July 28, 2021 Newsletter

July 28, 2021

Message from Rev. Paula

Beloved Community,

A quick update about COVID: In the roller coaster ride of this virus, Essex County moved back to orange-level risk today. It's still "high" risk, but it's a step in the right direction away from "very high risk." We will remain where we are in terms of worship: Liturgy of the Word with masks (and other precautions) and no congregational singing. The good news this Sunday? The Rev. Jane Rockman, who many of you know and love, will be here in my place.

A brief reflection: I continue to pray and reflect on these words from Bishop Hughes' address to Diocesan Convention last month, words that are based on Isaiah 43:18-21.

"God is doing a new thing. A new thing in the world. A new thing in our nation. A new thing in our communities. A new thing in our church. And a new thing with us."

I find that the longer we live with the weight of the pandemic and the ways it restricts us, I am noticing more the ways in which my heart and my mind, my eyes and my ears, are more open to noticing the myriad blessings of grace that continue to be ours to behold.

Perhaps it is the awareness of all that has been lost or changed or is still unknown or uncertain that helps me to be more aware and to feel more appreciative of all that is still real and true, those things that are old and familiar, as well as those things that are new and surprising. Seeking ways to be reminded and then mindful of God's presence is a gift in and of itself. Seeing the reminders of God's presence is like the icing on the cake. (Icing is my favorite!)

On Sunday, in my sermon, I talked about some of the blessings I experience in these times, which is no where near a full recounting. Even in the awareness and frustration of having to navigate this still frightening and uncertain landscape, there are glimpses all the time of love and mercy, justice and compassion, promise and hope. If you are not already, I invite and encourage you to bask in the awareness of God's Holy Spirit working in and through you, especially in the ways that are new and transformative.

Peace & Blessings,

Paula+

Connection & Common Worship

Welcome Back!

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.

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 AM

Please join us for Coffee Hour on the lawn after church. All food and drinks are individually packaged.

From Bishop Hughes & The Episcopal Church

THE BISHOP'S VLOG - Week of 7/20.

It could be easy right now to be discouraged or frustrated, says Bishop Hughes, but God has planted hope in us, and it's important for us to hold on to that hope as we persevere.

The VOICE Online Link Week of 7/21.

Upcoming Diocesan Events Link

DIOCESAN E-NEWSLETTERS

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

NEW BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT!

This Band of Sisterhood

Black Women Bishops on Race, Faith, and the Church

Get to know the first five Black women to be elected diocesan bishops within the Episcopal Church:

Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows

Carlye J. Hughes

Kimberly Lucas

Shannon MacVean-Brown

Phoebe A. Roaf

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Sunday, August 1

5-6 PM

St. Peter's Morristown continues its strong music tradition with the 2021 Summer Carillon Concert Series on the Great Lawn. These outdoor performances are free and open to the public and appeal to music lovers of all ages. For details, click here.

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.

Faithful Outreach

FAMILY PROMISE

With so many children going back to in-person learning after a year of virtual learning, the challenges for low-income families to provide necessities to succeed are difficult.

To be successful in learning, children need computers, internet, access to tutors and school supplies.

Donations can help provide a child with essential learning supplies and educational opportunities in the Family Promise Youth and Family Program.

Please consider a donation to Family Promise of Essex County.

To read the Family Promise July Newsletter, please click here.

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:

The Apostles' House Donation Link

North Porch Donation Link

Cross Roads Camp & Retreat Center

CROSS ROADS

CAMP & RETREAT CENTER

Check out all the fun and interesting year-round programs for children, adults and families.

Click here for more information.

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.

Resources During Covid

Journey Forward Guidelines

There are many, many resources available to parishes and individuals to help sustain our faith practices during this unprecedented time. See resources 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 if 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

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, Jane Rossiter, Linda Moran, Greg Shuss, Matthew Price. We give thanks for the life of Ron Best, who entered into greater glory last week.

Sunday Lectionary

August 1, 2021

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

Ephesians 4:1-16

Psalm 51:1-13

John 6:24-35

We will hear one of the readings, the psalm, and the Gospel so that we observe the time guidelines during Covid.

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.