PARISH NOTES

Sunday 4 February 2018

John Bridges, Christ Healing Simon's Mother-in-Law (1839)
Birmingham Museum of Art, England

FROM THE RECTOR

"And [Jesus] went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons." (Mark 1:39). In his Galilean ministry, Jesus manifests his identity as the Son of God by three signature activities: preaching, healing, and deliverance. His miracles confirm the truth of his proclamation. And they signify to us that he is the source of all healing of our ailments and deliverance from whatever dark forces may overshadow our lives. All are invited to join us as we worship him and receive his strength, power, and protection in his holy Sacraments. 

-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

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

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

Claude Goudimel—Messe “Tant plus ie Metz”
Luca Marenzio—Tribus Miraculis

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Blue Heron Concert – Today, Sunday 4 February at 4 pm, S. Stephen’s will be the venue for another exciting concert by Boston-based vocal ensemble Blue Heron, “Music from the Peterhouse Partbooks.” For more information, and to purchase tickets online, visit www.blueheron.org.

Episcopal Ministry at Brown & RISD (EMBR) – Sunday evening prayer with EMBR will resume next Sunday evening in the Lady Chapel at 5:30 pm due to the concert tonight. Discussion will follow. Please bring some ideas of how we might grow in Christ together this semester and be an extension of his mercies to the greater Providence area.

Monthly Requiem – for the departed of this parish whose year’s mind falls during February will be offered tomorrow, Monday 5 February 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.

Parish Living Church Sponsorship – As a sponsor of the bi-weekly independent Episcopal news magazine The Living Church, Saint Stephen’s receives publicity in each issue, an annual write-up describing the parish’s life and work, and ten copies of each issue (which we make available free for the taking in the narthex). The cost of sponsorship, $3,000, is outside the parish budget; we rely entirely on individual contributions to make our contribution to this worthy cause. So, far $1,500 has been pledged. Please consider whether you would be able to make a gift towards the remaining $1,500. Make checks payable to Saint Stephen’s Church with “TLC Sponsorship” in the memo line. Thank you in advance.

Annual Pancake Supper – The Sunday School will host the annual Pancake Supper on Tuesday, February 13 at 5:30pm.  Tickets are $5.00, available in advance or at the door.  Please join us for all-you-can-eat fun and fellowship...and bring your palms to burn for Ash Wednesday.

Blessing of Throats – If anyone would like to receive the blessing of throats in honor of the Feast of St. Blaise (February 3), please come to the Lady Chapel following the Closing Voluntary at the 10 am Mass.

Episcopal Visitation – of the Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely, XIII Bishop of Rhode Island, will take place on Sunday 11 February, the Last Sunday after the Epiphany. As is customary, the Bishop will celebrate and preach at both Masses, meet with the Vestry, and conduct a question-and-answer session at Coffee Hour. Please plan to be on hand to welcome our Bishop back to S. Stephen’s.

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, Gregory, Virginia, Richard, Colin, Sandy, Kiersten, Beverly, Deborah, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Douglas, Beverly, Allora, Carlos, Chris, Rhoda, William, and James.

Birthdays this week: Sharon Lloyd Clark (Friday 2/9) and Christopher Butler (Saturday 2/10).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Henry Francis Tingley, Jr. (4 February 1984), Mary L. Starks (5 February 1999), Paul David Ross (6 February 1996), Mildred Dunlop (8 February 1987), Madeline Nason (9 February 1985), and Madeline Thatcher Howes (10 February 1986).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for The Anglican Church of Burundi: The Most Rev’d Martin Nyaboho, Archbishop of Burundi & Bishop of Makamba; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for our seminaries and our schools for deacons as they prepare our postulants and candidates for Holy Orders.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC R Noble; Subdeacon Z Painter; Thurifer L Verdelotti; Crucifer F Pisaturo; Torches C Sylvia, J Ihnen
Lector – W Dilworth
Ushers – Sue Brazil and Nancy Gingrich
Coffee Hour – Rejto Family

