Beloved Community,
I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
"We are going to develop a tolerance for risk and for failure."
What do these two statements have in common? Both were mentioned by Bishop Hughes at this week's Clergy Conference.
How are they connected? The first (Isaiah 43:19) is a divine Truth. God is always making a new things. One of my favorite Bishop Hughes-isms is "God, the great recycler," a term she uses when talking about how God works in and through us, even in the worst of times to bring new life.
The second is something she said to us today, when we were talking about what these past 20 months have been and done, which is, actually, not all bad. Living in a global pandemic and then, for some of us, at least, through a major flood, has meant we have to do things differently because the old, familiar, comfortable ways are no longer possible. Like it or not, we are changed and there's no going back.
Moving forward in times like this is what I often call, "those opportunities wrapped up in challenges." We get to choose to either dwell in the loss and the frustration or to move forward with hope and trust in God. I am so grateful that our usual way of responding is to choose to move forward with hope and trust in God.
We were quick to respond to COVID, barely missing a beat as we moved online and made the best use we could of the technology. You may or may not know that we actually re-connected with people we'd lost touch with before the pandemic, for any number of reasons. We've had people join the parish since the pandemic. A couple of people have left, which is sad but also a part of being a vibrant, dynamic community. By the beginning of January, we will have baptized more than four times the number of babies and toddlers than in the year before COVID. We've tried some things that have worked consistently, some things that worked for a time, and some things that really didn't work at all.
COVID has insisted that we move beyond our comfort zone, taking risks that we may not have taken otherwise. We've demonstrated a willingness and nimbleness to continue to live our faith despite the obstacles in our path. And we've done a pretty good job forgiving ourselves when things haven't gone as planned and using what we've learned to try something new. These things, too, are indications that we are a vibrant and dynamic community of faith.
I share this with you today because we are winding down our liturgical year. Here at St. Stephen's, because we observe the expanded seven-week Advent, our new year begins November 7th. As we prepare to enter into this season of hopeful anticipation (my very favorite time of year), I pray that we find ways to honor and bless those things and ways of being that were either taken from us or that we now know are not as helpful or life-giving as we would want them to be. And I know that we will be faithful in living into our identity as "The Church on Main Street, where love begets love," doing so boldly and with gratitude that the God who loved us into being is present with us in and through all things.
Peace & Blessings,
Paula+
|
|
|
|
Connection & Common Worship |
|
|
|
Please join us for in-person worship this Sunday, October 24 at 10:00am.
We will be celebrating the Holy Eucharist and ALL are welcome!
|
|
|
|
REMINDERS: We continue to follow safety precautions and lovingly require that you wear a mask over your nose and mouth at all times while in the building and maintain physical distance. Enter at the Narthex door (Christian Education building). Someone will welcome you and take your temperature. An usher will assist you with seating in the church.
Live-streamed to YouTube, Facebook, and via Zoom. Bulletins are available on the St. Stephen's website. All links can be found at the bottom of the newsletter.
Zoom passcode is SSM119.
The Sunday service will also be broadcast on HTTV (Comcast TV 36 and Verizon TV 33) on Tuesday at 6 AM and 3 PM.
|
|
|
|
Children & Youth Ministries |
|
Don't miss another opportunity to meet Grace Savoia-DiGregorio, our new Children & Youth Minister! We are looking forward to November 7th, which for us is both the First Sunday in Lent (We observe an extended Advent.) and the first Sunday of in-person Children's Chapel and nursery. We'll be sharing lots more information about that in the next few weeks but in the meantime, put these events on your calendar. These are planned for families with children of all-ages though ALL are welcome.
-
Thursday, October 24th at 4pm we're having a Zoom meet and greet. This is for all families with children, from infants to teens. It will be a chance to see each other and talk with Grace and Rev. Paula.
