Banner Update: Please note that the deadline for submissions to the Banner will now be the first MONDAY of every month. If you would like to send in items for the Banner, please send to [email protected]. The Banner will now be emailed the first Thursday of each month. Thank you, and Happy New Year!
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A Message from Fr. Gary
Fun in Epiphany
The 2016 ministry plan (budget) footprint was gathered through our stewardship campaign, chaired by Roopali John. At the time of this writing it is a little short of what we need to meet our mission. Hopefully, it will be up to where it needs to be and beyond in these hard times with great needs. In the midst of many events the nominating committee has presented a slate of willing members to serve as warden and vestry persons for St. Stephen's. Their report is in this issue.
Are we having fun? We are here to have fun. Some parishioners say, "Please define fun." It is about ironies, paradoxes and balances. After a full year with you, here are a few thoughts about the fun among us.
You expect our church to be a place of health and healing, an oasis in the midst of the demands and stresses of daily life. Yet some people experience great pain in church--pain that robs them of the comfort their faith could give them. Burnout is one kind of pain that goes against the very promise of our congregational life.
All systems that rely on the labor of individuals, if left to themselves, will encourage burnout. These systems have goals and leaders dedicated to meeting those goals. The volunteers easily become the means to an end; that end is the accomplishment of goals. In our church, the goals are often lofty and energizing--rich and celebratory worship services, stimulating education, outreach to people who are poor and in need, care and concern for children and youth. St. Stephen's has to keep a strong focus on its goals in order for the congregation as a whole to be healthy. Meeting those goals requires labor. The congregational system needs to get people working and keep them at it.
For some volunteers, their unpaid service is life giving. For others, their service is one more frantic commitment that keeps them rushing in the fast lane and robs them of the life/ joy they might otherwise receive in St. Stephen's. What makes the difference?
"Are we having fun?" I am here to have fun with all of us. I often say this and mean it. We have to watch for holy moments. We have to hold in tension three truths:
- Many people in many churches are infected with "hurry sickness" that is epidemic in the 21st century. We need to encourage them to find a healthier rhythm as they live in time and they need encouragement to notice holy moments.
- In order for St. Stephen's to be a place of rest and refreshment lots of things have to be done by lots of people. We need volunteers to enable the church to be what it is designed to be.
- Some people will find joy and meaning. Others will be pushed by their serving to a place that is not healthy or life-giving, and their negative experience will probably spill over into their faith outside of the congregation as well.
Some burnout seems to be inevitable. Burnout can enable us to reshape our priorities and have a fresh start. Is it fun? As your priest for this transition period, my focus is on fun: our balance between serving and burnout. To check our fun quotient the church leadership and I monitor the healthiness and joy of our church family. A mark of a healthy St. Stephen's is we are encouraged to rejoice that God can work in our lives in all situations. FUN/Balance is so pertinent to our being in these times of ironies and paradoxes.
To the out-going warden, Donna Blankman, and Matt Bendix, John Longmire, Justin Newby, Larry Schwirzbin--vestry, you brought us to the healing and ministry we are at NOW. Thanks be to God!!!
Wishing you blessed fun,
Gary+
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Warden's Corner and Vestry Nominating Report
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| St. Stephen's Messiah Concert 2015 |
Belated Happy New Year to all. We trust you had a very Merry Christmas.
A huge thank you to all who were involved in the Christmas Pageant. It was beautiful and a special way to usher in the week of Christmas.
Another thank you to all who contributed to the Music Fund and to the Poinsettias which graced the Chancel and made a lovely setting for our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services.
A very special thank you to Mark and the Choir for the Messiah concert and all the glorious music for the celebration of our Savior's birth. We at St. Stephen's are especially blessed by the talent in our choir and our excellent Director of Music.
Finally, some business: The St. Stephen's Nominating Committee has met several times and is pleased to announce the nominees for Vestry, 3 year terms:
Elisa Delaney
James Pines
Jonathan Shields
The Committee also nominates for Warden, 2 year term:
John Longmire
In addition, to fill John Longmire's unexpired term of 1 (one) year, the Committee nominates:
Melissa Murphy
Photos of all nominees and brief biographies are available in the Banner and on-line at
www.ststephenspw.org
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The election will take place at the Annual Meeting on January 31, 2016.