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Sunday 4 February
Blue Heron Concert 4:00 pm

Friday 9 February

Reformed University Fellowship (RUF), 7:00 pm (Great Hall)

Saturday 10 February
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 4 February
THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G)
Morning Prayer 8:00 am
Low Mass 8:10 am
Solemn Mass 10:00 am

Daily Office and Mass Lectionaries: Epiphany V, Year 2

Monday 5 February
Agatha, Martyr at Catania, 3rd century
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Requiem Mass 6:00 pm (Black)

Tuesday 6 February
The Martyrs of Japan, 1597 (R)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 7 February
Cornelius the Centurion, 1st century (W) 

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6:00 pm

Thursday 8 February
Jerome Emiliani, Priest, Founder of the Somaschi Fathers, 1537 (W)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 PM

Friday 9 February
FERIA (G)
Noonday Prayer 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 10 February
Scholastica, Abbess, c. 543 (W)
Morning Prayer 9:30 am
Low Mass 10:00 am

Sunday 11 February
THE LAST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G)
Morning Prayer 8:00 am
Low Mass 8:10 am
Solemn Pontifical Mass 10:00 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR 5:30 pm

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (11 February)

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

-->

PARISH NOTES

Sunday 28 January 2018

Jesus Casting Out a Demon in the Synagogue at Capernaum (detail)
Manuscript Illumination, Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, c. 1412-1416
Musée Condé, Chantilly, France

FROM THE RECTOR

"And they were astonished at [Jesus'] teaching, for he taught as one who had authority, and not as the scribes." In the Synagogue in Capernaum, Jesus teaches as one bearing divine authority within himself, and he demonstrates that authority by silencing and casting out a demon simply by his word of command. God-in-Christ is the author of all life, healing, cleansing, and redemption. Join us this Sunday as we celebrate his authority over "all things visible and invisible."
—Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

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

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

Girolamo Frescobaldi—Missa sopra l’aria della Monaca
Orlande de Lassus—Gustate et videte

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Annual Parish Meeting – Please join us this morning after the 10 am Mass for the 180th 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.) Child care is available through the luncheon and meeting.

Nominations Committee – candidates for the following positions have been nominated for election at the Annual Parish Meeting today: two seats on Vestry, four-year terms: Joy D'Ambra; Bobby Rose; one seat on Vestry three-year term: Bill Dilworth; Treasurer, one-year term: George Ryan; Clerk, one-year term: Phoebe Pettingell; two Diocesan Convention Delegates, one-year term: Jacob Ihnen; Frank Pisaturo; two Diocesan Convention Alternates, one-year term: Nancy Gingrich; Cathy Bledsoe.

Episcopal Ministry at Brown & RISD (EMBR) – Sunday evening prayer with EMBR resumes this evening in the Lady Chapel at 5:30 pm. Discussion will follow. Please bring some ideas of how we might grow in Christ together this semester and be an extension of his mercies to the greater Providence area.

King Charles the Martyr Choral Evensong – will be offered this afternoon at 5 pm at Saint John's Church, Newport, RI. Guest conductor: Barry Rose, O.B.E. (Tickets for the "English Tea" following are unfortunately all taken.) Low Mass in commemoration of the Royal Martyr will be offered here at S. Stephen's on his feast day, Tuesday 30 January, at 12:10 pm.

Parish Living Church Sponsorship – As a sponsor of the bi-weekly independent Episcopal news magazine The Living Church, Saint Stephen’s receives publicity in each issue, an annual write-up describing the parish’s life and work, and ten copies of each issue (which we make available free for the taking in the narthex). The cost of sponsorship, $3,000, is outside the parish budget; we rely entirely on individual contributions to make our contribution to this worthy cause. So, far $1,500 has been pledged. Please consider whether you would be able to make a gift towards the remaining $1,500. Make checks payable to Saint Stephen’s Church with “TLC Sponsorship” in the memo line. Thank you in advance.

