ONLINE PARISH NOTES

Sunday 28 December 2014

Stoning of Saint Stephen
Nuremberg Chronicle, 1493

FROM THE RECTOR

Merry Christmas to one and all! We need to be mindful that Christmas is not one day but a twelve-day liturgical season, extending from December 25, the Feast of the Nativity, to January 5, the Eve of the Feast of the Epiphany. Along the way we have many opportunities to reflect upon the meaning of the season: from the commemoration of our Patron, Saint Stephen, on December 26 (and again for us at the principal Mass on December 28), to the Feasts of Saint John (December 27) and the Holy Innocents (December 28 -- this year transferred to the 29th), to the Holy Name (a.k.a. the Circumcision) of our Lord on New Year's Day. Make a note of the days and times of our liturgical observances and come join us if you can -- this is the real way to celebrate the Christmas Season!  -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

First Sunday after Christmas, Year B – 8 am
Isaiah 61:10—62:3, Psalm 147:13-21, Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7,
John 1:1-18

Saint Stephen, Deacon & Martyr – 10 am
Jeremiah 26:1-9, 12-15, Acts 6:8-7:2a, 51c-60, Matthew 23:34-39

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Holy Innocents (December 28) -- is transferred like most major feasts falling on a Sunday to the first open day of the week, namely tomorrow, Monday 29 December, at the 5:30 pm Evening Prayer and 6 pm Mass.

The Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ – On Thursday 1 January we celebrate this Principal Feast of the Church Year with Morning Prayer at 9 am and Low Mass at 9:30. All practicing Church members should make an effort to attend Mass on this and the other Principal Feasts of the Church Year if they are able.

New Year’s Day Dinner – Once again we will offer our annual New Year’s Day Dinner for those in need, this Thursday 1 January 2015. If you can help, please contact coordinator Sue Brazil at Sueb265@hotmail.com, or the parish office at 421-6702 ext. 1 or office@sstephens.necoxmail.com. We are hoping to put together “Essentials Bags” for our guests, containing toothpaste, toothbrushes, personal soaps, deodorants, tissues, etc. We welcome any and all donations for this purpose, as well as new scarves, mittens, hats and socks. For I was hungry, and you gave me food: I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you welcomed me … (Matthew 25:35).

Society of Mary – will meet this Saturday 3 January for 9 am Morning Prayer, 9:30 Mass, then recitation of the Rosary. Breakfast and a program on the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary will follow. Everyone is invited.

The Epiphany – looking ahead, we will be undertaking a joint celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany at St. John's Church in Newport at 6:30 pm on Tuesday 6 January. Fr. Alexander will be the preacher. Please plan on joining us. If you need a ride or are willing to offer a ride to others, please contact Robert Armidon at 571-235-6866 or armidon_72@hotmail.com.

The Nominations Committee – is pleased to announce the following slate of candidates for election at the Annual Parish Meeting on January 25, 2015. Vestry (four-year term)—Nancy Gingrich; Treasurer (one-year term)—Ransom Widmer; Clerk (one-year term)—Phoebe Pettingell; Delegates to Diocesan Convention (one-year term)—John Chamberlin, Frank Pisaturo; Alternates to Diocesan Convention (one-year term)—Sandra Bartlett, Richard Noble. The Rector has also nominated Tom Bledsoe for election as Senior Warden (three-year) term, to succeed Richard Noble whose second term as Senior Warden expires in 2015.

Baptismal Day – Our next “Baptismal Day” is January 11, 2015, the First Sunday after the Epiphany, commemorating the Baptism of Christ, one of the occasions of the liturgical year when we schedule baptisms at the principal Sunday Mass at 10 am; and if there are no baptisms we renew our baptismal vows. If you know anyone who is interested in being baptized, or having a child baptized, please let one of the clergy know immediately.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Maggie, Nicholas, Jonno, Nancy, Patrick, Will, Townsend, Norman, Andrea, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Harrington, Davaughn, Richard, Beverly, Tom, Mabel, Deborah, Stephen, Michael, Richard, Colin, Sandy, Beverly, Angela, Rhoda, Ned, Henry, James, Richard, Lynne, Dianne, Kathleen, and Richard.

