2/10 - 7:30 PM - Pop Up Youth Ministry, Among Us Game Night
2/13 - 10 AM & 1 PM - Cross Roads Winter Youth Retreats
2/14 - 10 AM - Sunday Worship
2/14 - 12 PM - Coffee Hour
2/14 - 3 PM - Public Celebration of the Feast of Absalom Jones
2/16 - 5:30 PM - Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
2/16 - 7:30 PM - Sacred Ground
2/17 - 10 AM - Cross Roads Wednesdays Away - A Lenten Retreat
2/17 - 7:30 PM - Ash Wednesday Service
2/18 - 6:30 PM - Lay Conversation with the Bishop
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Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper - February 16, 5:30 PM |
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There may be a pandemic but the pancake supper for Shrove Tuesday will go on! In conjunction with Christ Church in Short Hills, we will meet via Zoom on Tuesday, February 16 at 5:30 PM. While you can certainly make your favorite pancakes at home, you can also support a local business by ordering from the Millburn Diner which serves breakfast items all day. Their pancake/sausage/bacon choices can be viewed on the first two pages of the menu here. You can order from the diner directly for pick-up or have it delivered via DoorDash or Uber Eats.
We hope you’ll join us for some food, fellowship and fun next Tuesday at 5:30 PM! You can join the Zoom event here.
Meeting ID: 885 8382 5266
Passcode: 112389
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Ash Wednesday Service - February 17, 7:30 PM |
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The realities of the severity of the ongoing pandemic and New Jersey's COVID health restrictions continue to challenge our liturgical practices and gatherings for worship. Ash Wednesday in this year of 2021 is no different. Therefore, Bishop Hughes has asked that there be no imposition of ashes on the forehead for any reason and indicated that all congregations should also omit "Ashes to Go" this year.
The purpose of Ash Wednesday is to call us to prepare for Easter by the observance of a holy Lent through a number of different important Christian practices. Bishop Hughes is encouraging us all in the Diocese of Newark to consider signs of repentance and mortality in other ways.
Please join us for an Ash Wednesday Zoom service at 7:30 PM on Wednesday. The service will be contemplative and include the usual Ash Wednesday prayers and readings.
The Zoom service link can be found here.
Meeting ID: 856 6022 7085
Passcode: 069776
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YOUTUBE
Support St. Stephen's and subscribe to our YouTube channel! Our live-stream worship is posted to YouTube every Sunday at 10 AM. You'll also find all of St. Stephen's videos and recordings here, all in one place! It's super easy - just visit our YouTube Channel link here and click the red subscribe button to follow us - it's that simple. And share the link with friends and family, too.
Thank you!
SACRED GROUND
There is still time to join us as we journey with our siblings at St. John's, Ramsey along the sacred ground of racial reconciliation. Check your email from January 29th or contact Rev. Paula for the information. Registration closes on February 14th.
PLEDGE CARDS
Even if you have begun sending in your 2021 pledges via check in the mail or online, we still need you to fill out a 2021 Pledge Card. These cards were mailed in December and again in January. If you need a pledge card, please contact the office. If you would like to use the online Pledge Card form, please click here.
2021 Giving Statements are in the mail. Please let us know if you haven't received one.
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Connection & Common Worship |
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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. Zoom passcode is 225839.
To call in, dial by your location:
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 864 1664 1640
Passcode: 225839
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
Sundays at 12 PM via Zoom
Link is at the bottom of this newsletter.
To call in, dial by your location:
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 895 5857 6382
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From Bishop Hughes & The Episcopal Church |
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NEW: The Power of Relationships
LAY CONVERSATION with BISHOP HUGHES
Thursday, February 18, 6 PM
Zoom link will be available next week.
A CALL FOR STORIES OF FINDING HOPE
It is time to think about Lent and daily inspirational stories written by members of our diocese. This year we will focus on "Finding Hope.” Please be aware your story should be limited to about 200 words.
If you wish a specific date please let me know otherwise I will assign one to you.
All are invited to participate (laity and clergy). Please email me as soon as you can. I hope to complete the assignments for February dates before 1/31 and March dates before 2/29.
Blessings, Margaret+
The Rev. Margaret Otterburn, member of the Empowering Team of Diocesan Council
PUBLIC CELEBRATION of the FEAST OF ABSALOM JONES
Sunday, February 14, 3 PM
The Diocese of Newark Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians will celebrate the life and ministry of the Rev. Absalom Jones, the first person of African descent ordained a deacon and priest in the Episcopal Church.
The Zoom link for the service can be found here.
Or by phone: 646-558-8656
Meeting ID: 826 4836 2764
Passcode: 395728
Offering checks, payable to Union of Black Episcopalians, can be mailed to
Church of The Epiphany and Christ Church, 105 Main Street, Orange NJ 07050
CHURCH LEADER UNIVERSITY 2021
Saturday, March 6, 9 AM
Workshops relevant to this extraordinary time for ALL congregational leaders! Stayhome and join online via computer, tablet or smart phone. Registration is now open! Click here. Deadline to register is 5 PM 3/3.