Sung Mass for Candlemas – This Friday 2 February at 6:30 pm, we will celebrate the feast of The Presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple at St. John’s, Newport. All are welcome and invited to attend. If you need help finding a ride, please contact Fr. Alexander.

Society of Mary – The Society of Mary will meet this Saturday 3 February for 9:30 am Morning Prayer, 10:00 Mass, recitation of the Rosary at 10:30, and a meeting in the Great Hall following. Everyone is welcome and invited.

Blue Heron Concert – Next Sunday 4 February at 4 pm, S. Stephen’s will be the venue for another exciting concert by Boston-based vocal ensemble Blue Heron, “Music from the Peterhouse Partbooks.” For more information, and to purchase tickets online, visit www.blueheron.org.

Episcopal Visitation – of the Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely, XIII Bishop of Rhode Island, will take place on Sunday 11 February, the Last Sunday after the Epiphany. As is customary, the Bishop will celebrate and preach at both Masses, meet with the Vestry, and conduct a question-and-answer session at Coffee Hour. Please plan to be on hand to welcome our Bishop back to S. Stephen’s.

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, Gregory, Virginia, Richard, Colin, Sandy, Kiersten, Beverly, Deborah, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Douglas, Beverly, Allora, Carlos, Chris, Rhoda, William, and James.

Birthdays this week: Thomas Bledsoe (Tuesday 1/30), Nathan Callanan (Thursday 2/1), and Charles O'Boyle (Friday 2/2).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: 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). Recently Departed: Richard Laremore, Priest; Richard Olson.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil: The Most Rev’d Francisco De Assis Da Silva, Primate of Brazil & Bishop of South-Western Brazil; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership, staff and residents of Hallworth House.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC S Brazil; Subdeacon Z Painter; Thurifer R Noble; Crucifer L Verdelotti; Torches F Pisaturo, V Johnson
Lector – M Johnson
Ushers – Patricia Barnes and TBD
Coffee Hour – Tom and Cathy

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 28 January
180th Annual Meeting (following 10 am Solemn Mass)

Saturday 3 February
Society of Mary approx. 11:00 (Great Hall)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Friday 2 February
Reformed University Fellowship 4:00 pm (Great Hall)

Saturday 3 February
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 28 January
THE FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G)
Morning Prayer 8:00 am
Low Mass 8:10 am
Solemn Mass 10:00 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR 5:30 pm

Daily Office and Mass Lectionaries: Epiphany IV, Year 2

Monday 29 January
Andrei Rublev, Monk and Iconographer, 1430 (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6:00 pm

Tuesday 30 January
Charles, King and Martyr, 1649 (R)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 31 January
John Bosco, Founder of the Salesians, 1888 (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6:00 pm

Thursday 1 February
Brigid, Abbess of Kildare, 523 (W)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 PM

Friday 2 February
THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE (W)
Noonday Prayer 12 noon (at S. Stephen’s)
Low Mass 12:10 pm (at S. Stephen's)
Sung Mass 6:30 pm (at St. John’s, Newport)

Saturday 3 February
Anskar, Archbishop of Hamburg, Missionary in Denmark and Sweden, 865 (W)
Blaise, Bishop of Sebaste, Martyr, 316
Morning Prayer 9:30 am

Low Mass 10:00 am

Sunday 4 February
THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G)
Morning Prayer 8:00 am
Low Mass 8:10 am
Solemn Mass 10:00 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (4 February)

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

PARISH NOTES

Sunday 21 January 2018

Jesus calls Simon and Andrew
(Can anyone please identify artist, date, and present location?)