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: John Seville Higgins, Bishop (28 December 1992), Detlev Schumann (29 December 1986), and Nancy Jean Donaldson Pettingell (2 January 2010).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for pray the Church in Kushtia - (Bangladesh): The Rt. Rev’d Sunil Mankhin; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of S. Stephen’s, Providence; St. John’s, Barrington; St. John’s, Newport and The Chapel of St. John the Divine, Saunderstown.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC S Brazil; SD R Noble; Thurifer L Verdelotti; Crucifer L Bledsoe; Torches DO Latimer, L Hooks
Lector – W Dilworth
Ushers – L Verdelotti, J Steiny
Coffee Hour – L Latimer & E Hooks

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Thursday 1 January
Annual New Year’s Day Dinner 12 – 1:30 pm

Saturday 3 January
Society of Mary (following Mass & Rosary)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 3 January
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 28 December
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am -- FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS (W)
Sung Mass10 am -- SAINT STEPHEN, DEACON & MARTYR (R)

Weekday Office and Mass Lectionary: Christmastide, Year 1

Monday 29 December
THE HOLY INNOCENTS (Transferred) (R)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 30 December
Proper for December 30 (W)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 31 December
Proper for December 31
Sylvester, Bishop of Rome, 335 (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 1 January
THE HOLY NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (THE CIRCUMCISION) (W)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Friday 2 January
Proper for January 2
Seraphim of Sarov, Monk, Spiritual Guide, 1833 (W)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 3 January
Proper for January 3 (W)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Holy Rosary 10 am

Sunday 4 January
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS (W)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (January 4)

Second Sunday after Christmas, Year B
Jeremiah 31:7-14, Psalm 84:1-8, Ephesians 1:3-6, 15-19a, Luke 2:41-52

ONLINE PARISH NOTES

Sunday 21 December 2014

John William Waterhouse, Annunciation, 1914

FROM THE RECTOR

The time of Christ's coming draws near. The angel Gabriel is sent to a Virgin in the hill country of Galilee, and the virgin's name is Mary. Join us on the Fourth Sunday of Advent as we continue our spiritual preparations to greet the Christ Child when he comes.
-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Advent IV, Year B
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26, Romans 16:25-27,
Luke 1:26-38

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Saint Thomas the Apostle (December 21) – a major Holy Day of the Church year, is transferred this year to Monday 22 December, and will be kept with Evening Prayer at 5:30 and Low Mass at 6 pm.

Christmas Decorations – We will decorate the church for Christmas today after the late coffee hour; feel free to join in this festive tradition, even if you haven’t signed on. Many hands make light work, and what wonderful work it is!

Wednesday Afternoon Tea – will not be offered for the next two weeks (December 24 and December 31). We will resume on Wednesday 7 January.

Schedule of Christmas Services – Christmas Eve: (Wednesday, 24 December) Christmas Pageant & Family Mass - 5:30 pm. Solemn Mass of the Nativity -10:30 pm. Christmas Day: (Thursday, 25 December) Morning Prayer 9 am, Low Mass 9:30 am. Please note: the regularly scheduled Wednesday Evening Prayer and Low Mass will not be offered on Christmas Eve.

New Year’s Day Dinner – Once again we offer our annual New Year’s Day Dinner for those in need, on Thursday 1 January 2015. If you can help, please contact coordinator Sue Brazil at Sueb265@hotmail.com, or the parish office at 421-6702 ext. 1 or office@sstephens.necoxmail.com. We are hoping to put together “Essentials Bags” for our guests, containing toothpaste, toothbrushes, personal soaps, deodorants, tissues, etc. We welcome any and all donations for this purpose, as well as new scarves, mittens, hats and socks. For I was hungry, and you gave me food: I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you welcomed me… (Matthew 25:35).