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Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center |
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WEDNESDAYS AWAY
A time of spiritual renewal one Wednesday a month from 10 AM - 12 PM. Upcoming dates: February 17, March 3. For details and to register, visit the Cross Roads link at the bottom of the newsletter.
Wednesday, 2/17, 10 AM
Treasure in Clay Jars: A Lenten Retreat Dale Selover
On this Ash Wednesday, we will gather around scripture, silence and sharing as we begin our Lenten journey from brokenness to wholeness.
“…we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.”
— 2 Corinthians 4:7
WORK AT CROSS ROADS THIS SUMMER
Applications to work for Summer Staff 2021 are now OPEN! We are hiring for counselors, kitchen and support staff members, and other positions. Visit the link here for details and an application.
WINTER YOUTH RETREATS & SUMMER CAMP
For details, visit the Youth & Teen Ministry category below in this newsletter.
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Teen and Youth Ministries |
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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. Follow the YM on Instagram and FB at @popupym.
Just Added!
AMONG US GAME NIGHT
February 10, 7:30 PM
On Wednesday, February 10 at 7:30 PM we will come together to play the game that has been getting us through quarantine: Among Us! Whether you're an expert or you've never played it's sure to be a lot of fun! Register through the link right here!
GROWING TOGETHER
February 21, 3 PM
Being a part of a community is one of the greatest things we do. Join us on Sunday, 2/21 at 3 PM as we explore our role in the communities which we are a part of and how those communities are there for us when we need them. The event includes a small, virtual service project, too! Check it out; it will be fun!
WINTER YOUTH RETREATS
EXPLORE! with Cross Roads this winter at their virtual youth retreats. Over the course of a few hours, kids and youth leaders will EXPLORE the ways God is present in our world and in our lives. They will play games, read stories from the Bible, get moving, worship together, and have fun!
There are three EXPLORE! retreat dates and times for different age groups:
Grades K – 2: Saturday, February 13 from 10 am – 12 pm
Grades 3 – 5: Saturday, February 13 from 1 – 3 pm
Grades 6 – 8: Saturday, March 13 from 10 am – 12 pm
CROSS ROADS SUMMER CAMP
Cross Roads is excited to announce their 2021 Summer Camp Theme, "Firm Foundation." This summer, campers will explore stories that tell of God's enduring presence throughout the Bible. And they will be reminded that when we are rooted in our faith, God's love and faithfulness embolden us to have courage to share that love with others.
Registration for Summer Camp 2021 will open in February 2021.
For Youth Retreat & Summer Camp details and to register, please visit the Cross Roads link at the bottom of this newsletter.
SUNDAY SCHOOL PODCAST
Cross Roads has officially launched a podcast for anyone who wants to listen to "Sunday School on the Go!"
New episodes will be released weekly based on the curriculum from that week's Sunday School, and include a Bible story, discussion questions, a song, an outdoor challenge, and more. Listen to the first episode here.
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CHRISTINE'S KITCHEN
June 19 & August 7
St. Stephen's has confirmed these dates to provide 150 lunches-to-go for Christine's Kitchen. Details and any updates will be forthcoming as we get closer. In the meantime please mark your calendar to save the dates. Thank you!
HOLY TRINITY
Our friends at Christine's Kitchen are reaching out for help. Please view Fr. Miguel's video message at the link here. Your kind donation will be matched up to $10,000. Thank you!
APOSTLES' HOUSE & NORTH PORCH
Collection bins are located outside the Narthex doors in the parking lot. Donations can be dropped off at any time.
Apostles' House needs: canned goods and non-perishable food items.
North Porch is in URGENT need of Enfamil Infant Formula 12.5 oz containers (yellow label), baby wipes, and diapers size 4, 5, and 6.
Online Donations - If you are unable to drop off items at the church, and would like to contribute, you can make purchases and/or donations directly to these organizations at the following links:
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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.
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St. Stephen's Prayer List |
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Please keep the following St. Stephen's family members and friends in your prayers...
Jimmy Hasenkamp, Ian Janeczko, Peggy Thompson, Felder Dorn, Hailey Rose Fout, Donna Riggi, Blanchard Family, McManus Family, Bernard & Nathan, Fitzgerald Family, Lucille B., Jack Moreno, Jim Freeman, Grisette B., The May Family, Sue K., Walter Fields
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Last Sunday after the Epiphany
February 14, 2021
2 Kings 2:1-12
Pslam 50:1-6
Mark 9:2-9
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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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Office Hours
Until we are through this public health emergency, there are NO office hours. Please call Rev. Paula to arrange for pastoral care.
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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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, Doreen Schindler
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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