FROM THE RECTOR

In this Sunday's Gospel, after the arrest of John the Baptist, Jesus comes into Galilee and begins his public ministry. His preaching combines a proclamation -- "The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand" -- and a summons -- "Repent, and believe in the gospel." To the fishermen Peter and Andrew, James and John, he issues the further call: "Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men." Not all are called to the apostolic ministry -- leaving everything behind to follow Jesus as were the original apostles -- but all are called to repent and believe. Join us this Sunday as we explore what follows from believing that the Kingdom of God is at hand. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Psalm 62:6-14
Jonah 3:1-5,10
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Mark 1:14-20

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

R. Vaughan Williams—Service of Holy Communion in D minor
William Byrd—Surge, illuminare, Jerusalem

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Parish Living Church Sponsorship – As a sponsor of the bi-weekly independent Episcopal news magazine The Living Church, Saint Stephen’s receives publicity in each issue, an annual write-up describing the parish’s life and work, and ten copies of each issue (which we make available free for the taking in the narthex). The cost of sponsorship, $3,000, is outside the parish budget; we rely entirely on individual contributions to make our contribution to this worthy cause. So, far $1,500 has been pledged. Please consider whether you would be able to make a gift towards the remaining $1,500. Make checks payable to Saint Stephen’s Church with “TLC Sponsorship” in the memo line. Thank you in advance.

The Annual Parish Meeting – is scheduled to take place on Sunday 28 January, following the 10 am Mass. Please sign up on the sheets provided at Coffee Hour and in the Narthex to bring something to the potluck luncheon accompanying this event. Also, those submitting reports to be included in the Annual Meeting Report, please ensure that we receive them in the Parish Office no later than Monday 22 January.

Nominations Committee – has made the following nominations for elections at the Annual Parish Meeting, to be held on next Sunday, 28 January:

(a) Two seats on Vestry, four-year terms: Joy D'Ambra; Bobby Rose;
(b) One seat on Vestry three-year term: Bill Dilworth;
(c) Treasurer, one-year term: George Ryan;
(d) Clerk, one-year term: Phoebe Pettingell;
(e) Two Diocesan Convention Delegates, one-year term: Jacob Ihnen; Frank Pisaturo;
(f) Two Diocesan Convention Alternates, one-year term: Nancy Gingrich; Cathy Bledsoe.

(Please note that Zac Painter has had to withdraw his previous acceptance of the nomination for Treasurer on account of a likely pending move, so our current Treasurer George Ryan has consented to continue serving for the time being.) Sincere thanks to the Nominating Committee for its work!

Blue Heron Concert – On Sunday 4 February at 4 pm, S. Stephen’s will be the venue for another exciting concert by Boston-based vocal ensemble Blue Heron, “Music from the Peterhouse Partbooks.” For more information, and to purchase tickets online, visit www.blueheron.org.

Episcopal Visitation – of the Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely, XIII Bishop of Rhode Island, will take place on Sunday 11 February, the Last Sunday after the Epiphany. As is customary, the Bishop will celebrate and preach at both Masses, meet with the Vestry, and conduct a question-and-answer session at Coffee Hour. Please plan to be on hand to welcome our Bishop back to S. Stephen’s.

Sincere Thanks – from Ed and Leana Hooks on making their wedding last Sunday such a special and happy occasion.

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, Gregory, Virginia, Richard, Colin, Sandy, Kiersten, Beverly, Deborah, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Douglas, Beverly, Allora, Carlos, Chris, Rhoda, William, and James.

Birthdays this week: Danielle Malo (Monday 1/22).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Ellsworth E. R. Wallace (21 January 1987), Ruth B. Bodell (21 January 1985), Gordon Bramwell (22 January 2002), Claire B. Bentley (25 January 1984), and L'Marie Blunt (25 January 1994). Recently Departed: Richard Laremore, Priest; Richard Olson.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Church of Bangladesh: The Most Rev’d Paul Shishir Sarker Moderator, Church of Bangladesh & Bishop of Dhaka; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the people and clergy of St. Paul's, North Kingstown and of St. Paul's, Pawtucket and of St. Paul's, Portsmouth.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC F Pisaturo; Subdeacon R Noble; Thurifer Z Painter; Crucifer J Ihnen; Torches L Verdelotti, K Rejto
Lector – P Martin
Ushers – Christopher Martel and Karl Benziger
Coffee Hour – Susan, Nancy, and Louis