We thank these parishioners who have agreed to serve as our representatives on the Vestry, giving of their Time, Talent and Treasure for the spread of God's kingdom here in Port Washington and in the world.
Donna and Einar
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Vestry Nominees
Elisa Delaney
Elisa Delaney discovered St. Stephen's Church shortly after moving to Port Washington in the summer of 2013. She was quickly drawn in by the warm community of members and fantastic music. Elisa has volunteered at the Fair for the past two years and also serves as a Lector and at Coffee Hour. Officially received into The Episcopal Church this past autumn, Elisa looks forward to contributing in a meaningful way as a member of the Vestry. A career Executive Assistant for various investment companies located in Manhattan and Greenwich, Elisa has worked at Blackstone for the past nine years, first in Private Equity and now with the GSO Capital division. Elisa's other volunteer pursuits include service at The Cow Neck Historical Society, as a mentor with Year Up, and as past President of the St. Francis Preparatory School's Mothers Guild. Elisa attended Queens College (CUNY) and lives in nearby Dolphin Green with her daughter and their pets.
Jamie Pines 
Jamie is a native of Port Washington and a long time member of St. Stephen's. He is a graduate of Schreiber High School and holds a Bachelor of Arts from East Carolina University and an MBA from New York Institute of Technology. He is currently employed at Queens College as an Assistant Bursar.
He is the father of Lela and Lian and husband to Jennifer. He is a former Choir member and Vestry member (Co-chair of the B&G committee), participant in the lawn mowing and handyman activities
.
Jonathan Shields
Born and raised in
 Port Washington, where he currently resides with his wife and
two young children, Jonathan has been a member of St. Stephen's for over 40 years. In that time, he uniquely has experienced all facets of St. Stephen's - from its
Sunday
school and Youth Group programs to weddings, Baptis
ms and the Beachside Lobster Bake hosted by Jonathan and his brother annually.
A graduate of Schreiber High School ('92) and Lafayette University ('96), Jonathan currently is the U.S. Director of Business Development of a multi-national, publicly-traded technology company with more than 20 years of experience.
Please introduce yourselves to Jonathan if you have not done so already - he usually can be found chasing his children around the church, nursery and at coffee hour.
Melissa Murphy
Melissa has been a member of St. Stephen's Church since she and her husband Gregory moved to Port Washington from Chicago in the late 80's. A recipient of B.A. and MBA degrees, Melissa has had a career in advertising with various agencies in Manhattan, while raising two children here. Erin and Maxwell both attended Sunday School regularly and have become confirmed Episcopalians.
She has served on the Vestry once before in the 90s, and has been a Lay Eucharistic Minister for approximately twelve years.
She has been an active volunteer in parish activities including recently serving as an advisor to the St. Stephen's Consignment Shop, helping to manage the parish's Facebook presence, Banner e-newsletter, and other publicity efforts. St. Stephen's has been an important and meaningful part of her life in Port Washington, for which she is very grateful. She is happy to be able to contribute her time to the parish once again on the Vestry.
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The Scripture Readings
For the scripture readings for the month of January please visit this link: Scripture Readings
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For Our Prayers
For the sick: Dick & Jean, Virginia, Peter, Carol, Jo, Tom, Ann, Gerry, June, Nancy, Julia Motch, Monica, Carol, Darlene, Jeanne, Steve & Debbie, Dianne, Lucyanne, Valerie, Linda, Nancy, Frank, Edith, Sue, Christian, Nina, Shirlee, Karen, Susan, Kevin, Ian, Richard, Donna V., Lisa F., and Deacon Betty
In thanksgiving for Matthew William, born January 5th, 2016.
To have someone entered onto our Prayer List please send an e-mail with the person's name and the requester's name to: [email protected]. Your prayer request will be included for four weeks - please submit another request if you wish to have prayers continue after this time.
