Saturday, December 30, 2017

PARISH NOTES
Sunday 31 December 2017

Contemporary Icon of the Martyrdom of Saint Stephen

FROM THE RECTOR

On the Seventh Day of Christmas (Sunday 31 December) we continue our joyful seasonal celebrations with our Patronal Feast of Saint Stephen, Deacon and Protomartyr (transferred from December 26). Join in giving thanks for the witness, example, and prayers of our Patron Saint. Then, we have a wonderful opportunity to make a good beginning of the New Year with Mass for the Holy Name at 10 am Monday, followed by helping others in need at the New Year's Day Dinner in the Great Hall. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Saint Stephen, Deacon and Martyr
Psalm 31
Jeremiah 26:1-9,12-15
Acts 6:8--7:2a,51c-60
Matthew 23:34-39

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

Josquin des Prez—Missa Hercules dux Ferrariae
Thomas Tomkins—Stephen, being full of the Holy Ghost

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ – On Monday 1 January we celebrate this Principal Feast of the Church Year with Morning Prayer at 9:30 am and Low Mass at 10:00. 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 – will be held in the Great Hall tomorrow, Monday 1 January. There will be two sittings, 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. A bus will bring guests from other parts of the city as in past years. Volunteers are asked to contact Susan Brazil. There is also a request for a donation of toiletries for the guests to be distributed to them at the dinner. Please deposit donations in the designated box in the parish office by the afternoon of New Year’s Eve (today). Thank you in advance for any donation you may make.

Epiphany – will be celebrated at S. Stephen’s this coming Saturday, January 6 at 11 am. The Mass will be sung by the Choir of St. John the Evangelist, Newport. A reception will follow. Please join us for a grand celebration with our guests from Newport and elsewhere.

Episcopal Visitation – of the Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely, Bishop of Rhode Island, will take place on Sunday 11 February, the Last Sunday after the Epiphany. Anyone interested in being Confirmed or Received into the Episcopal Church on this happy occasion, please contact Fr. Alexander right away. (There will also be an opportunity for Confirmation at a diocesan-wide service during Eastertide on a date and at a location to be announced.)

Pledge Cards – If you have not returned your pledge card for 2018, please do so. If you have not received one, they are available from the ushers. Your financial support of S. Stephen’s during the coming year makes a difference and is deeply appreciated.

The Nominations Committee – has made the following nominations:

(a) Two seats on Vestry, four-year terms--at the time of going to press, no-one has agreed to be nominated--the Nominations Committee is still working on finding suitable candidates, who will be announced as soon as they are known;

(b) One seat on Vestry three-year term--Bill Dilworth;

(d) Treasurer, one-year term: Zachary Painter;

(e) Clerk, one-year term: Phoebe Pettingell;

(f) Two Diocesan Convention Delegates, one-year term: Jacob Ihnen; Frank Pisaturo;

(e) Two Diocesan Convention Alternates, one-year term: Nancy Gingrich; one still to be nominated.

The members of the Nominations Committee are: Cathy Bledsoe, Susan Brazil (Chair), Bill Dilworth, Nancy Gingrich, and Bobby Rose. Please contact any of them if you have any recommendations for nominations or indeed if you would be interested in standing for election yourself.

Nave Flooring Project – Over the coming few months the entire tile floor under the pews will be covered over with a layer of birch paneling that will vastly improve the church's appearance and create a smooth surface underfoot. This project will not impact our Sunday worship schedule, but please exercise all due care and avoid any areas that have been cordoned off for this construction.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Geoff, Norman, Shannah, Sister Carolyn, Lynne, William, Gerald, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Sally, Sandy, John, Ed, Virginia, Richard, Priscilla, Colin, Sandy, Kiersten, Beverly, Deborah, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Douglas, Beverly, Allora, Carlos, Rhoda, William, and James.

Birthdays this week: Katherine Hayslip (Saturday 1/6).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Nancy Jean Donaldson Pettingell (2 January 2010) and Marian Dunlop (6 January 2000).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Diocese of Zululand - (Southern Africa): The Rt. Rev’d Monument Makhanya; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for all the clergy and people of our Diocese.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC F Pisaturo; Subdeacon Z Painter; Thurifer J Starks; Crucifer J Ihnen; Torches L Verdelotti, R Noble

Lector – T Oakes

Ushers – George Ryan and Tom Oakes

Coffee Hour – is replaced by the preparation for the New Year’s Day Dinner.

