The Messenger

A weekly e-newsletter of St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

October 27, 2022

New This Week:

Message from the Rector
Lobster Sale
Weekly Happenings
Monthly Calendar
Worship Volunteer Schedule
"Love is the Way" Book Study
Thanksgiving Boxes
All Saints' Necrology
Stewardship Campaign
Vestry Elections
October/November Birthdays & Anniversaries
Rector's Weekly Video
Lectionary Readings

Message from the Rector

By The Rev. Dr. Vincent Joseph Kopp

Dear Good People of St. Stephen’s,

This Sunday, October 30th, I start my medical leave. During my time away I will pray for you, the health of the Parish, and the state of the Church.

Updates about my medical condition will arrive through the Rev. Canon Sally French and through personal communications.

I’ve told a number of you that I want the answers to my prayers to be concrete actions. Please continue forging paths forward that do not solely depend on clergy efforts.

Supply clergy, the Rev. Lorraine Ljungren and the Rev. Jim Melnyk, will celebrate the liturgy. The Rt. Rev. Scott Benhase, Vicar of St. Cyprian’s, will provide pastoral assistance. Senior Warden Jim Branch and the Vestry will direct all Parish operational matters. Sustenance of the Parish’s programmatic life will be up to you.

Some parishioners have already volunteered. In addition to the ongoing work of the Church Life and Outreach committees, Chip Hughes has volunteered to complete the Love is the Way book study. Jennifer and Joe Tartamella, and Tammy Howard will lead Sunday School. Jennifer Coplin and Jerry Broyal will guide Centering Prayer. Bible Study will be on hiatus until after Christmas.

On the horizon are the annual Stewardship Campaign and the Vestry Election. These vital annual events hold special meaning this year as our Bicentennial committee looks ahead to a 2023 celebration, and the Strategic Planning committee envisions a St. Stephen’s Parish that will grow as Oxford grows in the near future.

Please know that success from here on out depends on you, the Lay Order of the Parish, remaining open to the movement of the Holy Spirit. Contemplate, yes, then move into action. Whether it's raising $200,000 for the 200th year, welcoming 200 new members as a Bicentennial goal, or aiming to spend 200 minutes a week in prayer and spiritual practices, believe in the power of the Spirit and act accordingly.

Let Us Pray:

11. For the Parish (BCP, p. 817)

“Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for this parish family. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

In Christ,

Vincent+

Centering Prayer/Lectio Divina

Wednesdays at 5:00 PM

Centering Prayer/Lectio Divina is offered Wednesdays at 5:00 PM in the Parlor. All are welcome regardless of experience. Our study of The Cloud of Unknowing, translated by Carmen Acevedo Butcher (Shambhala, 2009), continues next Wednesday, November 2nd with Chapter 40.

Prayer List

PARISHIONERS:

† Mary Branch

† Cissie Bryan

Rives Hicks

† Kelly Holden

Lucy Landis Moore

† Dick Taylor

Jimmy Winston

NON-PARISHIONERS:

Lene Tarry Cash

Dale Hughes

Bert Kemp

Janelle Ramsey

Courtney Ruth

Betty Jo White

Marshal Wrenn

Prayers are requested for The Rev. Dr. Vincent Kopp, Rector

Request a Prayer

Lobster Sale

October 29th, 4:00-6:00PM

Don't forget to pick-up your pre-ordered lobsters this Saturday, October 29th, 4-6pm in the St. Stephen's parking lot. You can pay now at the Office or upon pick-up. Advance sales only.

Joint Worship with St. Cyprian's

October 30th, 11:00 AM

Join us this Sunday, October 30th at St. Cyprian's for a Joint Worship Service & Potluck Lunch afterwards. Main courses will be provided; please bring a side or dessert to share in this unique ministry of fellowship.

Weekly Happenings

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30

8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I (Sanctuary)

11:00 a.m. Joint Worship with St. Cyprian's & Potluck Meal (St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church)

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2

5:00 p.m. Centering Prayer / Lectio Divina (Parlor)

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3

8:30 a.m. Morning Prayer Rite I (Sanctuary)

6:00 p.m. Strategic Planning Meeting (Parish Hall)

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6 - ALL SAINTS' DAY

8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite I (Sanctuary)

9:15 a.m. Love is the Way Book Study (Parish Hall)

9:15 a.m. Children's Sunday School (Chapel/2nd Floor Classroom)

10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist Rite II (Sanctuary)

11:30 a.m. Coffee Hour (Parish Hall)

Monthly Calendar

Worship Volunteer Schedule

Love is the Way Book Study

September 18-November 20

Sundays at 9:15 AM

Our book study of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s book Love is the Way will pause this Sunday for the joint worship service at St. Cyprian's and resume next Sunday, November 6th from 9:15 AM to 10:00 AM in the Parish Hall.

Children's Sunday School

1st & 3rd Sundays, 9:15 AM

Jennifer and Joe Tartamella, and Tammy Howard are leading Sunday School. They are seeking at least one more volunteer to teach. Please contact them directly if you feel called to help. (Please note: An Intergenerational Advent Wreath Workshop is being planned for the First Sunday of Advent, November 27th.)

Lay Leadership Opportunities

While the Rector is on medical leave, members of the Lay Order of Ministry are asked to continue and lead all Adult Formation, Sunday School, Bible Study, and Centering Prayer activities. Please contact the Office to sign-up.

EYC Dinners Sign-Up

The EYC is seeking volunteers to prepare the meal for their monthly meeting. This is a great opportunity to spend some time with one of the best parts of St. Stephen's--our youth! Bring a simple meal and stay for some engaging conversation with the EYC! To volunteer, sign-up below. For questions, contact Tammy Howard at 919-270-0918.

Sign-Up

Thanksgiving Boxes

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and we are once again putting together Thanksgiving Boxes for the less fortunate senior adults in the community. If you would like to donate items, please sign-up at the link below, or contact Lydia Powell. Bring your items to the parish during office hours, Monday-Thursday, 9am - 4pm, no later than Sunday, November 13th.

Sign-Up

All Saints' Necrology

As is our custom, the names of those who departed earth for heaven in the past year will be read at the All Saints' services, this year on November 6th. Please submit the names of those you wish to publicly remember in the reading of the Necrology at the link below or call the Office by Wednesday, November 2nd.

Submit Names

Stewardship Campaign

A committee has been formed to roll out the next fiscal year’s Stewardship Campaign. The return of pledges is scheduled for the Offertory on the Second Sunday of December. Be thinking about how your gift will help St. Stephen’s thrive during its Bicentennial season.

Vestry Elections

All St. Stephen’s parishioners in good standing and who contribute to the ministry and mission of the Parish are asked to discern if Vestry service is another way to help lead St. Stephen’s into its next 200 years as a growing, thriving Beloved Community in Oxford. Nominations will be opening soon for a three-year term of service in the Class of 2025.