Important Dates: April / May / June 2024

►Saturday, April 27, 2024 - Funeral for Richard Neill - 2:00 PM

►Sunday, April 28, 2024 - UT Choral Evensong - 4:00 PM

►Wednesday, May 1, 2024 - Confirmation / Coffee with the Bishop

►Saturday, May 4, 2024 - Memorial Service for Elizabeth Pack - 11:00 AM

►Saturday, May 4, 2024 - World Labyrinth Day

►Sunday, May 12, 2024 - Youth Sunday / Mother's Day

►Sunday, May 12, 2024 - Celtic Ecumenical Service

►Sunday, May 19, 2024 - Day of Pentecost / Holy Ghost Weenie Roast

►Sunday, May 26, 2024 - Trinity Sunday / Mass in the Grass

►Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - Parish Life Smokies Baseball Game

St. Stephen's Website Links

Bulletins, the church calendar, and links to our YouTube channel for live streaming can be found at Home | St. Stephen's .

This Week's Highlight - The Bishop is Coming!

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Stewardship Call for Volunteers - Clearfork

St. Stephen's partners with Clearfork Community Institute to offer the Clearfork Learning Camp every year - and we are looking for volunteers to help at the camp in July 2024. You will be part of a team from St Stephen's Church and work alongside the staff and volunteers of the Clearfork Community Institute. If interested, please contact Cameron Ellis at r.c.ellis@comcast.net. You can read more about this important ministry in the Outreach news section below.

This Sunday - Fifth Sunday in Easter - April 28, 2024

► 7:45 AM – Holy Eucharist Rite I (spoken)

► 10:00 AM - Holy Eucharist Rite II

I Am The Vine

In this week's gospel, Jesus addresses us twice with the phrase “I AM the vine.” The promise of Jesus, the Vine, the Gate, the Light, is abundant life here and now, not just in some future time. God is doing more in our lives than any of us are aware. God in Jesus is simply inviting each of us to take the time to notice. But the trick, of course, is to let God do what God needs to do and for us to get out of the way. Jesus is very clear on this point when he says: “I AM the vine, you are the branches.” That is what abiding in the power of the Word is all about, not placing impediments in God’s way by trying to do for ourselves what God wants to do for us: reshape our hearts, bodies and minds to receive the forgiveness being offered. Listen to Jesus’ words as the beautiful invitation it truly is: “Abide in me as I abide in you.”

Adopted from https://www.episcopalchurch.org/sermon/is-there-an-app-for-abiding-easter-5-b-2012/

Adult Education - Deus in Horto

Our weekly devotion and gathering continues this week, as we share garden wisdom and rejoice in the miracles of God through nature. We meet each week after the 10:00 service in the St. Francis Garden (in case of rain, we will meet in the Parish Hall.) A plant exchange table is available for the sharing of plants and seeds.

This week - Companion Planting. Devotional material is taken from the text, Devotions from the Garden by Mariam Drennan - book optional. The St. Francis Garden is located behind the St. Stephen's Labyrinth.

Children's Christian Education

All children are welcome to attend Children's Chapel, held during the 10:00 AM Service - just follow the children's cross during the hymn prior to the Gospel reading. Our Children's Chapel gives our youngest parishioners a chance to hear the Gospel and relate to their own lives.

Children's Sunday School is held after the

10:00 AM Services

Room 108: Ages 3-6 (Catechesis of the Good Shepherd)

Room 202: Grades 1-3 (Primary)

Room 204: Grades 4-6 (Primary)

Room 209: Grades 6-8 (Intermediate)

Parish Announcements This Week

Coming Soon - Monthly Parish Potluck

So on Sunday, May 26, 2024, immediately following the Mass in the Grass, we will host the first monthly parish potluck, not tied to any Parish Life event or fixed Sunday. This inaugural potluck will feature a picnic theme. We invite you to bring a dish to share that you'd typically enjoy on a picnic, such as buckets of chicken, submarine sandwiches, potato or pasta salad, deviled eggs, coleslaw, chips, rolls, brownies, fruit, and so on. We will provide paper goods, silverware, and beverages. Please join us as we begin a new tradition. Come and share a meal with your St. Stephen’s family.

