ONLINE PARISH NOTES

Sunday 1 March 2015

"Let him take up his cross and follow me."

FROM THE RECTOR

 Lent is off to a good start at S. Stephen's. Despite the difficulties of driving and parking in the snow, we had enthusiastic congregations on Ash Wednesday and the First Sunday of Lent, as well as for Friday evening Stations of the Cross and the Sunday evening Lenten Supper series. This Sunday, we shall be welcoming the Very Rev. Steven A. Peay as our preacher at the Solemn Mass at 10 am. Our speaker at the Sunday evening Lenten series will be our own Bishop Knisely. Please join us.  -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

The Second Sunday of Lent, Year B
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Psalm 22:22-30, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Welcome to all visitors and guests – we’re glad that you’re here. Please join us after the 10 am Mass for coffee and refreshments in the Great Hall, upstairs. Today’s coffee hour is hosted by the Society of Mary.

Guest Preacher – We welcome the Very Rev’d Steven A. Peay, Dean and President of Nashotah House Theological Seminary, as our preacher at the 10 am Mass today.

Confirmation Class – Fr. Alexander’s Confirmation Class continues today in the Library at 9 am for young people (Middle School or High School age) who would like to be confirmed later in the year (date to be determined).

Daylight Saving Time – begins next Sunday 8 March. Remember to set your clocks forward one hour on Saturday night.

Easter Flowers – If you would like to make a flower offering at Easter – in thanksgiving or in memoriam - please fill out the enclosed envelope and either put it in the offering plate or return it to the parish office no later than Wednesday 25 March.

Lenten Series – This evening at 6 pm, we will offer the second in our series “Science, Religion, and Extraterrestrials.” Tonight’s speaker will be W. Nicholas Knisely, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, and a member of the Society of Ordained Scientists, on “Theological Implications of the Multiverse on the Nature of the Fall.” Bishop Knisely is the author of Entangled States: Science and Faith (2013), and Lent is not Rocket Science: An Exploration of God, Creation, and the Cosmos (2014). Following Evening Prayer at 5:30, a light dinner will be served at 6 pm. The program will begin at about 6:45 pm and will conclude by 8 pm. Please see the flyer enclosed in the Kalendar for more details.

The Way of the Cross – Friday evenings in Lent (March 6, 13 & 27, but not March 20) we offer Evening Prayer at 6 pm, followed by Stations of the Cross. Come and make this one of your Lenten devotions.

Society of Mary – will not meet this Saturday (7 March) but will meet on the following Saturday (14 March) for 9 am Morning Prayer, 9:30 Mass, then recitation of the Rosary. Everyone is invited.

Stations of the Cross & Stabat Mater – On Sunday 22 March at 5:30 pm, the Fifth Sunday of Lent, we will offer Choral Stations of the Cross, featuring the Schola Cantorum singing Orlande de Lassus’s Stabat Mater à 8 voci. Please note the date and plan to join us.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Jonno, Patrick, Townsend, Norman, Andrea, Marion, Sue, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Harrington, Kate, Davaughn, Richard, Angela, Rhoda, Ned, Henry, James, Richard, and Dianne.

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: Flora Hilda Harding (2 March 1994), Alice Hunt (2 March 1998), Mary Chase (2 March 1992), Josephine Garrett Brown (7 March 1989), and Hilda Grace Stevens (7 March 1991).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for pray the Church in Mbale - (Uganda): The Rt. Rev’d Patrick Gidudu; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadershipand people of St. David's on-the-Hill, Cranston.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC W Dilworth; SD R Armidon; Thurifer J Starks; Crucifer L Hooks, Torches E Benziger, D Callanan
Lector – J Steiny
Ushers – R Viti, G Ryan
Coffee Hour – Society of Mary

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 1 March
Lenten Series (Speaker: The Rt. Rev. Nicholas Knisely) 6 pm

