June 30, 2021 Newsletter

June 30, 2021

Message from Rev. Paula

Beloved Community,

A quick COVID update:

As of yesterday, July 6th, Essex County reached green-level risk, meaning there is fewer than one new case per 100,000 people. This is good news, for so many reasons, though Essex County remains at the "very high" level of vulnerability, which means we are not out of the woods for physical and economic suffering. Our vaccination rate is at 59% which is lower than the state average and all of the surrounding counties are still at yellow-level risk.

I know you are as grateful as I am that we are moving in the right direction. I suspect that you are as ready as I am to be able to say this is behind us and we can relax our precautions even more. I also know that you are as committed to loving and caring for each other and all who join us as I am and that you understand - even if you don't like - the reasons we will continue to faithfully abide by the diocesan Journey Forward guidelines, which means remaining fully masked (nose and mouth) and observing physical distancing while indoors for worship. For outdoor Coffee Hour, we can forego the masks and use good common sense in terms of physical distance. A reminder: because we are not vetting people as to their vaccination status, please do not assume that everyone present is vaccinated and comfortable with closer physical contact than we've been observing these past many months.

I will keep you posted as I get new information. Masked or not, I am so grateful to be able to worship with more of you than was possible from March 2020 until last month. I hope to see all of you at some time or another over the next few weeks.

If you'd like a special reason to come to church, this Sunday offers one: We are welcoming a team from Cross Roads Camp and Retreat Center! Come to hear about this amazing ministry, which includes the camp, middle and high school youth ministry, and lots more.

Peace & Blessings,

Paula+

Connection & Common Worship

Welcome Back!!

It's wonderful to be with each other in church!

We continue to follow safety precautions and ask that you please wear a mask and keep social distancing. 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.

Welcome to everyone, whether in person or participating via broadcast. The details for the virtual service are noted below.

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.

NEW Zoom passcode is SSM119.

To call in, dial by your location:

+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)

Meeting ID: 864 1664 1640

Passcode: SSM119

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 11:00 in person

Please join us for Coffee Hour on the lawn after church. All food and drinks are individually packaged.

CROSSROADS IS COMING TO CHURCH!!!

On July 11th members of the Crossroads staff will here during the Sunday Service.

--- Hear more about this amazing Ministry!

--- Talk to the staff

--- Learn some camp songs

---and just have fun!

Children's Chapel

We are searching for the right person to fill the newly created position of Children's Chapel Coordinator. This eight-hour per week position will work closely with Rev. Paula to take the next step in growing our programming for children of all ages, including the (still) one-room classroom for school-age children AND the new youth group for middle and high school youth. If you know of anyone who might be interested in this position, please let Rev. Paula know.

From Bishop Hughes & The Episcopal Church

The VOICE Online Link Week of 7/7.

This edition of the VOICE Online includes Bishop Hughes' inspiring sermon from Diocesan Convention and information on where to pre-purchase a book about the first five Black women bishops in The Episcopal Church, of which Bishop Hughes is one!

Upcoming Diocesan Events Link

DIOCESAN E-NEWSLETTERS

Sign up to get e-newsletters and important announcements directly from diocesan headquarters. Find out more and subscribe here.

TAKE THIS BREAD

Registration Deadline for July discussion dates is TOMORROW, July 8th

This summer, the Engaging Team of the Diocesan Council invites you to join us in reading Take This Bread: A Radical Conversion by Sara Miles. This book is a beautifully written story of meeting God in the midst of ordinary, non-religious life and embracing that grace in truly transformative ways. Read the book and then join us for one or more Zoom discussions to talk about it. For more information and to register, click here.

TRINITY RETREAT CENTER

The Retreat Center is offering free online courses. Join this summer to pray, reflect, make space for grace and listen to the voice of God. No registration required. Each retreat takes place over five half-hour sessions throughout the weekend noted. For further information,click here.

Faithful Outreach

FAMILY PROMISE

April 21, 2021

Family Promise of Essex County is participating together with Family Promise affiliates across the country with a online Giving Day to raise awareness and funds to support families experiencing homelessness or at-risk of losing their housing.

Those who wish to help us fight family homelessness by participating in Family Promise Giving Day can donate or spread the word on social media by sharing content from Family Promise of Essex County’s accounts.

To read the Family Promise April Newsletter, please click here.

To read Shakira's story, please click here.

SAVE THE DATES!

CHRISTINE'S KITCHEN

The next date that we provide food for Christin'e Kitchen is August 7.

Watch for information in future E-news.

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:

North Porch Donation Link

The Apostles' House Donation Link

Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center

CROSS ROADS SUMMER CAMP

Registration is now open!

Children encounter God in nature, in worship, and in relationships during youth camp. Cross Roads certified staff members provide a safe and loving space for each camper.

Click here for the summer schedule, all the details, and to register.

Teen and Youth Ministries

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 YM on Instagram and Facebook at @popupym.

Resources During Covid

NEW: Updated (May 19, 2021)

Journey Forward Guidelines

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.

In this time of Crisis, there are resources that can help 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

Please keep the following St. Stephen's family members and friends in your prayers...

Ian Janeczko, Peggy Thompson, Felder Dorn, Donna Riggi, Blanchard Family, McManus Family, Bernard & Nathan, Fitzgerald Family, Lucille B., Jack Moreno, Jim Freeman, The May Family, Mary Jo Zarance, Ron Best, Joseph G., Kelly Olson, Ruth Pitts

Sunday Lectionary

July 11, 2021

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19

Psalm 24

Mark 6:14-19

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.