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St Stephen's Episcopal Church
Belvedere
 
Tidings for the Twenty-Third Sunday after Trinity
19th November 2017
 
 
  
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
 

SUNDAY SERVICES
8:00am
Contemplative Eucharist

10:00am
Holy Eucharist
with Festive Choral Music
St Stephen's Choir 
  
Sunday School
PreK - 12th grades
10:00 AM
Drop off begins at 9:45 AM
 

Childcare  is provided 
 from 9:45 to 11:30 AM for infants through age 3
 
  
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COFFEE CONNECTIONS:  

This Sunday -
19th November
Team 9
Mimi Sardou  


Next Sunday -
26th November
Team 10
Elizabeth Mitchell

 

 

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Jesus and the children
 
FAMILY MINISTRY
  NEWS

Sunday School
10:00 AM
drop off begins at 9:45 AM

FALL 2017
  
Sunday School Classes 

(from 10:00 to the Passing of the Peace at the 10:00 AM Eucharist, 
or approximately10:35am)
 
 
Godly Play
 PreK -  1st Grade

Bible in Life by David C. Cook
for 2nd through 3rd Grade

Bible in Life by David C. Cook
for 4th through 5th Grade

Youth Fall Sunday Class
6th - 12th Grades 
 
Student Ministry
Group discussion with scripture based original curriculum

All students  and older children are encouraged to serve as acolytes, ushers, and scripture readers at the 10 o'clock service. To volunteer yourself or your child for duties in any of these roles, please contact David [email protected].
 
Childcare
(for infants through age 3)
9:30 - 11:30 PM

I MPORTANT ADVANCE

AND ONGOING INFORMATION

Gratitude Prayers
Prayer

Are you thankful for a blessing or something special?  Let the office know and we can add it to the prayers.  Deadline is Tuesday afternoon as Sunday bulletins are printed early Thursday mornings. Let us know and we can add it to the Sunday prayers of thanksgiving.  
Email Elizabeth Gravely at [email protected]
Wanted: Videographer/Photographer
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The church office is looking for someone with videography and photography skills to volunteer to vlog special events and talks throughout the year. Basic video shooting and editing skills are all that is required. 

If you are available and interested, please contact [email protected].
Tiburon Thrift Shop
Tiburon Thrift Shop
Volunteers Needed

Volunteer at the Tiburon Thrift Shop and help St Stephen's! Our Parish receives a monthly check from the shop thanks to those who volunteer on St Stephen's behalf.  

Volunteers are needed on Thursdays and 5th Saturdays. 10am to 1pm and/or 1pm to 4pm. 

It is not a huge commitment but it makes a huge difference. To learn more, please contact: June Campbell 415.797.6142 or Jennifer Henerlau 415.608.3239.
Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria
Donations through 
Episcopal Charities
hurricanes
Help those affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. Your generous support will supply critical necessities for communities as we help them recover and rebuild.  Here is the link for donations:
CAWildfire
Monetary Donations for Northern California Fire Victims

The fires in Napa and Sonoma have devastated communities and displaced many.

Most of the shelters are no longer accepting material donations but will need them again once folks are relocated in about two weeks. If you have beds and clothing or other soon to be needed items for setting up a household, please stockpile them or email David Hirsch at [email protected]
 
If you would like to make a financial donation please consider giving to the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California Bishop's discretionary fund: http://www.norcalepiscopal.org/online-giving

Please keep our neighbors to the north in your prayers, as well as the first responders. 
Sonoma ReStore in need of Donations
Habitat for Humanity

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Habitat for Humanity is a longtime partner of St Stephen's and their ReStore in Sonoma is in need of donations to help those affected by the fires rebuild. They are offering the items from the ReStore at no charge to those affected by the fires. 

You can donate to them by calling the ReStore at 707-568-3228, ext 2 or go to www.hatibatsoco.org/. They are not currently picking up.  The items they need are quality:

Furniture
Decorations
Dishes
Silverware
Cookware
Appliances
Tools
From the Rector
Wonder Woman is Israeli again. Gal Gadot was in cinemas this summer, and she's running around saving the world in Justice League: You Can't Save the World Alone, now showing at the Tiburon Playhouse. Some of us used to shop with her predecessor, Lynda Carter, in Potomac, Maryland, at Starbucks and in the hardware and grocery store.
        We say 'Israeli again' because the original, the real not the DC Comic, superwoman is the star of today's first scripture reading. Deborah is a towering figure, a second Moses. All of the judges are, but Deborah really is. She's called a prophet. So was Moses, a prophet. She's called a judge. So was Moses, a judge. She 'sits' judging. That's exactly what's said about Moses in Exodus, the same vocabulary. The Book of Judges doesn't tell us anything about her looks, but some of us think she looked like Golda Meir.
     See you in church,
 
     Fr Ellsworth
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St Stephen's wishes everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday.  