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN'S

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Monday 1 January
New Year’s Day Dinner 12:30 & 1:30 (Great Hall)

Saturday 6 January
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 31 December
SAINT STEPHEN, DEACON AND MARTYR (R)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8:00 am
Solemn Mass 10:00 am

Daily Office Lectionary: Week of I Christmas, Year 2
Daily Mass Lectionary: Week of I Christmas

Monday 1 January
THE HOLY NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (W)
Morning Prayer 9:30 am
Low Mass 10:00 am

Tuesday 2 January
Proper for January 2
Seraphim of Sarov, Monk, Spiritual Guide, 1833 (W)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 3 January
Proper for January 3 (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6:00 pm

Thursday 4 January
Proper for January 4
Elizabeth Ann Seton, Founder of the American Sisters of Charity, 1821 (W)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 PM

Friday 5 January
Proper for January 5 (W)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 6 January
THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (W)
Morning Prayer 9:30 am
Solemn Mass 11:00 am

Sunday 7 January
FIRST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY: THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (W)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8:00 am
Solemn Mass 10:00 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (7 January)

First Sunday after the Epiphany
Psalm 29
Genesis 1:1-5
Acts 19:1-7
Mark 1:4-11

Monday, December 25, 2017

LIFE OF SAINT STEPHEN

Frescoes in Niccoline Chapel, Vatican, 1447-1449
by Fra Angelico


St. Peter ordains Stephen (Acts 6:5-6)

Stephen distributes alms (Acts 6:1-4)

Stephen preaches (Acts 6:8-10)

Stephen before the Sanhedrin (Acts 6:11-7:56)

Stephen led to martyrdom (Acts 7:57)

Stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:58-60)

Thursday, December 21, 2017

PARISH NOTES
Sunday 24 December 2017

Henry Ossawa Tanner, The Annunciation (1898)
Philadelphia Museum of Art

FROM THE RECTOR

This year Christmas Eve falls on Sunday so that we have the unusually full schedule of the Fourth Sunday of Advent in the morning and the three Masses of Christmas beginning in the evening. The day is long but rich in opportunity for celebration and spiritual refreshment. This year, the Advent IV readings feature the Angel Gabriel's Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary (depicted above). Morning and evening thus combine to celebrate two principal mysteries of the Incarnation: Annunciation and Nativity, the virginal conception and birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Come, let us adore him. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR B (10 AM)

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

CAROL SERVICE & FAMILY MASS 5:30 PM (CHRISTMAS I)

Isaiah 9:2-7
Titus 2:11-14
Luke 2:1-14

SOLEMN MASS OF THE NATIVITY 10:30 PM (CHRISTMAS II)

Titus 3:4-7
Luke 2:8-20

CHRISTMAS DAY LOW MASS 10 AM (CHRISTMAS III)

Psalm 98
Isaiah 52:7-10
Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12)
John 1:1-14

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

ADVENT IV (10 AM)

Healey Willan—Missa de Sancta Maria Magdalena

SOLEMN MASS OF THE NATIVITY (10:30 PM)

George Malcolm—Missa Ad Praesepe

Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck—Hodie Christus natus est

Harold Darke—In the bleak midwinter


Andrea Mantegna, Adoration of the Shepherds (c. 1450)
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Decorating the Church for Christmas – will take place today, December 24, following the 10 a.m. Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Advent. A light lunch of pizza and salad will be provided in place of Coffee Hour. Many hands will make light work. Please stay after Mass if you can to help out.

Rector and Priest Associate Away – as both Fr. Alexander and Fr. Pearson will be out of town during the coming week, the regularly scheduled weekday Masses will not be offered this Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. See the announcements below for further details. On Tuesday and Friday, Noonday Prayer will be said in the Lady Chapel at 12:00 p.m.

Saint Stephen’s Day (December 26) – as the Prayer Book rubrics allow, we are transferring our patronal festival to the following Sunday (December 31). Join us the morning of New Year’s Eve as we celebrate Stephen, Deacon and Protomartyr.

Saint John’s Day – This Wednesday, December 27, parishioners of S. Stephen’s are encouraged to attend the celebration of the patronal festival at the Church of Saint John the Evangelist, 61 Poplar Street, Newport, RI, at 6:30 pm.

Holy Innocents Day – This Thursday, December 28, we will observe the Holy Innocents, a major feast of the Church year, with Noonday Prayer at 12:00 p.m. and Low Mass at 12:10 p.m.

New Year's Day Dinner – will be held in the Great Hall on Monday 1 January. There will be two sittings, 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. A bus will bring guests from other parts of the city as in past years. Volunteers are asked to contact Susan Brazil. There is also a request for a donation of toiletries for the guests to be distributed to them at the dinner. Please deposit donations in the designated box in the parish office by the afternoon of New Year’s Eve. Thank you in advance for any donation you may make.

Epiphany – will be celebrated at S. Stephen’s on Saturday, January 6 at 11 am. The Mass will be sung by the Choir of St. John the Evangelist, Newport. A reception will follow. Please join us for a grand celebration with our guests from Newport and elsewhere.

Episcopal Visitation – of the Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely, Bishop of Rhode Island, will take place on Sunday 11 February, the Last Sunday after the Epiphany. Anyone interested in being Confirmed or Received into the Episcopal Church on this happy occasion, please contact Fr. Alexander right away. (There will also be an opportunity for Confirmation at a diocesan-wide service during Eastertide at a date and location to be announced.)