Sunday 8 March
Lenten Series (Speaker: Kenneth Miller) 6 pm

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 7 March
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 1 March
THE SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT (V)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Compline 9 pm

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

Monday 2 March
Monday in II Lent (V)
(Chad, Bishop of Lichfield, c. 602)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 3 March
Tuesday in II Lent (V)
(John and Charles Wesley, Priests, 1791, 1788)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 4 March
Wednesday in II Lent (V)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 5 March
Thursday in II Lent (V)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 6 March
Friday in II Lent (V)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm
Evening Prayer & Stations of the Cross 6 pm

Saturday 7 March
Saturday in II Lent (V)
(Perpetua, Felicity, and Companions, Martyrs at Carthage, 202)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Angelus & Noonday Prayer 12:15 pm

Sunday 8 March
THE THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT (V)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Compline 9 pm


NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (March 8)

The Third Sunday of Lent, Year B
Exodus 20:1-17, Psalm 19, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, John 2:13-22

LENTEN QUIET DAY WITH NASHOTAH HOUSE DEAN

Please join us for the Annual Lenten Quiet Day on Saturday 28 February at S. Stephen's Church, 114 George Street, Providence, with addresses by the Very Rev'd Steven A. Peay, Dean and President of Nashotah House Theological Seminary in Wisconsin.

The Quiet Day begins at 9 am with Morning Prayer, and concludes at 2 pm. A light breakfast and lunch are included. The suggested donation is $15 per person. To help in our food preparations, please RSVP Cory MacLean at the parish office either by email or at (401) 421-6702, ext. 1.

ONLINE PARISH NOTES

Sunday 22 February 2015

Contemporary Icon of Noah's Ark

FROM THE RECTOR

The readings for the first Sunday in Lent in Year B develop the image of Baptism. The Gospel from Mark recounts the Baptism of Christ as the precursor to his forty days in the wilderness. The Old Testament reading tells the story of Noah and the Ark. And the reading from the First Letter of Peter explicitly links the Deluge -- "through which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water" -- to Christian Baptism. The background is that Lent originated in the early Church as a time of preparation for Baptism at Easter. The Catechumens (or Baptismal Candidates) entered their most intensive time of fasting, prayer, and instruction on the First Sunday of Lent, and the whole congregation joined in fasting and prayer with them, that they might persevere in their intention. For those of us who are baptized, Lent is a time of recalling and re-appropriating the disciplines of the Baptized life, culminating in the Renewal of Baptismal Vows at the Easter Vigil. Remembering Noah, then, this Sunday we recommit ourselves to this momentous journey. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

The First Sunday of Lent, Year B 

Genesis 9:8-17, Psalm 25:1-9, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Confirmation Class – Fr. Alexander begins confirmation class today at 9 am for young people (Middle School or High School age) who would like to be confirmed later in the year (date to be determined). Classes will take place at 9 am on Sundays, between the two Masses.

Lenten Series – This evening at 6 pm, we will offer the first in our series of talks entitled “Science, Religion, and Extraterrestrials.” Tonight’s speaker is John Hart, Professor of Christian Ethics at Boston University, who will speak on “Hynek, Hawking, and Hart: Close Encounters of the Cosmic Kind.” John is the author of six books, including Sacramental Commons: Christian Ecological Ethics (2006), Cosmic Commons: Spirit, Science, & Space (2013), and Encountering ETI: Aliens in Avatar and the Americas (2014); he is also a member of the NASA Astrobiology Institute’s Astrobiology and Society Focus Group. 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. Please see the flyer enclosed in the Kalendar for more details.

The Way of the Cross – On Friday evenings in Lent (February 27, March 6, 13 & 27, but not March 20) we offer Evening Prayer at 6 pm, followed by Stations of the Cross. Come and make this one of your Lenten devotions.

Lenten Quiet Day – This 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. The suggested donation is $15 per person, payable on the day. 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.