---- Leah Bailey, Junior Warden

A Message of Appreciation from the Wardens

Fr. Bailey’s Installation as the ninth rector of St. Stephen’s on April 13, 2024, was our first Installation in 24 years! It was the culmination of 8 years of searching, discerning, and prayerful consideration. We, as your Wardens, could not have been prouder—or happier—to utter our lines, “We have chosen and called Father Bailey Norman to be our Rector, and he has accepted”!

It was a wonderful day, made possible by the caring efforts of countless groups and individuals who worked diligently to make the day memorable. From visionaries to laborers, painters to gardeners, Altar Guild to acolytes, Choir to cooks, set-up to clean-up, congregants to clergy—ALL OF US in some manner, shape, or form were a part of this grand day. Thank you all for your initiative and devotion to St. Stephen’s.

We are proud to be your Wardens, it is indeed a privilege. We appreciate you and are honored to be building St. Stephen’s future alongside you.

Most sincerely, Courtney and Leah

Upcoming Events

UT Choral Evensong - Sunday, April 28, 2024 - 4:00 PM

Join us for a special service on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 4:00 PM in the Nave as we host the University of Tennessee Chamber Singers. Music for the service will include a setting of the Evening Canticles by Peter Aston, and Domine Deus by Miami based composer David Caldarella.

The choir is preparing for a trip to England and Wales in Summer 2025. The group is directed by Dr. Angela Batey and the organist is Simon Ballintoy. The service will conclude with a 20th century organ work by Simon Preston, entitled Alleluyas. You can read more about this exceptional group here.

Tuesday- Bible Study 10:00 AM

Join the Tuesday Bible Study group on Tuesday mornings in the Pollard Library. We start at 10:00 AM, and end prior to the Tuesday Healing Service.

Our study is based on "Twelve Women of the Bible: Life-Changing Stories for Women Today", using the book/ DVD of the same name. Join us to understand this story. Questions? please contact Jim Rousey at james.rousey@aol.com.

Memorial for Elizabeth Pack - Saturday, May 4, 2024

Elizabeth Pack faithfully served St. Stephen's as our Parish Secretary from 2018 up until her death in March 2024. She was also a parishioner who actively served in Altar Guild and Daughters of the King. Please save the date as we come together in a public memorial service in celebration of her life and stewardship.

World Labyrinth Day - Saturday, May 4, 2024

NOTE: Due to the Memorial Service for Elizabeth Pack,

St. Stephen's will be walking at 2:00 PM.

Every year on the first Saturday in May, thousands of people around the globe participate in World Labyrinth Day, a moving meditation for world peace. This year, on the 15th annual event, many will walk at 1:00 PM local time to help create a rolling wave of peaceful energy passing from one time zone to the next around the globe.

Read more about this event at the links below, and come join us at our Labyrinth at St. Stephen's on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 2:00 P.M.

►World Labyrinth Day - Diocese of East TN

►What are Labyrinths? - Diocese of East TN

►World Labyrinth Day 2024 - Global Site

Youth Sunday - Sunday, May 12, 2024

We continue our special tradition of Youth Sunday on May 12, 2024, at the 10:00 AM service. Our youth will be the worship leaders: lectors, ushers, acolytes and one will be the preacher of the day! For more information, please contact Fr. Bailey.

Daughters of the King - Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - 4:30 PM

This is a fellowship gathering for Daughters, as well as those interested in DOK, those interested in exploring the discernment process, and open to any women of the parish that would like to come meet some new friends. Bring along a folding chair! If you plan to attend, please reply to Nancy Caldwell at nancypcaldwell@gmail.com. We'll see you there!

Celtic Service - Sunday, May 12, 2024 - 5:00 PM

This month, we are excited to be hosting the Ecumenical Celtic Service. Presented in partnership with First United Methodist Church Oak Ridge (FUMCOR), this service is held on the 2nd Sunday of each month at 5:00 PM

These contemplative services are ecumenical in scope, using prayers and liturgy from a range of Christian traditions. The language is both welcoming and inclusive, with an emphasis on the goodness of creation and the responsibilities that come from being made in the image of God.

There are moments of silence, as well as times when we simply allow beautiful music to nurture us. The goal is to create an opportunity for all to listen to the still small voice within. We hope you will come and join us.

