March 9, 2022
Message from Rev. Paula
Beloved Community,

Your Vestry, the staff, and I need your help! Today, in her monthly call with diocesan clergy, Bishop Hughes said that we now have permission to decide what to do about masks, either keep them or make them optional. She reminded us that we must make any decision we might make thoughtfully and with the care of the most vulnerable among us in mind. She also said she expects this to be a process, not a quick decision, and that it is ultimately up to clergy/clergy households first and then in conversation with the leadership and congregation. She is clear that she does not want anyone who feels safe enough in church now to continue to feel safe.

I have initiated the conversation with the Vestry and staff members. We will talk together as your leadership and we will incorporate your feedback in those conversations. It would be exceedingly helpful if you would take a minute (literally) to complete this three-question survey.

It is my hope that we will have enough information to make a decision about which we feel confident that we have included as many of your voices as possible. I anticipate that we will make any change we might make no sooner than March 20th or 27th.

Peace & Blessings,
Paula+
Lenten Offerings 2022
We have many options to observe a holy Lent, including additional worship services here and with our sister parishes in the Evelyn Underhill Region; in-person, Zoomed, and online discussion group Adult Formation; a fun at-home activity for children, youth, and families; and more. A special edition of our newsletter has all of the details.

You will find the newsletter here.
Ongoing Covid Protocols for Common Worship
With Covid levels in a positive downward trend, we are now celebrating the Holy Eucharist with congregational singing for our worship services. We will continue to take temperatures and maintain the contact tracing information. We ask that you remain fully masked at all times while in the building and maintain physical distance of at least three feet by household/pod. These protocols will remain in effect until Bishop Hughes and The Episcopal Diocese of Newark tell us otherwise.
Happening at St. Stephen's This Week...
Welcome!

It's wonderful to be with each other in church and celebrate the Holy Eucharist with congregational singing.

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.
Please join us for our
Second Sunday in Lent
Worship Service on
Sunday, March 13th at 10:00am.

ALL are welcome!
READING WITH THE RECTOR

Sunday, March 13
11:30am - 1:00pm

This month we are discussing:

Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal 
by Christopher Moore

Everyone knows about the immaculate conception and the crucifixion. But what happened to Jesus between the manger and the Sermon on the Mount? In this hilarious and bold novel, the acclaimed Christopher Moore shares the greatest story never told: the life of Christ as seen by his boyhood pal, Biff.

Just what was Jesus doing during the many years that have gone unrecorded in the Bible? Biff was there at his side, and now after two thousand years, he shares those good, bad, ugly, and miraculous times. Screamingly funny, audaciously fresh, Lamb rivals the best of Tom Robbins and Carl Hiaasen, and is sure to please this gifted writer’s fans and win him legions more.
LENTEN SERIES

We will be reading Witness at the Cross: A Beginner's Guide to Holy Friday
by Amy-Jill Levine as our annual Lenten study.

There are two ways to join this conversation:

  • Join us in-person or via Zoom from 10:30am to noon on the following Thursdays: March 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, and April 7th, and 14th. NOTE: There is no meeting on March 31st because Rev. Paula will be at the diocesan clergy retreat. (If joining in-person, please enter the building using the door near the Rector's Study.)

  • Join the Facebook Group. Each of the six weeks we meet, there will be a couple of discussion prompts. Whether or not you are able to participate in the Thursday discussions, you are welcome to share your thoughts (comments, questions, learnings). The link to the group is here.

The book is available at Amazon, Cokesbury, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.org, with prices ranging from $16.19 to $17.99. We have 2 copies left in the office and have them available on a first-come, first-served basis. If purchase price is an issue, give what you can.
with REV. PAULA

Rev. Paula will read from Lent for Everyone: A Daily Devotional by The Rt. Rev. N.T. Wright.

About the book:
"Popular biblical scholar and author N. T. Wright provides his own Scripture translation, brief reflection, and a prayer for each of the days of the season, helping readers ponder how the text is relevant to their own lives today. By the end of the book readers will have been through the entirety of Luke, along with Psalm readings for each Sunday... Wright's Lenten devotional will help you make Luke's gospel your own, thoughtfully and prayerfully, and your journey through Lent a period of rich discovery and growth."

These readings will be posted to our YouTube channel and Facebook before 6:00am each morning through the First Week of Easter.
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, March 15.

We will meet via Zoom on 3/15, 3/22, and 3/29 from 5:00 to 6:00pm 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.
Children & Youth Ministry
"A second coat of paint with a surprise chalkboard wall! More exciting updates to come regarding Children's Chapel and Youth Group! Keep your eyes peeled for some Easter activities!" - Grace Savoia-Di Gregorio

More details to come!
Looking Ahead
PLEASE CHECK WEEKLY BECAUSE EVENTS MAY BE ADDED OR CHANGED.
MARCH

MAR 9
8pm - AA Meeting

MAR 10
10:30am - Lenten Series

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
10:30am - Lenten Series
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 24
10:30am - Lenten Series

MAR 26
7:30pm - AA Meeting

MAR 27
4th Sun in Lent
10am - Sunday Worship & Annual Meeting
1pm - AA Meeting

MAR 28
7:30pm - MA Meeting

MAR 29
5pm - Women's Lectionary Study

MAR 30
8pm - AA Meeting
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 7
10:30am - Lenten Series

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
10:30am - Lenten Series
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
MAY

MAY 1
10am - Sunday Worship
1pm - AA Meeting

MAY 2
7:30pm - MA Meeting

MAY 3
5pm - Women's Lectionary Study

MAY 4
8pm - AA Meeting

MAY 6
9am - Interfaith Bible Hour

MAY 7
Christine's Kitchen Lunch Bags
7:30pm - AA Meeting

MAY 8
10am - Sunday Worship
11:30am - Reading with the Rector
1pm - AA Meeting

MAY 9
7:30pm - MA Meeting

MAY 10
5pm - Women's Lectionary Study
7pm - Worship Committee Mtg

MAY 11
8pm - AA Meeting

MAY 14
7:30pm - AA Meeting

MAY 15
Communion for All
10am - Sunday Worship
11:30am - Vestry Meeting
1pm - AA Meeting

MAY 16
7:30pm - MA Meeting

MAY 17
5pm - Women's Lectionary Study

MAY 18
7:30pm - Finance Committee Meeting
8pm - AA Meeting

MAY 19
7pm - Preschool Committee Meeting

MAY 21
7:30pm - AA Meeting

MAY 22
10am - Sunday Worship
1pm - AA Meeting

MAY 23
7:30pm - MA Meeting

MAY 24
5pm - Women's Lectionary Study

MAY 25
8pm - AA Meeting

MAY 28
7:30pm - AA Meeting

MAY 29
10am - Sunday Worship
1pm - AA Meeting

MAY 30
7:30pm - MA Meeting

MAY 31
5pm - Women's Lectionary Study
Other Happenings...
AA/MA MEETINGS

Weekly AA meetings:

Sunday at 1:00pm
Contact: Rob H. (516) 860-9062

Wednesday at 8:00pm
Contact: Steve B. (201) 452-8375
Contact: Dave (908) 451-8919

Saturday at 7:30pm
Contact: Steve B. (201) 452-8375
Contact: Dave (908) 451-8919

For more information about
Alcohol Anonymous, click here.


Weekly MA meeting:

Monday at 7:30pm
Contact: Max T. (212) 203-2542
Contact: Deana L. (908) 499-8997

MA meetings are presented in a rotating format -- Step, Speaker, Story from Life with Hope, Topic.

For more information about
Marijuana Anonymous, click here.
ANNUAL MEETING
Sunday, March 27th

Our annual meeting and Sunday worship will be held on March 27. Join us for a special presentation about this past year at St. Stephen's.

More details to come.
COMMUNION FOR ALL
Sunday, March 20

Communion for All is available on the third Sunday of each month.

If you would like Communion to be delivered to you or to be provided to you after church service on Sunday, March 20, please call or email the Church Office
by 11:00am on Friday 3/18.
PAINT FOR UKRAINE

Saturday, March 19
10am-12pm, 1-3pm or 4-6pm

Sunday, March 20
12-2pm or 3-5pm

Grace Church, Nutley

Five painting sessions will be directed by artist Debra M. Cook and are available for $50 per person/session.

Canvas, easels, smocks, palettes, paint, brushes, sunflower stencils, and guided instruction will be provided.