Stations of the Cross & Stabat Mater – On Sunday 22 March at 5:30 pm, the Fifth Sunday of Lent, we will offer Choral Stations of the Cross, featuring the Schola Cantorum singing Orlande de Lassus’s Stabat Mater à 8 voci. Please note the date and plan to join us.

Easter Flowers – If you would like to make a flower offering at Easter – in thanksgiving or in memoriam - please fill out the enclosed envelope and either put it in the offering plate or return it to the parish office no later than Wednesday 25 March.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

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

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: Year’s mind: Robert Cartwright (18 February 1992).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for pray the Church in Maseno North - (Kenya): The Rt. Rev,d Simon Oketch Maseno; South - (Kenya): The Rt. Rev’d Francis Abiero; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership, staff and residents of Hallworth House.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC R Noble; SD W Dilworth; Thurifer R Armidon; Crucifer D Callanan, Torches K Rejto, G Benziger
Lector – P Martin
Ushers – L Verdelotti, S Brazil
Coffee Hour – K & K Benziger

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 22 February
Lenten Series (Speaker: John Hart) 6 pm

Tuesday 24 February
Vestry Meeting 7 pm

Wednesday 25 February

Afternoon Tea 4 pm

Saturday 28 February
Lenten Quiet Day 9 am – 2 pm

Sunday 1 March
Lenten Series (Speaker: The Rt. Rev. Nicholas Knisely) 6 pm

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 28 February
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 22 February
THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT (V)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass (with Great Litany in Procession) 10 am
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Compline 9 pm

Weekday Office and Mass Lectionary: Week of Lent 1, Year 1

Monday 23 February
Monday in I Lent (V)
(Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, Martyr, c. 155)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 24 February
SAINT MATTHIAS THE APOSTLE (R)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 25 February

Wednesday in I Lent (V)
(Ethelbert and Bertha, King and Queen of Kent, 616, c. 612)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 26 February

Thursday in I Lent (V)
(Oswald, Archbishop of York, 992)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 27 February
Friday in I Lent (V)
(George Herbert, Priest, Poet, 1633)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm
Evening Prayer & Stations of the Cross 6 pm

Saturday 28 February
Saturday in I Lent (V)
(Founding of the Society of the Holy Cross, 1855)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Angelus & Noonday Prayer 12:15 pm

Sunday 1 March

THE SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT (V)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Compline 9 pm

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (March 1)

The Second Sunday of Lent, Year B
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16, Psalm 22:22-30, Romans 4:13-25, Mark 8:31-38

ONLINE PARISH NOTES

Sunday 15 February 2015

Contemporary Icon of the Transfiguration

FROM THE RECTOR

In the Revised Common Lectionary, the Gospel for the Last Sunday after the Epiphany is always that of the Transfiguration of the Lord. Although the Transfiguration has its own separate feast, on August 6, there is a compelling logic about keeping at this point in the liturgical calendar as well. The Transfiguration fittingly concludes the Season after the Epiphany because it is the culmination of the Lord's manifestations of his divine glory during his earthly life. In the Synoptic Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, it marks the transition in the narrative between the Lord's Galilean ministry and his final journey to Jerusalem, which the Church symbolically retraces during the Season of Lent. Here, on the mountaintop, we are given an anticipatory glimpse of the glory that shall be revealed in its fullness after we have followed in the Way of the Cross.

On a separate note: yet another major snowstorm is predicted for Saturday and Sunday. Once again, we observe the usual protocols. Mass will be at the scheduled times, doing as much as we can liturgically and musically with those who show up. Parishioners are encouraged to exercise all due prudence and caution, and to avoid taking any unnecessary risks, in deciding whether to come to church. If you make it, we'll be glad to see you; if you don't, we'll understand. If you find it necessary to remain home, use the time for prayer and reading of the appointed lessons and the Collect of the Day. You may also want to make a Spiritual Communion. In this way you will be with us in spirit even if not physically present.

