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Saint Stephen's Church
in Providence
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News and events for the
week of June 26
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THE THIRD SUNDAY
AFTER PENTECOST
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SUNG MASS:
Missa de Sancta Maria Magdelena
Healey Willan (1880–1968)
VOLUNTARY:
From Symphonie No. 4 pour orgue, Op. 13, no. 4
III. Andante cantabile, Charles-Marie Widor (1844-1937)
VOLUNTARY:
Finale Jubilante, Healey Willan
**We are pleased to have Jeffrey Mills
as our organist this Sunday and through the month of July.**
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Dear Friends,
It will not surprise you that many of my friends on social media are other clergy. Something my Canadian colleague Fr. Jonathan Turtle (a priest in the Diocese of Toronto) posted earlier this week grabbed my attention as I was scrolling and has stayed with me all week: "Everyone is an evangelist for what they love."
It is so true. We don't hesitate to tell our friends about the most amazing new thing we've discovered, whether it is a new film or play, a new restaurant or a fabulous meal we enjoyed, something we binge watched on Netflix, or the rare find of a beach that allows dogs during the summer months. One week ago, 18-year-old Yunchan Lim became the youngest person ever to win the Van Cliburn competition, and I have watched his performance of the final movement of Rachmaninoff's Third Piano Concerto at least fifty times, because the artistry, skill, and artistic communication with conductor Marin Alsop are all so spellbinding and thrilling. (And I invite you to watch too!)
It is natural to want to share the good news of these things with others. However, as Christians, we are called to share a singular Good News with the world. Throughout the Easter season, we heard of the rapid growth of the early church in the Book of Acts. This Sunday, we will hear of the great demand and urgency that following Jesus places upon us. In our reading from the Hebrew Scriptures, Elisha will be called by Elijah to take up the prophetic mantle -- but he is allowed one final meal with this parents and family. In contrast, those who Jesus calls are not even permitted to stop and take the time to bury their father or mother. (Surely, this direct violation of the commandment to honor thy father and mother is hyperbole on the part of Jesus!)
The point is that following Jesus demands much of us, and that among all the varied things in life that capture our attention and compete for our loyalties, the Gospel of Christ should occupy the top tier. Indeed, as Augustine would point out, if love of God is first and foremost in our lives, all other loves become rightly ordered as they flow out of that supreme love.
We will be blessed to have Fr. Gary Sturni as our Celebrant and Preacher this Sunday. I know you are in good hands, and I look forward to being back with you the following Sunday, July 3rd.
Faithfully,
Fr. Benjamin +
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Coffee & Refreshments Inside |
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Despite the Rector’s announcement at Mass last Sunday that we would be having refreshments outside in the summer, the spike in heat this weekend has led us to conclude that having Coffee Hour in the parish hall this morning is preferable to being in the sun. We apologize for any confusion. |
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Parish Survey is here! Link below |
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"There are many varieties of gifts but that it is the same Spirit who inspires and unites them all." Please take a moment to complete the survey that the Stewardship Committee has created as we re-think the ways in which we approach stewardship.
Stewardship is of course not just how we allocate our financial gifts, but our gifts of time and talent as well. Please take a moment to fill out this short survey as we work together to discern how best to both use your gifts and engage your interests. Please click the link below to take the survey. Your answers will be very helpful as we chart the course of the next year together in parish life and ministry.
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Summer Weekday Mass Schedule |
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Please be reminded that we have gone to a “Summer Schedule” once again this year between Memorial Day and Labor Day. There will be no masses on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. As a result, that means the daily masses offered are: Tuesday (noon), Thursday (noon), and Saturday (9:30 morning prayer, 10:00 mass). Sunday Mass schedule stays the same. If you have any questions or concerns about this summer pattern, please reach out to the Rector.
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Summer Celebrants while the Rector is away |
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While the Rector is away on various Sundays this summer, we are blessed to have among as Celebrants at the 8:00 and 10:00 AM masses: Fr. Gary Sturni (June 26), Mtr. Veronica Tierney (July 17 and July 24), Fr. Bill Locke (August 7), and Fr. Michael Pearson (August 21). |
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Coming This Fall:
Introduction to Christian Meditation
Be still and know that I am God. (Ps. 46.10)
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This six-week course will provide an opportunity for those interested in finding out about Christian Meditation to experience the practice in a small group, to learn about its origins, and to discover its relevance as a form of prayer for the contemporary world. The course will begin the latter part of September. (Details TBD) All are welcome – parishioner, student, seeker. For more information contact Zulie Catir at zulette.catir@verizon.net or (401) 439-4597. |
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“Make Up”
Confirmations & Receptions
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Tomorrow morning, Bishop Knisely will be at S. Stephen’s for confirmations and receptions for those who were unable to attend Mass on January 9th due to COVID. There will be no Morning Prayer that morning preceding the 10:00 Low Mass. All are welcome!
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A Collect for the Good Use
of Leisure
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O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace; and grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. |
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This Coming Week at S. Stephen's |
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This Sunday 26 June
The Third Sunday after Pentecost
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am
Coffee & Lemonade 11:15
Tuesday 28 June
Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, c. 202
Noonday Prayer & Low Mass 12:00
Thursday 30 June
S. Peter & S. Paul, Apostles
(transferred from 29 June)
Noonday Prayer & Low Mass 12:00
Saturday 2 July
Feria
Morning Prayer 9:30 am
Low Mass 10:00 am
Holy Rosary 10:40 am
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 – 4:00 pm
(meals handed out at door only)
Next Sunday 3 July
The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am
Coffee & Lemonade 11:15 (location TBD)
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Prayers have been requested for:
James Broccoli, Charles and Sandra Calverley, Fr. Norman Catir, Ed Connell, Trudy Egan, Davidson Garrett, Fr. Harrington Gordon, Jane Malone, Andrew Oliver, Bryan Ripley, Rhoda Steinhart, Fr. Allan Warren, and Christopher Whittingham.
Birthdays this week:
Louis Verdelotti (6/26); Sr. Kristina Frances (6/27).
Anniversary of Ordination to Sacred Order of Deacons:
Fr. Gary K. Sturni (6/29).
The faithful departed:
Year’s Mind: Ben C. Claunch (7/1); Georgiana Kincaid (7/2).
In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for the Province of the Episcopal Church of Sudan (6/26); The Diocese of Lake Malawi – The Church of the Province of Central Africa (6/27); The Diocese of Northern Malawi –The Church of the Province of Central Africa (6/28); The Diocese of Southern Malawi– The Church of the Province of Central Africa (6/29); The Diocese of West Malaysia –The Church of the Province of South East Asia (6/30); The Diocese of Malek – The Province of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (7/1); The Diocese of Malek Rup – The Province of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (7/2).
In the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for St. Peter’s by-the-Sea, Narragansett; and St. Peter & St. Andrew’s, Providence.
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You can mail your pledge card or weekly/monthly offering to the church office, or pledge online here. Thank you for all the many ways in which you are already supporting S. Stephen’s.
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