The Nominations Committee – is pleased to announce the following slate of candidates for election at the Annual Parish Meeting on January 25, 2015. Vestry, one four-year term—Nancy Gingrich; Treasurer, one one-year term—Ransom Widmer; Clerk, one one-year term—Phoebe Pettingell; Delegates to Diocesan Convention, two one-year terms—John Chamberlin, Frank Pisaturo; Alternates to Diocesan Convention, two one-year terms—Sandra Bartlett, Richard Noble.

Nomination of Senior Warden – According to the S. Stephen’s parish by-laws, the Rector nominates a candidate or candidates for election as Senior Warden (three-year term) at the Annual Parish Meeting. At Tuesday’s vestry meeting, Fr. Alexander announced that he is nominating Tom Bledsoe to succeed Richard Noble, whose second term as Senior Warden ends in 2015.

Baptismal Day – Our next “Baptismal Day” is January 11, 2015, the First Sunday after the Epiphany, commemorating the Baptism of Christ, one of the occasions of the liturgical year when we schedule baptisms at the principal Sunday Mass at 10 am; and if there are no baptisms we renew our baptismal vows. If you know anyone who is interested in being baptized, or having a child baptized, please let one of the clergy know.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Maggie, Nicholas, Jonno, Nancy, Patrick, Will, Townsend, Norman, Andrea, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Harrington, Davaughn, Richard, Beverly, Tom, Mabel, Deborah, Stephen, Michael, Richard, Colin, Sandy, Beverly, Angela, Rhoda, Ned, Henry, James, Richard, Lynne, Dianne, Kathleen, and Richard.

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: Kathleen Herbert Congdon (22 December 2005), George Wightman Williams (24 December 2004), Frances S. Sloan (26 December 1993), Mary Gowdey (27 December 1992), and Albert E. Godfrey (27 December 1993); Recently Departed: Nelson Skinner, SSC, Priest, and Robert C. Crawley, SSC, Bishop

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for pray the Church in Kontagora - (Lokoja, Nigeria): The Rt. Rev’d Jonah Ibrahim; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of St. Thomas, Greenville and of St. Thomas, Alton.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC S Brazil; SD W Dilworth; Thurifer L Bledsoe; Crucifer L Verdelotti; Torches L Hooks, C Sylvia
Lector – P Pettingell
Ushers – P Pettingell, T Bledsoe
Coffee Hour – K Vorbeck Williams

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 21 December
Acolyte Rehearsal for Christmas Eve Midnight Mass (9 am)
Church Decorations (following the 10 am coffee hour)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 27 December
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 21 December
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT (Blue)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am

Weekday Office and Mass Lectionary: Advent IV, Year 1

Monday 22 December
SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE (Transferred) (R)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 23 December
Proper for December 23 (V)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 24 December
CHRISTMAS EVE (W)
Children’s Pageant and Low Mass 5:30 pm
Solemn Mass of the Nativity 10:30 pm

Thursday 25 December
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (W)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Friday 26 December
SAINT STEPHEN, DEACON & MARTYR (R)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 27 December
ST. JOHN, APOSTLE & EVANGELIST (W)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Sunday 28 December
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am -- FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS (W)
Sung Mass10 am -- SAINT STEPHEN, DEACON & MARTYR (R)

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (December 28)

Christmas I, Year B – 8 am
Isaiah 61:10—62:3, Psalm 147:13-21, Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7, John 1:1-18

Saint Stephen, Deacon & Martyr – 10 am
Jeremiah 26:1-9, 12-15, Acts 6:8-7:2a, 51c-60, Matthew 23:34-39

ONLINE PARISH NOTES

Sunday 14 December 2014

Christ and John the Baptist (Detail of Deesis Mosaic),
Hagia Sophia, Istanbul, c. 1261

FROM THE RECTOR

John the Baptist is the subject of countless artistic depictions in every era of Church history. Clearly, the Christian theological and spiritual tradition considers him a central figure in the Gospel narrative of salvation. Yet, in the Church calendar, the appointed Gospel readings focus our attention on John the Baptist only three Sundays each year: the Second and Third Sundays of Advent, and the Sunday after the Epiphany (the Baptism of Christ). It's worth our while to pay close attention to the figure of the Baptist on these Sundays, to learn what he has to teach us.

