A Message from Rev. Paula |
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Beloved Community,
This Sunday is the first anniversary by weeks, (not date) of our last full in-person gathering, which was March 8th. It is hard to believe that it has been a year, even as it feels as if it has been forever. I write this shortly after returning home from getting the first dose of my COVID vaccination. I am both grateful and aware that this is a particularly bittersweet occasion.
I was able to get a vaccine appointment at Rowan College, some 80 miles away. From the time I got the email Sunday morning telling me of my eligibility to the time I was able to respond Sunday afternoon, only four sites statewide had openings this week, with the "mega-site" at Rowan being the only one that wasn't just for residents of the specific county. I was aware as I accepted an appointment and every minute since, including the 90-minute commute to Rowan (and then home), that I am privileged to have the resources and the flexibility to take the better part of a day to get a shot and to know that the same will be true in three weeks when I go back.
So many people at higher risk than I, and therefore more in need than I, do not have either the resources or the flexibility to go that distance to protect their health, whether it be for a vaccine or testing or treatment. It can take hours and considerable technical savvy to navigate the various online sites where one can register for vaccine eligibility. My decision to use the better part of a day to get a vaccine this way was motivated in large part by an understanding of my responsibility to do what I can to stop the spread of this virus. While the science indicates that there is a risk of transmission even after vaccination, it also tells us that herd immunity makes a difference in its spread. The reality is that I could have continued to live in my little bubble for as long as necessary, again because I have the flexibility and resources to do so, but that would have done less to stop the progression of COVID than adding another inconvenience, i.e. a several hour trip for a 45-minute process of registration, vaccination, and initial side effect monitoring, to the existing inconveniences of masking, physical distancing, online worship, and meetings, etc.
There is an announcement in the "St. Stephen's News" section of this newsletter about contacting us if you are 65 years or older and need help finding a vaccine appointment. Please do let us know if you need help and we'll do our best. We're starting with this age group because of the known risk of more severe illness for people 65 or older, especially those with other medical conditions. As we become more proficient with the process, we may be able to extend this offer of help to other groups.
I know that the decision to get vaccinated may not be as simple as jumping through a bunch of hoops or having the option of traveling some distance to an available appointment. That said, I would encourage those of you who are able to get vaccinated, based on conversations with your healthcare providers, to do so, if at all possible. The more of us who are vaccinated, the sooner we will be able to return to in-person gatherings in the parish, though we are committed to maintaining an online presence for the foreseeable future, too. I miss you!
Peace & Blessings,
Paula+
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Prayers for New Ministries |
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Please consider adding these prayers written by Rev. Paula for the new ministries of the parish to your prayer discipline. This is a wonderful way to be a part of living our faith together.
For Pastoral Care Ministry
Holy One of Blessing, you call us into relationship with you and with each other, promising that when two or three are gathered in your name, you are present with us: Guide us as we seek to embody your love across the distance and other circumstances that might otherwise separate us. Give us ears to hear, eyes to see, and hearts to love as you love us. Help us to feel your presence in our connections with each other. Amen.
Prayer for Sacred Ground
Healing and Reconciling God: You breathed life into a beautifully and wonderfully diverse humanity, a glimpse into the fullness of you and your creation. Over time we have failed to honor you as we have repeatedly ignored the fullness of your image in people who do not look like us. We have denied the impact of our ignorance on the shape of this country and its people over time and today. Help us to see the ways in which we are shaped by history and culture, as well as the path forward to healing and reconciliation. Give us courage to be vulnerable, strength to be humble, and grace to forgive and be forgiven as we walk the sacred ground of listening to the truth of racial injustice in this country. Amen.
Prayer for Intentional Small Groups
O God: Your Spirit moved in the hearts and lives of the early members of your Church, calling them to small gatherings of people eager to explore relationship with you through belief in Jesus, the Christ. When we gather in similar ways, help us to grow not only our faith but our relationships with each other. May this time we spend with Scripture, in prayer, and in conversation nourish us; may it enliven, embolden, empower, and encourage our discipleship. In your name we pray. Amen.
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VOLUNTEERING WITH IHN
Please read Margo Greenfield's update about IHN, which was recently renamed Family Promise of Essex County (FPE). This Easter we can continue our commitment to offering hospitality to homeless families. Details are in the newsletter below in FAITHFUL OUTREACH!
COVID VACCINE HELP
Are you a 65 or older parishioner and need help making a COVID vaccination appointment?
THANK YOU!
Thank you to everyone who continues to donate food to our food barrel collection bin for Apostles' House. We collected 76 cans of soup for "Souper Bowl Sunday." And thank you to Barbara Riedel for making the deliveries!
IT'S ALMOST TIME TO SPRING AHEAD!
Sunday, March 14
Don't forget to turn your clocks ahead one hour next Sunday! Spring is almost here!
SAVE THE DATE
FOR OUR ANNUAL MEETING
Sunday, April 25
10 - 11:30 AM
Sunday Service and Annual Meeting
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Coffee Hour
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FAITH IN PANDEMIC
March 11, 8-9:30 PM
During this evening virtual retreat format, you will gather with other people of faith to ponder how we might be moved into a different sort of spirituality this Lent. This event will feature thought-provoking speakers, time for worship and prayer, and an invitation to reflect. All are welcome!
For details and to register, please visit the Church Anew link.
WAYS TO PRAY: A FAMILY-FRIENDLY LENTEN SERIES
February 28, March 7, March 14, 1-2:30 PM
Join Rev. Paula as we explore three creative ways to pray: Praying in Color, Prayerful Journaling, and Praying with Anglican Prayer Beads.
This is a family-friendly activity that all ages will enjoy! We will use the Coffee Hour link for this series. If you did not register in advance, please email Rev. Paula.
