Thursday, January 29, 2015

ONLINE PARISH NOTES
Sunday 1 February 2015

Mosaic of Christ Pantocrator,
Basilica of Sant' Apollinare nuovo, Ravenna, 521-547.

FROM THE RECTOR

In today's Church and world, the notion of authority has become highly contested. Bumper stickers urge us to "Question authority." And there are perhaps a good number of "authorities" whom we should indeed question in today's world! But what of God's authority? In the Old Testament reading, Moses warns the people of Israel against false prophets who purport to speak in God's name words which God has not commended them to speak (Deuteronomy 18:20). We do well to be wary of those who purport to speak with the authority of God. True authority comes from humble fidelity and obedience to the mind of God. This Sunday's Gospel twice mentions the authority of Jesus: "he taught them as one who had authority ..." (Mark 1:22); and "With authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him" (Mark 1:27). In a world marked by questioning and distrust of authority, Jesus is the one authority on whom we can rely for sure guidance and direction.  -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, Year B
Deuteronomy 18:15-20Psalm 1111 Corinthians 8:1-13Mark 1:21-28

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Altar Flowers today are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Benjamin Keith Byers, by his brother William Dilworth.

Solemn Mass & Procession for Candlemas – Tomorrow evening 2 February at 6 pm, we will celebrate the feast of The Presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple (also known as the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Candlemas), with Solemn Mass and Procession. This will be a joint celebration with Saint John’s, Newport; Fr. Nathan Humphrey will be the preacher. A reception will follow. Please mark this important occasion on your calendars and plan on attending.

Crèche – according to an old custom, the Christmas decorations were taken down on Twelfth Night, while the crèche figures remain on display until the Feast of the Presentation (also known as Candlemas) on February 2nd, forty days after Christmas.

Society of Mary – The Society of Mary will meet this Saturday 7 February for 9 am Morning Prayer, 9:30 Mass, then recitation of the Rosary. Breakfast will follow. Everyone is invited.

Confirmation Class – Fr. Alexander is in the process of organizing a class for young people (Middle School or High School age) who would like to be confirmed during Eastertide of this year (date to be determined). Please contact him immediately if you or someone you know would like to participate. The day and time of the class will be determined in consultation with those who are interested.

Pancake Supper – This year’s Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper will be held in the Great Hall on Tuesday 17 February from 5:30 to 7 pm. All are welcome and invited to attend. Bring last year’s palms for burning. Tickets are $6 each and are available at the door. Bring your ashes for burning.

Ash Wednesday Services (February 18) – Morning Prayer & Blessing of the Ashes will be celebrated at 8 am in the Lady Chapel. (You may receive ashes at this service.) Evening Prayer will be said at 5:30 pm in the Lady Chapel and Sung Mass will be celebrated with the Imposition of Ashes at 6 pm in the main church.

The Way of the Cross – On Friday evenings in Lent (February 20 & 27, March 6, 13 & 27) we will offer Evening Prayer at 6 pm followed by Stations of the Cross.

Lenten Series – On the first four Sundays of Lent (February 22, March 1, 8 & 15) at 6 pm, we will offer a series of talks entitled “Science, Religion, and Extraterrestrials” with various speakers. Following Evening Prayer at 5:30, a light dinner will be served at 6 pm. The program will begin at about 6:30 pm and will conclude by 8 pm.

Lenten Quiet Day – On Saturday 28 February, we will offer our annual Lenten Quiet Day, with meditations by The Rev’d Dr. Steven A. Peay, Dean and President of Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Wisconsin. The day begins with Morning Prayer at 9 am, followed by Low Mass and a light breakfast. Silence begins at 10:30 am with Fr. Peay’s first meditation. Following a second meditation we will celebrate Angelus and Noonday Prayer at 12:15, followed by luncheon, a final meditation and tea and discussion at 2 pm. Please let the parish office know in advance if you plan to attend; via phone 421-6702, ext.1 or email office@sstephens.necoxmail.com. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

