Beloved Community,
In what I sometimes think is one of the best kept secrets in the Episcopal Church - The Cathechism (pages 845-862 in The Book of Common Prayer) - there is a section titled, "The Church." This section contains three questions and responses that inform and shape my ministry every day in much the same way the Baptismal Covenant, with its questions about proclaiming the Good News, seeking and service Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves, striving for justice and peace, and respecting the dignity of all people, shapes my discipleship. On page 855 you will find:
Q. What is the mission of the Church?
A. The mission of the Church is to restore all people to unity with God and
each other in Christ.
Q. How does the Church pursue its mission?
A. The Church pursues its mission as it prays and worships, proclaims the
Gospel, and promotes justice, peace, and love.
Q. Through whom does the Church carry out its mission?
A. The Church carries out its mission through the ministry of all its members.
If I were asked to distill the mission of the Church into one aspect of discipleship, spreading the Good News, "God loves you. No exceptions." just about covers it.
Now, I could spend hours in conversation about what this means and how it is that we embody our Baptismal promises into the mission and work of the Church. And I'm happy to have that conversation with any of you. Today, however, I want to share one of the many ways we live our faith in this way.
Bishop Hughes has said that the whole of the Diocese of Newark, meaning diocesan staff and all parishes, will be intentional in lifting up some of those who have not always been fully included, fully welcome or welcomed, into the life of the Church. While the problem of exclusion, e.g. the sin of racism and other -isms, cannot be solved with any single approach or action, lifting up the voices and experiences of people who have not always been heard or seen in the fullness of their humanity, the ways in which they are created in the image of God, is a necessary and sacred place to start. As a diocese, we will be observing the following months:
- Black History (February)
- Asian Pacific Islander Heritage (May)
- Pride (June)
- Hispanic Heritage (September)
- Native American Heritage (November).
So, what will that look like here? We'll include special Collects and Prayers in our weekly worship services. At least one Sunday of the month, the sermon will speak to this observance. Our social media will include relevant messages, such as those offered by the Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry, and our Bishop Diocesan, Carlye Hughes. We'll have some fun with the theme for that month, such as we are doing this month with the Black History Month Movie Connection Facebook Group. You many have other ideas and I'd love to hear them!
Most importantly, we will use this intentionally focused time to examine our own hearts and lives to see where and how it is that we can live our faith in ways that continue to transform us, this parish, and the world around us.
Peace & Blessings,
Paula+
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Important Changes to our Common Worship
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Do what is right for you, while remembering that your decisions impact other people, too. Please worship from home if you are unvaccinated/unboosted, at higher risk for any reason, have been exposed to Covid within the past week, have had a positive test without a subsequent negative test, or have any symptoms of illness.
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We will forego Communion for the time being, sharing in the Liturgy of the Word.
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We will take temperatures and maintain the contact tracing information in the foyer. If you arrive with a temperature and/or have signs of illness, we will lovingly and gently ask you to take care of yourself and others by returning home and joining in the worship on Facebook or YouTube.
- Remain fully masked at all times while in the building.
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Maintain physical distance of at least three feet by household/pod. We've made that easier by removing the cushions from some of the pews.
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Refrain from any up close contact with anyone outside of your household/pod, including hugging, hand shaking, fist or elbow bumps.
- Enjoy listening to our wonderfully talented vocalists, while refraining from singing yourself.
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Don't hang around inside after the service to catch up with people. Weather permitting, do spend a few minutes chatting outside, preferably while following the masking and physical distancing protocols.
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Financial Stewardship Pledge Campaign
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As of today, we have received 34 pledges totaling $116,905! Thank you to all who have made this commitment to give in faith. This means we have only $3,095 to meet our 2022 pledge goal, though it would be great if we could meet our 2020 goal of $132,000. This year, in addition to regular pledges, we have about $10,000 in gifts to help offset flood recovery costs. The generosity of this parish is beautiful and faithful and is a major reason we are able to live our faith in the ways that we do.
We cannot be the faithful, vibrant community we are without all of us doing our part, including financially. Pledging so that we have an idea of how to build our budget for next year, is essential. If you have not received this year's pledge campaign letter, please let us know and we'll be sure to get a copy to you. The easiest way if you have a computer and access to the internet is to pledge online here. You can also give online, using Tithe.ly. If you'd rather submit a pledge by mail or in the offering plate, please let us know.
