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November 11, 2020 Newsletter
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A Message from Rev. Paula+
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I'm sure you've heard the saying, "I plan and God laughs." This message is one of those situations to which that bit of jesting applies. Until this morning, I planned to celebrate the beginning of our extended Advent with some highlights of the past year. But, because of the uptick in cases of COVID-19, I'll be devoting this space to some changes in our worship. Because I don't want to let go completely of celebrating the new liturgical year in a new-to-us-but-original-to-the-Church way, I've added a short blurb to the "Connection and Common Worship" section of this newsletter.
Bishop Hughes announced today that, effectively immediately, in-person worship and gatherings are limited to 25 people or 25% of capacity, whichever is less. Effective November 29th for at least two weeks, the limit will be 10 people. This is to allow for the expected increase in cases due to Thanksgiving gatherings. Also on November 29th, updated guidelines about how to assess whether or not any in-person worship and gatherings are allowed will go into effect. These guidelines are based on the county's overall COVID risk level, with details about how to find this information in the "Connection and Common Worship" section of this newsletter. Bishop Hughes will be sharing that information with the full diocese by Friday. If you haven't signed up to receive the diocesan emails, you can read messages from the Bishop here.
Although technically we have two weeks to implement the new guidelines, we will be implementing them beginning this week. I am intimately familiar with these guidelines (I was the primary author as part of my work on the Journey Forward Team) so I don't need to wait until they are released to know what they say. We have the technology now to move pretty seamlessly between in-person and live-streamed worship to live-streamed and Zoomed worship. This week, we will cap in-person capacity at the allowed 25 AND we will re-introduce a Zoom option in addition to the live stream and cable access options already in place. So, if you are a lector or intercessor and prefer to remain at home rather than coming to the church, you have that option.
Next week, we will cap in-person capacity at 10, giving liturgical ministers (lectors, intercessors, ushers, greeters/screeners) first priority for in-person participation. We will remain at 10 through November 13th and then we will re-assess. In the meantime, you can still join us for worship on Facebook, YouTube, and Zoom, the details of which are in the "Connection and Common Worship" section of this newsletter.
Peace & Blessings,
Paula+
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 ST. STEPHEN'S PRESCHOOL The school reopened on Tuesday, September 1st. 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!
PLEASE NOTE: We have some openings at the preschool. If you know of a family that may be interested, please have them contact our Director, Nancy Siracusa at sspsmillburn@gmail.com or call 973-376-3534 Ext. 20. The preschool has learning programs for Infants, Toddlers, Pre-K and Kindergarten.
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UPDATED: Connection and Common Worship
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Welcome to Advent!
This year, St. Stephen's joins a growing number of churches that celebrate an extended Advent of seven weeks, rather than four. This is a return to the Advent observance of the Church from its beginnings until just a few hundred years ago. Extending Advent in this way moves it from the "season of preparation for Christmas" to an observance of the full promise and realization of God's dream, helping us to engage more fully in Christ's mission of peace, justice, and the integrity of creation.
It seems especially meaningful that in this year of pandemic and civic conflict we begin the new liturgical year a few weeks early, mindful of God's work in creation through all time as we look ahead with hopeful anticipation to a more peaceful and just world, and the fulfillment of God's promise to all people. Thank you to the Advent Project and William H. Peterson for the extended Advent resources.
SUNDAY WORSHIP - 10 AM
If you plan to come to church for worship if it is allowed, you must sign up via the SignUpGenius link in the weekly newsletter or in the St. Stephen's Calendar.
If you are a liturgical minister: lector, intercessor, usher, greeter/screener, be sure to enter your information in the appropriate slot. Please be sure to check the status of Essex County's overall COVID risk here on Thursday. If the risk level is RED: Active or imminent outbreak, in-person worship is cancelled for that Sunday. We will be in touch with liturgical ministers about which of us can be present in the church, which will depend upon the number allowed by the Bishop. Lectors and Intercessors, you will always have the option to choose to participate via Zoom.
The SignUpGenius link for Sunday, November 15, 2020 can be found here.