Pledge Cards – If you have not returned your pledge card for 2018, please do so. If you have not received one, they are available from the ushers. Your financial support of S. Stephen’s during the coming year makes a difference and is deeply appreciated.

Nominations Committee – at the Annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, January 28, 2018, the following vacancies must be filled: (a) Two seats on Vestry, four-year terms--outgoing occupants Louis Verdelotti and Danielle Malo are not eligible for re-election; (b) one seat on Vestry three-year term--current occupant Bill Dilworth is eligible for re-election; (c) Senior Warden, three-year term, to be nominated by Rector; (d) Treasurer, one-year term; (e) Clerk, one-year term; (f) two Diocesan Convention Delegates, one-year term; (e) two Diocesan Convention Alternates, one-year term. The members of the Nominations Committee are: Cathy Bledsoe, Susan Brazil (Chair), Bill Dilworth, Nancy Gingrich, and Bobby Rose. Please contact any of them if you have any recommendations for nominations or indeed if you would be interested in standing for election yourself.

Nave Flooring Project – Over the coming few months the entire tile floor under the pews will be covered over with a layer of birch paneling that will vastly improve the church's appearance and create a smooth surface underfoot. This project will not impact our Sunday worship schedule, but please exercise all due care and avoid any areas that have been cordoned off for this construction.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Geoff, Norman, Shannah, Sister Carolyn, Lynne, Gerald, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Sally, Sandy, John, Ed, Virginia, Richard, Priscilla, Kiersten, Beverly, Deborah, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Douglas, Beverly, Allora, Carlos, Rhoda, William, and James.

Birthdays this week: Katherine Rejto (Wednesday 12/27).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: George Wightman Williams (24 December 2004), Frances S. Sloan (26 December 1993), Mary Gowdey (27 December 1992), Albert E. Godfrey (27 December 1993), John Seville Higgins, Bishop (28 December 1992), and Detlev Schumann (29 December 1986).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Diocese of Yola - (Jos, Nigeria): The Rt. Rev’d Markus Ibrahm; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the people and clergy of S. Stephen's, Providence and of St. John’s, Barrington and of St. John the Evangelist, Newport and of the Chapel of St. John the Divine, Saunderstown.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

ADVENT IV (10 AM)

Acolytes – MC J Ihnen; Subdeacon R Noble; Thurifer L Verdelotti; Crucifer F Pisaturo; Torches C Sylvia, L Rejto

Lector – W Dilworth

Ushers – Tom Bledsoe and Julia Steiny

Coffee Hour – is replaced by decorating the church for Christmas and will include a light luncheon for those participating.

CAROL SERVICE & FAMILY MASS (5:30 PM)

Acolytes – MC J Ihnen; Thurifer L Verdelotti; Crucifer R Noble; Torches Sr. Kristina Frances, C Mulvey

Lectors – TBA

Ushers – TBA


SOLEMN MASS OF THE NATIVITY (10:30 PM)

Acolytes – MC R Noble; Subdeacon J Ihnen; Thurifer A Alexander; Crucifer L Verdelotti; Torches F Pisaturo, D Callanan

Lector – Phoebe Pettingell

Ushers – Phoebe Pettingell and Simon Newby


THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 30 December
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 24 December

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT (V)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8:00 am
Sung Mass 10:00 am

CHRISTMAS EVE (W)
Carol Service & Family Mass  5:30 pm
Solemn Mass of the Nativity 10:30 pm

Daily Office and Mass Lectionaries: Christmas Week


Monday 25 December

THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (W)
Anastasia, Widow and Martyr at Rome, c. 304
Morning Prayer 9:30 am
Low Mass 10:00 am

Tuesday 26 December
SAINT STEPHEN, DEACON & PROTOMARTYR (R)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon

Wednesday 27 December

SAINT JOHN, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST (W)
(Mass of Patronal Feast at St. John's, Newport, at 6:30 pm)

Thursday 28 December

THE HOLY INNOCENTS (R)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 PM

Friday 29 December

Proper for December 29
Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, Martyr, 1170 (R)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon

Saturday 30 December
Proper for December 30 (W)
Morning Prayer 9:30 am
Low Mass 10:00 am

Sunday 31 December
SAINT STEPHEN, DEACON AND PROTOMARTYR (Transferred from December 26) (R)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8:00 am
Solemn Mass 10:00 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (31 December)

Saint Stephen, Deacon and Protomartyr 
Psalm 31
Jeremiah 26:1-9,12-15
Acts 6:8--7:2a,51c-60
Matthew 23:34-39

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

PARISH NOTES
Sunday 17 December 2017

Bartolomé Esteban Murillo,
St. John the Baptist with the Scribes and Pharisees, c. 1655
The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, England

FROM THE RECTOR

This Sunday's Gospel reading describes John the Baptist: "He was not the light, but came to bear witness to the light." In the gathering darkness, we are all called to bear witness to Christ, the light of the world. Join us this Sunday as we contemplate John the Baptist's witness to the One coming after him. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

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

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina—Missa “Ecce ego Joannis”

Orlando Gibbons—This is the record of John

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Saint Thomas the Apostle (December 21) – a major Holy Day of the Church year, will be kept this Thursday with Noonday Prayer at 12:00 and Low Mass at 12:10 pm.