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Happening at St. Stephen's This Week...
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Please join us for our
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany Worship Service on
Sunday, Feb. 13th at 10:00am.
ALL are welcome!
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REMINDERS: We have moved to The Liturgy of the Word with Music for our Sunday services. The music will be offered by a soloist (or in the case of Peter and Kira, a married couple).
We continue to follow safety precautions and lovingly require that you wear a mask over your nose and mouth at all times while in the building and maintain physical distance. 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.
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 SSM119.
The Sunday service will also be broadcast on HTTV (Comcast TV 36 and Verizon TV 33) on Tuesday at 6am and 3pm.
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SOUPER SUNDAY
for the
FOOD BARREL
Sunday, 13 February, is Souper Sunday for the Food Barrel at St. Stephen's.
Please bring cans of soup for our food barrel that Sunday. Vegetable, chicken, tomato, split pea, and other kinds of soup are welcome and will be distributed by the Apostles' House to families and individuals unable to afford adequate food.
Let's all pitch in (some cans) and by doing so make this a
SUPER SOUPER SUNDAY.
-Felder Dorn
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READING WITH THE RECTOR
Sunday, February 13
11:30am - 1:00pm
This month we are discussing
Wholehearted Faith by Rachel Held Evans with Jeff Chu.
Rachel Held Evans is widely recognized for her theologically astute, profoundly honest, and beautifully personal books, which have guided, instructed, edified, and shaped Christians as they seek to live out a just and loving faith.
This book is for the doubter and the dreamer, the seeker and the sojourner, those who long for a sense of spiritual wholeness as well as those who have been hurt by the Church but can’t seem to let go of the story of Jesus. Through theological reflection and personal recollection, Rachel wrestles with God’s grace and love, looks unsparingly at what the Church is and does, and explores universal human questions about becoming and belonging.
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February is Black History Month and the diocesan staff have an exciting list of (16) recommended movies. You are invited to join Rev. Paula in watching as many as possible and then posting your thoughts and questions in our NEW Facebook Group: Black History Month Movie Connection.
We've made this group private, which means only group members will see who is participating and what they post. Rev. Paula will act as administrator, approving requests to join the discussion. Please join us in watching and discussing:
- 12 Years a Slave (2013)
- 13th (2016)
- 42 (2012)
- The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (1974)
- BlacKkKlansman (2018)
- Black Panther (2018)
- Daughters of the Dust (1991)
- Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967)
- Harriet (2019) • Hidden Figures (2016)
- In the Heat of the Night (1967)
- Lilies of the Field (1963)
- Marshall (2017)
- Mississippi Burning (1988)
- A Raisin in the Sun (1961)
- Sylvie's Love (2020)
We look forward to connecting with you in this fun and entertaining way!
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Children & Youth Ministry
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Rev. Paula and Grace have begun the cleanup of our Children's Chapel room and have ordered some fun and colorful furniture, rugs and organizational items. Paint has been purchased and things are moving along here. We are looking forward to welcoming our children and young people back soon. More details to come!
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PLEASE CHECK WEEKLY BECAUSE EVENTS MAY BE ADDED OR CHANGED.
