information from: http://www.valleymorningstar.com

A Likely Story

2007-09-19T10:36:00.000-07:00

September Means Back to Church School!!

2007-09-04T08:49:00.000-07:00

Well, it is back to school time and that means that our hardworking Christian Education Committee has been busy planning!

Save these dates!

September 9 -- Sundae School Sign-Ups! We will have ice cream sundaes at the 10:30 Coffee Hour as we try to lure Church School Teacher volunteers. Join us for a one, two, or three Sunday commitment and help our youngest ones learn about their faith.

As a bonus, for every week you sign up to teach you will receive a raffle ticket!

September 23rd -- Kick-Off Breakfast At 9:30 a.m. we will have a kick-off breakfast for everybody! A delicious breakfast and a chance to learn about what exciting programs will be offerred this year.

September 30 -- First Day of Church School At 9:30 we will have church school available for everybody!!!!

August News

2007-08-01T13:27:00.001-07:00

Well last night was "The Taste of Pearl River" and a group of us went from church (12 plus 4 "friends of St. Stephen's). We got to sample some of Pearl River's best restaurants and all teh money went to support the YMCA. We had a hoot! Ask al what he and Rose are doing for Valentines! And if you want something from Munno's you probably want to ask Bobbi!

Some things to keep in mind. . .

August 10 we will be going to the Beatle's tribute band at Veteran's park. The show atrts at 8 p.m.

Also we are collecting school supplies for People to People for kids in the county. Be sure and keep them in mind as you shop for your own needs.

Church Baseball Trip!!

2007-06-11T15:10:00.000-07:00

On July 1, we will be going to a New Jersey Jackal's Baseball Game in Montclair, NJ. The cost of the tickets is $7.75 and goes down to $6.75 if we have 20 people. The stadium is home to the Yogi Berra museum and has convenient parking, a cute snack stand, video arcade and gift shop. With only 3,500 seats the stadium offers a perfect "first" baseball experience for young fans plus the convenience of a considerably easier plant to get around for "veteran" fans.

The game starts at 5 p.m. so we will leave the church parking lot at 4 p.m. Sign-up sheet is in the Narthex!

See you at the game. . .

Church Picnic: June 17

2007-06-06T06:04:00.000-07:00

The church picnic will be on Sunday, June 17th immediately following the 10:30 service (about noon-ish). We have hotdogs, hamburgers (plus some low-fat vegetarian options) and lots of games for the whole family. Join us for this fun afternoon of fellowship!

How to Help: Camp Grief Busters

2007-05-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

Camp Grief Busters is a special place for children who have lost a parent to grieve, to heal, and to find a safe place to work through their emotions. Bobbi is on the board of Hearts and Crafts, the organization that sponsors the camp, and Bobbi, Ken, and Val have all volunteered as staff for the camp.

We have been asked to help out this year by donating disposable cameras that the kids can use. So far we have 22 but we need 44 by June 8. Please bring in a camera to church and drop it off for this important organization!

And now for something completely different

2007-05-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

Just keeping our options open for the liturgy . . . Check out what this church does for its gospel procession!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31uSW4-1qC0

Funny Flood?!

2007-04-30T17:45:00.000-07:00

Our own Jane, Ray and Marlee are in a blog from the Journal News. . . so I am blogging about a blog? Check it out!

http://insiderockland.lohudblogs.com/2007/04/30/west-nyack-homeowner-takes-a-moment-to-chuckle-after-major-flooding/

Which Church Father Are You?

2007-04-18T05:18:00.000-07:00

Take this easy Quiz: I am Origen!

http://www.fathersofthechurch.com/quiz/

Happy Easter!

2007-04-10T09:21:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQdlBqQAQ1A

The Great Three Days

2007-04-05T06:32:00.000-07:00

We are entering what is called in Christendom, "The Great Three Days" or the Triduum. They consist of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter morning. Maundy Thursday is the remembrance of Jesus' last supper with his friends and betrayal by one of his disciples. Good Friday we remember Jesus' death upon the cross. Holy Saturday is the entrance into the tomb of Jesus. Easter morning we celebrate the marvel of his resurrection. Please make these special services part of your journey to a holy and glorious Easter with us.