Holy Ghost Weenie Roast - Sunday, May 19, 2024

Mark your calendars for the “Holy Ghost Weenie Roast”, sponsored by Parish Life. It's a great way to join together to celebrate Pentecost. The Men’s Group has agreed to "man" the grills that day as we serve up burgers with all the fixins’, and - of course -hot dogs! Please plan on bringing a 'cook-out appropriate' side dish to share.

Mass in the Grass - Sunday, May 26, 2024

Trinity Sunday celebrates the doctrine of the Trinity, the three Persons of God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. We will have a celebration of Holy Eucharist in the Grove, weather permitting. Please plan to join us, and bring a lawn chair, wear your sunscreen, and stay for our first Parish Potluck afterward.  

Smokies Baseball Game - Tuesday, June 4, 2024 - 7:00 PM

Let's go see the Smokies as they take on the Birmingham Barons and celebrate “Kids Run the Bases After the Game Night"! St. Stephen’s has a block of tickets reserved at Smokies Stadium. Parish Life will be selling the reserved tickets at the following times:

►Sunday, May 19, 2024, and Sunday, May 26, 2024, in the Parish Hall after each service

►Sunday, June 2, 2024, in the Grove (weather permitting) after the 10:00 service

Tickets are $21 a person and include a $10 voucher which can be used for concessions, or in the team store.

Tickets must be paid for in advance and will be available at the WILL CALL Windows at Smokies Stadium the day of the game. Parking is $5 per car.

Note: Smokies Stadium is a completely cashless venue - credit/debit only!

Parish News

Ongoing Church Events

Tuesday Bible Study - Pollard Room, 10:00 AM

Wednesday WOW for ORHS Students - Parish Hall, 10:00 AM

Wednesday Men's Group - Pollard Room, 8:30 AM

Thursday Contemplative Prayer (Zoom) - 4:00 PM

Outreach News

Loose Plate Offering

This week's loose plate offering is designated for the summer Clearfork Learning Camp.

Blessing Box

► Please keep the Blessing Box needs on your shopping list. This week we are requesting peanut butter, canned fruit, fruit cups, and cereals. Please keep the size of the Blessing Box in mind when you shop.

Clearfork Learning Camp

Each year we look for a central theme or focus about which to relate some fun and sneakily instructive activities while weaving in fellowship and relationship. This year's theme is "Stewardship," with subtopics potentially covering resource recognition and stewardship towards oneself, others, animals, and the environment.

A typical camp day begins with breakfast at 9:00, followed by circle time. The day continues with a variety of events, such as related reading time, music, indoor games, some "busy hands" activities, and just a bit of direct instruction. Lunch is around 12:30-1:00, with the day concluding between 3:00 and 3:30.

While reading skills are promoted, the focus has shifted from academic enhancement to providing a mutually caring, peaceful, and safe respite. We don't preach or conduct "Sunday School', instead we allow our faith and the value of our education to be evident in all that we do.

Please come join us. We need your help and the kids need interaction with YOU! Despite the occasional challenges, the area is exceptionally beautiful, and the rewards we find by working with the children of Appalachia are infinite -the children love us and we love them!

Community TORCH Program - Friday, May 3, 2024

Church Women invites the public to a program on Friday, May 3, 2024, at Kern Memorial United Methodist Church, 451 E. Tennessee Ave., in Oak Ridge, TN.

Sheila Michel, the guest speaker, will tell us about the homeless in our community and what TORCH, Tennessee Out-Reach Center for Homeless, is doing for homeless families with children. She will bring us up to speed on family units in Bookhart Village, warming centers, and other developments since she last spoke to CWU in December 2019. We will also learn how we can help TORCH meet the needs of the homeless.

Fellowship starts at 11:30 a.m., followed by a brief meeting and program at noon. To help our hosts, please RSVP by Wednesday, May 1, if possible.

Focus on the Parish

An Invitation from St. Therese Flower Ministry

The members of St. Therese Flower Ministry want to invite you to take one or more of the flower vases in the ramp room for someone who: is celebrating a special occasion; needs cheering up (including yourself); or that you just want to let know they are being thought of. These vases are filled with the altar flowers and available any time after Monday afternoon. 

St Stephen’s Financial Status - April 21, 2024

St. Stephen's QR Codes

Link your Kroger's Shopper's Card

St. Stephen's Give Now Page

Helpful Links

News and Events from the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee