Beloved Community,
There are times when something crosses our path that is so timely as to feel as if God placed it there on purpose. Bishop Hughes' message in The Voice is that for me today. I highly recommend that you listen to her or read the transcript, even if it is not something you do every week. (The link is below.) As we face the ongoing reality of Covid, with all of the risk factors increasing faster than the rate of vaccination, it is helpful to hear a reasoned and reassuring voice reminding us that we are not alone.
You'll be hearing more about this in the coming weeks but I share a bit with you now so that you'll have it on your calendar: On September 12th, we will be celebrating our patron saint as we begin another program year. We've got lots of ideas for fun and faith-filled activities throughout the year, some "in production" so-to-speak, and others still in the very early stages. There'll be things to do together (with plans to go online, need be) and things to do at home or in the community. So stay tuned for information about how we can continue to live our faith, even in the midst of this uncertain time.
Peace & Blessings,
Paula+
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Connection & Common Worship |
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UPDATED: Welcome!
It's wonderful to be with each other in church! We will continue to gather in-person as long as it safe to do so. We will keep you posted about any changes. Essex County remains at high/orange risk, with new cases and the positive test rate increasing. Our service on August 15th will be the Liturgy of the Word with no congregational singing.
We continue to follow safety precautions and lovingly require that you wear a mask over your nose and mouth at all times while in the building and maintain physical distance. 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
Coffee hour is suspended due to the orange/high risk level in Essex Country.
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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.
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From Bishop Hughes & The Episcopal Church |
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NEW:
This edition of the VOICE Online includes Bishop Hughes' helpful reminder to keep ourselves ready -- keep our lamps trimmed and burning -- in these troubling, chaotic times.
DIOCESAN E-NEWSLETTERS
Sign up to get e-newsletters and important announcements directly from diocesan headquarters. Find out more and subscribe here.
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Press Release - 8/17/21
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry offers a prayer for the people of Afghanistan.
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Episcopal Relief
In response to the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Haiti on August 14th, Episcopal Relief & Development and its partners are responding with direct assistance to vulnerable households in the region. To help assist in these efforts, please click here.
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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 is required. Each retreat takes place over five half-hour sessions throughout the weekend noted. For further information, click here.
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DRUMMING CAMP IS HAPPENING!!!
On Tuesday, August 24th we will welcome 10 campers and about that many staff for the first of three days of fun at Drumming Camp.
Please add the campers, their families, and all who are working to make this happen to your prayers.
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Reading with Rector Returns! |
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It's not too early to check your local library or favorite bookstore for these fall selections:
SEPTEMBER 26
The Book of Longings
by Sue Monk Kidd
OCTOBER 10
The Beauty in Breaking
by Michele Harper
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PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRIES.
To read the Family Promise July Newsletter, please click here.
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Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center |
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CROSS ROADS
CAMP & RETREAT CENTER
Check out all the fun and interesting year-round programs for children, adults and families.
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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.
Stay tuned for exciting activities coming this Fall.
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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.
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
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Please keep the following St. Stephen's family members and friends in your prayers...
Ian Janeczko, Peggy Thompson, Felder Dorn, Donna Riggi, The Blanchard Family, The McManus Family, Bernard & Nathan, The Fitzgerald Family, Lucille B., Jack Moreno, Jim Freeman, The May Family, Mary Jo Zarance, Joseph G., Kelly Olson, Jane Rossiter, Ruth Pitts, Linda Moran, Greg Shuss, Matthew Price, Nicole and Emma, Carl Clemons, Ningyu Liu.
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August 22, 2021
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Ephesians 6:10-20
Psalm 84
John 6:56-69
We will hear these readings so that we observe the time guidelines during Covid. If you'd like to read the full lectionary for the week, you may do so here.
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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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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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Zoom passcode: SSM119
To call in, dial by your location:
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 864 1664 1640
Passcode: SSM119
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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, 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
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