Maundy Thursday 7:30 p.m.
Good Friday 10 a.m. Stations of the Cross; 12 noon and 7:30 p.m. Solemn Service
Holy Saturday 8 p.m. The Great Vigil of Easter
Easter Morning 8:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Maundy Thursday

2007-04-04T09:53:00.001-07:00

At 7:30 p.m. Thursday April 5 we will hold our Maundy Thursday service with full choir, foot washing, and the solemn stripping of the altar. On that day also our communion class (Alexa, Mairaed, & Stefano) will be recognized.

Palm Sunday Picture

2007-04-03T03:47:00.001-07:00

Click here for a cool picture of Palm Sunday!

IMG_0646.jpg (1761K)

Holy Wednesday Supper

2007-04-02T09:41:00.000-07:00

Our Holy Wednesday Supper features foods from Jesus' day which have been prepared by our confirmation class. At the end of the dinner, a simple Eucharist is shared using the bread that our communion class has prepared. Please join us for this special time.

Wednesday, April 4 at 6 p.m.

Betty Visits the Episcopal Church!

2007-03-16T12:16:00.000-07:00

Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8vJZZFFZqQ

Sex, Sin & Sine Qua Non

2007-02-27T12:23:00.000-08:00

Professor Bob B. is presenting a special study during Lent on the ways on which scandals during the Middle Ages, the worldview of pre-Reformation catholics, and the hierarchy of the church intersected to create the legal systems in England and the United States. This special presentation will last 5 Wednesdays in Lent.

Wednesdays in Lent

6:30 Soup Supper

7:30 Chapel

8-9:00 Study

We're in the Journal News!

2007-02-21T11:33:00.000-08:00

Pearl River church puts on Shrove Tuesday festivities
By SARAH NETTERTHE JOURNAL NEWS

(Original publication: February 21, 2007)
PEARL RIVER - Luckily for the children, their pastor doesn't mind a little pancake on the church floor.
The Rev. Susan Fortunato laughed and cheered as more than a dozen children raced up and down the center aisle of the St. Stephen's Episcopal Church kitchen yesterday, flipping pancakes in a frying pan.
The race was part of the church's Shrove Tuesday festivities, marking the last hurrah before Lent started today, Ash Wednesday.
"We do it every year, and every year it gets a little bigger and more complicated," Fortunato said with a chuckle.
The idea of Shrove Tuesday is the same as Mardi Gras, but with pancakes and family-friendly fun.
"We load up on fat and all the naughty things we're going to give up for Lent," church member Katherine Babcock said.
Also set up was a table for Mardi Gras-themed crafts with beads, masks and temporary tattoos.
The children also put on a small parade around the kitchen banging tambourines, sticks and shakers before attacking the Mardi Gras-themed piñata.
With the smell of breakfast wafting down the hall, partygoers dined not only on pancakes, but also sausage and bacon.
Historically, strict Christian traditions prohibited the consumption of dairy products during Lent, so pancakes were eaten on Shrove Tuesday to use up the eggs, milk and butter.
Fortunato estimated that about 100 people would attend the three-hour celebration.
A basket by the door collected donations, which will be used to fund trips and activities for the church's youth group.
Fortunato said the rule was "eat what you can, pay what you want."
And though it's put on by the church, the event has become a community one, Fortunato said, pointing out some revelers whom she had never seen before.
Corinne Foote, 15, and Courtney Loeffler, 12, both of Pearl River, worked in the kitchen serving up pancakes with toppings of blueberries, cherries, applesauce and syrup.
Foote has been a member of the church since she was a young child and is a Shrove Tuesday pro.
"It's, like, fun to get involved with everybody and work with the little kids and stuff," she said.
Loeffler is new to the church within the past year or so, and yesterday was her first Shrove Tuesday celebration.
"I like it," she said. "It's cool."
Fortunato, pastor for five years, said the church's youth are responsible for the preparation, serving and cleanup.
Last year, the celebration raised about $350.
This year activities for the group, comprised of about 25 to 30 teenagers, Fortunato said, include renovating houses in West Virginia and a rafting trip.

Lent

2007-02-21T11:23:00.000-08:00

It is amazing, but Lent is already here. We have some special offerings for Lent this year.

On Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Bob will be teaching his Lenten poetry class. He chooses contemporary poems with Lenten themes and discussions are always lively and provacative.

On Wednesday evenings in Lent we will be offering a Soup Supper at 6:30 p.m. followed by chapel service at 7:30 p.m. and then at 8p.m. our evening program, Sex, Sin, & Sine Qua Non: A study of how religion and the church shaped the legal systems of the U.S. will be presented by Bob Bing.