-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Last Sunday after the Epiphany, Year B
2 Kings 2:1-12, Psalm 50:1-6, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9

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 later in the year (date to be determined). Classes will take place at 9 am on Sundays, between the two Masses, beginning next Sunday 22 February.

George Washington’s Birthday (February 16) – As on all public holidays falling on Monday, Low Mass will be celebrated tomorrow at 9:30 am, preceded by Morning Prayer at 9.

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

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.) Low Mass with Imposition of Ashes will be celebrated at 12 noon. 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, but not March 20) we will offer Evening Prayer at 6 pm, and Stations of the Cross. Come and make this one of your Lenten devotions.

Eucharistic Adoration – This Saturday 21 February, 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. 

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.” 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. Please see the flyer enclosed in the Kalendar for more details.

Quiet Day – On Saturday 28 February, we will offer our annual Lenten Quiet Day, with meditations by The Rev’d Dr. Steven A. Peay, newly elected 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. The suggested donation is $15 per person, payable on the day. Please let the parish office know in advance if you plan to attend; via phone 421-6702, ext. 1 or by email at office@sstephens.necoxmail.com. All are welcome and invited.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

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

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: Alan Edward Reniere (15 February 2013), Christopher Dunstan (16 February 1994), Gary Lee Stamps (17 February 1991), James W. Randolph (17 February 1985), Coribel Page Stiles (18 February 1995), John Walker (18 February 2008), and Frederick A. Starks, Sr. (19 February1985).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for pray the Church in Mandalay - (Myanmar): The Rt. Rev’d David Nyi Nyi Naing; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the people and clergy of Church Beyond the Walls.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC S Brazil; SD R Himes; Thurifer D Latimer; Crucifer R Rose, Torches C Sylvia, E Benziger
Lector – T Oakes
Ushers – S Newby, N Gingrich
Coffee Hour – C & T Bledsoe

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 15 February
Ash Wednesday Acolyte Rehearsal 12 noon

17 February
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 5:30 pm

Sunday 22 February
Lenten Series 6 pm

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 21 February
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 15 February
LAST 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 Last Sunday after Epiphany, Year 1

Monday 16 February
Feria (G)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Tuesday 17 February
Janani Luwum, Archbishop of Uganda, Martyr, 1977 (R)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 18 February
ASH WEDNESDAY (V)
Morning Prayer and the Blessing of the Ashes 8 am
Low Mass with Imposition of Ashes 12 noon
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Solemn Mass with Imposition of Ashes 6 pm

Thursday 19 February
Thursday after Ash Wednesday (V)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 20 February
Friday after Ash Wednesday (V)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm
Evening Prayer & Stations of the Cross 6 pm

Saturday 21 February
Saturday after Ash Wednesday (V)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Eucharistic Adoration 10 am

Sunday 22 February
THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT (V)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm


NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (February 22)

The First Sunday of Lent, Year B Genesis 9:8-17, Psalm 25:1-9, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15

LENTEN SERIES -- "SCIENCE, RELIGION, AND EXTRATERRESTRIALS," PART ONE

JOHN HART, "HYNEK, HAWKING, AND HART: CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE COSMIC KIND"

SUNDAY 22 FEBRUARY AT 6 P.M.

John Hart is Professor of Christian Ethics at Boston University School of Theology. He is the author of six books, including Sacramental Commons: Christian Ecological Ethics (2006), Cosmic Commons: Spirit, Science, & Space (2013), and Encountering ETI: Aliens in Avatar and the Americas (2014); he is also a member of the NASA Astrobiology Institute’s Astrobiology and Society Focus Group.

Join us for a light supper followed by Professor Hart's presentation and conversation, in the Great Hall at S. Stephen's Church, 114 George Street, Providence, RI, 02906. Copies of John's books Cosmic Commons and Encountering ETI will be available for purchase.

