Thanks to Barbara Churchill for this beautiful photo of our beloved St. Stephen's. |
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Beloved Community,
Today is Inauguration Day, a day that is one of the hallmarks of our democratic republic, one of the most telling symbols of what it means to live our common civic life in a particular way. This way of living has been a beacon to countless others across the globe for the majority of this nation's relatively short life. Every four years, we engage in a peaceful transfer of power, which also means that every four years there are those who are jubilant and full of hope and those who are saddened and fear what the future will bring.
This year the stakes seem higher, which means the emotional and spiritual toll is higher, more intense. As a country and a people, we struggle in ways that are completely and totally unfamiliar to so many of us as we seek to find a way to reconcile, to find a sense of unity and common purpose. It is so easy to get completely caught up in the news, to feel overwhelmed, regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum. It is especially difficult if you are one of the seemingly countless number for whom the politics of the past several years have meant disrupted relationships or worse - relationships that have completely crumbled.
I have taken solace and found comfort in knowing that there is one relationship that cannot be disrupted, that will not crumble no matter what is going on in this country or the world. It is our relationship with God. God is constant. God is faithful. God is true.
I know that at times, especially times of discord and fear, this can sound trite, it can ring hollow. Yet, I trust that it is true because of what I read in Scripture and what I've experienced in my own life. I am reminded when I look at the side of my refrigerator where I have a magnet that says: "Faith is not knowing that God can, it is knowing that God will."
My prayer for you is that your faith brings you what you need this day and in the days to come. My prayer for you is that these words from Jeremiah 29, which are some of my favorite in all of Scripture ring true:
"For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Then when you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me, says the Lord"
Peace & Blessings,
Paula+
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CRITICAL UPDATE: Giving in Faith |
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We are at a critical point in our budgeting process, which is, as you know, how we figure out how to pay for all the amazing, faith-filled and Spirit-led ministries at St. Stephen's. Without a solid budget, we cannot live our faith in the ways that have meant so much to us and to those with whom we are in relationship beyond the physical borders of our campus.
Our financial pledge number remains unchanged from two weeks ago, just after the last full newsletter. We have 26 pledges for $101,570 a bit more than $30,000 less than our pledge total from last year. The Finance Committee, with the support of the Vestry, continues to work on the budget and to remain hopeful that those of you who have not yet pledged will do so in the next week or two. There is no way to emphasize enough the importance of your financial commitment to St. Stephen's. We literally cannot live our faith together without each of us giving in faith.
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Connection & Common Worship |
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Worship
Sundays, 10 AM
Live-streamed to YouTube, Facebook, and via Zoom. Bulletins are available on the St. Stephen's website. All links can be found at the bottom of the newsletter. Zoom passcode is 225839.
To call in, dial by your location:
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 864 1664 1640
Passcode: 225839
The Sunday service will also be broadcast on HTTV (Comcast TV 36 and Verizon TV 33) on Tuesday at 6 AM and 3 PM.
Coffee Hour
Sundays at 12 PM via Zoom
To call in, dial by your location:
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 895 5857 6382
Reading with the Rector
Sunday, February 7, 1 PM
We will be reading White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin D'Angelo.
This NY Times best-seller is available in public libraries as well as from Amazon and Barnes & Noble. We will use the same Zoom link as coffee hour.
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From Bishop Hughes & The Episcopal Church |
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NEW: Opening Our Eyes
This week through Sunday, January 24.
Services of Prayer for Our Nation
January 18, 19 and 20 at 8 PM
Bishop Hughes invites you to join in prayer for our nation, particularly on these three nights leading through the Inauguration in Washington, DC. Light a candle, wherever you are, and spend part of your evening with our diocesan community at prayer.
Zoom link for all three services can be found here.
or by phone: 929-205-6099
Meeting ID: 890 5889 0745
Passcode: 920580
Lay Conversation with the Bishop
Thursday, January 21, 6 PM
Bishop Carlye Hughes is eager to once again spend time in conversation with the members of the diocese, to reflect and consider what we, our churches, and our communities have learned and experienced as we have adjusted to the changes this time has demanded of us.
This Zoom conversation is open to all members of the diocese. The Zoom link can be found here.
or by phone: 646-558-8656
Meeting ID: 890 0485 3915
Passcode: 292794
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Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center |
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Camp at Home: God Sightings
One way campers and staff check in at the end of every day at Cross Roads is through reflecting on their day and sharing highs, lows, and God Sightings. God Sightings are times when we see or feel God's presence during our day. Sharing God Sightings is a great reminder that God is with us at all times.
Consider adding a morning or evening check-in to your family's routine, to share with one another and be reminded of God's enduring presence.
For other ideas for family devotions, visit the Camp at Home Resources page on the Cross Roads website link at the bottom of this newsletter.
Wednesdays Away
A time of spiritual renewal one Wednesday a month from 10 AM - 12 PM. Upcoming dates: February 17, March 3. For details and to register, visit the Cross Roads link at the bottom of the newsletter.