It's all about Professor Bob's this Lent at St. Stephen's. Join us for some thoughful and interesting presentations.

Ash Wednesday

2007-02-21T11:21:00.000-08:00

Our scheduel of services for Ash Wednesday:

12:30 Solemn Service (chapel)

4:30 service especially for children (church)

7:30 p.m. Eucharist with full choir

Pancake Supper!

2007-02-20T07:51:00.000-08:00

Tonight is the pancake supper! Lots of pancakes, sausage and bacon prepared and served by the Youth of the church. From 5- 8 p.m. in the Parish Hall. "Eat what you want, pay what you wish!"

Food Cupboard Needs Help!

2007-01-13T07:34:00.000-08:00

HELP HELP HELP

Dear parishioner, once a month the St. Stephen’s Food Cupboard supplies food bags to twenty needy families in our community.
Currently, our supply of staple food is at an all time low;
we do not have enough even to fill one bag for the February distribution.
Would you be able to help?
Please shop for any of the following items:

rice
cake mix
flour
sugar
crackers or cookies
coffee or tea
jello or pudding
dry beans
jelly/jam
canned tomatoes (plain)
canned tomato sauce
macaroni and cheese
pasta/spaghetti

THANK YOU!

Happy (Almost) New Year

2006-12-30T11:31:00.000-08:00

Well Christmas is over, the New Year is coming, and my combinnation bronchitis-sinus infection is finally starting to get better (hooray!). So a treat for those of you regularly read the blog! A favorite, delicious blog that everybody has to check out because it is too funny and lots of fun to read. So go to www.beautytipsforministers.blogspot.com !

Christmas Eve!!!

2006-12-20T07:08:00.000-08:00

Our Christmas Eve service will begin at 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 24 with Christmas Carols and special musical presentations by our adult and youth choirs. The service begins at 7:30 p.m. and features candlight, special music, and coomunion. Join us for this special time.

Fantasy Church League

2006-12-16T06:07:00.000-08:00

This is teh newest idea in fantasy sports! Check it out, we might have to make a few adjustments in our worship for maximum points!

http://acts29network.blogspot.com/2006/09/your-best-game-now.html

How Rich Are You?

2006-12-12T13:13:00.000-08:00

This website http:// www.globalrichlist.com/ will help you figure out exactly how rich you are as compared with people throughout the world. Really fascinating, take a look!

Hanging of the Greens

2006-12-12T11:27:00.000-08:00

Hanging of the Greens will be this Sunday, December 17, at 4 p.m. We begin by decorating the whole church for an hour. Then we go to the Parish Hall for a bowl of our award winning Hamburger Soup, then back again to the sanctuary where our young people will present our Christmas Pageant. Join us for this special time.

Advent

2006-11-27T08:37:00.000-08:00

I know it is hard to believe but next Sunday marks the beginning of Advent! we will be making Advent wreaths on Sunday morning, December 3 at 9:30 in the Parish Hall. We will also be beginning our tradition of Kringling that day, too. Everyone who wants to participate, puts their names into a basket, names are exchanged and then throughout the season gifts, prayers and cards are exchanged. What a lovely way to brighten someone's holiday!

Thanksgiving (Week & Eve)

2006-11-14T12:37:00.000-08:00

We offer several opportunities to give thanks during the week that leads up to Thanksgiving. On Monday, November 20 at 7:30 p.m. we will be gathering will our brothers and sisters from around town for the Pearl River Interfaith service. This year the service will be at St. Margaret's Roman Catholic Church and The Rev. Laura Cunningham will be preaching. Wednesday, November 22 We will be having our traditional Thanksgiving Eve service at the church at 7:30 p.m. Join us for Thanksgiving hymns, music from our beautiful choir and a lovely beginning to Thanksgiving.

Confirmation: 2006

2006-11-06T12:26:00.000-08:00

Well, they have done It! After two years of classes, mandatory attendance during Holy Week, a retreat, visiting churches, and playing Christians vs. Centurions in the church -- they are finally getting confirmed! The bishop will be coming on November 26th to confirm this wonderful group of young people. Special thanks to their mentors for all the time, support, and energy they have given to this important ministry. Congratulations to Lauren, Tina, Don, Travis, Brian, Scott, Amanda, Joe, Corrinne, Graham, Laural, Valissa, Danielle, Kelly, Kevin, Alycia, & Shelby.