Decorating the Church for Christmas – will take place next Sunday, December 24, following the 10 a.m. Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Advent. A light lunch of pizza and salad will be provided in place of Coffee Hour. Many hands will make light work. To help our planning, if you intend to participate, please RSVP to Susan in the parish office at (401) 421-6702, ext. 1, or by email.

Schedule of Christmas ServicesChristmas Eve: (Sunday, 24 December) Family Mass with Carols - 5:30 pm; Solemn Mass of the Nativity - 10:30 pm. Christmas Day: (Monday, 25 December) Morning Prayer 9:30 am, Low Mass 10:00 am.

New Year's Day Dinner – for those in need will be held in the Great Hall on Monday 1 January. There will be two sittings, 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. A bus will bring guests from other parts of the city as in past years. Volunteers are asked to contact Susan Brazil.

Episcopal Visitation – of the Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely, Bishop of Rhode Island, will take place on Sunday 11 February, the Last Sunday after the Epiphany. Anyone interested in being Confirmed or Received into the Episcopal Church on this happy occasion, please contact Fr. Alexander right away. (There will also be an opportunity for Confirmation at a diocesan-wide service during Eastertide at a location to be announced.)  

Pledge Cards – If you have not returned your pledge card for 2018, please do so. If you have not received one, they are available from the ushers. Your financial support of S. Stephen’s during the coming year makes a difference and is deeply appreciated.

Nominations Committee – at the Annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, January 28, 2018, the following vacancies must be filled: (a) Two seats on Vestry, four-year terms--outgoing occupants Louis Verdelotti and Danielle Malo are not eligible for re-election; (b) one seat on Vestry three-year term--current occupant Bill Dilworth is eligible for re-election; (c) Senior Warden, three-year term, to be nominated by Rector; (d) Treasurer, one-year term; (e) Clerk, one-year term; (f) two Diocesan Convention Delegates, one-year term; (e) two Diocesan Convention Alternates, one-year term. The members of the Nominations Committee are: Cathy Bledsoe, Susan Brazil (Chair), Bill Dilworth, Nancy Gingrich, and Bobby Rose. Please contact any of them if you have any recommendations for nominations or indeed if you would be interested in standing for election yourself.

Nave Flooring Project – Over the coming few months the entire tile floor under the pews will be covered over with a layer of birch paneling that will vastly improve the church's appearance and create a smooth surface underfoot. This project will not impact our Sunday worship schedule, but please exercise all due care and avoid any areas that have been cordoned off for this construction.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Geoff, Norman, Shannah, Sister Carolyn, William, Gerald, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Sally, Sandy, John, Ed, Virginia, Richard, Priscilla, Kiersten, Beverly, Deborah, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Douglas, Beverly, Allora, Carlos, Rhoda, William, and James.

Birthdays this week: Louise Wells (Sunday 12/17).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Constance Margaret Maxwell (17 December 1986), Dorothy Denison Dunlap (17 December 1986), and Kathleen Herbert Congdon (22 December 2005).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Diocese of Wyoming - (VI, The Episcopal Church): The Rt. Rev’d John Smylie; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the people and clergy of St. Thomas, Greenville and of St. Thomas, Alton.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC S Brazil; Subdeacon F Pisaturo; Thurifer R Noble; Crucifer L Verdelotti; Torches V Johnson, R Callanan

Lector – Modu Johnson

Ushers – Simon Newby and Karl Benziger

Coffee Hour – Society of Mary

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S


Saturday 23 December

Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 17 December
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (Rose)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8:00 am
Solemn Mass 10:00 am

Daily Office and Mass Lectionaries: Advent III

Monday 18 December
Proper for December 18 (V)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6:00 pm

Tuesday 19 December
Proper for December 19 (V)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 20 December
Proper for December 20 (V)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6:00 pm

Thursday 21 December
SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE (R)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 PM

Friday 22 December
Proper for December 22 (V)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 23 December
Proper for December 23 (V)
Morning Prayer 9:30 am
Low Mass 10:00 am

Sunday 24 December
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT (V)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8:00 am
Solemn Mass 10:00 am

CHRISTMAS EVE (W)
Family Mass with Carols 5:30 pm
Solemn Mass of the Nativity 10:30 pm

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (24 December)

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

PARISH NOTES
Sunday 10 December 2017

Domenico Ghirlandaio, Preaching of John the Baptist, c.1486-1490
Tarnabuoni Chapel, Florence

