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A Message from Rev. Paula+
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Beloved Community,
Each week at Morning Prayer, we hear a brief passage from Scripture or some other sacred words and then we have a few minutes of silence to ponder them before being invited to share a word or thought. (Sharing is invitation, not obligation, so don't let this scare you away from joining us on Wednesday mornings.) Today we reflected on these beautiful words from former President Jimmy Carter:
I have one life and one chance to make it count for something...My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can, with whatever I have, to try to make a difference.
The question we pondered was:
How will our lives count for something today?
This question is a question all people, perhaps especially people of faith, should ask each and every day. Although I did not have President Carter's words or this question in mind during my preaching on Sunday, clearly there is a close connection. Perhaps this is because the question of how we live our faith is one that I have lived in and with for more years than I can count, was part of our discussion during the search, and has been part of all that we do as we get to know each other and discern where the Spirit is calling us. It seems especially relevant given the state of our country and the world today.
I invite all of you into a daily practice of asking this question of yourself as a reminder of our call to love our neighbors as Jesus would have us do. You might also consider taking the chance to name your choices and actions as part of your faith and Christian identity when that opportunity arises. We don't have to be as famous, well-connected, or well-resourced as a former President to live the Gospel as Jimmy Carter does.
Peace & Blessings,
Paula+
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In our journey around the Anglican Communion...
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...We are in The Scottish Episcopal Church this week. The Anglican/Episcopal Church in Scotland has a long and - to my mind- complicated history regarding the role of monarchs and bishops, as well as to its connection to the national Church of Scotland, which is Presbyterian, and the Church of England. As is the case with many Christian denominations, we are related by some shared history before and through the Reformation and the times that followed.
As you may remember from last week, our second Presiding Bishop, Samuel Seabury, was ordained and consecrated in Scotland, in order to avoid the oath of allegiance to the monarch. At the time Bishop Seabury was consecrated in 1784 the relationship of the Scottish Church with the Church of England was such that bishops in the nascent U.S. Episcopal Church were assured apostolic succession.
Though I've never been, I've heard that the Scottish Church is diverse and welcoming, with a range of theological and doctrinal understandings that are similar to what we would experience across The Episcopal Church if we were to spend time in different regions and parishes. Our son, Sean, spent an Easter in Edinburgh several years ago. He worshiped at St. Mary's Cathedral, Edinburgh, where, being a bit of a church geek like his mother, he loved the magnificent music and the beautiful space. I remember thinking, "Oh, good. Another church to add to my bucket list."
If you'd like more information about The Scottish Episcopal Church, you'll find some
here.
Blessings,
Paula+
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If you are in need of a few minutes of sabbath or respite in the midst of your busy week, know that you are invited to join us for Morning Prayer on Wednesday mornings at 8:00. This summer we are using a lovely liturgy from
Daily Prayer for All Seasons, spending no more than 20 minutes in prayer and reflection.
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Office Reminder
The church office will closed on Thursday and Friday, July 4 and 5, 2019
due to the Fourth of July holiday. Enjoy!
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I'm loud, I'm proud, I'm a...Drumming Camp Volunteer!
This could be your mantra if you give a bit of your time to help with the
7th!!! annual Drumming Camp this year. Camp is the week of August 18th. We set up on the 18th and then greet the campers at 3:00 on the 19th and bid them goodbye at 7:30, which we will do the 20th-23rd, as well. There are lots of ways to help, no special skill needed, just a loving heart and a desire to welcome these children again this year. There are opportunities for an evening or two, or the full-week.
Please talk to Fran Taber, Kim Williams, or Rev. Paula if you know you want to help or if you need encouragement to join the team.
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Reading with the Rector
July's book is
Welcome to the Wisdom of the World and Its Meaning for You
by Joan Chittister and will meet
Sunday, July 7 at 11:30 am.
Join Rev. Paula on the first Sunday of each month for this new book club series. All selections are available from Cokesbury, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon. The group will meet after coffee hour in the Common Room. Visit our website calendar for meeting dates and book selections.
Christmas in July for North Porch
"It's summertime and the livin' is easy . . ." - at least that is what the song says. However, this is the time of year when many social service organizations experience a decline in giving. This is where "Christmas in July" comes in!