The Gospels are clear that John the Baptist is not the Messiah but the one sent ahead of the Messiah to announce his coming and prepare his way. As this Sunday's Gospel puts it, "he was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light." The principal way in which John fulfills his mission, as we heard last Sunday, is by preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. That is, he prepares the people of Israel to receive their Messiah by calling them to confess and repent of their sins.

A key component of preparation for the coming of the Lord -- at Christmas, at the end of time, and here and now -- is confessing our sins. We can do this privately, in our own personal prayers. But many people find it an enormous help to confess their sins to a priest and receive counsel and absolution in the context of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. If you would like to make your confession before Christmas, please speak with Fr. Sawicky or me to arrange a day and time. Don't worry if you've never made your confession before. We will be glad to guide and help you in any way we can.
-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Advent III, Year B
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24,
John 1:6-8, 19-28

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Guest Preacher -- we welcome the Rev'd Canon Scott Gunn, Executive Director of Forward Movement Publications in Cincinnati, Ohio, as our preacher at the 10 am Sunday Mass. Before taking up his current position, Fr. Gunn served several parishes in Rhode Island, including Epiphany, Rumford, and Christ Church, Lincoln.

Stewardship -- The good news is that we have met our goal of increasing both the total number of pledges and the total amount pledged for 2015 by ten percent over the 2014 numbers. Thank you to everyone whose pledges have made this accomplishment possible. It is not too late, however, to make a pledge for 2015 if you have not already done so -- Every little bit counts! It would be most helpful to receive any remaining pledges before the Vestry meeting this Tuesday so the Vestry can set a responsible budget for 2015. The bad news is that we are a little behind where we should be at this time of year on receiving the money pledged for 2014. So, if you are behind on your 2014 pledge, please contribute the remaining amounts before the end of the year if at all possible.

Eucharistic Adoration – On Saturday 20 December, the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament will sponsor approximately an hour of silent prayer and meditation in the Lady Chapel before the Blessed Sacrament, beginning shortly after the end of the 9:30 am Mass, and concluding by 11 am. All are welcome and invited to participate.

Christmas Decorations – This year we hope to engage a group of volunteers to decorate the church between Advent IV (Sunday 21 December) and Christmas Eve (Wednesday 24 December). If you are interested in joining in this festive tradition, please contact the parish office via email to office@sstephens.necoxmail.com or phone at 421-6702, ext. 1.

Christmas Pageant and Family Mass – The Sunday School will be presenting its annual Christmas Eve Pageant at the Family Mass on Wednesday, 24 December at 5:30 pm. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. Please see Alison Huff or Devon Callanan for details.

New Year’s Day Dinner – Once again we will offer our annual New Year’s Day Dinner for those in need, on Thursday 1 January 2015. If you can help, please contact coordinator Sue Brazil at Sueb265@hotmail.com, or contact the parish office at 421-6702 ext. 1 or office@sstephens.necoxmail.com. We welcome new scarves, mittens, hats and socks, as well as personal hygiene products such as soaps and toothbrushes. For I was hungry, and you gave me food: I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you welcomed me … Matthew 25:35

Christmas Flower Offering – If you would like to make a Christmas offering of flowers to the church in thanksgiving or in memoriam, please fill out the envelope included with today’s Kalendar, and put it in the offering plate or bring it to the parish office no later than Friday December 19th.

Nominations Committee – candidates for the following positions need to be elected at the Annual Parish Meeting on January 25, 2015: Vestry – one four-year term (incumbent is eligible for re-election); Treasurer – one year term; Clerk – one year term; Diocesan Convention – two Delegates, two Alternates, one-year term. The Nominations Committee consists of Susan Brazil (Chair), John Chamberlin, Modu Johnson, Erica Medvedev, and Charles Rejto.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Maggie, Nicholas, Jonno, Nancy, Patrick, Will, Townsend, Norman, Andrea, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Harrington, Davaughn, Stephen, Michael, Richard, Colin, Sandy, Beverly, Tom, Mabel, Deborah, Beverly, Angela, Rhoda, Ned, Henry, James, Richard, Lynne, Dianne, Kathleen, and Richard.