Work at Cross Roads this Summer
Applications to work for Summer Staff 2021 are now OPEN! We are hiring for counselors, kitchen and support staff members, and other positions. Visit the link here for details and an application.
Winter Youth Retreats & Summer Camp
For details, visit the Youth & Teen Ministry category below in this newsletter.
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Teen and Youth Ministries |
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Pop Up Youth Ministry
February 21, 3 PM
Pop Up is a welcoming ministry of the Diocese of Newark bringing together youth for fun activities, community, and faith formation. All youth grades 6-12 are encouraged to join the monthly events. Follow the YM on Instagram and FB at @popupym. For details and to subscribe to their newsletter, visit the Pop Up link towards the bottom of this newsletter. To read Youth Ministry Fellow, Matt Porowski's invitation to Youth Ministry, click here.
Cross Roads Winter Youth Retreats
EXPLORE! with Cross Roads this winter at their virtual youth retreats. Over the course of a few hours, kids and youth leaders will EXPLORE the ways God is present in our world and in our lives. They will play games, read stories from the Bible, get moving, worship together, and have fun!
There are three EXPLORE! retreat dates and times for different age groups:
Grades K – 2: Saturday, February 13 from 10 am – 12 pm
Grades 3 – 5: Saturday, February 13 from 1 – 3 pm
Grades 6 – 8: Saturday, March 13 from 10 am – 12 pm
Cross Roads Summer Camp 2021
Cross Roads is excited to announce their 2021 Summer Camp Theme, "Firm Foundation." This summer, campers will explore stories that tell of God's enduring presence throughout the Bible. And they will be reminded that when we are rooted in our faith, God's love and faithfulness embolden us to have courage to share that love with others.
Registration for Summer Camp 2021 will open in February 2021.
For Youth Retreat & Summer Camp details and to register, please visit the Cross Roads link at the bottom of this newsletter.
Sunday School Podcast
Cross Roads has officially launched a podcast for anyone who wants to listen to "Sunday School on the Go!"
New episodes will be released weekly based on the curriculum from that week's Sunday School, and include a Bible story, discussion questions, a song, an outdoor challenge, and more. Listen to the first episode here.
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Christine's Kitchen
June 19 & August 7
St. Stephen's has confirmed these dates to provide 150 lunches-to-go for Christine's Kitchen. Details and any updates will be forthcoming as we get closer. In the meantime please mark your calendar to save the dates. Thank you!
Holy Trinity
Our friends at Christine's Kitchen are reaching out for help. Please view Fr. Miguel's video message at the link here. Your kind donation will be matched up to $10,000. Thank you!
The Apostles' House & North Porch
Collection bins are located outside the Narthex doors in the parking lot. Donations can be dropped off at any time.
Apostles' House needs: canned goods and non-perishable food items.
North Porch is in URGENT need of Enfamil Infant Formula 12.5 oz containers (yellow label), baby wipes, and diapers size 4, 5, and 6.
Online Donations - If you are unable to drop off items at the church, and would like to contribute, you can make purchases and/or donations directly to these organizations at the following links:
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There are many, many resources available to parishes and individuals to help sustain our faith practices during this unprecedented time. We have moved the list to our website here. This is by no means a complete list, though it does cover many areas of need.
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St. Stephen's Prayer List |
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Please keep the following St. Stephen's family members and friends in your prayers...
Jeff Loggins, Jimmy Hasenkamp, Ian Janeczko, Peggy Thompson, Felder Dorn, Hailey Rose Fout, Kris Hunt, Donna Riggi, Blanchard Family, McManus Family, Bernard & Nathan, Fitzgerald Family, Lucille B., Jack Moreno, Jim Freeman, Grisette B., The May Family
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Third Sunday after The Epiphany
January 24, 2021
Jonah 3:1-15, 10
Psalm 62:6-14
Mark 1:14-20
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Tithe.ly
Giving with Tithe.ly is easy with options for recurring donations or one-time use for when you are away or not able to be in church (like all of us now due to COVID restrictions).
You can access Tithe.ly via their website or their app on your smart phone. Be sure to search for the correct account - "St. Stephen's Church Millburn." Once you have accessed the account page with our address, you will be instructed to follow the prompts.
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Office Hours
Until we are through this public health emergency, there are NO office hours. Please call Rev. Paula to arrange for pastoral care.
Due to COVID restrictions, only teachers and staff are allowed to be in the building during school hours. If you need to visit the parish office/building for any reason, please contact us for an appointment. Thank you.
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Links for Sunday Worship Live-Stream & Social Media |
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St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
119 Main Street, Millburn, NJ 07041
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Church
Parish Administrator, Doreen Schindler
973.376.0688, Ext. 32
church@ststephensmillburn.org
Rector, The Rev. Paula J. Toland
973.376.0688, Ext. 21
rector@ststephensmillburn.org
Fax: 973.376.4002
Website: ststephensmillburn.org
Preschool
Director: Nancy Siracusa
Phone: 973.376.3534, Ext. 20
Email: sspsmillburn@gmail.com
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