Please note the church office will be closed from Wednesday 22nd November until Monday, 27th November.
Rector's Forum
Becker Conference Room
19th November
11:30 AM

The Rev. Pascual Torres
Rector's Forum about Siempre Unidos, with the Rev'd Pascual Torres, in the Becker Conference Room at 11:30 AM.   An attorney and the Chancellor of the Episcopal Diocese of Honduras, t he Rev'd Torres  is the co-founder and the Honduras Executive Director of Siempre Unidos.
      Founded at St Stephen's over twelve years ago, Siempre Unidos ministers to HIV/AIDS patients in Honduras. St Stephen's parishioners support this ministry financially - as individuals and through an annual collection. Even the children have raised money for gifts that make a difference, such as a new chicken coop and a flock of chickens. We welcome the annual visits of              The Rev'd Pascual Torres, Siempre Unidos' administrator, who reports on their valuable work. Join us in the Conference Room upstairs in the Parish House.
      Siempre Unidos began as the first self-help group for Hondurans living with AIDS in 1999. From its inception, The Rev'd Pascual Torres, Chancellor of the Episcopal Diocese of Honduras and an attorney, has served as the Honduran based Executive Director. Denise Main, MD, is our co-founder. She and her family met Pascual when visiting Honduras soon after Hurricane Mitch struck. Seeing the heavy toll of AIDS, she determined to match Pascual's effort with a U.S. response. The organization is now led by Pascual and the US based Executive Director, Amy Rankin-Williams, DrPH.
      Siempre Unidos partnered with the Honduran Ministry of Health in November 2003 and became (and remains) the only nongovernmental program authorized to treat people with HIV in the country. We now run 2 clinics in high prevalence areas, San Pedro Sula and Siguatepeque.
     Siempre Unidos envelopes are provided in the leaflets this Sunday, the 19th, so that, at the offertory, you can include a separate offering in support of this life-giving work. Thank you for being generous.
Art Angels 2017 teal
Art Angels has arrived. 

This Thursday and Friday, 16th and 17th November, Art Angels returns to St Stephens. Don't miss the fun of Belvedere's favorite evening on Friday the 16th, beginning with Bubbles & Bach at 5 PM, followed by the closing party from 6 - 10 PM. You can click the red ticket link below to go directly to purchase tickets.

 Shopping hours in the boutique are Thursday 11 AM - 4 PM, and Friday 10 AM - 3 PM. Entry for shopping is free. 
Click this link for tickets: $50 for the party, or $75 for both the Bubbles & Bach Concert plus the party.  Proceeds benefit Parish outreach.

Fabulous Silent Auction Items 
Available at the Art Angels Fair
You absolutely don't want to miss the wonderful items available at the Art Angels silent auction!
The proceeds from the auction are critical to the support of our outreach capacity and programs, so we look forward to fun, active bidding!   
Highlights include:
SIGN-UP EVENTS:
  • A Day Sailing on the Bay!
  • Private Tour at the DeYoung Museum!  (Sept. 14, 2018)
  • French-Themed Dinner with delicious food and wine from Le Comptoir
  • Kentucky Derby Party with Southern-style food, adult beverages and wagering
  • Elegant Al Fresco Lunch or Dinner for 8 people
  • Adam & Eve Dance Party (Ribs & Apple Pie!)
  • Musical Evening featuring John Hirten and Members of our Talented Choir
  • Ride with the Rector Biking and Luncheon... and more!!
SPECIAL, MAJOR OFFERINGS:
  • Vacation in private homes at Lake Tahoe, Sun Valley, Carmel, and Jackson, WY!
  • Tickets for the San Francisco Ballet!... and more!!
JUST FOR YOU -  From Our Parishioners and Our Town:
  • Private Yoga classes, incredible orchid arrangement, a beautiful beaded lace scarf necklace, Jim Leverson watercolors, a basket of dog treats... and more!!
WINE:
  • An amazing selection of wines from private cellars!  More than 20 lots, including Kosta Browne, Peter Michael, Aubert Chardonnay Magnum, Far Niente, DuMol, Stag's Leap, Robert Sinsky, Ram's Gate, Turley, Chateau de Gay Pomerol, Chateau Cantemerle, a Hail Mary Magnum, Piper-Keidsieck... and many more!! 
LOCAL ARTISANS:
  • Lovely, unique items from our Artisan Boutique vendors including jewelry, art, clothing, handbags, made-to-order children's clothing ... and much more!! 
Please plan to bid often and bid high on these fabulous items generously donated by parishioners and local businesses.   We are so grateful to all who have graciously donated to our auction table!

