March 3rd, 2016
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A Message from Fr. Gary
LENT - HOLY WEEK - EASTER
In a four-week timeframe, March has Lent, Holy Week and Easter in a rich and spiritual path. Last Saturday, February 27th, the Vestry met at the church all day discerning where St. Stephen's Church was and is now. One member said, "It was a good retreat; NO, a GREAT retreat." Throughout 2016, the parish will hear more about it and participate where we are now, looking forward.
Lent has two Sundays to go, with the return of the Prodigal Son and "you always have the poor with you, but not me." Wrapping up the Wednesday Lenten Program, looking at the cycle of grace through the seasons of the church, Easter and Pentecost with soup and discussion will happen.
Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, March 20th. The Holy Week schedule is in this issue. Please try to attend as many of the service opportunities as you can. It is such a great journey with others. There is a special service on Wednesday of Holy Week at 7:30pm, Tenebrae - Service of Shadows. The service marks Jesus' journey to Golgotha and allows for extended meditations through music, proclamation of the Word in scriptures, as well as, increasing darkness and silent reflections. Bring friends with your family members to this unique service and to many of the offerings this month.
Yours in the Risen Christ,
Gary+
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Wardens' Corner
Our new Vestry met for the first time on February 23, and welcomed new members E
lisa Delaney, Melissa Murphy, Jamie Pines and Jonathan Shields, and new Warden John Longmire. The Vestry plans to focus its efforts this year on, among other things, managing St. Stephen's finances, maintaining our facilities, expanding our outreach to and beyond the Port Washington community, and helping to guide our church through the next phases of our transition under Fr. Gary's leadership.
On February 27, the Vestry held its annual Quiet Day. The day included spiritual reflection, lively discussion and renewed commitment to the work of our church.
There are many new outreach activities underway at St. Stephen's. Recently, the Youth Group fed Habitat for Humanity workers on Long Island. To further support that worthy organization, this week St. Stephen's will donate several thousand dollars worth of roofing materials to support Habitat for Humanity projects.
Our
Lenten Soup and Study program continues on Wednesdays throughout Lent, and we encourage you to attend.
Blessings,
John and Einar
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Episcopal Ministries of Long Island -
2016 Annual Appeal
The Annual Appeal enables Episcopal Ministries to fund ministries throughout our diocese that are sustaining lives and strengthening communities.
The Episcopal Ministries Annual Appeal nurtures a network of hope that extends
throughout the Diocese of Long Island.
Annual Appeal brochures and envelopes were distributed at last Sunday's service and will be available from the Ushers this Sunday. Please use the Annual Appeal envelope for you donation at the special collection on March 6. Alternatively, you can visit this link to find out more and donate:
Your contributions support work being done by Episcopal parishes and partner
organizations in mentoring and educating young people, feeding the hungry, caring
for seniors, working for justice and dealing with emerging needs caused by
unpredictable events such as hurricanes and sudden shifts in population.
As Bishop Provenzano has said, the appeal is a gift not only to our neighbors, but to
ourselves, for it draws us together in common mission and common concern.
Last year the Episcopal Ministries Annual Appeal contributed more than $400,000
to parish-based programs, partner organizations and Camp DeWolfe. This year, we
want to do better, and we're counting on you to help. Please consider making a gift today. Thank you.
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| Lilies and Music for Easter 
Each year at St. Stephen's as we celebrate Easter, we decorate our church with beautiful lilies and worship with joyous music. Please consider making a special donation in support of these traditions, in remembrance, as a family memorial or in thanksgiving. Your gift will be graciously appreciated and a listing of memorial and donors will appear in the Easter bulletin. You can print out the donation forms for Easter Lilies and the Music Fund here: Easter Lilies & Music Forms, or you can pick up a copy of the forms at the Church on Sunday, or from the Office during the week. Please return all completed forms to the Parish Office by Monday, March 14. Thank you. |
| The Lenten Program
The Wednesday Soup & Study Lenten Program continues for two more sessions: March 9 and March 16. We will be gathering at the Rectory for a soup and salad supper at 6pm and continue our discussion of the Cycle of Grace from 7 to 8pm, discussing the Church season biblically and spiritually with Bible readings and reflection. The last two weeks cover Easter and Pentecost. Each evening is stand- alone, so no need to worry if you've missed up till now. Join us, and bring a friend.
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St. Stephen's Youth Ministry
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| Valentine cards for loved ones |
The kids in
Sunday School showed their love for their families and friends by making Valentine Cards.