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 27 January
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 21 January
THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G)
Morning Prayer 8:00 am
Low Mass 8:10 am
Solemn Mass 10:00 am

Daily Office and Mass Lectionaries: Epiphany III, Year 2

Monday 22 January
Vincent, Deacon of Saragossa and Martyr, 250 (R)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6:00 pm

Tuesday 23 January
FERIA (G)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 24 January
Francis de Sales, Bishop of Geneva, 1622 (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6:00 pm

Thursday 25 January
THE CONVERSION OF SAINT PAUL THE APOSTLE (W)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 PM

Friday 26 January
Timothy and Titus [and Silas], Companions of Saint Paul (R)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 27 January
FERIA (G)
Morning Prayer 9:30 am
Low Mass 10:00 am

Sunday 28 January
THE FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G)
Morning Prayer 8:00 am
Low Mass 8:10 am
Solemn Mass 10:00 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (28 January)

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

PARISH NOTES

Sunday 14 January 2018

The Calling of Nathanael
12th Century Stained Glass, Canterbury Cathedral, England

FROM THE RECTOR

This Sunday's readings explore the theme of God's call. In the Old Testament reading, God calls the boy Samuel to be his prophet. In the Gospel reading, Jesus calls Philip to follow him, and Philip calls Nathanael. How might God be calling each of us? "Come and see." -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Second Sunday after the Epiphany, Year B

Psalm 139:1-5,12-17

1 Samuel 3:1-10(11-20)

1 Corinthians 6:12-20

John 1:43-51

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

Healey Willan—Missa de Sancta Maria Magdalena

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Wedding of Ed Hooks and Leana Latimer – is to take place today, Sunday 14 January, immediately following the 10 am Mass. Everyone is most welcome and invited to stay and attend.

Altar Flowers –The flowers on the high altar this morning are given in honor of Ed Hooks and Leana Latimer by the Altar Guild.

Parish Living Church Sponsorship—As a sponsor of the bi-weekly independent Episcopal news magazine The Living Church, Saint Stephen’s receives publicity in each issue, an annual write-up describing the parish’s life and work, and ten copies of each issue (which we make available free for the taking in the narthex). The cost of sponsorship, $3,000, is outside the parish budget; we rely entirely on individual contributions to make our contribution to this worthy cause. So, far $1,500 has been pledged. Please consider whether you would be able to make a gift towards the remaining $1,500. Make checks payable to Saint Stephen’s Church with “TLC Sponsorship” in the memo line. Thank you in advance.

The Annual Parish Meeting – is scheduled to take place on Sunday 28 January, following the 10 am Mass. Please sign up on the sheets provided at Coffee Hour and in the Narthex to bring something to the potluck luncheon accompanying this event. Also, those submitting reports to be included in the Annual Meeting Report, please ensure that we receive them in the Parish Office no later than Monday 22 January.

Blue Heron Concert – On Sunday 4 February at 4 pm, S. Stephen’s will be the venue for another exciting concert by Boston-based vocal ensemble Blue Heron, “Music from the Peterhouse Partbooks.” For more information, and to purchase tickets online, visit www.blueheron.org.

Nominations Committee – has made the following nominations for elections at the Annual Parish Meeting, to be held on Sunday 28 January:

(a) Two seats on Vestry, four-year terms: Joy D'Ambra; Bobby Rose;

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

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

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

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

(f) Two Diocesan Convention Alternates, one-year term: Nancy Gingrich; Cathy Bledsoe.

Sincere thanks to the Nominating Committee for its work! (Nominations by petition, if any, are due two weeks before the Annual Meeting—that is, by Sunday 14 January—and must be presented to the Rector with five parishioners’ signatures and a statement indicating the consent of the person being nominated.) 

