Beloved Community,
As of yesterday, Essex County is back in the orange, after having moved from orange to red(!!!) over the weekend. Orange is better news that red, for sure, though it is still two-steps back from green, which is where we were two weeks ago. The pandemic is not over, the Delta variant is proving to be wily and nimble, and many people eligible for the vaccine still are not getting vaccinated. Sometimes this is a choice, sometimes it is because of access issues, and sometimes it is a misunderstanding about need. (Did you know that the most reliable science says you should be vaccinated even if you had Covid, unless your physician says otherwise?) And then there are the people for whom the vaccine is not an option because of health status and all children under the age of 12.
The good news for us this week is that we will have our in-person worship service, being extra careful to follow the protocols in place: masking (nose and mouth) at all times in the building, physical distancing between households, and outdoor coffee hour, weather permitting. I hope to see you in church but if I don't, please know that you are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Peace & Blessings,
Paula+
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Connection & Common Worship |
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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.
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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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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!
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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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.
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PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING OUR MINISTRIES.
To read the Family Promise July Newsletter, please click here.
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SAVE THE DATES!
CHRISTINE'S KITCHEN
The next date that we provide food for Christine's Kitchen is August 7.
Please contact Deryck Rugbeer at deryck.rugbeer@ubs.com to sign up to provide lunches. Monetary donations are gratefully accepted. Make checks payable to Holy Trinity Church, or donate online www.holytrinitywo.org.
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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, Blanchard Family, McManus Family, Bernard & Nathan, Fitzgerald Family, Lucille B., Jack Moreno, Jim Freeman, The May Family, Mary Jo Zarance, Joseph G., Kelly Olson, Ruth Pitts, Linda Moran
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July 25, 2021
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
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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
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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