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FEBRUARY
FEB 13
10am - Sunday Worship
11:30am - Reading with the Rector
FEB 14
7:30pm - MA Meeting
FEB 15
5pm - Women's Lectionary Study
FEB 16
7:30pm - Finance Committee Meeting
FEB 17
7pm - Preschool Committee Meeting
FEB 20
Communion for All
10am - Sunday Worship
11:30am - Vestry Meeting
FEB 21
7:30pm - MA Meeting
FEB 22
5pm - Women's Lectionary Study
FEB 27
10am - Sunday Worship
FEB 28
7:30pm - MA Meeting
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MARCH
MAR 1
5pm - Women's Lectionary Study
MAR 2
Ash Wednesday
8pm - AA Meeting
MAR 4
9am - Interfaith Bible Hour
MAR 5
7:30pm - AA Meeting
MAR 6
1st Sun in Lent
10am - Sunday Worship
1pm - AA Meeting
MAR 7
7:30pm - MA Meeting
MAR 8
5pm - Women's Lectionary Study
MAR 12
7:30pm - AA Meeting
MAR 13
2nd Sun in Lent
10am - Sunday Worship
11:30am - Reading with the Rector
1pm - AA Meeting
MAR 14
7:30pm - MA Meeting
MAR 15
5pm - Women's Lectionary Study
MAR 16
7:30pm - Finance Committee Meeting
8pm - AA Meeting
MAR 17
7pm - Preschool Committee Meeting
MAR 19
7:30pm - AA Meeting
MAR 20
3rd Sun in Lent
Communion for All
10am - Sunday Worship
11:30am - Vestry Meeting
1pm - AA Meeting
MAR 21
7:30pm - MA Meeting
MAR 22
5pm - Women's Lectionary Study
MAR 23
8pm - AA Meeting
MAR 26
7:30pm - AA Meeting
MAR 27
4th Sun in Lent
10am - Sunday Worship
1pm - AA Meeting
MAR 28
7:30pm - MA Meeting
MAR 29
5pm - Women's Lectionary Study
MAR 30
8pm - AA Meeting
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APRIL
APR 1
9am - Interfaith Bible Hour
APR 2
7:30pm - AA Meeting
APR 3
5th Sun in Lent
10am - Sunday Worship
11:30am - Reading with the Rector
1pm - AA Meeting
APR 4
7:30pm - MA Meeting
APR 5
5pm - Women's Lectionary Study
APR 6
8pm - AA Meeting
APR 9
7:30pm - AA Meeting
APR 10
Palm Sunday
10am - Sunday Worship
1pm - AA Meeting
Apr 11
7:30pm - MA Meeting
7:30pm - Evening Prayer Livestreamed
APR 12
5pm - Women's Lectionary Study
7:30pm - Evening Prayer Livestreamed
APR 13
7:30pm - Tenebrae
8pm - AA Meeting
APR 14
Maundy Thursday
7:30pm - Eucharist with Foot Washing
APR 15
Good Friday
12pm - Noonday Service
7:30pm - Solemn Collects with the Veneration of the Cross
APR 16
Holy Saturday
10am - Liturgy Livestreamed
7:30pm - AA Meeting
APR 17
Easter Day
10am - Sunday Worship
11:30am - Vestry Meeting
1pm - AA Meeting
APR 18
7:30pm - MA Meeting
APR 19
5pm - Women's Lectionary Study
APR 20
7:30pm - Finance Committee Meeting
8pm - AA Meeting
APR 21
7pm - Preschool Committee Meeting
APR 23
7:30pm - AA Meeting
APR 24
2nd Sunday of Easter
10am - Sunday Worship
1pm - AA Meeting
APR 25
7:30pm - MA Meeting
APR 26
5pm - Women's Lectionary Study
APR 27
8pm - AA Meeting
APR 30
7:30pm - AA Meeting
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EVELYN UNDERHILL REGIONAL MINISTRY NETWORK FOR PRAYER AND CONVERSATION
Bishop Hughes has grouped all congregations into eight different regions, based on geographic area, with a goal to support and care for one another in our ministry. You are invited to join a meeting of the Evelyn Underhill Regional Ministry Network to connect with each other, share information, and get an update from the Diocese on Thursday, Feb. 17 from 7- 8pm. Zoom details are below. Please save the date and make plans to attend.
Topic: Evelyn Underhill Regional Ministry Network Meeting
Time: Feb 17, 2022 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 977 4282 6303
Passcode: 143030
One tap mobile
+13017158592,,97742826303#,,,,*143030# US (Washington DC)
+13126266799,,97742826303#,,,,*143030# US (Chicago)
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WEEKLY WOMEN'S LECTIONARY STUDY
Please join us for a weekly study of a new lectionary available to the Episcopal Church and approved by Bishop Hughes. Our next session is on Tuesday, February 15th. We will meet via Zoom from 5:00 to 6:00 pm to study A Women's Lectionary for the Whole Church, Year W by Wilda Gafney.
This thought-provoking lectionary invites and challenges us to explore differently the familiar stories of Scripture and how they shape and inform our faith today,
while also expanding our understanding of what it means to be made in the image of God through the use of non-gendered language for God.