LENT MADNESS
Looking for a new spiritual discipline his Lent? Feeling a need for something a bit lighthearted this year? You won't want to miss this.
Join Rev. Paula in playing Lent Madness - a fun, entertaining, and educational Lenten discipline. Play by yourself or make it a family affair! Learn more at Lentmadness.org. Follow the fun on Facebook here.
The Golden Halo winner is crowned on Spy Wednesday*, March 31.
*The Wednesday in Holy Week is sometimes called "Spy Wednesday" because it is the day Judas, aka "the spy," chose to betray Jesus.
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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
INTERFAITH BIBLE HOUR
Friday, March 5, 9 AM
We will meet via Zoom with our friends from Christ Church Short Hills and Congregation B'nai Jeshurun as we continue reading Genesis. Any translation is fine, though we read the Robert Alter translation together. The Zoom link for the gathering is at the bottom of this newsletter. Please email Rev. Paula here before 8 AM Friday morning for the pdf translation.
CHILDREN'S CHAPEL SUNDAY SUPPER
Sunday, March 7, 6 PM
All Children's Chapel families are invited to join Rev. Paula for a virtual Sunday Supper. A special newsletter reminder with the Zoom link will be emailed to families this week.
SACRED GROUND
Session 2: Tues., March 9, 7:30 PM
A film-based dialogue series on race & faith with our siblings at St. John's Memorial Church in Ramsey beginning Tuesday, 2/16 for 10 sessions, 1 every 3 weeks. The series is part of the Becoming Beloved Community initiative of The Episcopal Church, a long-term commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives, our ministries, and our society. If you have questions regarding this program, please email Rev. Paula.
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Faithful Outreach - Family Promise (IHN) |
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HOSPITALITY IS WHO WE ARE!
Join us in our 32nd year fulfilling our Easter commitment
by offering hospitality to homeless families.
Many of us have volunteered over the years with the Interfaith Hospitality Network, which recently changed its name to Family Promise of Essex County (FPE). We relished the model, a partnership with dozens of area congregations, each housing families a week at a time, providing meals, support and a safe place to sleep in parish halls and classrooms across the county. FPE provided transportation, case management, and afterschool care. Parishioners prepared and served meals, entertained children, helped with homework, drove parents to the laundromat and served as overnight hosts. There was a time when we did this three times a year, grateful for an opportunity to act out our parish mantra, love begetting love. With our Preschool now open year round, we typically host over the spring break, loving and welcoming children and their parents one by one.
This year we must open our arms remotely. The pandemic and its economic consequences fell hard on Newark area families at higher risk of infection, loss of employment and housing. With local congregations no longer able to host families, Family Promise pivoted, continuing case management but housing families at extended-stay hotels with cooking facilities and providing grocery store gift cards. These unanticipated costs limited the numbers of families they could serve at a time when more families are homeless and more children hungry.
This year we cannot make beds, prepare and serve warm meals and cookies, or welcome children home from school. Instead we will offer a contribution towards the hotel costs and gift cards allowing the parents to feed their families as they know best. If you’d like to join us, please send your contribution by March 31st:
- By check, mailed or dropped off at the church office, with “gift card” noted in the memo line. (119 Main St, Millburn 07041) or
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Electronically through Tithe.ly, or through our website.
- Please note that contributions in increments of $10 and $20 best allow for distribution according to family needs.
Please email Rev. Paula to let her know to look out for your gift whether you are sending it electronically, by mail or dropping it off.
Thank you, Margo Greenfield
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SAVE THE DATES!
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!
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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From Bishop Hughes & The Episcopal Church |
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NEW! Why you should pray for the nation
PASTORAL LETTER FROM THE RT. REV. CARLYE J. HUGHES
How shall we keep a holy Lent this year? Please read Bishop Hughes' pastoral letter here.
SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE & GRATITUDE
Saturday, March 13, 10 AM
Plans are underway for this diocesan-wide online prayer service where we will gather to honor the memories of those we lost to death and celebrate the many ways the parishes and people of our diocese have rallied to care for each other and our neighbors.
This past year has been marked by tragedy and blessing, sorrow and joy, fear and hope. We will join together in worship to offer our prayers, praises, laments, and longing for an end to pandemic. Please join us for this special service that will be broadcast on the diocesan YouTube channel here.
If you would like to have the name of a parishioner, friend and/or family member who has died since the last diocesan service on June 13, 2020 (whether or not from COVID-19) included in the service, please email the St. Stephen's parish office at church@ststephensmillburn.org by Wednesday, March 7th.
REGIONAL MEETING WITH THE BISHOP - Save the Date!
May 13, 6:30-8:30 PM
Bishop Hughes will be hosting regional Zoom meetings with all of the parishes. She is inviting our congregation to join her on May 13th to reflect on what we, our churches, and our communities have learned and experienced as we have adjusted to the changes this time has demanded of us. Please mark your calendar to save this date!
Please note: Spanish language interpretation will be provided in real time for the meetings held on 3/13 and 4/15. It does not matter what region you are in. If you need this service, please let us know so you can register for one of these dates.
CHURCH LEADER UNIVERSITY 2021
Saturday, March 6, 9 AM
Workshops relevant to this extraordinary time for ALL congregational leaders! Stay home 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: March 3 and April 7. For details and to register, visit the Cross Roads link at the bottom of the newsletter.
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. WATCH THEIR LATEST VIDEO HERE and meet some of the Youth Ministry Fellows!
NEW! Pop UP YM & Cross Roads will be teaming up for a Winter Retreat for Grades 6-8! Come join the fun on Saturday, March 13, 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 here.
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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, Alexandra Shuss
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THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT
March 7, 2021
Exodus 20:1-17
Psalm 19
John 2:13-22
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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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