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: Gerald Franklin Barrow (14 December 2007), Mary B. Trask (15 December 1984), Constance Margaret Maxwell and Dorothy Denison Dunlap (17 December 1986); Recently Departed: Nelson Skinner, SSC (Priest), Robert Crawley, SSC (Bishop).

Birthdays this week: Louise Wells (17 December).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Church in Kitgum - (Uganda): The Rt. Rev’d Benjamin Ojwang ; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer please pray for the leadership and people of Church of the Advent, Coventry.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC R Rose; SD S Brazil; Thurifer R Armidon; Crucifer D Callanan; Torches E Benziger, V Johnson
Lector – E Alexander
Ushers – W Dilworth, N Gingrich
Coffee Hour – Society of Mary

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Tuesday 16 December
Vestry 7 pm

Wednesday 17 December
Afternoon Tea 4 pm

Saturday 20 December
Altar Guild Cleanup Day (beginning after 11 am)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 20 December
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 14 December
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (Rose)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR * 5:30 pm

* EMBR = Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD

Weekday Office and Mass Lectionary: Advent III, Year 1

Monday 15 December
Monday in Advent III (V)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 16 December
Tuesday in Advent III (V)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 17 December
Proper for 17 December (V) — O Sapientia
Raising of Lazarus
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 18 December
Proper for 18 December (V) — O Adonai
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 19 December
Proper for 19 December (V) — O Radix Jesse
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 20 December
Proper for 20 December (V) — O Clavis David
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Eucharistic Adoration 10 am

Sunday 21 December
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT (Blue)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (December 21)

Advent IV, Year B
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16, Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26, Romans 16:25-27,
Luke 1:26-38

ONLINE PARISH NOTES

Sunday, December 7, 2014

FROM THE RECTOR

We seem to be hearing a lot this year about the observance of Advent as an opportunity to "slow down," "relax," and "take a breather" in the midst of the pre-Christmas madness of shopping and (premature) holiday festivities. That might be good advice in itself, but it's not what the appointed Scripture readings for Advent are telling us to do. In last week's Gospel, Our Lord solemnly warns us to watch and stay awake, alert and prepared, lest he come suddenly and find us asleep. In this week's Gospel, the crowds go out to John the Baptist in the wilderness to receive his baptism and confess their sins (and not to slow down, relax, or take a breather!). Keeping a good Advent entails disciplines of spiritual preparation for the Coming of the Lord. The time to relax and enjoy ourselves will come -- ideally during the Twelve Days of Christmas! -- but it is not yet. In the meantime, we do well to take advantage of all the opportunities that the Church offers us to keep Advent intentionally and seriously.  -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Advent II, Year B
Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13, 16-18; 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1:1-8

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Advent Lessons & Carols – This evening at 5:30 pm we will offer our annual service of Lessons & Carols. Seasonal readings and musical selections set the stage as we prepare for the coming of the infant Lord. A reception follows in the Great Hall. All are welcome and invited to attend. (Father Alexander will have signed copies of Dawn from on High, his book of homilies for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, for sale at the reception.)

Commemoration of December Departed – Those on the parish Year’s Mind list whose anniversaries fall during December will be prayed for at the Mass tomorrow, Monday 8 December (The Feast of the Immaculate Conception), at 6 pm. If you have names of departed family or friends to be remembered, please send them to Fr. Alexander at rector@sstephens.necoxmail.com and come join us if you can. The Parish Branch of The Guild of All Souls will meet following Mass for fellowship at a suitable location on Thayer Street. Everyone is welcome and invited to join us.

Advent Quiet Day – This Saturday 13 December from 9 am to 2:30 pm, we will offer our annual Advent Quiet Day, with addresses by The Rev’d Canon Scott Gunn, Executive Director of Forward Movement Publications in Cincinnati, Ohio. We will begin as usual with Morning Prayer at 9 am, and Mass at 9:30 am followed by a light breakfast. The day will include a simple catered lunch, and we will conclude at 2:30 pm. The donation is $15 per person, payable on the day, which will help cover the cost of both breakfast and lunch. (Assistance is available to anyone for whom this may be a hardship.) So we have an idea of how many to plan for, please RSVP the parish office by Wednesday 10 December, indicating your plans to attend, via email to office@sstephens.necoxmail.com, or by calling Cory MacLean at 421-6702, ext. 1.