Episcopal Visitation – of the Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely, XIII Bishop of Rhode Island, will take place on Sunday 11 February, the Last Sunday after the Epiphany. As is customary, the Bishop will celebrate and preach at both Masses, meet with the Vestry, and conduct a question-and-answer session at Coffee Hour. Please plan to be on hand to welcome our Bishop back to S. Stephen’s.

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.

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: John Arthur Clark (20 January 2008); Recently Departed: Peter Bird, Priest; Ralph Stanwise, Priest; Fr. Raphael, OSF.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the The Anglican Church of Australia: The Most Rev’d Philip Leslie Freier Archbishop of Melbourne & Primate of Australia; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Center for Reconciliation and all who seek to be reconcilers in our state, nation and world.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC S Brazil; Subdeacon Z Painter; Thurifer J Starks; Crucifer L Verdelotti; Torches K Rejto, R Callanan

Lector – J Steiny

Ushers – George Ryan & Ernest Drew

Coffee Hour – Modu and Family

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 20 January

Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 14 January

THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G) 

Morning Prayer 8:00 am 

Low Mass 8:10 am 

Solemn Mass 10:00 am 

Daily Office and Mass Lectionaries: Epiphany II, Year 2

Monday 15 January

Paul of Thebes, First Hermit, c. 345 (W)

Morning Prayer 9:30 am

Low Mass 10:00 am 

Tuesday 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 (W)

Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 17 January

Anthony, Abbot in Egypt, 356 (W)

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Low Mass 6:00 pm

Thursday 18 January

THE CONFESSION OF SAINT PETER THE APOSTLE 

(SAINT PETER’S CHAIR AT ROME) (R)

Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon

Low Mass 12:10 PM

Friday 19 January

Wulfstan, Bishop of Worcester, 1095 (W)

Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 20 January

Fabian, Bishop of Rome, Martyr, 250, and Sebastian, Martyr at Rome, c. 288 (R)

Morning Prayer 9:30 am

Low Mass 10:00 am

Sunday 21 January

THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G)

Morning Prayer 8:00 am

Low Mass 8:10 am

Solemn Mass 10:00 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (21 January)

Third Sunday after the Epiphany, Year B

Psalm 62:6-14

Jonah 3:1-5,10

1 Corinthians 7:29-31

Mark 1:14-20

-->

PARISH NOTES
Sunday 7 January 2018

Pietro Perugino, The Baptism of Christ, c. 1496-1500

Museum of Fine Arts, Rouen, France

FROM THE RECTOR

The Holy Spirit descends in the likeness of a dove on Jesus at his baptism in the River Jordan, empowering him for his public ministry and identifying him as the beloved Son of the Father. Join us this Sunday as we celebrate this wonderful mystery and reflect on the baptismal gifts of the Holy Spirit in our own lives.—Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

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

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

Healey Willan—Missa de Sancta Maria Magdalena

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Monthly Requiem – for the departed of this parish whose year’s mind falls during December will be offered tomorrow, Monday 8 January 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. All are welcome to attend!

Society of Mary – This month's meeting will be held this Saturday, January 13, 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.

Wedding of Ed Hooks and Leana Latimer – is scheduled to take place on Sunday 14 January immediately following the 10 am Mass. Everyone is most welcome and invited to attend. (But come to Mass first!)

The Annual Parish Meeting – is scheduled to take place on Sunday 28 January, following the 10 am Mass. Please sign up on the sheets provided at Coffee Hour and in the Narthex to bring something to the potluck luncheon accompanying this event. Also, those submitting reports to be included in the Annual Meeting Report, please ensure that we receive them in the Parish Office no later than Monday 22 January.