FROM THE RECTOR

Year B of the Three-Year lectionary focuses primarily on the Gospel of Mark -- the shortest of the four canonical Gospels and believed by some New Testament scholars (though by no means all!) to be to the earliest. In the opening verse Mark proclaims "The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God." Then he describes John the Baptist in the wilderness "preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." This juxtaposition suggests that the Gospel -- "the good news" -- begins with repentance. John was sent to prepare the people for the Lord's arrival; they responded by "confessing their sins." To prepare for the Advent of the Lord, we do well to do likewise.
-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Second Sunday of Advent – Year B
Psalm 85:1-2,8-13
Isaiah 40:1-11
2 Peter 3:8-15a
Mark 1:1-8

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

Johannes Brahms—Missa Canonica, Op. Post 18

Hieronymus Praetorius—Ecce Dominus Veniet

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Schedule of Christmas Services – Christmas Eve: (Sunday, 24 December) Family Mass with Carols - 5:30 pm; Solemn Mass of the Nativity - 10:30 pm. Christmas Day: (Monday, 25 December) Morning Prayer 9:30 am, Low Mass 10:00 am.

The S. Stephen – Advent/Christmas issue of the parish magazine is available for viewing and downloading here. You should have received a physical copy of this issue via mail by this time. If you have not received a copy, extra copies are available in the narthex.

Pledge Cards – If you have not returned your pledge card for 2018, please do so. If you have not received one, they are available from the ushers. Your financial support of S. Stephen’s during the coming year will make a real difference and is deeply appreciated.

Nominations Committee – at the Annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, January 28, 2018, the following vacancies must be filled: (a) Two seats on Vestry, four-year terms--outgoing occupants Louis Verdelotti and Danielle Malo are not eligible for re-election; (b) one seat on Vestry three-year term--current occupant Bill Dilworth is eligible for re-election; (c) Senior Warden, three-year term, to be nominated by Rector; (d) Treasurer, one-year term; (e) Clerk, one-year term; (f) two Diocesan Convention Delegates, one-year term; (e) two Diocesan Convention Alternates, one-year term. The members of the Nominations Committee are: Cathy Bledsoe, Susan Brazil (Chair), Bill Dilworth, Nancy Gingrich, and Bobby Rose. Please contact any of them if you have any recommendations for nominations or indeed if you would be interested in standing for election yourself.

Nave Flooring Project – Over the coming few months the entire tile floor under the pews will be covered over with a layer of birch paneling that will vastly improve the church's appearance and create a smooth surface underfoot. This project will not impact our Sunday worship schedule, but please exercise all due care and avoid any areas that have been cordoned off for this construction.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Norman, Shannah, Sister Carolyn, William, Gerald, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Katherine, Sally, Sandy, John, Ed, Virginia, Richard, Priscilla, Kiersten, Beverly, Deborah, Angela, Bobby, Douglas, Beverly, Allora, Carlos, Rhoda, William, and James.

Birthdays this week: Lynne DeBenedette (Sunday 12/10) and Beverly Ryan (Wednesday 12/13).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: George W. Lockwood (10 December 2001), Elinor Elizabeth Ripley (10 December 1984), Gerald Franklin Barrow (14 December 2007), and Mary B. Trask (15 December 1984).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Diocese of Western North Carolina - (IV, The Episcopal Church): The Rt. Rev’d José Antonio McLoughlin; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the people and clergy of Emmanuel, Cumberland and of Emmanuel, Newport.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC Z Painter; Subdeacon R Noble; Thurifer L Verdelotti; Crucifer S Brazil; Torches L Rejto, G Benziger

Lector – J Steiny

Ushers – Frank Pisaturo and Ernest Drew

Coffee Hour – Karl and Klara

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S


Saturday 16 December
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

10 December
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (V)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8:00 am
Solemn Mass 10:00 am

Daily Office and Mass Lectionaries: Advent II

11 December
Monday in II Advent (V)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6:00 pm

12 December
Tuesday in II Advent (V)
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Finnian, Abbot of Clonard, 549
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

13 December
Lucy, Martyr at Syracuse, 304 (R)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6:00 pm

14 December
John of the Cross, Mystic, Poet, Teacher, 1591 (W)
Alexander Heriot Mackonochie, Priest, 1887 
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 PM

15 December
Friday in II Advent (V)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

16 December
Saturday in II Advent (V)
Morning Prayer 9:30 am
Low Mass 10:00 am

17 December
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (V)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8:00 am
Solemn Mass 10:00 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (17 December)

Third Sunday of Advent – Year B

Psalm 126
Isaiah 61:1-4,8-11
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
John 1:6-8,19-28
ADVENT QUIET DAY

Saturday 9 December 2017 
9 am-2 pm


ADDRESSES: THE REVD MICHAEL A. PEARSON

Light Breakfast and Lunch Included

Suggested Donation $15

To help in our preparations please RSVP to Susan in the parish office at 401-421-6702, ext. 1, or by email if you plan to attend

ALL WELCOME!