Family Ministry
 
Youth Serving at Art Angels Friday,  17th November
We need 10 students to help serve food for Art Angels this Friday November 17th. We will work on and off  from 5 to 9 PM. When you aren't upstairs there will be a party downstairs, with games, food and a movie at the end of the night. If you have been at Art Angels before, you know what a great event this is. Please sign up by contacting David Hirsch,  [email protected]

High School Small Group Gatherings
Thursdays
6 - 7:30 PM
Poncho Packages and Youth
Hang out time with David Hirsch in the 
St Stephen's Youth Room with pizza and scripture stories on Thursdays through to 21st December (except Thanksgiving week).   
    

 
Link to Family Ministry Fall Calendar 2017
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Contact Family Ministry Director, David Hirsch at [email protected]
COMING UP

St Stephen Episcopal Church Rain Gear & Socks for the Homeless Drive

Sundays: 26th November, 3rd, 10th & 17th December

socks Ponchos cost approximately $20 each and a pair of Merino wool camping socks cost about $3.

Cash/check donations only


Please make checks out to St. Stephens Church with Rain Gear in the m emo line
Ritter Center Family-to-Family 
Christmas Gift Donations

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St Stephen's parishioners are invited to adopt a family from the Ritter House and give them purchased and wrapped Christmas Gifts.

 Families may be chosen from a list that contains names, ages, sizes and desired presents. There is a greater need to adopt seniors this year than in the past. Contact David Hirsch if you are interested in participating: [email protected]

The cost ranges from $100 to $250. Wrapped gifts will be collected at the church and taken to Ritter House on 8th December.  Any gifts dropped after that date must be taken directly to Ritter House.
Christmas Concert
10th December
4PM

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Only a few General Admission tickets are still available for the Annual Christmas Concert to be held at 4 pm on Sunday, December 10. The General Admission tickets are for unreserved seats in the side pews.


There is a Wait List for reserved seat tickets (since we frequently receive returned tickets before the concert).  Complete the ticket order form and mail to the church (without a check) if you would like to be placed on the Wait List for reserved seat tickets. 

For more information: click here for the flyer
Christmas Pageant
 
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Save the dates:
Christmas Eve Pageant, with live (nearly wild) animals,
Sunday, 24th December at 10 AM.

Pageant rehearsal Saturday, 23rd December from 9 AM to Noon. Contact Joe Jennings, [email protected], 415-279-3637.
Altar Flowers for 2018
 
Florals The 2018 Flower Chart is now in the Narthex.  Please sign up for your special Sunday.  The donation for flowers is $150. You will be contacted the week prior to your Sunday week for your floral dedication.  You may send your check and dedication to the office any time prior to your chosen Sunday.  If you have any questions, please email Barbara Garcia-Romero at [email protected] or Ginny Preston at [email protected]. Please note that the collection of Christmas floral donations will begin on the First Sunday of Advent.  This is a separate collection from the 2018 Altar Flower sign ups.

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St Stephen's Needs Your Help
 
 
The Vestry must draft a budget for 2018 
this month.
To date we have reached 93% 
of our needed pledges for 2018.
 
31 families have yet to submit a pledge for the coming year. If you have not yet made a pledge for 2018, please do so generously. 

We'd like to reach 100 percent participation in the campaign.  You can obtain a pledge card in the entrance to the church, or with this link:
     

or, simply send an email to [email protected]

REST Volunteers
 
food donations
REST meals 2018: St Stephen's will again assist with the Rotating Winter Shelter Meals. Frances Barbour is organizing this participation. Please contact her if you are interested in hosting St Stephen's January 7th commitment.  

