Where Love Begets Love


February 1, 2019

A Word from Rev. Paula+

Beloved Community,

This is a full and busy week here at St. Stephen's and in the diocese.  Diocesan Convention is Friday and Saturday.  Our Annual Meeting is Sunday.  There have been times when the old adage "so much to do, so little time" has seemed apropos.

At our Annual Meeting we will continue the conversation that began when I first met the members of your vestry and search committee, which grew out of the conversations you had together before then.   We'll do that during our Eucharistic celebration because there is no better time or way to talk about love and gratitude and joy than at Table together.  We'll explore a few questions based on the Ne w Testament readings from 1 Corinthians that have been in the lectionary for January 20 th, 2 7th and February 3rd.  And we'll invite the Living God to be a part of all that we are and all that we do.

Although we'll have the readings for you at the meeting, I invite and encourage you to take a few minutes between now and then to read and ponder them in your heart.  Pray and reflect with the gifts of the Spirit found in 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, the call to community in 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, and a poetic reminder of what it means to love and be loved in 1 Corinthians 13:1-13.   And then come to worship, to be fed, and to listen with open heart and mind as together we take this next step deeper into the heart of God.

Though this may not be the norm for Annual Meetings, this is one in which children are welcome!  We'll have a table just for them, with an activity that relates to the questions the adults will discuss.  My guess is that they will love the experience of a table Eucharist in which they help to consecrate the bread and the "wine" (for them it will be juice) and then share it with one another.

So please come.  Share your gifts with the parish and help us to discern the next steps in our shared ministry.

Peace & Blessings,
Paula+
 

Upcoming Events


Diocesan Convention                        February 1   & 2
Annual Meeting                                 February 3 , 10:00 am
Beckerath Organ Recital                   February 10, 4:00 pm
Church Leader University                 March 9, 9:00 am
Celebration of New Ministry           March 30, 2:00 pm

 
Announcements


Food Barrel:  This Sunday, February 3rd is the day of the Super Bowl, and hence  S O U P E R  Sunday, which means you are encouraged to bring in cans of soup for our Food Barrel.  Other non-perishable items are also welcome, but please bring some soup!

Save-the-Dates:  We will be having an Adult Formation series in Lent.  More information will be coming soon.  In the meantime, please mark your calendars to save the following dates: March 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st; April 7th and 14th.  All sessions will be held after church.

Church Leader University:   The Diocese of Newark welcomes all wardens, vestry members, treasurers, clergy and other congregational leaders to learn, network and celebrate your ministry.  Saturday, March 9, from 9 am to 12 pm at St. Elizabeth's Church in Ridgewood.


 
Serving at the Altar  2/3/19 & 2/10/19

February 3 February 10

No 8:00 am
Service due to
Annual Meeting
10:00 am
8:00 am
10:00 am

Altar Guild:
J. James
Altar Guild:
C. Francis
Altar Guild:
T. Scharff
J. Scharff

Readers:
J. James
P. Wick

Readers:
C. Francis
Readers:
T. Scharff
K. Conway
B. Churchill

Chalicist:
E. Maurer
Chalicist:
J. Scharff

Ushers:
E. Maurer
M. Hirschfeld

Ushers:
B. Majtyka
J. Majtyka

Coffee Hour:
Dorn Family

Coffee Hour:
Open

Altar Flowers:
A. Cole
Altar Flowers:
Open
Altar Flowers:
Open


A Reminder

The phone extensions have changed now that the parish office and rector's study are in the Education Building.  You can reach Doreen Schindler, Parish Administrator at x32.  Rev. Paula can be reached at x21.

Parish Office Hours

Rev. Paula's regular schedule is Sunday thru Thursday, though that may change depending upon what's happening in the parish or diocese in any given week. 
She isn't always working in the office, so please call or email to schedule to see her.  She can be reached at 973-376-0688, ext. 21,  though for pastoral emergencies you may try her on her cell: 508-542-1327.  Her email is rector@ststephensmillburn.org.

The office is open Tuesday thru Friday from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm.  Doreen may be reached by phone at 973-376-0688, ext. 32 or by email at church@ststephensmillburn.org.