08-21-2014
ECONNECTED
A weekly newsletter to keep you informed.

CURRENT & UPCOMING EVENTS

A SABBATICAL REPORT FROM PASOR GEOFF

Click here for an update from Pastor Geoff's time away on sabbatical.  Printed versions are also available on the information tables of the church. We look forward to welcoming Pastor Geoff and Becca on this weekend!

 

UNCOMMON GROUNDS WORK DAY

On Sat., Aug. 23, 9am-4pm, we'll work together to build rooms for the folks at Uncommon Grounds Caf� in Aliquippa. If you're able to bring gloves, goggles, saws, etc., it would be greatly appreciated. Meet in church parking lot at 8:30am. For more info contact Scott Branderhorst

 

FINAL READING OF "THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE"

Children are invited to listen to this beloved classic by C.S. Lewis, read aloud at 10:15 am. This Sunday Aug., 24 will be the final reading held in the Library.

 

FLUTE RECITAL AT MASONIC VILLAGE 

Flautist Nancy Ruffer and pianist Kelly Nan will give a recital in the clubhouse at Masonic Village on Tues. Aug., 26 at 7pm.  Nancy is originally from Pittsburgh, but now resides in London where she teaches and performs. Nancy will also play for the 9 am service this Sunday.  

 

COMBINED SERVICE AND LABOR DAY PICNIC

Sun., Aug. 31, at 10:30am will be a combined worship service (all other regular services cancelled Labor Day weekend), followed by a picnic in the lawn with activities for the kids. Drinks & burgers will be provided; please bring a salad, side dish or desert to share.

 

BELL CHOIR

Rehearsals begin Sept. 2 at 5:30pm in Promise Land.  If you're interested in joining this fun group of musicians please contact Kelly Nan at 412-741-1790.

  

SIGN LANGUAGE CHOIR 

We are looking for teens and adults who are interested in participating in a sign language choir. With the help of Nella Matthews and Laurel Echavarria we will develop a choir that will praise God using music and sign language. Rehearsals begin Thurs. Sept., 4 at 5:45pm. No sign language experience required. If interested please contact Kelly Nan.

 

ST. STEPHEN'S CHILDREN'S CHOIR

Rehearsals begin Tues. Sept., 9 from 4:30-5:15pm in the choir room. Open to ages 6-11. The Children's choir performs monthly at the 9am service during the school year. Contact Kelly Nan at the church with questions.

 

COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY BEGINS SEPTEMBER 11!

Register now for the 2014-2015 class study of the Gospel of Luke. CBS runs through mid-May, meeting every Thursday from 9:15 to 11:15 am in Grace Commons. We welcome women of all ages, denominations and knowledge levels, and feature an excellent children's program! Registration forms available at the information tables. Call Susie Chimera at 412-299-6657 to learn more.

  

MEMBERSHIP CLASS

Class will be held Sat., Sept. 20, 8:30am to noon in the church lobby. Contact Lauren Scharf or call the church to register.

 

SUNDAY NIGHT EVENSONG IS COMING!

Evensong is coming back this fall on Sunday nights from 6 -7pm in the Sanctuary. The evenings will include a candlelit service, worshipful singing, prayer, and teaching. More details to come!

 

KEITH & KRISTYN GETTY CONCERT TICKETS AVAILABLE THIS WEEK!!

The Getty concert is Oct. 1 at 7pm in Grace Commons. Tickets are $25 each or 10 for $200, and are available to purchase between services, in the bookstore, at the receptionist's desk during the week and online here.

 

CHRISTIAN FAITH & SAME-SEX ATTRACTION CONFERENCE

This conference about finding paths to ministry is held at Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge on Oct. 10 to11. For more info & to register, click here.

  

CELEBRATE BY DONATING A CROSS

As part of St. Stephen's 150th Celebration, we are creating a display of crosses along the lobby bulkhead. We are asking individuals and families to donate (now through mid-September) a cross, to be permanently hung for display. You could also give a croos in honor or in memory of someone. Please pick up a form on the information tables with cross specifications.  Please contact the church with any questions.

 

TODD MURDEN

Please join us in welcoming Todd who has joined the Youth Ministry Team with Laura Zimmerman and Doug Raeder in working with Middle School and High School Students. Todd most recently graduated from Trinity School for Ministry with his Master's in Divinity. He and his wife Becca reside in Sewickley. We are very excited to welcome Todd to our staff!

 

THE BOOK CORNER HAS A NEW LOOK!