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

PARISH NOTES
Sunday 3 December 2017

Jacob de Backer, The Last Judgment c. 1580
Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp, Belgium

FROM THE RECTOR

The Season of Advent begins another Church year with the summons to stay awake to watch and pray for for the coming of the Lord. Joyful hope co-mingles with the need to prepare and be ready. There is no better time to renew Christian commitment, faith, and practice. Plan to join us this Sunday for Mass in the morning, and for Lessons and Carols in the evening. In this way we shall make a good beginning of the new liturgical year now upon us. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

First Sunday of Advent – Year B
Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18
Isaiah 64:1-9
1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Mark 13:24-37

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

Filipe de Magalhães—Missa veni Domine
Healey Willan—Lo, in the time appointed

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Advent Lessons and Carols – This evening, 3 December 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 Lord. A reception will follow in the Great Hall. All are welcome and invited to attend.

Monthly Requiem – for the departed of this parish whose year’s mind falls during December will be offered tomorrow, Monday 4 December at 6:00 pm (preceded by Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm). If you have any names to add to the list of those remembered, please email Fr. Alexander. See GAS announcement below.

Guild of All Souls: St. Stephen, Proto-Martyr – S. Stephen’s celebrates a parish Requiem Mass on the First Monday of most months at the 6:00 pm Mass. Departed members of the parish whose anniversaries fall during the month are remembered in prayer, and anyone may submit additional names of the departed.

The S. Stephen  Advent/Christmas issue of the parish magazine is available for viewing and downloading here. You should also be receiving a physical copy of this issue via mail very soon. If you would like to pick up an extra copy, extra copies will be available in the narthex.

Advent Quiet Day – will be offered on Saturday 9 December from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, with addresses by our own Priest Associate, The Rev’d Michael A. Pearson. We will begin as usual with Morning Prayer at 9:00 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 pm. The donation is $15 per person, payable on the day, which will help cover the cost of both breakfast and lunch. (Financial assistance is available if this may cause a hardship; please speak confidentially to Fr. Alexander.) So we have an idea of how many to plan for, please RSVP the parish office by Thursday, December 7, indicating your intention to attend, via email to office@sstephens.necoxmail.com, or by calling Susan Rozzero at 421-6702, ext. 1.

Pledge Cards – If you have not returned your pledge card for 2018, please do so. If you have not received one, they are available from the ushers. Your financial support of S. Stephen’s during the coming year is urgently needed and deeply appreciated.

Nominations Committee – At the Annual Parish Meeting on Sunday, January 28, 2018, the following vacancies must be filled: (a) Two seats on Vestry, four-year terms--outgoing occupants Louis Verdelotti and Danielle Malo are not eligible for re-election; (b) one seat on Vestry three-year term--current occupant Bill Dilworth is eligible for re-election; (c) Senior Warden, three-year term, to be nominated by Rector; (d) Treasurer, one-year term; (e) Clerk, one-year term; (f) two Diocesan Convention Delegates, one-year term; (e) two Diocesan Convention Alternates, one-year term. The members of the Nominations Committee are: Cathy Bledsoe, Susan Brazil (Chair), Bill Dilworth, Nancy Gingrich, and Bobby Rose. Please contact any of them if you have any recommendations for nominations or indeed if you would be interested in standing for election yourself.

Nave Flooring Project – Over the coming few months the entire tile floor under the pews will be covered over with a layer of birch paneling that will vastly improve the church's appearance and create a smooth surface underfoot. This project will not impact our Sunday worship schedule, but please exercise all due care and avoid any areas that have been cordoned off for this construction.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Norman, Shannah, Sister Carolyn, William, Gerald, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Katherine, Sally, Sandy, John, Ed, Virginia, Richard, Priscilla, Kiersten, Beverly, Deborah, Angela, Bobby, Douglas, Beverly, Allora, Carlos, Rhoda, William, and James.

Birthdays this week: Lisa Elliot (Friday 12/8), Beverly Myers (Saturday 12/9), and Christarie (Precious) Sylvia (Saturday 12/9).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Jimmy Chancy Black (4 December 1992), Homer Shirley (7 December 2013), and Lillian Lynch (9 December 1990).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Diocese of West Buganda - (Uganda): The Rt. Rev’d Henry Katumba-Tamale; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the people and clergy of Church of the Advent, Coventry.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC J Ihnen; Subdeacon F Pisaturo; Thurifer R Noble; Crucifer Z Painter; Torches G Benziger, C Sylvia

Lector – RG Noble

Ushers – Sue Brazil and Nancy Gingrich (Lessons & Carols: Phoebe Pettingell and Bruce Lennihan)

Coffee Hour – Rejto Family

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS & EVENTS

Monday 4 December
Guild of All Souls 6:00 pm (Lady Chapel)

