April 21, 2021
A Message from Rev. Paula
Beloved Community,

Happy Eastertide!! What a joy it is to have a full 50 days to celebrate the Resurrection and to be reminded of all the little resurrections we encounter every day. This year, after more than 12 months of Covid and its restrictions, not to mention the political climate and our increasing awareness of the myriad racial injustices, the promise of new life after death and loss and grief is even more poignant than usual.

This photo makes me smile, though that is not the reason I'm including it in this message. Last year, at the Easter Vigil at Christ Church, the chancel was decorated with scores of spring flowers. Many of those flowers were then used here on Easter. Later the bulbs were planted around the campus after the leaves and flowers had withered and died. I remember planting them, hoping that they would bloom this year, though not being entirely sure. So much of what makes this a possibility is beyond my control and, quite frankly, beyond my understanding.

Every day for the past few weeks, as the campus has come alive with color, which seems to change every day, I am grateful. I am grateful for the sheer joy spring flowers bring to my heart. But most importantly, I am grateful for the reminder of the promise of new life that is a constant because God is God and God's promises are true. Even as I notice the withering and dying daffodils, which were some of the first harbingers of spring, I am grateful because right there next to them are beautiful, vibrant tulips. Even as there is loss and death, there is new life.

Easter is the season in which we are reminded that we are not in control. We do not always understand, nor do we need to understand. We are called to hope. We are people called to trust God's promise of new life after death and loss and grief. We are called to live our faith with gratitude each and every day.

Peace & Blessings,
Paula+
Annual Meeting
St. Stephen's will host its annual meeting and Sunday worship on April 25th. Join us at 10:00 for worship and a special presentation about this past year.

If you come to church via Facebook or YouTube, be sure to sign onto Zoom at 10:45 for the business portion of this meeting. This is when you'll hear the latest about our financial stewardship and get the update on plans to return to in-person gathering. The Sunday Worship Zoom information is in the "Important Links" section of this newsletter.

All vestry members and/or ministry coordinators should provide Doreen with a report/yearly summary for 2020. If you have not already done so, please email the report ASAP! Thank you!
Connection & Common Worship
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 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



READING WITH THE RECTOR
Sunday, May 9, 1 PM

Our next book selection is Love Is The Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times by Bishop Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church with Sara Grace.

The book is available in the Morris, Essex, and Union County Library Systems, as well as the Mahwah Library, or can be purchased through Amazon, Target and Cokesbury, as well as other book outlets.
From Bishop Hughes & The Episcopal Church
NEW! Easter resurrection and transformation in a time of pandemic

Bishop Hughes reminds us that as an Easter people, we know that God uses everything around us for resurrection, including the change we are going through during this time of pandemic.

The VOICE Online Link Week of 4/14


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

REGIONAL MEETING WITH THE BISHOP - Save the Date!
May 13, 6:30-8:30 PM
Bishop Hughes 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!
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
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:

North Porch Donation Link
The Apostles' House Donation Link

Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center
WEDNESDAYS AWAY
A time of spiritual renewal one Wednesday a month from 10 AM - 12 PM. Upcoming dates: May 5 & June 2.

For details and to register, visit the Cross Roads link at the bottom of the newsletter.

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.

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.
Resources During Covid
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.
St. Stephen's Prayer List
Please keep the following St. Stephen's family members and friends in your prayers...

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, The May Family, Walter Fields, Mary Jo Zarance
Sunday Lectionary
April 25, 2021
Fourth Sunday of Easter

Acts 4:5-12
Psalm 23
John 10:11-18
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.
Important Links
Zoom Links
Links for Sunday Worship Live-Stream & Social Media
Website Links
Other Social Media Links
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
119 Main Street, Millburn, NJ 07041
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