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AA/MA MEETINGS
Weekly AA meetings have been suspended
Weekly MA meetings:
Monday at 7:30pm
These are open meetings presented in a rotating format:
Week 1 - Speaker
Week 2 - Literature
Week 3 - Step
Week 4 - Topic Discussion
Week 5 - Literature (if needed)
AA/MA Meeting Contacts:
Max Turpin
212-203-2542
Deana Loria
908-499-8997
For more information on the newly offered MA meetings, click below:
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FAMILY PROMISE
Low-income families in this country are facing unprecedented social and economic challenges from the pandemic. Job losses, health care expenses, and child-care have all combined to raise the number of evictions. A donation can help Family Promise of Essex County to remain responsive to families’ emerging needs and its impact in our communities.
To read the Family Promise Newsletter, please click here.
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APOSTLES' HOUSE
Apostles' House is devoted to providing comprehensive social services to homeless women with children and families at risk of homelessness in Newark and
Essex County.
Apostles' House is in need of canned goods and non-perishable food items.
A collection bin is located outside
the Narthex doors in the parking lot. Donations can be dropped off at any time.
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If you would like to make a monetary donation to Apostles' House, please click here.
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NORTH PORCH
North Porch provides emergency aid, in the form of baby supplies, to mothers and infants in northern New Jersey, to help them stabilize and improve the quality of their lives.
North Porch URGENTLY needs:
- Enfamil Infant Formula 12.5 oz containers (yellow label)
- Baby wipes
- Diapers size 4, 5, and 6
- Jars of baby food – all ages – fruit, veggie and 1st foods
A collection bin is located outside
the Narthex doors in the parking lot. Donations can be dropped off at any time.
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If you would like to make a monetary donation to North Porch, please click here.
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From Bishop Hughes & The Episcopal Church
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"The blessing of Black History Month is it reminds us we are in relationships that are to be honored and treasured," says Bishop Hughes, "but to honor and treasure them we have to know each other better."
DIOCESAN E-NEWSLETTERS
Sign up to get e-newsletters and important announcements directly from diocesan headquarters. Find out more and subscribe here.
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EPISCOPAL RELIEF & DEVELOPMENT
This year, the Lenten Meditations will focus on those who were transformed. These Lenten Meditations are now delivered only via email and as a downloadable PDF.
Subscribe to receive your daily email meditations, or download a PDF of all of the 2022 Lenten Meditations here.
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TRINITY RETREAT CENTER
Trinity Retreat Center is an Episcopal mission of Trinity Church Wall Street. The Retreat Center offers in-person and online retreats for individuals and groups to pray, reflect, make space for grace and God.
For further information, go to the Trinity Retreat Center's Facebook page or click here.
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Cross Roads Camp & Diocesan Youth Ministries
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CROSS ROADS CAMP & RETREAT CENTER
Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center is a welcoming and inclusive community providing life changing and sacred adventures for renewal, growth, and joy.
Check out all the fun and interesting year-round programs for children, adults and families here.
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For employment opportunities at Cross Roads, click here.
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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. All youth grades 6-12 are encouraged
to join the monthly events.
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There are many, many resources available to parishes and individuals to help sustain our faith practices during this unprecedented time. See resources 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 if 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
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Please keep the following St. Stephen's family
members and friends in your prayers...
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Peggy Thompson
Felder Dorn
Donna Riggi
The Blanchard Family
The McManus Family
Bernard & Nathan
Lucille B.
Jack Moreno
Mary Jo Zarance
Joseph G.
Kelly Olson
Linda Moran
Jane Rossiter
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Nicole & Emma
Ningyu Liu
KT Thalin
Mike Losito
Evan D. & Family
Alexandra Shuss
Donna Stadler Hostetler
Brian Roland
Renee Kleppinger
Therese Card
Colleen Shaughnessy
Liliane Khouri
Drew
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If you would like to add someone to our prayer list, please email us at church@ststephensmillburn.org, or call (973) 376-0688 Ext. 32.
Anyone for whom we are praying will be on our prayer list for six weeks. If prayers are still needed beyond that time period, please let us know. Thank you.
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February 13, 2022
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
If you'd like to read the full lectionary for the week, you may do so here.
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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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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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Zoom passcode: SSM119
To call in, dial by your location:
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 864 1664 1640
Passcode: SSM119
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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, Maria T. Card
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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