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Ministry Schedule
The latest schedule for the 1st Quarter for Acolytes, Lay Readers and Eucharistic Ministers can be found by clicking
schedule
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Coffee Hour Schedule
The latest schedule is
here. Coffee Hour in the Parish Hall after the 10:00 service is an important part of our fellowship at St. Stephen's.
If you'd like to be added to the rotating schedule, please contact Susan Massingill at
[email protected] or 917-710-6971.
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January
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Sunday 10th,
2:00pm
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Winter Choral Concert at Hempstead House, Sands Point Reservation.
The annual Winter Choral Concert of liturgical and holiday music, featuring our own St. Stephen's Church Choir. Admission is $10 per car or Free with Sands Point Preserve Membership Pass. Hempstead House is located at 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point, New York 11050. For information, call 516-571-7901
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Sunday 17th,
during Coffee Hour
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Sunday School & Youth Group Teachers' Workshop with Fr. Gary.
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Monday 18th,
Martin Luther King Day
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Church Office is closed.
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Tuesday 19th,
8:00pm
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January Vestry Meeting, St. Cecilia Room.
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Saturday 30th,
6:00-7:30pm
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St. Stephen's "Winter Fun Family Game Night" in the Parish Hall. Hosted by the Youth group.
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Sunday 31st,
following 10:00 am
Eucharist
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Annual Parish Meeting and Vestry Elections, Parish Hall.
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February
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Monday 1st
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Deadline for Banner submissions
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Thursday 4th
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February Banner published.
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Saturday 6th,
11:30-1:00pm
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Youth Group outreach project: Providing lunch to
Habitat For Humanity volunteers.
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Sunday 7th,
during Coffee Hour
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Youth Group Super Bowl Chili Fundraiser.
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| Children & Youth Group Corner |
MANY THANKS to all the children and youth who did such an amazing job in the Christmas Pageant. You ALL have made St. Stephens very proud. A very special thanks to Ruth Ann for the music, Robin for baking, Jennifer for the great pictures, and to all the teachers and parents who helped.
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| Christmas Eve Service 2015 |
The Sunday School and Youth Group are starting 2016 out with a bang!!!
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS
On Saturday evening, January 30th, the Youth group will be hosting St Stephen's very first "Winter Fun Family Game Night" from 6-7:30PM.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME
BRING YOUR FRIENDS
LOTS OF FUN!!!
There will be video games, bouncy castle, ping pong, old fashioned board games and much more. Nominal donations would be appreciated, If you would like to help with game night, please contact
[email protected]
On Saturday, February 6th, from 11:30 - 1PM, the Youth group will be feeding the workers with
Habitat For Humanity. They are building a house in Roosevelt, Long Island and we will be feeding them lunch to show our appreciation for all they do. Transportation will be provided.
We are very much looking forward to this wonderful outreach experience.
If you would like to donate food for 12-14 workers, please contact
[email protected]
Best Wishes for a Healthy New Year
Look forward to seeing you this Sunday at 10AM.
Rhonda Fay
Children and Youth Minister
Please view the
calendar below Sunday School and Youth Group activities, quarterly Family Services and field trips.
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Consignment Shop News
The Shop is open after our Christmas and New Year's break. We have many new consignors and customers coming in. There is a need for affordable winter coats and sweaters now.
We are going to repeat our very successful $1 sale on selected items on January 14 and 16, from 10am to 4pm. Stop by and pick up a great deal!
We believe that we are fulfilling a real mission in the community for those in need and those who want to help the church and the planet by re-purposing gently used goods.
It's very satisfying to be a part of this mostly volunteer endeavor, that helps so many.
Speaking of volunteers
...Can you lend a hand? We need additional help, particularly on Saturdays, if even for a few hours. Youth Group volunteers looking to earn community service hours are very welcome. Please email me if you're able to donate some time. We need you, and all are welcome!
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Please feel free to contact:
St. Stephen's Church Office Hours are: Monday to Thursday, 10am-1pm |
| Around the Diocese To find out about what is happening  in the Diocese of Long Island click here. |
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St. Stephen's Church
9 Carlton Avenue | Port Washington, New York 11050
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An Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Long Island
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