Saturday 9 December
Advent Quiet Day  9:00 am to 2:00 pm (Lady Chapel/Great Hall)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 9 December 
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 3 December
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (V) 
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8:00 am
Solemn Mass 10:00 am

Daily Office and Mass Lectionaries: Advent I, Year Two

4 December
John of Damascus, Monk, Teacher, c. 749 (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass (with commemoration of December Departed) 6:00 pm

5 December
Tuesday in I Advent (V)
Clement of Alexandria, Priest, Teacher, c. 210
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

6 December
Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, c. 326 (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6:00 pm

7 December

Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, Teacher, 397 (W)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 PM

8 December
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (Blue)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

9 December

Saturday in I Advent (V)
Morning Prayer 9:00 am  (Please note time change for Advent Quiet Day)
Low Mass 9:30 am

10 December
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (V)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8:00 am
Solemn Mass 10:00 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (10 December)


Second Sunday of Advent – Year B
Psalm 85:1-2,8-13
Isaiah 40:1-11
2 Peter 3:8-15a
Mark 1:1-8
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Friday, November 24, 2017

PARISH NOTES
Sunday 26 November 2017

Christ the Living Vine
Apse Mosaic, Lady Chapel, Westminster Cathedral, London

FROM THE RECTOR

The Last Sunday after Pentecost -- known as the Feast of Christ the King -- marks the end of another liturgical year. We celebrate the risen and ascended Christ's reign over the entire creation, and we anticipate the Last Day when he shall return to be our Judge. The 10 am Mass concludes with a Solemn Te Deum to give thanks for the year now being completed. Do please join us if you can. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Last Sunday After Pentecost: Christ the King – Proper 29, Year A

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

Luigi Cherubini—Messe Solennelle in C

Orlando Gibbons—O clap your hands

Herbert Howells—Te Deum (Collegium Regale)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Flowers at the High Altar – are given by Fr. John and Elizabeth Alexander to the glory of God and in loving memory of Cuthbert and Mary Morgan.

Saint Andrew the Apostle (November 30) – a major feast of the Church year, will be kept on Thursday with Noonday Prayer at 12:00 noon, followed by Low Mass at 12:10 pm.

Pledge Cards -- please complete and return your pledge card as soon as possible, if you have not done so already. If you have not received one, they are available in the Narthex and from the ushers at Sunday Mass. Your financial support of S. Stephen's during the coming year makes a big difference and is deeply appreciated.

Society of Mary – This month's meeting will be held this Saturday, December 2, beginning with Holy Rosary following the 10:00 am Mass and a brief meeting to follow in the Great Hall. All are welcome and invited to join us.

Advent Lessons and Carols – On Sunday 3 December 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 Lord. A reception will follow in the Great Hall. All are welcome and invited to attend. 

Advent Quiet Day – On Saturday 9 December from 9 am to 2 pm, we will offer our annual Advent Quiet Day, with addresses by our own Priest Associate, The Rev’d Michael A. Pearson. We will begin as usual with Morning Prayer at 9:00 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 pm. The donation is $15 per person, payable on the day, which will help cover the cost of both breakfast and lunch. (Financial assistance is available if this may cause a hardship; please speak confidentially to Fr. Alexander.) So we have an idea of how many to plan for, please RSVP the parish office by Thursday, December 7, indicating your intention to attend, via email to office@sstephens.necoxmail.com, or by calling Susan Rozzero at 421-6702, ext. 1.

Nave Flooring Project – Over the coming few months the entire tile floor under the pews will be covered over with a layer of birch paneling that will vastly improve the church's appearance and create a smooth surface underfoot. This project will not impact our Sunday worship schedule, but please exercise all due care and avoid any areas that have been cordoned off for this construction.


FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Norman, Shannah, Sister Carolyn, William, Gerald, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Katherine, Sally, Sandy, John, Ed, Virginia, Richard, Priscilla, Kiersten, Beverly, Deborah, Angela, Bobby, Douglas, Beverly, Allora, Carlos, Rhoda, William, and James.

Birthdays this week: Michael D'Alesandre (Monday 11/27), Cory MacLean (Friday 12/1), Sandra Bartlett (Saturday 12/2).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Martha Saunders (29 November 1989); Recently Departed: F. Harriett Dever and Rick Hartley (Priest); Those in whose Memory Flowers are Given: Cuthbert Morgan and Mary Morgan.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Diocese of Wad Medani - (Sudan): The Rt. Rev’d Saman Farajalla Mahdi; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the people and clergy of St. Andrew's, Little Compton and the leadership and students of St. Andrew’s School, Barrington.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC F Pisaturo; Subdeacon Z Painter; Thurifer J Starks; Crucifer L Verdelotti; Torches V Johnson, J Ihnen

Lector – P Pettingell

Ushers – Patricia Barnes and Tom Oakes

Coffee Hour – Tom and Cathy

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Saturday 2 December
Society of Mary -- following the 10 am Low Mass