Frances is also in need of prep help on Saturday 12/9 or to serve on Sunday 12/10 following the Christmas Concert. Other hosting dates will be announced for 2018. If you would like to participate in any way, please contact Frances at [email protected].
Ministry of the Month
Healing Prayers
Jesus Heals
Every Sunday St Stephen's now offers healing prayers during the 8 and 10 AM services for those who desire a blessing or laying on of hands.  Intercessors at the Mary Corner await those who desire a nointing. Go straightaway to the Mary Corner after receiving the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

We thank the healing team who makes this ministry possible: The Venerable Dorothy Jones, The Rev. Zoila Schoenbrun, The Rev. Shari Young, Missy Leathers, Chris Mudge, David Kirchhoff, Sue Kwentus, George Brown, Koko Peters, and Fr. Ellsworth.
Nursery Caregivers
 
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St Stephen's welcomes Sally Burr, Abby Vergara, and Amanda Larsson to the St Stephen's staff as professional nursery caregivers.

More information to follow.
Year's Mind
 
Celtic Cross
Please help Father Ellsworth compile the names and dates of the death of family members whom you would like to be remembered in prayers at the altar on, or close to, the anniversary of their death.This is an old custom, even if new to St. Stephen's. Email Elizabeth in the office with this click-through.  
Food Bank Barrel
Urgent Need for Fire Victims & Thanksgiving
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It is time to restock the Food Bank for Thanksgiving meals and for victims left homeless by the recent wildfires.

 St Stephen's keeps a Marin/SF Food Bank barrel on the classroom level all through the year and another in the Hall entry prior to Thanksgiving. Please consider feeding those less fortunate by donating your non-perishable food items.
Morning and Evening Prayers
  
The Daily Office:

Morning Prayer is said in the church Tuesdays, and Thursdays at 9:30 AM (Please note, there is no Morning Prayer on Wednesdays.)

Evening Prayer is said in the church Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 PM.

There will be no Morning or Evening Prayer during Thanksgiving Week.
SAVE THESE DATES!
Special Calendar Planning Dates

Art Angels Fair 2017 - THURSDAY, 16th November 
    FRIDAY, 17th November

Parish Retreat - 20 - 22nd April 2018
Youth Ski Trip -  19th, 20th, 21st January 2018 - Note Change!
Mission Trip - 17th - 23rd June 2018

St Stephen's  Calendar:
    
November
19, 26 Services at 8 &10 AM
16, 30 Youth Small Group Gathering - 6 PM
 
16  Art Angels - Thursday free shopping - 11 AM - 4 PM
17  Art Angels - Friday free shopping - 10 AM - 3 PM
17  Art Angels Friday Bubbles and Bach - 5 - 6 PM
17  Art Angels Friday  Closing Gala - 6 - 10 PM 
($50 gala or $75 Bach & Gala)
19  Rector Forum w/The Rev. Pascual Torres -  11:30 AM
27  Vestry Meeting - 7 PM

December
3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Services at 8 & 10 AM
7, 14, 21 Youth Small Group Gathering - 6 PM

  3  Adult Education on Martin Luther - 11:30 AM
10 St Stephen's Christmas Concert - 4 PM
23 Christmas Pageant Rehearsal -  9 AM - Noon
24 Christmas Eve Day Services - 8 AM Quiet Eucharist
24 Christmas Eve Day Service - 10 AM Christmas Pageant
24 Christmas Eve Service - 9:30 PM - One only
25 Christmas Day One Service - 10 AM
31 New Year's Eve Day One Service - 10 AM
  
Ongoing:
The Daily Office:
Morning & Evening Prayer, Tuesday and Thursday at 9:30 AM & 5:30 PM
       (Not Thanksgiving Week)
2nd/4th Mondays: Knitting Group - 10:30am 
1st Wednesday: The Explorers Club
Wednesdays: Yoga with Capucine -   New day & time TBD, watch this space
5thThursdays:  Contemplative Prayer - 8:30am   
Thursdays: 9:50am-1pm or 12:50-4pm - Volunteers at the Thrift Shop
Thursday: Choir Practice - 7:30pm
2nd Thursday of the Month: Homeward Bound Meals
4th Thursday of the Month: Westminster Hot Lunch
Every Sunday: Healing Prayers at 8am & 10am
Sundays: Children's Choir 11:15 - 11:45 am 
             Get the latest updates at: ststephenschurch.org 
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 Find the link on the home page on the web.
 

 

Articles for submission are due by Tuesday afternoon at 2pm.

 

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Administrative and Communications Associate

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

3 Bay View Avenue

PO Box 97

Belvedere, CA 94920

415.435.4501