A Note From Frantz

2006-11-03T11:27:00.000-08:00

Although I have not been able to attend mass at St Stephens for the past three months since I work on Sunday morning, I have kept abreast of the news of the church through Florence and the kids who never miss mass on Sunday.

I have learned that Alexandre has taken the first steps to become an acolyte and that both he and Jean Paul are part of the children choir.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank you and the members of the stewardship committee for your help last year when we first came to Pearl River from Haiti. I will never forget how the parishioners and you embraced us and helped our family to settle down in the community with their time, their money and their prayers.

Today our situation has improved considerably from last year and I want to thank each end every one of you for your help.

I know that we were directed to St. Stephens by God or one of his Angels and I am very grateful for this. We wish to do our best to continue to be positive members of the church and to contribute what we can to make sure that St Stephens can keep on helping other families in need.

Thanks

Frantz

Trunk or Treat!!!

2006-10-28T14:17:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow marks one of the high spots of the year for St. Stephen's with our Trunk or Treat evening. We begin with our All Hallow's Eve service at 5 p.m. which features knock-knock jokes, a spooky story, and lots of suprises. Then at 6 p.m. we move to the parking lots where our young people go from Trunk to Trunk collecting treats. After that, grab a hotdog or burger and come back to the Parish Hall for the awarding of "Best Trunk", "Funniest Trunk", etc. . . A fun event for all!

Children's Choir

2006-10-17T06:45:00.000-07:00

The children's choir began yesterday with four young people in attendance. They are going to begin practicing on Mondays at 3:30 p.m. in the choir room. Thanks to Gwyn and Sally for re-newing this important ministry for our youngest parishioners. All school-aged singers are welcome!

Stewardship

2006-10-11T07:06:00.000-07:00

Stewardship season is about to begin and this year we have some new events to consider. The Stewardship Breakfast will be this Sunday (October 15) at 9:30a.m.. It is in a morning news format --Good Morning St. Stephen's. There will be a scrumptious breakfast for all of us to enjoy. This year we are asking you to participate in one of the follwing activities -- a small group meeting in the Lounge with Pastor Susan, the Stewardship Dinner on October 22, or the Planned Giving Presentation by Arthur Tuttle on October 30 at 7:30 p.m. Join us for these exciting and thought-provoking events.

Bring In Your Books!!!

2006-10-04T13:08:00.000-07:00

Here at St. Stephen's Church we are helping Rachel and Erica (Junior Girl Scout Troop number 532) collect gently used or new books for toddlers to twelve years old. They will donate these books to a Daycare Center in Spring Valley to help send books home with each child to promote reading in thier households. It would be great if you help us collect books for these girls to donate. There is a collection box in the Narthex.

September

2006-09-25T12:42:00.000-07:00

Well, September sure does feel different than August at the church office! Things are in full swing with Church school starting yesterday, Family Fun Night last Night (congratulations to Hannah and Jean-Paul the big poker winners!) and lots of fun on the horizon. We have sure gotten a lot done. . . Ray put up new gutters along the playground. Some brave volunteers got together and weeded the front, and some wonderful teenagers painted the lines on the parking lot. Stop by and see all the wonderful things that are happening!

Church School Dates

2006-08-10T08:46:00.000-07:00

September 3 Blessing of the Backpacks Bring your backpack to the 10:30 service for a special blessing. Guranteed to start your school year off right! September 17 Church School Breakfast A 9:30 a.m. breakfast sure to get you and the kids excited about Church School! Hear what the teachers have planned, meet your teachers, and enjoy some suprises from the Christian Education committee. Meeting of Angels & Chrubs Immediately following the 10:30 service we will have a special meeting for parents of all children 1st grade and younger to hear about an exciting program beginning for our young children in the fall. Basically, our nursery will split in two. The younger ones (not potty-trained) or "Cherubs" will continue to be cared for during the entire 10:30 service. The older ones "Angels" will have a program with a Bible-based video, an activity, and special activities and then join the service at the Peace. We think that this new addition will help our Angels and our Cherubs have a more meaningful and positive church experience. September 24 First Day of Church School!!! 9:30 a.m. (K-5), (Middle School Class), (Adults) 10:20 a.m. Angels and Cherubs

Bishop Desmond Tutu

2006-07-25T06:41:00.001-07:00

Click here to see Bishop Tutu's reaction to our new Presiding Bishop:http://www.trinitywallstreet.org/resources/article.php?id=745