Once again, St. Stephen's is invited to participate in the Christmas in July collection for North Porch. You may donate emergency items such as
Enfamil powdered formula, diapers, jars of veggie baby food, and baby wipes. Boxes will be available in the Narthex and the collection will culminate on
Sunday, July 28.
More specifics will follow in regards to the emergency items. You can also donate online through the North Porch website.
SAVE THE DATE:
July 18 for
FAMILY Theater Night!
We will begin at
6:00 pm
with a
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Prison Ministry
We are exploring expanding our work with the diocesan Prison Ministry Team. In addition to our Drumming Camp, which is one of the highlights of the program, there are opportunities to be a part of these vital ministries in other ways.
We are hosting the upcoming Prison Ministry meeting on
Tuesday, July 2 at 7:30 pm (Please note, this is a new date). If you are interested in learning more, please come.
Mark your calendar for
the week of August 11. While we were unable to host this year, we have a second chance to continue our long-standing commitment to the Interfaith Hospitality Network for the Homeless. Our neighbor, Wyoming Presbyterian, has offered to take up one of the (many) open weeks, but it's prime vacation time and they're challenged for volunteers.
Margo Greenfield is working up a preliminary list - so email her if you are likely to be free to make a meal, help with the kids or host overnight.
Contact her at greenfieldmargo@gmail.com
or 983-868-9085.
Join us for this new St. Stephen's tradition -
Morning Prayer -
Wednesdays from 8-8:30am beginning in June.
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Tithe.ly is a
mobile-friendly
app designed by a clergy person and used by thousands of congregations across the country. With Tithe.ly, you can do one-time or recurring payments, as well as help with the nominal fee of using the service. You can download the app from the App Store or Play Store, or you can do it online at tithe.ly/give. Enter St. Stephen's Church in the search menu and we should pop up. You'll know it's
us if you see:
It's also possible to access Tithe.ly through our website - click on the "Give" button in the menu and you will be given the option to use Tithe.ly.
Don't worry. If you prefer to use a check or cash, that's fine. If you are a Vanco user and want to keep it that way, that is good, too.
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Prison Ministry Meeting
Reading with the Rector
Drumming Workshop
Vestry Meeting
Third Thursday Theater - Family Night
Drumming Camp Meeting
Christmas in July for North Porch
IHN Week (Wyoming Presbyterian)
Drumming Camp!
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Wednesday, July 2, 7:30 pm
Sunday, July 7, 11:30 am
Tuesday, July 9, 7:00 pm
Sunday, July 14, 11:30 am
Thursday, July 18, 6:00 pm
Sunday, July 21, 11:30 am
Sunday, July 28, 10:30am (final day for donations)
Week of August 11
Week of August 19 |
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This Week: June 30, 8:00 am
Reader & Chalicer: Nancy Sieffert
Altar Guild: Nancy Sieffert
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This Week: June 30, 10:00 am
Readers:
Kira Hanson, Peter Wick, Barbara Riedel
Chalicist: Roger Riedel
Ushers:
Roger Riedel, Dan
Mitchell
Altar Guild: Alex Cole
Coffee Hour: Heloisa Rooney
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Next Week: July 7, 8:00 am
Reader & Chalicer: Carole Francis
Altar Guild: Carole Francis
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Next Week: July 7, 10:00 am
Readers: Theresa Scharff, Kira Hanson
Chalicist: John Scharff
Ushers: Eric Maurer, Steve Moran
Altar Guild: Theresa and John Scharff
Coffee Hour: Sherill and Paul Boegershausen
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Links to the Wider Church
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The Episcopal Diocese of Newark
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Office Hours and Contact Information
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Office hours are Tuesday thru Friday, 10:00 am to 1:30 pm or by appointment.
Website: ststephensmillburn.org
Main email: church@ststephensmillburn.org
Doreen Schindler, Parish Administrator
can be reached at ext. 32 or
church@ststephensmillburn.org.
The Rev. Paula J. Toland, Rector can be reached at ext. 21 or
rector@ststephensmillburn.org.
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