They all have such a great time together. If you are interested in becoming a
Sunday School teacher, please don't hesitate, contact Rhonda at
[email protected]
The Youth Group has done such a GREAT job this past month!!!
On Sat. Feb 6th, the Youth Group, along with Girl Scout Troop 411, supplied lunch for the volunteer workers for Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that helps break the cycle of poverty by giving families a chance to own a home. We met at a warehouse in Freeport, where the volunteer workers were building the frame of a house that would eventually be put up in Roosevelt. It was such a wonderful learning experience and a great community service project. The workers really appreciated the lunch we provided. It was quite a bit of food. Thanks to everyone who donated.
WAY TO GO YOUTH GROUP!!
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Bringing Lunch to Habitat for Humanity workers in Freeport
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Feb 7th, Super Bowl
Sunday, the Youth Group held their annual "Super Bowl Chili Fundraiser," see below, during coffee hour. They sold hot dogs, sandwiches, cornbread and of course, chili. They raised a whopping $261! Thanks to everyone who stopped by to have a bite to eat.
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| Super Bowl Chili Fundraiser |
These funds will go towards registration for Helen' s Walk on
Sunday April 17th.
If you are interested in joining us for the walk, please contact
Rhonda, so we can form a St. Stephen's team!! Registration includes a free T Shirt if I get the paperwork in by
March 25th.
- Registration fees are $25.00 for adults and $15.00 for 18 and under. Visit Helen's walk/run for registration forms or take one from the Youth Group bulletin board in the Parish Hall.
Last but not least, there was the "All You Can Eat Pancake Dinner" for Shrove Tuesday on Feb 9th. Thanks so much to IHOP on Northern Boulevard, who donated the pancake batter and syrup. There were PLENTY of delicious pancakes, bacon and sausage. Thanks to Erika, Rafael and Chris Fay who were there to help. A special thanks to all of you who came and for your very generous donations. It was very nice and filling evening.
As we approach Easter, there are a few things to mark on your calendar.
The Passion Play will take place during the service on Palm
Sunday, March 20th. Rehearsals will be in the church from 11:30-12:30 on
Sundays March 6th and 13th. Don't be shy - if you are interested in a part, please contact Rhonda, there is always room for more.
The
Sunday School will go to church for the first part of the service with their families on Palm
Sunday, then leave with the
Sunday school teachers after the Passion play to color Easter eggs and such. It's always so much FUN.
After the 9am Service on Easter
Sunday, March 27th, there will be the annual "Easter Egg Hunt" followed by a visit with a special furry friend.
Please help fill Our Lady of Fatima's Food Bank. There are baskets located at either entrance of the church for your non-perishable food items. Thanks so much for your donation in advance. They really need our help this time of year.
LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
HAVE A PEACEFUL HOLIDAY
Rhonda Fay
Children and Youth Minister of St Stephen's Church, Port Washington
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Spring is Coming to the Consignment Shop
We urgently need any able-bodied volunteers to help us change over to spring merchandise on MONDAY MARCH 14TH from 10 to 4.
We remove all winter items, organize, clean and display the new fresh spring goods.
Email Virginia at [email protected] or just show up and join the fun! Thank you.
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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, Kevin, Ian, Richard, Donna V., Lisa F., Deacon Betty, Elizabeth, Fred, Brian, Kitty, Justin, Tony, Mary M. and Beatrice.
For the departed:
Karen Travis, wife of former Curate Carroll Travis and mother of Fr. Rob Travis.
Please contact the Parish Office if you would like to include someone on the Parish prayer list.
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Calendar
Wednesday, Mar 9, 6-8pm:
Lenten Program, at the Rectory.
Sunday, Mar 13:
Spring Forward!
Tuesday, Mar 15, 8pm:
Vestry Meeting, St. Cecilia Room.
Wednesday, Mar 16, 6-8pm:
Lenten Program, at the Rectory.
Sunday Mar 20 - Palm Sunday:
Procession into Church at 9:45am and Passion Play at 10am Eucharist.
Holy Week and Easter:
See Schedule of Services above
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Worship Ministry Schedule
The latest schedule is here. Please contact a fellow participant in your ministry to switch weeks if you are unable to serve. Thank you.
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Coffee Hour Schedule
For the latest schedule please click
here. If you are not available for your scheduled Sunday, please contact another parishioner to substitute or
Sue Massingill. Thank you.
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The Scripture Readings
The Scripture readings for the month of March can be found here.
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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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For the latest news and events around the Diocese of Long Island, please visit
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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