Come peruse a new book in a comfortable chair or snuggle with your little ones in our Children's Corner on a bean bag built for two. We are now accepting all major credit cards and will happily order your small group materials for you. Remember, all proceeds from the Book Corner are used to help those in need through our People Helpers Ministry!

 

SIDEBYSIDE THANKS YOU!

Thanks to your generosity, we served 57 mothers who shopped for 127 children at our BacktoSchool Boutique this week.  The moms were overwhelmed with the selection and quality of the clothing and supplies we were able to provide for them and went home not only with full shopping bags, but also with a more full picture of the love of Christ for them.  We are so grateful for all those who contributed; we could not serve our moms without your partnership. 

  

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT CHRISTY HOUSE

The Christy House volunteers want YOU! Come enjoy the fellowship while serving our Lord! Are you a waitress or a dishwasher? Do you love to bake cookies? Email Cheryl Epperson or call 412-264-5979 to get involved!

 

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR SIDEBYSDE BOUTIQUE

Open Mondays 6:30-8pm and Fridays 8:30-11:00am. Volunteers are scheduled monthly for a shift they prefer. The boutique is a wonderful way to show the love of God in tangible ways to those in need. For more info, contact Marilyn Mulvihill.


EARTHLY TREASURES - DONATIONS NEEDED

Earthly Treasures is looking for donations of household articles such as dishes, glassware, home d�cor, etc. in nice condition. Please leave items in the Christy House at the doors of Earthly Treasures.  All proceeds are a gift to various ministries and missions particularly those involving the needs of women and children.

 

ONLINE GIVING AVAILABLE

If you would be interested in giving online, please visit the "Online Giving" page of our church website. Click here for a direct link!  You have the ability to give safe and secure one time gifts, set up reoccurring gifts, schedule a future gift and view your giving history.  If you have any questions, please contact our Finance Director, Stephanie DeSimone.

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

AFTER SCHOOL KIDS COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY NOW REGISTERING FOR FALL!

After School Kids (A.S.K.) has opened registration for our 2014 Fall Semester when we will be studying "Chosen to be a Leader (1 & 2 Samuel)". The fall term will begin on Sept. 8 and run through Nov. 24, meeting Mondays from 3:45 - 5:30 p.m. at St. Stephen's Church. A.S.K is part of the Student Branch of Community Bible Study, an inter-denominational Bible study ministry. Elementary aged children, grades K-5, of all denominations and knowledge levels are welcome. Brochures and registration forms are available at the St. Stephen's information tables and at sewickleyask.cbsclass.org. If you would like to learn more, you can call Nancy Turk, Teaching Director, 412-417-7886 or email here.

 

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY DONATION SUNDAY

Have you ever wondered how many boxes of Goldfish crackers it takes to feed a children's Ministry program for a year?! Here's your chance to find out! On Aug. 24 & 31 we're collecting supplies for the school year of Children's Ministry and asking for donations of Kleenex, glue sticks, Cheerios and the ever popular Goldfish. See our table to get your "ticket" to donate.

 

REGISTRATION FOR CHILDREN'S MINISTRY

If you have a child age 0 through 5th grade, register your child at the Children's Ministry table Sun. Aug 24 and 31 for a new year of programs, or visit the Children's Ministry page at www.ststephenschurch.net.

 

ADULT EDUCATION 

(Adult-Ed is offered Sunday Mornings from 10:15-11:15 am) * Please note, throughout the summer months there is no childcare or children's classes during the 10:15 am hour.

 

1 & 2 SAMUEL STUDY - Class NOT meeting in August. Study resumes after Labor Day.

SIDE BY SIDE - SINGLE MOM'S MINISTRY

The Boutique remains open throughout the summer, except on holidays.  Hours are Monday evenings from 6:30 - 8:30 pm and Friday mornings from 9:30 - 11 am.

MEN'S MINISTRY

MEN'S BASKETBALL

All men 18 & up are invited to play basketball n the church parking lot, Thursday nights from 6:30 - 8pm.

 

MEN'S MORNING BIBLE STUDIES

Have you considered joining a morning Bible Study?  We offer three - Friday's studying the New Testament, Saturday's the Apostle John, and Monday's the book of Joshua.  Contact the church for more details!

WOMEN'S MINISTRY

MOMMY MEET-UP

Join us for our first meeting of the Fall when Hope Diggins presents "How to Raise Kids with Character."  We meet in the Henning House beginning at 9:30am.  Mommy Meet-up is a group for moms of young children. Any questions, please contact Amy Kelly and like

us on Facebook!