No skills are required!

Each participant will take home a beautiful sunflower painting!

Painting proceeds and monetary donations will be given to the “Crisis in Ukraine Fund” at Episcopal Church Relief and Development which is providing humanitarian assistance to people fleeing the violence in Ukraine. 

To reserve your spot, please call the Grace Church office at 973-235-1177.
Faithful Outreach

FAMILY PROMISE HOSTING WEEK
APRIL 10 - 17

Celebrate Holy Week 2022 with the opportunity to resume our hospitality ministry to homeless families.

For over thirty years, St. Stephens has offered homeless families shelter, meals and a warm welcome a week at a time. Since the pandemic, Family Promise (formerly IHN) has housed families in extended stay hotels providing gift cards to cover food and transportation needs. With restrictions lifted, hosting congregations can resume providing meals and incidentals - food, paper goods, diapers and other supplies. St. Stephens will deliver supplies and one meal for each of up to five families to the Family Promise office in Montclair on Tuesday, April 19th.

Sign up coming to prepare a meal, purchase supplies or gift cards, or to drive the meals to the Montclair office.

"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink,
I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
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.
If you would like to make a monetary donation to Apostles' House, please click here.
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.
If you would like to make a monetary donation to North Porch, please click here.
From Bishop Hughes & The Episcopal Church
THE BISHOP'S VLOG Week of 3/2/22

God understands that some part of us has the struggle that Paul names in Romans – that we do the things that we don't mean to do. And Lent gives us a chance to look at that, to turn ourselves, again and again, back to God, and ask the question, “What is it that I am called to do now? And what do I need to ask forgiveness for? And who do I need to forgive?” (Time: 3:59.)
 


DIOCESAN E-NEWSLETTERS
Sign up to get e-newsletters and important announcements directly from diocesan headquarters. Find out more and subscribe here.
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.
HELP FOR UKRAINIAN FAMILIES

Your support will help Episcopal Relief & Development and other Anglican partners provide humanitarian assistance to people fleeing the violence in Ukraine.

Your gift will help provide cash, blankets, hygiene supplies and other needed assistance to families from Ukraine. To help, click here.
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.
Cross Roads Camp & Diocesan Youth Ministries
OPENING DAY AT CROSS ROADS

Saturday, May 21
9:00am - 3:00pm

This fun work-day event is open to youth, families, and congregations. Come and volunteer for the day to help get camp ready for the summer season! The day will include begin at 9 am with a light breakfast followed by projects for all skill levels, a lunch, and a closing outdoor worship. It is a great opportunity for high-school students looking for volunteer hours, families looking to give back while spending quality time together, or congregations to help support Cross Roads.

Rev. Paula and Ron Toland will be there.
Pease come out to support of Cross Roads and represent St. Stephen's!

More information can be found here.
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.

For employment opportunities at Cross Roads, click here.
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.

Follow popupym on Instagram and Facebook.
Resources During Covid
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
Prayer List
Please keep the following St. Stephen's family
members and friends in your prayers...
Peggy Thompson
Felder Dorn
Donna Riggi
The Blanchard Family
The McManus Family
Bernard & Nathan
Lucille B.
Jack Moreno
Mary Jo Zarance
Joseph G.
Jane Rossiter
Ningyu Liu
KT Thalin
Mike Losito
Evan D. & Family
Alexandra Shuss
Donna Stadler Hostetler
Brian Roland
Renee Kleppinger
Liliane Khouri
 Alma Greenfield
Drew
Shirley
Theresa Scharff
Edora Pickering
Virginia Whatley
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.
Sunday Lectionary
March 13, 2022
First Sunday in Lent

Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Psalm 27, Gafney Year A
Luke 13:31-35

If you'd like to read the full lectionary for the week, you may do so here.
Financial Stewardship Pledge Campaign
As of 3/1/22, our pledge total is $118,405, which is $1595 short of our goal of $120,000. If you have not made a pledge, you may do so at any time. The easiest way is via the website using the "Give" tab.
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.
Important Links
Zoom Links
Links for Sunday Worship Live-Stream & Social Media
Website Links
Other Social Media Links
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
119 Main Street, Millburn, NJ 07041
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