A Message from Fr. Gary
Advent > Christmas
In the middle of Advent waiting, how are you doing with the buzz of the season? I am doing well by setting time a side the first thing in the morning when the darkness is all around. It is time with the Lord. Hurrah! This is the only Banner issue in December.
Parties are starting at homes and organizations. Friday, December 18th from 6-7pm, the children and youth will gather for Carols and Cookies around the Christmas tree in the courtyard. Saturday, December 19th at 7:30pm is the annual Messiah concert at St. Stephen's. It will be my first. The next day, the Sunday School with the Youth Group will present the Christmas Pageant during coffee hour on the stage. Invite family and friends to share this joy. The Christmas Services schedule is below. Deadline for music and poinsettias donations has been extended - see below.
The week after Christmas, I will be away, but the Office will be open on Monday and Tuesday extended hours - from 9-5 - and then closed until January 4th.
Why celebrate Christmas? Why the drama and expectation? Why the December merchandising bubble? Why the perennial debate over the appropriateness of saying, "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays"? Or the insistent reminders to "Keep Christ in Christmas"?
Because on this day, God became man...and that changes everything.
On behalf of the wardens, vestry and staff I wish you all a blessed Christmas this year!
Gary+
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As
we prepare for the birth of our Lord Jesus, let us take some time to reflect on all the blessings bestowed on St. Stephen's in this last year.
- First and foremost, let us thank God for sending Fr. Gary Parker to us. After a difficult year, we are being reborn as a caring all-inclusive family, once again rejoicing in the Holy Spirit.
- Let us thank each other for committing ourselves, our Time, Talent and Treasure, to the glory of God and to the spread of His kingdom here in Port Washington and in the world.
- Let us give thanks for our dedicated staff; Sue, Rhonda, Erika, Raphael (not officially staff but a great asset) and Virginia.
- Let us remember those who serve on the Altar Guild especially Gail Grossman and Mary Meade who oversee and coordinate the members' efforts.
- Let us express our gratitude to those who are our Lectors, Crucifers, Acolytes, Eucharistic Ministers, Ushers, Welcomers, Counters and Coffee Hour Hosts.
- Let us give thanks for those members of our parish who represent us on our Vestry. We also thank our Clerk of the Vestry, Alan Dinn; our Treasurer, John Day and our accountant, Don Cavanaugh.
- Let us remember and thank God for our glorious choir, led by the fabulous Mark van Schenkhof, who praise the Lord with their musical offerings each week.
- Let us remember to be grateful for our Christian Formation teachers and youth leaders.
- Let us give thanks for those who strive to keep our buildings and grounds in good shape, making our facility pleasing to all who enter.
- Let us give thanks for those who volunteer in the Consignment Shop and Baby Supply Exchange, helping many in our community with their good works.
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Let us give thanks for those who help us to be in touch with one another and our community through the Banner, the weekly Service Bulletin, our parish directory, website, social media and publicity.
- Let us thank God for our families, especially our young people who bring so much joy to our lives and worship.
Finally, we thank all of you for your love and support. We do not operate in a vacuum but through the grace of God and with your prayerful guidance.
Blessings of the Advent season and our fervent wishes for a glorious Christmas.
In Christ's Name, Amen.
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The end of the year is getting closer. We have received 90% of the 2015 pledged amount. Please don't forget to fulfill your 2015 pledge by December 31st.
God Bless. T
he Stewardship Committee
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Deadline to Give Music and Poinsettias for Christmas is extended to 12/17!
Every year we decorate the church with gorgeous poinsettias. We also fill the Church with beautiful music. If you'd like to contribute, please fill in the form and drop off a check as noted. To ensure your memorial listing is included in the Christmas Eve bulletins, please get your forms to the office no later than Thursday, December 17th. Thank you!
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The Scripture Readings
For Sunday, December 13, 3rd Sunday in Advent,
the appointed readings are:
For next Sunday, December 20,
4th Sunday in Advent, the appointed readings are:
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Celebrating St. Stephen
Please join us to celebrate St. Stephen with a Festival Eucharist on Sunday, January 3rd.
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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, Steve, Karen, Susan, Kevin, Ian, Richard, Donna V., Lisa F., Deacon Betty and Bishop Michael Curry.
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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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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One of the highlights of the Christmas season at St. Stephen's is always the Choir's performance of Handel's Messiah. Here are the key dates and times.
Rehearsals:
Thu. Dec. 10, & Wed. Dec. 16 from 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Dress Rehearsal with Orchestra:
Saturday, December 19, 3:30 - 5:30 PM
Performance:
Saturday, December 19, 7:30 PM
Community Concert at Hempstead House:
Sunday, January 10, 2:00 PM
(The Choir will need to be there at 1:15 PM)
Thank you for making such beautiful music.
Mark van Schenkhof
Music Director
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| Children & Youth Group Corner |
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The Youth Group has been very busy!!!
We've raised an amazing $235 towards the St. Stephen's repair fund with a pumpkin fair fundraiser, participated in the All Saints skit, and collected and delivered 36 bags of food to Our Lady of Fatima's Thanksgiving food bank.
THANKS TO YOU, St Stephen's provided a huge amount of food.
It was a great experience for our youth to help fill baskets at Our Lady of Fatima for people in need right here in our neighborhood.
Thanks to Eva, Cathy, Jennifer, Megan, Chris, Lela, Lian, Eleanor and Nick, who were there to lend a hand.
This year is NOT over yet!!!
Saturday night Dec. 12th the Sunday School and Youth group will get together and bake Christmas cookies in the parish hall from 5:30-7PM
LOTS OF FUN!
Friday night Dec.18th, please join the children and the youth around the beautiful Christmas tree in the courtyard for Carols and Cookies from 6-7PM. We will sing Christmas carols followed by delicious cookies and hot chocolate. EVERYONE IS WELCOME, BRING YOUR FRIENDS.
And last but not least, we are starting rehearsals for the Christmas pageant. The children are so excited, you could see the gleam in their eyes. Its such a wonderful time of year. The pageant will be Sun. Dec 20th, during coffee hour, afterwards there will be a visit by a very special guest, along with a birthday cake for Jesus.
We wish everyone a blessed Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year!!
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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The Consignment Shop is Buzzing!
We had a very successful Fair Day at the Shop, and the traffic has continued to build with our special $1 Sale on selected items. We're drawing new customers and consignors every day.
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 |
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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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