 

BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS

Are you struggling with the impact of relationship that is or was broken?  From spouses, to friends, to family members, recovering from relationships that have ended is a long and difficult process.  Join us on Wednesday September 10 as Ginger Stage, licensed psychologist and SSC member, helps us heal from the impact of broken relationships. Topics to be covered include:  the nature of the grieving process and how to navigate it well;  questions that plague or promote growth; putting loss to good use; learning how to trust again, and a God who loves -really? The evening begins with dinner at 6 in the Christy House.  Please register by calling the church or email [email protected] before Sept. 5. 

 

WOMEN'S KICKOFF EVENT WITH SARAH BRAY

All women of the church are invited to join us for the Annual Fall Kickoff Event at 9:30am on Sat. Sept., 13 in Grace Commons.  God called Sarah to leave her home and her job and to trust in Him alone for provision.  Come listen to her story of obedience as she shares lessons learned from her year of homelessness.  The morning includes breakfast. There is no charge, but registration is required.  Look for our table after the service on Aug. 31 and Sept. 7 or call the church office.  Seating will be assigned this year so feel free to register as an individual or with others.

 

TUESDAY BIBLE STUDY

Our summer study meets for the final week on Aug. 26.  Look for the Fall Study on the Life of David to begin Sept. 9.  We meet at 10:30am in the Lecture Hall. Each week stands on its own, so come when you are able.  Newcomers always welcome

 

EMBRACING PURPOSE

Do you want to find, love and live your purpose?  To discover and then live out the life God has called you to?  Then join us on Wednesday nights this fall for our new class "Embracing Purpose."  Registration opens Aug. 31 Look for our table after the service, as well as on Sept. 7 and 14.  You must pre-register by September 14 to take this class.  There is a charge; scholarships available.  Classes begin Sept. 17.  Class time is 7-8:30pm.

 

BETH MOORE - CHILDREN OF THE DAY

Join us on Wednesday nights this fall as we work our way through "Children of the Day", Beth Moore's newest study on 1and 2 Thessalonians.  Classes begin Sept. 17.  Registration opens August 31 - look for our table after the service and on Sept.7 and 14. You must pre-register by Sept. 14 to take this class. There is a workbook charge of $18, payable at the time of registration.  Scholarships available.  Class time is 7 -8:30pm.

 

THURSDAY DINNER GROUP RETURNS SEPTEMBER 11

Are you a woman on your own?  Of any age or station in life?  Then Thursday Dinner Group is for you!  TDG welcomes all single women to join us for a monthly evening of dinner, fellowship and teaching.  This year, our theme is "The God of All Comfort and Strength - Lessons from the Psalms."  We provide a delicious home cooked  dinner ($3 charge) beginning at 6pm with seating at friendly and welcoming community tables followed by a teaching time at 7pm.  Our speakers for September are Molly Henning and Peggy Noll.  Reservations are required by Sept. 8.  To register, call the church or Julie (412-741-4448) or email [email protected]. 

 

**Please contact Julie McCormick with questions for any women's classes offered above.

WEEKLY SCRIPTURE LESSON - Isaiah 51:1-6
   "Hearken to me, you who pursue deliverance,
    you who seek the Lord;
look to the rock from which you were hewn,
    and to the quarry from which you were digged.
 Look to Abraham your father
    and to Sarah who bore you;
for when he was but one I called him,
    and I blessed him and made him many.
 For the Lord will comfort Zion;
    he will comfort all her waste places,
and will make her wilderness like Eden,
    her desert like the garden of the Lord;
joy and gladness will be found in her,
    thanksgiving and the voice of song.
 "Listen to me, my people,
    and give ear to me, my nation;
for a law will go forth from me,
    and my justice for a light to the peoples.
 My deliverance draws near speedily,
    my salvation has gone forth,
    and my arms will rule the peoples;
the coastlands wait for me,
    and for my arm they hope.
 Lift up your eyes to the heavens,
    and look at the earth beneath;
for the heavens will vanish like smoke,
    the earth will wear out like a garment,
    and they who dwell in it will die like gnats;[a]
but my salvation will be for ever,
    and my deliverance will never be ended.
  
  
WORSHIP SERVICE
THE ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

 

6:00 PM - SATURDAY
Grace Commons - Communion
Bill Henry - Associate Pastor
  
7:45 AM - SUNDAY
Sanctuary - Communion
Bill Henry - Associate Pastor
9:00 AM - SUNDAY
Sanctuary - Communion
Bill Henry - Associate Pastor
  
11:15 AM - SUNDAY
Grace Commons - Communion
Bill Henry- Associate Pastor
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405 Frederick Avenue, Sewickley, PA 15143 - 412-741-1790