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 2 December 
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 26 November
LAST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST: CHRIST THE KING (W)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8:00 am 
Solemn Mass 10:00 am 

Daily Office and Mass Lectionaries: Proper 29, Year One

Monday 27 November
FERIA (G)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6:00 pm 

Tuesday 28 November
FERIA (G)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 29 November
FERIA (G)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm 
Low Mass 6:00 pm 

Thursday 30 November
SAINT ANDREW THE APOSTLE (R)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 PM

Friday 1 December
Nicholas Ferrar, Deacon, 1637 (W)
Charles de Foucauld, Hermit, 1916 (W)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 2 December
FERIA (G)
Morning Prayer 9:30 am
Low Mass 10:00 am
Holy Rosary 10:30 am

Sunday 3 December
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (V)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8:00 am
Solemn Mass 10:00 am
Advent Lessons & Carols 5:30 pm

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (3 December)

First Sunday of Advent – Year B

Thursday, November 16, 2017

PARISH NOTES
Sunday 19 November 2017


FROM THE RECTOR

This Sunday marks our ingathering of pledge cards for 2018. If you have received your pledge card in the mail, please remember to complete it and bring it to Mass this Sunday. If you have not received one, plenty will be available at church. And what better Gospel for Stewardship Sunday than the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)? We do well to dispose of our gifts in such a way that when the Lord comes he can say, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much; enter into the joy of your master." 
-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

The Twenty-fourth Sunday After Pentecost – Proper 28, Year A

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

Lou Harrison—Mass for St. Cecilia’s Day
Aaron Copland—Have Mercy on Us, O My Lord (Four Motets)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Last Sunday's Altar Flowers – were given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Megda Hawkins, benefactress of the Altar Guild, and Ida Hawkins. We regret the omission of this announcement last week.

Thanksgiving Day Service – Mass for Thanksgiving Day will be offered on Thursday 23 November at 10:00 am (preceded by Morning Prayer at 9:30 am). It is fitting to begin our Thanksgiving Day festivities by coming to Mass to give thanks to God for our many blessings.

Advent Lessons and Carols – On Sunday 3 December 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 Lord. A reception will follow in the Great Hall. All are welcome and invited to attend. 

Nave Flooring Project – Over the coming few months the entire tile floor under the pews will be covered over with a layer of birch paneling that will vastly improve the church's appearance and create a smooth surface underfoot. This project will not impact our Sunday worship schedule, but please exercise all due care and avoid any areas that have been cordoned off for this construction.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Norman, Shannah, Sister Carolyn, William, Gerald, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Katherine, Sally, Sandy, John, Ed, Virginia, Richard, Priscilla, Kiersten, Beverly, Deborah, Angela, Bobby, Douglas, Beverly, Allora, Carlos, Rhoda, William, and James.

Birthdays this week: Arnold Friedman (Monday 11/20).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Florence Ingram (20 November 1998), Stanley Cozzens Bodell (20 November 2010), and Frederick Corcoran (24 November 2007); Recently Departed: Rick Hartley (Priest).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Diocese of Uyo - (Niger Delta, Nigeria): The Rt Revd Prince Asukwo Antai; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the people and clergy of St. Elizabeth’s, Hope Valley. 

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC R Noble; Subdeacon J Ihnen; Thurifer L Verdelotti; Crucifer S Brazil; Torches F Pisaturo, R Callanan
Lector – E Alexander
Ushers – Zac Painter and Julia Steiny
Coffee Hour – Susan, Nancy, and Louis

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 25 November 
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 19 November
TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8:00 am 
Solemn Mass 10:00 am 

Daily Office and Mass Lectionaries: Proper 28, Year One

Monday 20 November
Edmund, King of the East Angles, Martyr, 870 (R)
Priscilla Lydia Sellon, Restorer of the Religious Life in the Church of England, 1876 (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6:00 pm 

Tuesday 21 November
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Blue)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 22 November
Cecilia, Martyr at Rome, c. 230 (R) 
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm 
Low Mass 6:00 pm 

Thursday 23 November
THANKSGIVING DAY (W)
Morning Prayer 9:30 am
Low Mass 10:00 am

Friday 24 November
Columbanus, Abbot of Luxeuil and Bobbio, 615 (W)
Marcellinus and Peter, Martyrs at Rome, c. 304 (R)
Chrysogonus, Martyr at Aquileia, c. 304 (R)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 25 November
Catherine of Alexandria, Martyr, 4th century (R)
James O.S. Huntington, Monk, Founder of the Order of the Holy Cross, 1935 (W)
Morning Prayer 9:30 am
Low Mass 10:00 am

Sunday 26 November
LAST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST: CHRIST THE KING (W)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8:00 am
Solemn Mass 10:00 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (26 November)

The Last Sunday After Pentecost: Christ the King – Proper 29, Year A