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

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: Henry Francis Tingley, Jr. (4 February 1984), Mary L. Starks (5 February 1999), and Paul David Ross (6 February 1996); Recently Departed: Carlie Schnabl.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for pray the Church in Long Island - (II, The Episcopal Church): The Rt. Rev’d Lawrence Provenzano; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of St. Paul’s, Pawtucket, St. Paul’s, Portsmouth, and St. Paul’s, North Kingstown.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC B Rose; SD D Latimer; Thurifer L Bledsoe; Crucifer L Verdelotti, Torches V Johnson, C Sylvia
Lector – J Chamberlin
Ushers – J Chamberlin, J Steiny
Coffee Hour – E Hooks & L Latimer

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 1 February
Candlemas Acolyte Rehearsal (12 noon)

Wednesday 4 February
Afternoon Tea 4 pm

Saturday 7 February
Society of Mary (following 9:30 am Mass and Recitation of the Rosary)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 7 February
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 1 February
FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY (G)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Weekday Office and Mass Lectionary: Week of Epiphany 4, Year 1

Monday 2 February
THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE (W)
Solemn High Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 3 February
Anskar, Archbishop of Hamburg, Missionary in Denmark and Sweden, 865 (W)
Blaise, Bishop of Sebaste, Martyr, 316

Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 4 February
Gilbert of Sempringham, Founder of the Gilbertine Order, 1189 (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 5 February
Agatha, Martyr at Catania, 3rd century (R)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 6 February
The Martyrs of Japan, 1597 (R)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 7 February
Cornelius the Centurion, 1st century (W)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Holy Rosary 10 am

Sunday 8 February
FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY (G)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (February 8)

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, Year B
Isaiah 40:21-31, Psalm 147:1-12, 21c, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39

Thursday, January 22, 2015

ONLINE PARISH NOTES
Sunday 25 January 2015

Hans Speckaert, Conversion of Saint Paul, c. 1570-1577

FROM THE RECTOR

The Annual Parish Meeting of S. Stephen's Church follows the 10 am Solemn High Mass this Sunday -- an important opportunity to take stock of where we've been in the year past and where we're going in the year to come. All parishioners are asked to make an effort to attend. We begin with a luncheon to which everyone is invited. We are planning activities for younger children during the adult part of the meeting. Please join us.  -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Third Sunday after the Epiphany, Year B – 8 am
Jonah 3:1-5, 10Psalm 62:6-141 Corinthians 7:29-31Mark 1:14-20

Conversion of Saint Paul – 10 am
Acts 26:9-21Galatians 1:11-24Matthew 10:16-22

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Annual Meeting – Please join us after the 10 am Mass today for the 177th Annual Meeting of the parish. All are welcome and invited to attend, although only active adult parishioners in good standing may vote. (If you have questions about your status as a parishioner, please ask Fr. Alexander. According to the canons of the Episcopal Church adults are 16 years old and older.)

Confirmation Class – Fr. Alexander is in the process of organizing a class for young people (Middle School or High School age) who would like to be confirmed during Eastertide of this year (date to be determined). Please contact him immediately if you or someone you know would like to participate. The day and time of the class will be determined in consultation with those who are interested.

Solemn Mass & Procession for Candlemas – On Monday 2 February at 6 pm, we will celebrate the feast of The Presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple (also known as the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Candlemas), with Solemn Mass and Procession. This will be a joint celebration with Saint John’s, Newport; Fr. Nathan Humphrey will be the preacher. A reception will follow. Please mark this important occasion on your calendars and plan on attending.

Crèche – according to an old custom, the Christmas decorations were taken down on Twelfth Night, while the crèche figures remain on display until the Feast of the Presentation (also known as Candlemas) on February 2nd, forty days after Christmas.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

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

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: Claire B. Bentley (25 January 1984), L'Marie Blunt (25 January 1994), Sterling C. Poitier (28 January 1996), Florence Matilda Colvin (30 January 1994), Anna Waterman Jackson McCoy (30 January 1985), and Ronald Parks Conner, Priest (30 January 2011).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for pray the Church in Long Island - (II, The Episcopal Church): The Rt. Rev’d Lawrence Provenzano; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of St. Paul’s, Pawtucket, St. Paul’s, Portsmouth, and St. Paul’s, North Kingstown.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC R Armidon; SD W Dilworth; Thurifer J Starks; Crucifer R Noble; Torches R Callanan, L Rejto
Lector – M Johnson
Ushers – B Lennihan, E Drew
Coffee Hour – S Brazil, N Gingrich, MA Mello

