Beloved Community,
It is hard to believe that we are entering our second Lent of this pandemic. We last met in-person for a "normal" worship service on the Second Sunday of Lent. This Sunday is the First Sunday of Lent. We are coming full circle. We are in a place no one of us imagined possible a year ago.
I have heard it said that this whole year has had a Lenten feel to it, a sentiment I understand, although I don't agree fully. We are in a place no one of us imagined possible a year ago. We are entering into the season in which we are called to pay particular attention to our burdens, to those things that prevent us from moving deeper into the heart of God after of year of living in closer proximity to our awareness of the brokenness of the world and the frailty of human life. It has been a year of sobering reality.
Lent is the season in which we are called to pay particular attention to our burdens, to those things that prevent us from moving deeper into the heart of God. This is important, life-affirming work. It is important and life-affirming because it is the groundwork for a richer spiritual life, for exploring the blessings of a life lived faithfully, for understanding what it means to live every day with God as the center. The purpose of Lent is to ready us for Easter and new life. It is about making a specific kind of commitment to our faith formation, to expanding our understanding of how God is present with us in and through all things - even global pandemics.
There are any a number of ways to approach a Lenten discipline of prayer, reflection, and repentance. Fasting is one way. It seems that anywhere you go, you can find someone who gives up something for these 40 days. If that truly is a spiritual discipline - a way to deepen your relationship with God, go for it! Do it faithfully. Do it prayerfully.
If purging your house of a bag of clothing or a box of toys every day truly is a spiritual discipline - a way to deepen your relationship with God, go for it! Do it faithfully. Do it prayerfully.
If feeding yourself and your family one day a week based on the average daily wage of a family in poverty truly is a spiritual discipline - a way to deepen your relationship with God, go for it! Do it faithfully. Do it prayerfully.
Another option, which is, quite frankly what I do, is to take something on. I learned a long time ago that giving up chocolate or good crusty bread with Irish butter wasn't all that helpful in terms of my relationship with God. Sure, I said, "God, help me!" far more often in the kitchen than at other times of the year, but that's not really about deepening relationship with God, is it? Over the years, I've learned that adding a bit of specific "God time" to my day, whether that be a new form of meditation or prayer or reading theology, is more helpful to me on my journey. It is something I can do faithfully. It is something I can do prayerfully.
This year, after what has been such a challenging year for so many reasons, I encourage you to consider a Lenten discipline that will make this Lent and then this Easter more meaningful. If your usual practice will work for you, go for it! Do it faithfully. Do it prayerfully. If you'd like to mix it up, do that. The possibilities are many and I'm happy to talk/email with you about what that might look like. If you want a "ready-made" option, I invite you to consider one or both of the options that are detailed in the next section of this newsletter: Lent Madness and Small Faith Groups. Lent Madness is fun and informational, and can take as little as a few minutes a day. Small Faith Groups are based in Scripture and explore the broad question of where you are aware of God's presence in your life. If an endorsement from your Rector helps your discernment, I am doing both - faithfully and prayerfully.
Peace & Blessings,
Paula+
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ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE
Wednesday, February 17, 7:30 PM
The realities of the severity of the ongoing pandemic and New Jersey's COVID health restrictions continue to challenge our liturgical practices and gatherings for worship. Ash Wednesday in this year of 2021 is no different. Therefore, Bishop Hughes has asked that there be no imposition of ashes on the forehead for any reason and indicated that all congregations should also omit "Ashes to Go" this year.
Bishop Hughes is encouraging us all in the Diocese of Newark to consider signs of repentance and mortality in other ways.
Please join us for an Ash Wednesday Zoom service at 7:30 PM on Wednesday. The service will be contemplative and include the usual Ash Wednesday prayers and readings.
The Zoom service link can be found here.
Meeting ID: 856 6022 7085
Passcode: 069776
LENT MADNESS
Begins Thursday, February 18
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.
Don't delay. Daily voting begins Thursday, February 18. 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.
SMALL FAITH GROUPS
We are joining Christ Church in Short Hills for a new diocesan ministry focused on growing in relationship with God and each other through intentional small group gatherings. These are a way for small groups of people to meet separately from worship time and use that time to deepen their faith in relation to God and one another.
There will be three groups. Two groups have formed: one meeting Thursdays at noon and the other meeting Wednesdays at 5 PM. The third group, specifically for men, is forming. Groups will have 6-10 members, so space is limited. Please contact Pastor Tristan, Cynthia McChesney, or Sarah Rosen to join a group.
If you want to learn more about how this kind of ministry transforms people and parishes, check out this video. The diocesan website has good info here. And, as always, you can talk to Rev. Paula for more information and to hear about her experience with small group ministry. She will be co-facilitating the Wednesday group, which begins on Wednesday, the 24th.
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YOUTUBE
Support St. Stephen's and subscribe to our YouTube channel! Our live-stream worship is posted to YouTube every Sunday at 10 AM. You'll also find all of St. Stephen's videos and recordings here, all in one place! It's super easy - just visit our YouTube Channel link here and click the red subscribe button to follow us - it's that simple. And share the link with friends and family, too.
Thank you!
SACRED GROUND
There is still time to join us as we journey with our siblings at St. John's, Ramsey along the sacred ground of racial reconciliation. Check your email from January 29th or contact Rev. Paula for the information. The program begins Tuesday, February 16 at 7:30 PM.
PLEDGE CARDS
Even if you have begun sending in your 2021 pledges via check in the mail or online, we still need you to fill out a 2021 Pledge Card. These cards were mailed in December and again in January. If you need a pledge card, please contact the office. If you would like to use the online Pledge Card form, please click here.
2021 Giving Statements are in the mail. Please let us know if you haven't received one.
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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
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From Bishop Hughes & The Episcopal Church |
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NEW: The Power of Relationships
A CALL FOR STORIES OF FINDING HOPE
It is time to think about Lent and daily inspirational stories written by members of our diocese. This year we will focus on "Finding Hope.” Please be aware your story should be limited to about 200 words.
If you wish a specific date please let me know otherwise I will assign one to you.
All are invited to participate (laity and clergy). Please email me as soon as you can. I hope to complete the assignments for February dates before 1/31 and March dates before 2/29.
Blessings, Margaret+
The Rev. Margaret Otterburn, member of the Empowering Team of Diocesan Council
CHURCH LEADER UNIVERSITY 2021
Saturday, March 6, 9 AM
Workshops relevant to this extraordinary time for ALL congregational leaders! Stayhome 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.
GROWING TOGETHER
February 21, 3 PM
Being a part of a community is one of the greatest things we do. Join us on Sunday, 2/21 at 3 PM as we explore our role in the communities which we are a part of and how those communities are there for us when we need them. The event includes a small, virtual service project, too! Check it out; it will be fun!
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 to the first episode here.
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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!
HOLY TRINITY
Our friends at Christine's Kitchen are reaching out for help. Please view Fr. Miguel's video message at the link here. Your kind donation will be matched up to $10,000. 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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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
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Ash Wednesday
February 17, 2021
Isaiah 58:1-12
Psalm 103:8-14
2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
Matthew 6:1-6,16-21
Last Sunday after the Epiphany
February 21, 2021
2 Kings 2:1-12
Pslam 50:1-6
Mark 9:2-9
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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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