The Messenger

A weekly e-newsletter of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

November 17, 2022

New This Week:

• Message from Katherine Kopp
• Prayer List
• Weekly Happenings
• Lectionary Readings
• Monthly Calendar
• Worship Volunteer Schedule
• Advent Wreath Workshop
• Bicentennial Committee
• Lessons & Carols at St. John's
• Birthdays & Anniversaries

Message from the Rector

By The Rev. Dr. Vincent Joseph Kopp

Dear Good People of St. Stephen’s,

Few of us get through life without a medical problem. Many in the parish know this first hand as they face both acute and chronic conditions that require prayer and care.

Our prayer book is replete with prayers for every condition of health and so I commend them to you in this season of absence. They begin in the BCP on page 458 and run through page 461.

Here are a few of my favorites. Take time to find your own.

For Doctors and Nurses (BCP, p. 460)

“Sanctify, O Lord, those whom you have called to the study and practice of the arts of healing, and to the prevention of disease and pain. Strengthen them by your life-giving Spirit, that by their ministries the health of the community may be promoted and your creation glorified; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

For Trust in God (BCP, p. 461)

“O God, the source of all health: So fill my heart with faith in your love, that with calm expectancy I may make room for your power to possess me, and gracefully accept your healing; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

In Pain (BCP, p. 461)

“Lord Jesus Christ, by your patience in suffering you hallowed earthly pain and gave us the example of obedience to your Father's will: Be near me in my time of weakness and pain; sustain me by your grace, that my strength and courage may not fail; heal me according to your will; and help me always to believe that what happens to me here is of little account if you hold me in eternal life, my Lord and my God. Amen.”

For Sleep (BCP, p. 461)

“O heavenly Father, you give your children sleep for the refreshing of soul and body: Grant me this gift, I pray; keep me in that perfect peace which you have promised to those whose minds are fixed on you; and give me such a sense of your presence, that in the hours of silence I may enjoy the blessed assurance of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

In the Morning (BCP, p. 461)

“This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.”

Be well.

In Christ,

Vincent+

Message from Katherine Kopp

Dear Parish Family, 

Vince and I are so grateful for the many kind things you have done for us in recent weeks: bringing us food, sending notes, cards, emails and telling us in person of your concern and care for us. We are very appreciative. 

Vince's surgery is scheduled for this Thursday, November 17, most likely in the afternoon. We will keep you informed as soon as we are able. 

If you would like to send him cards or notes following the surgery, please take them to the parish office so they can be forwarded to us or call the parish office for our Chapel Hill address if you would like to send directly to us. 

Thank you again for all your love and your prayers. 

Katherine

Prayer List

PARISHIONERS:

Joan Blackwell

† Mary Branch

† Cissie Bryan

Rives Hicks

† Kelly Holden

Lucy Landis Moore

† Dick Taylor

Jimmy Winston

NON-PARISHIONERS:

Lois Brant

Alex Potapenko

Janelle Ramsey

Gerald Teel

Marcia West

Prayers are requested for The Rev. Dr. Vincent Kopp, Rector

Please Note: We started a new Non-Parishioner Prayer List on All Saints’ Sunday. Anyone who wishes to have a name remain on the list should resubmit it with the permission of the individual for whom prayers are requested. 

Centering Prayer/Lectio Divina

Wednesdays at 5:00 PM

Centering Prayer/Lectio Divina is offered Wednesdays at 5:00 PM in the Parlor. All are welcome regardless of experience. We will continue our study of The Cloud of Unknowing, translated by Carmen Acevedo Butcher (Shambhala, 2009).

Love is the Way Book Study

September 18-November 20

Sundays at 9:15 AM

We will conclude our study of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s book Love is the Way this Sunday, November 6th from 9:15 AM to 10:00 AM in the Parish Hall with a look at Chapter 12. All are welcome.

Weekly Happenings

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20 - CHRIST THE KING LECTIONARY READINGS

8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I (Sanctuary)

9:15 a.m. Children's Sunday School (Chapel/2nd Floor Classroom)

9:15 a.m. Love is the Way Book Study (Parish Hall)

10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II (Sanctuary)

11:30 a.m. Coffee Hour (Parish Hall)

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21

4:45 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting (Parlor)

5:00 p.m. Vestry Meeting (Parish Hall)

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23

5:00 p.m. Centering Prayer / Lectio Divina (Parlor)

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24 - THANKSGIVING DAY

OFFICE CLOSED

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27 - ADVENT I

8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I (Sanctuary)

10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II (Sanctuary)

11:30 a.m. Advent Wreath Workshop (Parish Hall)

11:30 a.m. Coffee Hour (Parish Hall)

Join us for an Advent Wreath Workshop on the First Sunday of Advent. If you have greenery you can share from your yards (boxwood, etc.), please bring it to the Parish Hall that Sunday morning.