The service will also be live-streamed via Facebook and YouTube, and will be a Zoom meeting at 10 AM. It will be broadcast on HTTV (Comcast TV 36 and Verizon TV 33) on Tuesday at 6 AM and 3 PM.
The Zoom link for all services is here. We will use this link for Christmas Eve and other special services, as well.
Bulletins can be found here.
VIRTUAL COFFEE HOUR
To call in, dial by your location +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) Meeting ID: 895 5857 6382
 DAILY PRAYER M-W-F at 8:30 AM T-TH-SAT at 7:45 PM Most days, Rev. Paula will lead prayer live on Facebook, though occasionally it will be a "Prayerful Interlude" or a recorded reflection. Videos of all the posts can easily be accessed from the Facebook video library here.
All of the information you need to remain actively connected to St. Stephen's can be found on the website under the "Living Our Faith in a Time of Pandemic" here.
WEEKLY E-NEWSLETTER
A full newsletter will be emailed the first and third weeks of the month (usually on Thursday). An abbreviated newsletter with highlights for the week will be emailed on the second and fourth (and sometimes fifth) weeks of the month. Newsletters are also posted to our website here.
If you or someone you know is having issues receiving the newsletters, please contact the parish office at church@ststephensmillburn.org or call 973.376.0688.
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From Bishop Hughes & The Episcopal Church
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BISHOP HUGHES' VLOGS can be viewed here. The Voice Online may be found here.
Monthly Lay Conversation with the Bishop, 11/19, 6 PM. Zoom login information will be released by the diocese as the date nears.
SHARE YOUR PRAYERS
Bishop Hughes invites all of us to write down our prayers during this pandemic and share them with the diocese, as a way to help each other. The prayers will be shared on the diocesan website in The VOICE and on social media. Prayers can be sent to Canon Wright at awright@dioceseofnewark.org for posting. Please include the name and town of your church.
 DIOCESAN MEMORIAL WALL
A holy place in virtual space for mourning and memory. This is a place to gather, grieve, reflect and honor the lives of those who have died during the time of the pandemic, whether or not it was due to the virus. To visit the wall and/or submit a name, click here.
 RACE SPEAKER SERIES
Mondays, November 2, 9, and 16, 6:30-8 PM
The Diocese of Newark is hosting a Speaker Series on Race co-hosted by Bishop Hughes and the Namaste Anti-Racism Commission and will reflect on the question "How are we talking about race in The Episcopal Church?" Each speaker will provide a unique understanding for reflections on race.
The speakers:
11/2 - Dr. Catherine Meeks, Diocese of Atlanta
11/9 - The Rev. Charles Wynder, Jr., Diocese of New Hampshire
11/16 - The Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers, Diocese of New York
Click here to login via Zoom.
Or by phone: 646-558-8656; Meeting ID: 833 6242 4198; Passcode: 006944
 THE UNION OF BLACK EPISCOPALIANS NEWARK CHAPTER PRESENTS: The Clara Horsley Celebration of Leadership November 14, 11 AM - 12 PM
The Newark Chapter of UBE will be honoring St. Stephen's as well as Christ Church, Teaneck; Church of the Holy Spirit, Verona; Epiphany and Christ Church, Orange; St. Andrews, Newark; St. Peter's, Morristown
Zoom details: Meeting ID: 830 6911 6323; Passcode: 44551
One tap mobile: +13017158592,,83069116323#,,,,,,0#,,445551# US (Washington DC) +13126266799,,83069116323#,,,,,,0#,,445551# US (Chicago)
 FAMILY PROMISE OF ESSEX COUNTY FILM SCREENING
November 14, 7 PM (Formerly IHN - Interfaith Hospitality Network)
Family Promise is sponsoring a Film Screening & Virtual Discussion of the Academy Award Winning Film, INOCENTE! This evening of film and conversation is to raise awareness of the crisis of homelessness in the Covid pandemic.