-
Join us on Zoom here
- Password SSM119
- Meeting ID 849 7892 2818
-
Sunday, October 31st at 1:00pm we're having a Halloween Party. Join us for a family-friendly Halloween Party. We'll do some simple crafts and enjoy some yummy snacks. This will be an outdoor event so dress accordingly and be sure to wear your favorite costume.
|
|
|
|
PLEASE CHECK WEEKLY BECAUSE EVENTS MAY BE ADDED OR CHANGED |
|
 |
OCTOBER
OCT 24
10am - Sunday Worship
11:30am - Vestry Meeting
4pm - Meet Grace!
OCT 28
8am - Coalition of Religious Leaders Meeting
OCT 31
10am - Sunday Worship
1pm - Halloween Party
|
|
|
|
NOVEMBER
NOV 5
9am - Interfaith Bible Hour
NOV 7
1st Sun of Advent
10am - Sunday Worship
NOV 14
2nd Sun of Advent
10am - Sunday Worship
11:30am - Reading with the Rector
NOV 17
7:30pm - Finance Committee Meeting
NOV 18
7pm - Preschool Committee Meeting
NOV 21
3rd Sun of Advent
Communion for All
10am - Sunday Worship
11:30am - Vestry Meeting
NOV 28
4th Sun of Advent
10am - Sunday Worship
|
|
|
|
DECEMBER
DEC 3
9am - Interfaith Bible Hour
DEC 5
5th Sun of Advent
10am - Sunday Worship
DEC 12
6th Sun of Advent
10am - Sunday Worship
11:30am - Reading with the Rector
DEC 15
7:30pm - Finance Committee Meeting
DEC 16
7pm - Preschool Committee Meeting
DEC 19
7th Sunday of Advent
Communion for All
10am - Sunday Worship
11:30am - Vestry Meeting
DEC 21
7:30pm - Blue Christmas
DEC 24
Christmas Eve Services
5pm & 9pm
DEC 25
10am - Christmas Day Service
DEC 26
10am - Sunday Worship
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAMILY PROMISE
Low-income families in this country are facing unprecedented social and economic challenges from the pandemic. Job losses, health care expenses, and child-care have all combined to raise the number of evictions.
A donation can help Family Promise of Essex County to remain responsive to families’ emerging needs and its impact in our communities.
To read the Family Promise Newsletter, please click here.
APOSTLES' HOUSE &
NORTH PORCH
Collection bins are located outside the Narthex doors in the parking lot. Donations can be dropped off at any time.
Apostles' House needs: canned goods and non-perishable food items.
North Porch is in URGENT need of Enfamil Infant Formula 12.5 oz containers (yellow label), baby wipes, and diapers size 4, 5, and 6.
Online Donations - If you are unable to drop off items at the church, and would like to contribute, you can make purchases and/or donations directly to these organizations at the following links:
|
|
|
|
From Bishop Hughes & The Episcopal Church |
|
|
|
NEW: Who is God calling us to be as church, now?
Speaking from Clergy Conference, Bishop Hughes shares the question on which the clergy are focused and with which all the clergy and laity will be living for months and years to come: In a dramatically changed world, who is God calling us to be as church, now?
DIOCESAN E-NEWSLETTERS
Sign up to get e-newsletters and important announcements directly from diocesan headquarters. Find out more and subscribe here.
|
NEW: Press Release - 10/18/21
Statement from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry on the passing of Gen. Colin Powell, former secretary of state.
|
NEW: Stories from Our
Congregations - 10/20/21
'The Worst I've Seen': Three churches describe Hurricane Ida recovery.
Read about the recovery efforts at St. Stephen’s in Millburn, St. Peter's in Clifton, and St. Peter’s in Essex Fells.