Stewardship Campaign

Pledge Sunday is December 11th. As you discern your pledge, be thinking about how your gift can help St. Stephen’s thrive during its Bicentennial season.

Bicentennial Committee

The St. Stephen's Bicentennial Committee has had a couple of meetings so far and plans are coming right along for a "season of celebration" beginning SOON!

This committee is discussing several projects and programs to present to the church and to the larger community. But we need your help and input to generate interest and participation in 2023 as we observe and celebrate 200 years. After Thanksgiving, you will find small packages of index cards and pencils in the pews, and this is where you come in. Please take a moment before or after the service to jot down a special memory or two that you have of St. Stephen's. You can include your name if you'd like, but it's not necessary. If a particular date is involved, please include the year - we're planning to post a timeline of key dates in the parish hall soon, and we can add your special date!

A list of committee members is located on the bulletin board in the parish hall - take a moment to see who is investing their time to help make 2023 a memorable "season of celebration."

Volunteers

Want to serve at St. Stephen’s in new and creative ways? Going forward we need volunteers to serve in the following ways:

• Acolytes
• Altar Guild
• Bell Ringers
• Bible Study
• Church Life
• Greeters
• Lay Ministers (certification required)
• Nursery Workers
• Photographers
• Prayer Chain
• Readers of Lessons and Prayers of the People
• The Bicentennial Planning Committee
• The Creation Care Committee
• Youth Formation

Please give prayerful consideration of where your highest and greatest gifts meet St. Stephen’s greatest needs.

EYC Dinners Sign-Up

The EYC is seeking volunteers to prepare the meal for their monthly meeting. This is a great opportunity to spend some time with one of the best parts of St. Stephen's--our youth! Bring a simple meal and stay for some engaging conversation with the EYC! To volunteer, sign-up below. For questions, contact Tammy Howard at 919-270-0918.

Lessons & Carols is BACK! St. Stephen's parishioners are invited to participate in this lovely late afternoon service at the historic St. John's Episcopal Church in nearby Williamsboro. We will gather on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 5 p.m.

We also are looking for three readers to help us - members of the OSJ committee have divided up the nine selections. Please contact Laura Gabel if you'd like to participate in the service: (919) 210-2842 or lsgabel61@gmail.com

November Birthdays

5 Lindsey Swanner

11 Vincent Kopp

12 Noel Moore

12 Joe Tartamella

14 Jerry Broyal

15 Kenny Manning

16 Mark Bostic

17 Leslie Johnson

19 Frip Wester

24 Susan Foster

26 Rives Hicks

28 Jimmy Watkins

29 Sherry Kohn

30 Patti Gregory

November Anniversaries

3 Robert & Lydia Powell

4 David & Frances Mathews

18 Vincent & Katherine Kopp

20 Walter & Chip Hughes

26 Michael & Lauren Currin

Stay Connected

Diocese:

Children & Youth Ministry Calendar '22-'23

Please Note Newsletter

North Carolina Disciple Magazine

Adult Formation Newsletter

Other:

Episcopal News Service

Rector's Medical Leave

The Rector’s medical leave started October 30^th and will continue for as long as is necessary after surgery on November 17^th. The Rev. Lorraine Ljunggren and the Rev. Jim Melnyk (pictured here) will share supply clergy duties during the interval through Christmas and the end of 2022. If you need pastoral care, please contact Jim Branch (see email below) and he will arrange for clergy response.

The Rev. Dr. Vincent Kopp (Rector): on leave

Lidiya Potapenko (Parish Office): admin@ststephensoxford.org

Jim Branch (Sr. Warden): srwarden@ststephensoxford.org

Bernard Nelson (Jr. Warden): jrwarden@ststephensoxford.org

919-693-9740  admin@ststephensoxford.org

Office Hours: M-Th 9AM-4PM

www.ststephensoxford.org