The film, Inocente, is a vibrant and personal coming-of-age story of a teen-age girl who holds fast to her dream to become an artist even as she and her family struggle with homelessness. Inocente Izucar herself will join us afterwards for a virtual conversation along with voices from our own community.
Attendance is FREE but FPE hopes you will feel inspired to donate to the cause. For details and to register for this event, click here.
 MUSIC ON A SUNDAY AFTERNOON - COMMUNITY OF ST. JOHN BAPTIST November 22, 4 PM
A live-streamed concert given by the Members of the Adelphi Chamber Orchestra. This is a fundraiser for their capital campaign. For more information click here.  DIOCESE OF NEWARK PRISON MINISTRY TOY DRIVE November 6 - December 13
The Diocese of Newark Prison Ministry will be collecting toys and gifts for children whose parents are incarcerated or recently released. The gifts should be delivered to Grace Church Nutley (200 Highfield Lane, Nutley) at any time. Questions? Please email newarkprisonministry@gmail.com or call 973.235.1177. Important Notes & Gift Suggestions:
- Gifts must be in gift bags, NOT wrapped - Label the gift with a large tag that has the age & gender - No toy guns, weapon-like toys, or bats Toddlers through elementary school-aged children appreciate toys/art supplies/dolls of different races/ethnicities, basketball, football or soccer balls; Uno, Jenga, Connect Four or similar games. Middle and high schoolers appreciate gift cards for CVS or Target ($15-20), art supplies, basketball, football, or soccer balls; Uno, Jenga, and similar games PLEASE NOTE: At our next Vestry meeting this Sunday, 11/15, we will be making a decision about our usual Angel Tree for the Drumming Camp families.
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St. Stephen's Zoom Events
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 THANKSGIVING DAY SERVICE November 26, 10 AM
Join us with Christ Church Short Hills for a virtual Thanksgiving Day Service. Details and Zoom information coming soon!
 INTERFAITH BIBLE HOUR Friday, December 4, 9 AM We will continue gathering virtually with our friends from Christ Church in Short Hills and Congregation B'nai Jeshurun, reading Genesis, focusing on the narrative arcs involving the children of Abraham and Sarah.
Join the Zoom discussion here.
Dial by your location:
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York); Meeting ID: 883 6207 1069; Passcode: 647900
ADULT FORMATION ADVENT SERIES
ST. STEPHEN'S COFFEE HOUR
NEW TIME! Sundays at 12 PM
Join us in-person at the 10 AM service or watch the service live via Facebook or YouTube. At 12 PM grab a cup of your favorite beverage, and join the fun. We'll be around from 12 - 1 PM.
Join the Zoom coffee hour here.
Dial by your location:
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York); Meeting ID: 895 5857 6382
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Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center Events
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CROSS ROADS WEDNESDAYS AWAY
One Wednesday a month, 10 AM - 12 PM
11/4, 12/2, 1/6, 2/17, 3/3, 4/7, 5/5, 6/2
These monthly retreats are open to all people interested in exploring new faith practices. Attend one or attend all-and be sure to invite friends to join you. Led by a spiritual director and focusing on a different spiritual practice or theme each month, the cost is $10 per gathering. Visit the Cross Roads link here for dates and to register. Upcoming Session - December 2 - The Coming of Christ with Laurie Matarazzo
We are accustomed to the "wait" of Advent, anticipating God's incarnation in Jesus. Are we as ready to make welcome those in whom Christ comes to us today?
CAMPFIRES & CAROLS Sunday, November 29, 7:30 PM Cross Roads is kicking off the season of Advent with a special worship event featuring favorite Christmas and Advent songs, dancing, praying and a messaage about anticipating the birth of Jesus. Join them on their Facebook page here for this virtual event. YOUNG ADULT & YOUTH RETREATS - 2021 Information coming soon!
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APOSTLES' HOUSE & NORTH PORCH still need our help!
We had very few food donations during the month of October. Please consider making a donation, especially with Thanksgiving coming in just 2 weeks. Many, many families are still struggling with food insecurity during this pandemic and need help.
And please remember to check the expiration dates. Donation bins are located outside of the St. Stephen's Narthex parking lot entry doors.