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 25 January
177th Annual Meeting (following the 10 am Mass)

Wednesday 28 January
Afternoon Tea 4 pm

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 31 January
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 25 January
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass – THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY (G) – 8 AM
Solemn Mass – THE CONVERSION OF SAINT PAUL (W) – 10 AM

Weekday Office and Mass Lectionary: Week of Epiphany 3, Year 1

Monday 26 January
Timothy and Titus [and Silas], Companions of Saint Paul (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 27 January
Feria (G)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 28 January
Thomas Aquinas, Priest, Doctor, 1274 (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 29 January
Andrei Rublev, Monk and Iconographer, 1430 (W)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 30 January
Charles, King and Martyr, 1649 (R)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 31 January
John Bosco, Founder of the Salesians, 1888 (W)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Sunday 1 February
FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY (G)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (February 1)

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, Year B
Deuteronomy 18:15-20, Psalm 111, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28

Thursday, January 15, 2015

ONLINE PARISH NOTES
Sunday 18 January 2015

Saint Peter the Apostle

FROM THE RECTOR

This Sunday we shall be celebrating the Feast of the Confession of Saint Peter (January 18) at the 10 am Sunday Mass. In response to Our Lord's question, "Who do men say that the Son of Man is?" Saint Peter responds, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God." Come join us this Sunday as we celebrate the rock of this faith on which God builds up the Church. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Second Sunday after the Epiphany, Year B – 8 am
1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20)Psalm 139:1-5, 12-171 Corinthians 6:12-20John 1:43-51

Confession of Saint Peter – 10 am
Acts 4:8-131 Peter 5:1-4Matthew 16:13-19

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Altar Flowers today are given to the glory of God in loving memory of John Arthur Clark and Harold R. Alexander by Sharon Lloyd Clark.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day – As on all public holidays, Low Mass on Monday 19 January, will be celebrated at 9:30 am, preceded by Morning Prayer at 9.

Confirmation Class – Fr. Alexander is in the process of organizing a class for young people (Middle School or High School age) who would like to be confirmed during Eastertide of this year (date to be determined). Please contact him immediately if you or someone you know would like to participate. The day and time of the class will be determined in consultation with those who are interested.

Curate Away – Fr. Sawicky is away on retreat this week and will return this Friday, 23 January. Please keep him in your prayers.

Annual Meeting – Please join us next Sunday, January 25th, after the 10 am Mass for the 177th Annual Meeting of the parish. We need volunteers to bring food and beverages, and someone to manage the food setup. Please contact Cory MacLean in the parish office if you can help. All are welcome and invited to attend, although only active adult parishioners in good standing may vote. (If you have questions about your status as a parishioner, please ask Fr. Alexander. According to the canons of the Episcopal Church adults are 16 years old and older.)

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.

Duly Qualified Voting Members – In preparation for the upcoming Annual Meeting on Sunday 25 January, a preliminary list of duly qualified voting members has been posted on the bulletin board near the water fountain. If your name does not appear on this list and you believe that it should, please see Fr. Alexander.

Solemn Mass & Procession for Candlemas – On Monday 2 February at 6 pm we will celebrate the feast of The Presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple (also known as the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Candlemas), with Solemn Mass and Procession. This will be a joint celebration with Saint John's, Newport; Fr. Nathan Humphrey will be the preacher. A reception will follow. Please mark this important occasion on your calendars and plan on attending.

Crèche – according to an old custom, the Christmas decorations have been taken down on Twelfth Night, while the crèche figures remain on display until the Feast of the Presentation (also known as Candlemas) on February 2nd, forty days after Christmas.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

