August 4, 2021 Newsletter

August 4, 2021

Message from Rev. Paula

Beloved Community,

Essex County remains at the orange/high level of risk. Daily new cases and the positive test rate are increasing. The Vulnerability Rate remains "Very High". Vaccination rates in Millburn are stable.

So...we will continue to gather in-person for worship, following the diocesan Journey Forward guidelines. We'll have a service of the Liturgy of the Word with music from John and a soloist (or duet, if Kira and Peter are singing). We will not have congregational singing. We will remain masked at all times in the building and adhere to the other precautions.

While this is not ideal, I remain grateful for the overall good health of this parish and the fact that we can spend any time together in one place. Zoom is a technological blessing but it doesn't feel the same, does it? I continue to hope and pray for the day when the pandemic is behind us and we get the chance to live more fully our faith in ways that feel more familiar and enlivening to us. In the meantime, all of you are in my prayers every single day and I remain as grateful for you and this beautifully faithful community as I was the very first time I met you.

Peace & Blessings,

Paula+

Connection & Common Worship

Welcome!!

It's wonderful to be with each other in church!

We continue to follow safety precautions and ask that you please wear a mask and keep social distancing. Enter at the Narthex door (Christian Education building). Someone will welcome you and take your temperature. An usher will assist you with seating in the church.

Welcome to everyone, whether in person or participating via broadcast. The details for the virtual service are noted below.

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.

NEW Zoom passcode is SSM119.

To call in, dial by your location:

+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)

Meeting ID: 864 1664 1640

Passcode: SSM119

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

Coffee hour is suspended due to the orange/high risk level in Essex Country.

Children's Chapel

We are searching for the right person to fill the newly created position of Children's Chapel Coordinator. This eight-hour per week position will work closely with Rev. Paula to take the next step in growing our programming for children of all ages, including the (still) one-room classroom for school-age children AND the new youth group for middle and high school youth. If you know of anyone who might be interested in this position, please let Rev. Paula know.

From Bishop Hughes & The Episcopal Church

The VOICE Online Link Week of 8/4.

This edition of the VOICE Online includes Bishop Hughes' inspiring sermon from Diocesan Convention and information on where to pre-purchase a book about the first five Black women bishops in The Episcopal Church, of which Bishop Hughes is one!

Upcoming Diocesan Events Link

DIOCESAN E-NEWSLETTERS

Sign up to get e-newsletters and important announcements directly from diocesan headquarters. Find out more and subscribe here.

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Sunday, August 8

5-6 PM

This is final event in St. Peter's Morristown's 2021 Summer Carillon Concert Series. This outdoor performance is free and open to the public and will appeal to music lovers of all ages. For details, click here.

TRINITY RETREAT CENTER

The Retreat Center is offering free online courses. Join this summer to pray, reflect, make space for grace and listen to the voice of God. No registration required. Each retreat takes place over five half-hour sessions throughout the weekend noted. For further information,click here.

Faithful Outreach

PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRIES.

To read the Family Promise July Newsletter, please click here.

North Porch Donation Link

The Apostles' House Donation Link

CHRISTINE'S KITCHEN

St. Stephen's will be providing meals for Christine's Kitchen on August 7.

All meal requests have been filled, but monetary donations are gratefully accepted. Please make checks payable to Holy Trinity Church, or donate online at www.holytrinitywo.org.

Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center

CROSS ROADS

CAMP & RETREAT CENTER

Check out all the fun and interesting year-round programs for children, adults and families.

Click here

Teen and Youth Ministries

POP UP YOUTH MINISTRY

Pop Up is a welcoming ministry of the Diocese of Newark bringing together youth for fun activities, community, and faith formation.

Stay tuned for exciting activities coming this Fall.

Resources During Covid

Journey Forward Guidelines

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.

In this time of Crisis, there are resources that can help you or someone you know needs assistance. Please contact NJ Mental Health Cares for free helpline telephone counseling or assistance. Call 866-202-4357.

TTY: 1-877-294-4356.

E-mail: help@njmentalhealthcares.org

Other resources are:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-8255

Crisis Text Line, 741741

NJ Hope Line (suicide prevention)

855-654-6735

Please keep the following St. Stephen's family members and friends in your prayers...

Ian Janeczko, Peggy Thompson, Felder Dorn, Donna Riggi, Blanchard Family, McManus Family, Bernard & Nathan, Fitzgerald Family, Lucille B., Jack Moreno, Jim Freeman, The May Family, Mary Jo Zarance, Joseph G., Kelly Olson, Ruth Pitts, Linda Moran, Jonathan Cavin

Sunday Lectionary

August 8, 2021

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Ephesians 4:25-5:2

Psalm 34:1-8

John 6:35, 41-51

Giving with Tithe.ly

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.

Office Notes

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.