Subsequent speakers in the four-part series "Science, Religion, and Extraterrestrials" are Bishop Nicholas Knisely of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island (March 1), Professor Kenneth Miller of Brown University (March 8), and Phoebe Pettingell of St. Stephen's Church (March 15).

ONLINE PARISH NOTES

Sunday 8 February 2015

Christ Healing the Mother of Peter's Wife, John Bridges, 1839

FROM THE RECTOR

Since at the time of writing yet another major blizzard is forecast for the weekend, it seems an opportune time to clarify our "snow policy" at S. Stephen's. The policy has two equally important parts.

First, regardless of the weather outside, on Sunday mornings we will open the church's doors and offer public worship for whomever shows up -- servers or no servers, choir or no choir. We do the best we can with the resources available. We are blessed to have Fr. Sawicky living on premises so that we have a priest to say Mass so long as at least one other person shows up. That said, it is always heartening to see the hardy band of intrepid souls who trudge through the snow to come to Sunday Mass under these circumstances.

Second, we urge parishioners not to take any unnecessary risks when outside conditions make travel to and from church hazardous. We urge parishioners to obey all traffic and parking bans that may be put into effect by the civil authority. If in doubt about your ability to get to church safely, stay home. The normal obligation to attend Sunday Mass does not extend to situations where coming to church entails undue risks to personal safety.

If you do stay at home, however, consider using the time that you would have spent at church for prayer. Look up and read the appointed readings, psalm, and Collect for the Sunday. Make a Spiritual Communion. This is not an alternative to coming to Mass on those days when we don't feel like it, but rather on those days when we are prevented by genuine necessity. In this way, we unite ourselves spiritually with our fellow Christians throughout the world who have gathered to offer worship on the Lord's Day even when we are unable to join them physically.

-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

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

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. We are considering a class to take place at 9 am on Sundays, before the Solemn High Mass at 10. If you or your children are interested in this class, please let Parish Administrator Cory MacLean know right away if this time will work.

February Year’s Mind – departed parishioners whose anniversaries fall during February will be prayed for at the Mass tomorrow, Monday 9 February 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.

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 $5 each and are available at the door.

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.) Low Mass with Imposition of Ashes will be celebrated at 12 noon. 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, and Stations of the Cross. Come and make this one of your Lenten devotions.

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, academic dean at 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. The suggested donation is $15 per person, payable on the day. 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, Rhoda, Ned, Henry, Matthew, James, Richard, Lynne, Dianne, Kathleen, and Richard.

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: Mildred Dunlop (8 February 1987), Madeline Nason (9 February 1985), Madeline Thatcher Howes (10 February 1986), and Thomas Greene Cure, Priest (13 February 2001); Recently Departed: Carlie Schnabl

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for pray the Church in Maiduguri - (Jos, Nigeria): The Rt. Rev’d Emmanuel Kana Mani; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for Episcopal Charities and the ministries and agencies they support.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC D Latimer; SD R Noble; Thurifer L Verdelotti; Crucifer L Bledsoe, Torches L Rejto, K Rejto
Lector – P Pettingell
Ushers – R Widmer, W Dilworth
Coffee Hour – M Johnson & RG Noble

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Wednesday 11 February
Afternoon Tea 4 pm

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 14 February
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

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

Weekday Office and Mass Lectionary: Week of Epiphany 5, Year 1

Monday 2 February
Feria
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Votive Requiem Mass 6 pm (Black)

Tuesday 10 February
Scholastica, Abbess, c. 543 (W)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 11 February
Our Lady of Lourdes (Blue)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 12 February
Feria (G)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 13 February
Absalom Jones, Priest, 1818 (W)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 14 February
Cyril and Methodius, Missionaries to the Slavs, Patrons of Europe, 869, 885 (W)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Sunday 15 February
LAST 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 15)

Last Sunday after the Epiphany, Year B
2 Kings 2:1-12, Psalm 50:1-6, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9