Christmas Decorations – This year we hope to engage a group of volunteers to decorate the church between Advent IV (Sunday 21 December) and Christmas Eve (Wednesday 24 December). If you are interested in joining in this festive tradition, please contact the parish office via email to office@sstephens.necoxmail.com or phone at 421-6702, ext. 1.

Christmas Pageant and Family Mass – The Sunday School will be presenting its annual Christmas Eve Pageant at the Family Mass on Wednesday, 24 December at 5:30 pm. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. Please see Alison Huff or Devon Callanan for details.

New Year’s Day Dinner – Once again we will offer our annual New Year’s Day Dinner for those in need, on Thursday 1 January 2015. If you can help, please contact coordinator Sue Brazil at Sueb265@hotmail.com, or contact the parish office at 421-6702 ext. 1 or office@sstephens.necoxmail.com. We welcome new scarves, mittens, hats and socks, as well as personal hygiene products such as soaps and toothbrushes. For I was hungry, and you gave me food: I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you welcomed me… Matthew 25:35

Christmas Flower Offering – If you would like to make a Christmas offering of flowers to the church in thanksgiving or in memoriam, please fill out the envelope included with today’s Kalendar, and put it in the offering plate or bring it to the parish office no later than Friday December 19th.

Nominations Committee – candidates for the following positions need to be elected at the Annual Parish Meeting on January 25, 2015: Vestry – one four-year term (incumbent is eligible for re-election); Treasurer – one year term; Clerk – one year term; Diocesan Convention – two Delegates, two Alternates, one-year term. The Nominations Committee consists of Susan Brazil (Chair), John Chamberlin, Modu Johnson, Erica Medvedev, and Charles Rejto.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Maggie, Nicholas, Jonno, Nancy, Patrick, Will, Townsend, Norman, Andrea, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Harrington, Davaughn, Steven, Richard, Beverly, Deborah, Beverly, Angela, Rhoda, Henry, James, Richard, Lynne, Dianne, Kathleen, and Richard.

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: Lillian Lynch (9 December 1990), George W. Lockwood (10 December 2001), and Elinor Elizabeth Ripley (10 December 1984), Recently Departed: James Verber, Priest.

Birthdays this week: Beverly Myers (9 December), Beverly Ryan (13 December).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for pray the Church in Kinkizi - (Uganda): The Rt. Rev’d Dan Zoreka; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of Emmanuel, Cumberland and Emmanuel, Newport.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC R Noble; SD W Dilworth; Thurifer J Starks; Crucifer R Himes; Torches G Benziger, R Callanan, J Rejto
Lector – J Chamberlin
Ushers – E Drew, K Benziger
Coffee Hour – Sunday School

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 7 December
Advent Lessons & Carols 5:30 pm (Reception following)

Monday 8 December

Guild of All Souls (following Low Mass)

Wednesday 9 December
Afternoon Tea 4 pm

Saturday 13 December
Advent Quiet Day 9 am – 2:30 pm

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 13 December
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 7 December
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (Blue)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Advent Lessons & Carols 5:30 pm

Weekday Office and Mass Lectionary: Advent II, Year 1

Monday 8 December
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (Blue)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass (with Commemoration of December Departed) 6 pm

Tuesday 9 December
Tuesday in Advent II (V)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 10 December

Wednesday in Advent II (V)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 11 December
Thursday in Advent II (V)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 12 December
Friday in Advent II (V)
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Finnian, Abbot of Clonard, 549
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 13 December
(ADVENT QUIET DAY)
Lucy, Martyr at Syracuse, 304 (R)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Angelus & Noonday Prayer 12:15 pm

Sunday 14 December
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (Rose)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

*EMBR = Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD


NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (December 14)

Advent III, Year B
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Psalm 126, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24,
John 1:6-8, 19-28