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

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: John Arthur Clark (20 January 2008), Ellsworth E. R. Wallace (21 January 1987), Ruth B. Bodell (21 January 1985), and Gordon Bramwell (22 January 2003); Recently Departed: Nancy Parker, Mavis A. Phillips; and Those for whom today’s altar flowers are given: John Arthur Clark (20 January 2008) and Harold R. Alexander (22 January 2008).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for pray the Diocese of London - (Canterbury, England): The Rt. Rev’d & Rt. Hon. Richard John Carew Chartres; London - Edmonton: The Rt. Rev’d Peter William Wheatley; London – Fulham: The Rt. Rev’d Jonathan Mark Richard Baker; London – Kensington: The Rt. Rev’d Paul Gavin Williams; London – Stepney: The Rt. Rev’d Adrian Newman, London – Willesden; The Rt. Rev’d Peter Allan Broadbent; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for our retired Bishops, Geralyn Wolf and George Hunt.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC W Dilworth; SD S Brazil; Thurifer R Armidon; Crucifer D Callanan; Torches L Hooks, V Johnson
Lector – R G Noble
Ushers – P Pettingell, T Bledsoe
Coffee Hour – Sunday School

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Wednesday 21 January
Afternoon Tea 4 pm

Saturday 24 January
Workshop for MCs and Subdeacons, 10 am (following the 9:30 am Mass)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 25 January
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 18 January
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am -- SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G)
Solemn Mass 10 am -- THE CONFESSION OF SAINT PETER (SAINT PETER'S CHAIR AT ROME) (W)

Weekday Office and Mass Lectionary: Week of Epiphany 2, Year 1

Monday 19 January
Wulfstan, Bishop of Worcester, 1095 (W)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Tuesday 20 January
Fabian, Bishop of Rome, Martyr, 250, and Sebastian, Martyr at Rome, c. 288 (R)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 21 January
Agnes, Martyr at Rome, 304 (R)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 22 January
Vincent, Deacon of Saragossa and Martyr, 250 (R)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 23 January
Feria (G)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 24 January
Francis de Sales, Bishop of Geneva, 1622 (W)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Eucharistic Adoration 10 am

Sunday 25 January
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am -- THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G)
Solemn Mass 10 am -- THE CONVERSION OF SAINT PAUL (W)

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (January 25)

Third Sunday after the Epiphany, Year B – 8 am
Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Psalm 62:6-14; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31; Mark 1:14-20

Conversion of Saint Paul – 10 am
Acts 26:9-21; Galatians 1:11-24; Matthew 10:16-22



Wednesday, January 7, 2015

ONLINE PARISH NOTES
Sunday 11 January 2015

Pietro Perugino, The Baptism of Christ, 1481-1483

FROM THE RECTOR

The Baptism of Christ is an Epiphany (or "manifestation") of the Holy Trinity. The Son comes to the River Jordan for Baptism. The Father speaks from heaven. The Holy Spirits descends in the likeness of a dove. The trinitarian structure of this Epiphany signifies that Jesus, the Son of God, does everything in obedience to his Father in heaven, empowered by the Holy Spirit. At our baptism, we are drawn into that same set of relationships: we are adopted as brothers and sisters of Christ, sons and daughters of our Father in heaven, empowered to do God's will by the gift of his Holy Spirit. The baptized life is a life of relationship in and with the three divine Persons of the Holy Trinity. And when, by God's grace, we seek to live that life faithfully, the Father says to us what he said to Jesus at the River Jordan: "Thou art my beloved son [daughter]; with thee I am well pleased."  -- Fr. John D. Alexander


THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

First Sunday after the Epiphany: the Baptism of Christ, Year B
Genesis 1:1-5Psalm 29Acts 19:1-7Mark 1:4-11

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Confirmation Class – Fr. Alexander is in the process of organizing a class for young people (Middle School or High School age) who would like to be confirmed during Eastertide of this year (date to be determined). Please contact him if you or someone you know would like to participate. The day and time of the class will be determined in consultation with those who are interested.

Rector Away – Fr. Alexander is attending the Annual Conference of the Society of Christian Ethics in Chicago. He returns Tuesday 13 January. During his absence, please contact Fr. Sawicky for any pastoral needs.

Curate Away – Fr. Sawicky will be away on annual retreat beginning Tuesday January 13. He will return on Friday 23 January. Please keep him in your prayers.

Eucharistic Adoration – This Saturday, 17 January, 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.

Solemn Mass & Procession for Candlemas – On Monday 2 February at 6 pm we will celebrate the feast of The Presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple (also known as the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Candlemas), with Solemn Mass and Procession. This will be a joint celebration with Saint John's, Newport; Fr. Nathan Humphrey will be the preacher. A reception will follow. Please mark this important occasion on your calendars and plan on attending.