Apostles' House
Items needed - Canned goods and non-perishable food items.
North Porch Women & Infants' Centers 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.
 TURKEY BOXES
Thanksgiving Dinners for our Drumming Camp Families
This summer - due to COVID precautions - we had just 4 families whose children were engaged in Drumming Camp. Once again St. Stephens will provide Turkey Box Thanksgiving dinners for those families.
As of 11/3, we need volunteers to provide for just 3 of the 4 families. Please email Maryalice Chech if you are able to donate and deliver a turkey box to the church on Sunday, November 22nd at 10 AM. Many thanks as always for your support of Drumming Camp!Box Dinner Menu-The following items are recommended for inclusion in each donated dinner:
1 sturdy box 1 10 - 15 lb. FROZEN TURKEY 1 disposable aluminum foil roasting pan
2 boxes of stuffing
1 5lb bag of potatoes OR two cans sweet potatoes
2 cans of vegetables (corn, green beans, peas,)
2 cans of turkey gravy
2 cans cranberry sauce
1 package rolls or corn muffins
½ gallon of apple or cranberry juice
Dessert-cookies, brownies, pies (no frozen pies)
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 DIOCESE OF NEWARK 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 us for our monthly events.
POP UP YM meets via Zoom once a month on Sunday afternoons and has a new time - 3 PM! What's Next?
DON'T WORRY, BE THANKFUL, November 15. Register here. And save the date for the next event on December 13. More details to come!
CROSS ROADS CAMP & RETREAT CENTER
We'll keep you posted on any upcoming events. In the meantime, you can follow Cross Roads Camp on Facebook & Instagram.
2021 Retreat Information coming soon!
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Resources during COVID from the Diocese and Beyond
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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...
Jeff Loggins
Jimmy Hasenkamp
Ian Janeczko
The McManus Family
The Blanchard Family
Donna Riggi
Eleanor Robinson
Chris Anderson
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Bernard & Nathan
The Fitzgerald Family
Jack Moreno
Stephanie Gubin
Sue Macbeth
Francis
Alex Cole
Hailey Rose Fout
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Christine Conti
Xander
Evan
Felder Dorn
James Tranberg
Debbie and Geoff Robarge
Peggy Thompson
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WELCOME TO ADVENT!
This year, St. Stephen's joins a growing number of churches who celebrate an extended Advent of seven weeks, rather than four. This is a return to the Advent observance of the Church from its beginnings until just a few hundred years ago. Extending Advent in this way moves it from the "season of preparation" for Christmas to an observance of the full promise and realization of God's dream, helping us to engage more fully in Christ's mission of peace, justice, and the integrity of creation. It seems especially meaningful that, in this year of pandemic and civic conflict, we begin the new liturgical year a few weeks early, mindful of God's work in creation through all time as we look ahead with hopeful anticipation to a more peaceful and just world and the fulfillment of God's promise to all people.
NOVEMBER 15, 2020 - ADVENT 2 - ADONAI (LORD) SUNDAY
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Psalm 123
Matthew 25:14-30
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Links to the Wider Church
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The Episcopal Diocese of Newark
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Giving with Tithe.ly is easy, with options for one-time or recurring donations. We encourage you to consider it at all times, but especially when you are away for any reason, like all of us now with the restrictions due to coronavirus.
There are two ways to do it: thru tithe.ly.com or the tithe.ly app on your smart phone. You'll want to search for St. Stephen's Church Millburn. Be sure to have the correct punctuation. You'll know you're there when you see: St. Stephen's Church Millburn and the address. Once you're at the church's page, follow the prompts.
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Office Hours and Contact Information
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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 or if you have any reason to come to the office. She'll work with you to figure out a safe way to manage this.
Website: ststephensmillburn.org
Main email: church@ststephensmillburn.org
Doreen Schindler, Parish Administrator can be reached at ext. 32 or church@ststephensmillburn.org.
The Rev. Paula J. Toland, Rector can be reached at ext. 21 or rector@ststephensmillburn.org. | |
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