Blue Heron Concert – On Sunday 4 February at 4 pm, S. Stephen’s will be the venue for another exciting concert by Boston-based vocal ensemble Blue Heron, “Music from the Peterhouse Partbooks.” For more information, and to purchase tickets online, visit www.blueheron.org.

Episcopal Visitation – of the Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely, XIII Bishop of Rhode Island, will take place on Sunday 11 February, the Last Sunday after the Epiphany. As is customary, the Bishop will celebrate and preach at both Masses, meet with the Vestry, and conduct a question-and-answer session at Coffee Hour. Please plan to be on hand to welcome our Bishop back to S. Stephen’s.

The Nominating Committee – has made the following nominations for elections at the Annual Parish Meeting, to be held on Sunday 28 January:

(a) Two seats on Vestry, four-year terms: Joy D'Ambra; Bobby Rose;
(b) One seat on Vestry three-year term: Bill Dilworth;
(c) Treasurer, one-year term: Zachary Painter;
(d) Clerk, one-year term: Phoebe Pettingell;
(e) Two Diocesan Convention Delegates, one-year term: Jacob Ihnen; Frank Pisaturo;
(f) Two Diocesan Convention Alternates, one-year term: Nancy Gingrich; Cathy Bledsoe.

Sincere thanks to the Nominating Committee for its work! Nominations by petition, if any, are due two weeks before the Annual Meeting—that is, by Sunday 14 January—and must be presented to the Rector with five parishioners’ signatures and a statement indicating the consent of the person being nominated.

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: Joan Gordon (Thursday 1/11), Jason Connell (Saturday 1/13), and Zachary Painter (Saturday 1/13).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Chester Arthur Files, Jr. (8 January 2013), John Francis Hall (9 January 1990), Margaret Ethel Worthington (10 January 1991), Harry Johnson (12 January 2007), and Mary Ann Wiggins (12 January 2013); Recently Departed: Peter Bird, Priest; Ralph Stanwise, Priest; Fr. Raphael, OSF.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand & Polynesia: The Most Rev’d Winston Halapua Bishop of Polynesia and Primate and Archbishop of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, and for the Bishop of Taranaki - (Aotearoa NZ & Polynesia): The Most Rev’d Philip Richardson; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the people and clergy of Church of the Epiphany, Rumford.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC R Noble; Subdeacon J Ihnen; Thurifer Z Painter; Crucifer F Pisaturo; Torches G Benziger, L Verdelotti
Lector – P Martin
Ushers – Patricia Barnes and Ernest Drew
Coffee Hour – Karl and Klara

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Saturday 13 January

Society of Mary, approx. 11 am in the Great Hall

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 13 January
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 7 January
THE 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

Daily Office and Mass Lectionaries: Epiphany I, Year 2

Monday 8 January
FERIA
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Requiem Mass 6:00 pm (Black)

Tuesday 9 January
FERIA (G)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 10 January
William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, Martyr, 1645 (R)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6:00 pm

Thursday 11 January
FERIA (G)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 PM

Friday 12 January
Aelred, Abbott of Rievaulx, 1167 (W)
Noonday Prayer 12:00 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 13 January
Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers, 367 (W)
Morning Prayer 9:30 am
Low Mass 10:00 am
Holy Rosary 10:30 am

Sunday 14 January
THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8:00 am
Solemn Mass 10:00 am (followed by Hooks-Latimer Wedding)

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (14 January)

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

-->

THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

Saturday 6 January 11 a.m.

Gentile da Fabriano, Adoration of the Magi (detail), 1423
Uffizi Gallery, Florence

SOLEMN PROCESSION AND HIGH MASS

With Epiphany Proclamation and Blessing of Chalk

CHOIR OF SAINT JOHN'S CHURCH, NEWPORT RI

PREACHER: THE REV. NATHAN J.A. HUMPHREY
RECEPTION TO FOLLOW

S. STEPHEN'S CHURCH (EPISCOPAL)

114 GEORGE STREET, PROVIDENCE RI 02906

(401) 421-6702