Crèche – according to an old custom, the Christmas decorations have been taken down on Twelfth Night, while the crèche figures remain on display until the Feast of the Presentation (also known as Candlemas) on February 2nd, forty days after Christmas.

Annual Meeting – Please join us on Sunday, January 25th, after the 10 am Mass for the 177th Annual Meeting of the parish. We need volunteers to bring food and beverages, and someone to manage the food setup. Please contact Cory MacLean in the parish office if you can help. All are welcome and invited to attend, although only active adult parishioners in good standing may vote. (If you have questions about your status as a parishioner, please ask Fr. Alexander. According to the canons of the Episcopal Church adults are 16 years old and older.)

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.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

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

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: Harry Johnson (12 January 2007); Recently Departed: Margaret Dean.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for pray the Church in Langtang - (Jos, Nigeria): The Rt. Rev’d Stanley Fube; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for all the clergy and people of our Diocese.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC R Noble; SD B Rose; Thurifer L Verdelotti; Crucifer L Hooks; Torches D Callanan, K Rejto
Lector – M Johnson
Ushers – G Ryan, K Benziger
Coffee Hour – Ed Hooks & Leana Latimer

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Wednesday 14 January
Afternoon Tea 4 pm

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 17 January
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 11 January
THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY:
THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (W)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am

Weekday Office and Mass Lectionary: Week of Epiphany I, Year One

Monday 12 January
Aelred, Abbott of Rievaulx, 1167 (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 13 January
Hilary, Bishop of Poiters, 367 (W)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 14 January
Kentigern (Mungo), Bishop, Missionary in Galloway, Founder of Glasgow, 612 (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 15 January
Paul of Thebes, First Hermit, c. 345 (W)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass  8:30 am

Friday 16 January
Richard Meux Benson, Monk, Founder of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist, 1915 (W)
Charles Gore, Bishop, Teacher, Founder of the Community of the Resurrection, 1932
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 17 January
Anthony, Abbot in Egypt, 356 (W)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Eucharistic Adoration 10 am

Sunday 18 January
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY (G) – 8 AM
THE CONFESSION OF SAINT PETER (SAINT PETER’S CHAIR AT ROME) (W) – 10 AM
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (January 18)

Second Sunday after the Epiphany, Year B – 8 am
1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20); Psalm 139:1-5, 12-17; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; John 1:43-51

Confession of Saint Peter – 10 am
Acts 4:8-13; 1 Peter 5:1-4; Matthew 16:13-19

Thursday, January 1, 2015

ONLINE PARISH NOTES
Sunday 4 January 2015

The Boy Jesus in the Temple (Heinrich Hoffman, 1881)

FROM THE RECTOR


What is Christmastide? We are now in the middle of the Christmas Season. Over the centuries, however, several different traditions have evolved for reckoning its beginning and ending.

The season is variously held to begin either at midnight between December 24 and 25, or else at First Vespers (Evening Prayer) on Christmas Eve. When Christmastide ends is more complicated. In 566-567, the Second Council of Tours proclaimed the Twelve Days from Christmas through Epiphany (January 6) a holy festival season. The feasting and merrymaking reached its greatest intensity on “Twelfth Night,” commonly reckoned as January 5, the Eve of the Epiphany. In some traditions, however, the twelve days of Christmas were counted from December 26, thus making Twelfth Night the Epiphany itself.

In the medieval period, Christmastide was also reckoned to last forty days from December 25 to February 2, the Feast of the Presentation (also known as the Purification, or Candlemas). The Wikipedia article on Christmastide notes: “In the Western Christian world, the two traditional days on which Christmas decorations are removed are Twelfth Night and Candlemas. Any not removed on the first occasion should be left undisturbed until the second.” 

The contemporary Roman Catholic calendar treats Christmastide as running a few days beyond the traditional Twelve Days of Christmas: up through and including the First Sunday after the Epiphany (the Baptism of Christ). Beginning on the Monday following, however, the Roman Calendar regards the subsequent weekdays and Sundays as Ordinary Time. Meanwhile, some Protestant churches have added a separate Epiphany Season (“Epiphanytide”), beginning on January 6 and lasting until Lent. 