This story is also included in the Voice Online link above, but you can read the article and view photos here.
|
Wednesday, October 27
7:00 - 8:15pm
An online conversation with the First Five Black Women Diocesan Bishops. Moderated by Westina Matthews, Bishops Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows (The Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis), Carlye J. Hughes (The Episcopal Diocese of Newark), Kimberly Lucas (The Episcopal Diocese of Colorado), Shannon MacVean-Brown (The Episcopal Diocese of Vermont), and Phoebe A. Roaf (The Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee) will offer honest wisdom and experiences relevant to this complex time in American life. Register here.
|
|
|
|
Cross Roads Camp & Diocesan Youth Ministries |
|
|
CROSS ROADS
CAMP & RETREAT CENTER
Check out all the fun and interesting year-round programs for children, adults and families.
|
|
|
|
POP UP YOUTH MINISTRY
Pop Up is a welcoming ministry of the Diocese of Newark bringing together youth for fun activities, community, and faith formation. All youth grades 6-12 are encouraged to join the monthly events.
Follow YM on Instagram and Facebook at @popupym.
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are many, many resources available to parishes and individuals to help sustain our faith practices during this unprecedented time. See resources here. This is by no means a complete list, though it does cover many areas of need.
In this time of Crisis, there are resources that can help if you or someone you know needs assistance. Please contact NJ Mental Health Cares for free helpline telephone counseling or assistance. Call 866-202-4357.
TTY: 1-877-294-4356.
E-mail: help@njmentalhealthcares.org
Other resources are:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line, 741741
NJ Hope Line (suicide prevention)
855-654-6735
|
|
|
|
Please keep the following
St. Stephen's family members
and friends in your prayers...
|
|
Peggy Thompson
Felder Dorn
Donna Riggi
The Blanchard Family
The McManus Family
Bernard & Nathan
The Fitzgerald Family
Lucille B.
Jack Moreno
Jim Freeman
The May Family
Mary Jo Zarance
Joseph G.
|
|
Kelly Olson
Jane Rossiter
Linda Moran
Greg Shuss
Matthew Price
Nicole & Emma
Ningyu Liu
Jamie Stack
KT Thalin
Mike Losito
Kathleen Wheeler
Theresa Scharff
Cara Lynn Cavin
|
|
|
|
Happening at Neighboring Churches... |
|
Harmonium Choral Society opens its 42nd season on Saturday, October 23 at 7:30pm at Grace Episcopal Church in Madison and Sunday, October 24 at 3:00pm at Morrow Memorial United Methodist Church in Maplewood.
Our Kim Williams will be singing!
For more information, click here.
|
|
Calvary Episcopal Church in Summit will be having a Halloween themed organ concert on Saturday, October 30 at 6pm. Described as a fun evening of spooky organ music interspersed with the readings from the All Hallows' Eve prayer service.
Featuring readings from Samuel, Job, Ezekiel and Revelation with music by Bach, Boëllmann, Grieg, Sondheim, and Elfman.
|
|
|
|
|
|
October 24, 2021
Job 42:1-6, 10-17
Psalm 34:1-8, (19-22)
Hebrews 7:23-28
Mark 10:46-52
If you'd like to read the full lectionary for the week, you may do so here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
TITHE.LY
Giving with Tithe.ly is easy with options for recurring donations or one-time use for when you are away or not able to be in church (like all of us now due to COVID restrictions).
You can access Tithe.ly via their website or their app on your smart phone. Be sure to search for the correct account - "St. Stephen's Church Millburn." Once you have accessed the account page with our address, you will be instructed to follow the prompts.
|
|
|
|
Due to COVID restrictions, only teachers and staff are allowed to be in the building during school hours. If you need to visit the parish office/building for any reason, please contact us for an appointment. Thank you. |
|
|
|
Zoom passcode: SSM119
To call in, dial by your location:
+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 864 1664 1640
Passcode: SSM119
|
|
|
Links for Sunday Worship Live-Stream & Social Media |
|
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
119 Main Street, Millburn, NJ 07041
|
|
|
|
Church
Parish Administrator, Maria T. Card
973.376.0688, Ext. 32
church@ststephensmillburn.org
Rector, The Rev. Paula J. Toland
973.376.0688, Ext. 21
rector@ststephensmillburn.org
Fax: 973.376.4002
Website: ststephensmillburn.org
Preschool
Director: Nancy Siracusa
Phone: 973.376.3534, Ext. 20
Email: sspsmillburn@gmail.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