The Episcopal Church’s 1979 Prayer Book fudges the issue somewhat, referring to the Sundays following January 6 as "after the Epiphany." Some parishes thus treat the entire period from January 6 until Ash Wednesday as “Epiphanytide” (by continuing, for example, to wear white vestments and using the Preface of the Epiphany in the Eucharistic Prayer) while others follow the contemporary Roman practice of treating the period after the Baptism of Christ as “Ordinary Time” (by wearing green vestments and using one of the Prefaces for Ordinary Time instead).

Sounds complicated? It is. The different traditions associated with the reckoning and keeping of Christmastide (and the Season after the Epiphany) have evolved organically in diverse ways that do not make for neatness and tidiness. The key point, however, is that Christmas is not one day but a full liturgical season. Long after the secular commercial world has forgotten all about Christmas, we still contemplate its mystery of the Word made flesh – for a full twelve days at least, and maybe more. This Sunday, the Second after Christmas, we continue the celebration. Please join us.  -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Confirmation Class – Fr. Alexander is in the process of organizing a class for young people (Middle School or High School age) who would like to be confirmed during Eastertide of this year (date to be determined). Please contact him immediately if you or someone you know would like to participate. The day and time of the class will be determined in consultation with those who are interested.

January Year’s Mind – departed parishioners whose anniversaries fall during January will be prayed for at the Mass tomorrow, Monday 5 January at 6:00 pm (preceded by Evening Prayer at 5:30). If you have any additional names to be remembered, please let Fr. Alexander know.

Guild of All Souls – the parish branch of GAS will gather following Mass tomorrow, Monday 5 January, for a brief meeting and fellowship at a local restaurant. Everyone is (as always) welcome and invited to join us.

The Epiphany – this Tuesday, January 6, 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.

Afternoon Tea – resumes this Wednesday, 7 January, from 4 pm to 5 pm. Please join us.

Rector Away – Fr. Alexander will be leaving this Thursday 8 January to attend the Annual Conference of the Society of Christian Ethics in Chicago. He returns Tuesday 13 January. During his absence, please contact Fr. Sawicky for any pastoral needs.

Annual Meeting – Please join us on Sunday, January 25th, after the 10 am Mass for the Annual Meeting of the parish. We need volunteers to bring food and beverages, and someone to manage the food setup. Please contact Cory MacLean in the parish office if you can help. All are welcome and invited to attend, although only active adult parishioners in good standing may vote. (If you have questions about your status as a parishioner, please ask Fr. Alexander. According to the canons of the Episcopal Church adults are 16 years old and older.)

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.


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, Richard, and Gus.

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: Marian Dunlop (6 January 2000), Chester Arthur Files Jr. (8 January 2013), John Francis Hall. (9 January 1990), and Margaret Ethel Worthington (10 January 1991).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for pray the Church Lagos West - (Lagos, Nigeria): The Rt. Rev’d James Odedeji, and Lagos Mainland - (Lagos, Nigeria): The Rt. Rev’d Adebayo Akinde; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of the Church of the Epiphany, East Providence.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC W Dilworth; SD S Brazil; Thurifer J Starks; Crucifer D Callanan; Torches G Benziger, L Rejto
Lector – RG Noble
Ushers – B Lennihan, R Viti
Coffee Hour – TBA

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Monday 5 January
Guild of All Souls Meeting (following the 6 pm Requiem Mass)

Wednesday 7 January
Afternoon Tea 4 pm

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 10 January
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

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

Weekday Office and Mass Lectionary: Epiphanytide, Year 1

Monday 5 January
Proper for January 5 (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm (with Commemoration of January Departed)

Tuesday 6 January
THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (W)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am
(High Mass at St. John the Evangelist, Newport 6:30 pm)

Wednesday 7 January
Proper for January 7 (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 8 January
Proper for January 8 (W)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Friday 9 January
Proper for January 9 (W)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 10 January
Proper for January 10 (W)
William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, Martyr, 1645
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Sunday 11 January
THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY:
THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (W)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (January 11)

First Sunday after the Epiphany: the Baptism of Christ, Year B
Genesis 1:1-5, Psalm 29, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11