Thursday, November 29, 2018

PARISH NOTES
Sunday 2 December 2018

Jean Cousin the Younger (1522-1594), The Last Judgment. Louvre, Paris, France

FROM THE RECTOR

In the calendar of the Western Church, the fourth Sunday before Christmas begins both the Season of Advent and a new liturgical year. Advent is a time of solemn yet joyful preparation for the Coming of Christ, both his birth in Bethlehem two millenia ago, and his future return at the end of time.

For those relatively new to our liturgical tradition, here are some things to watch out for during our Advent services at S. Stephens: (1) the Advent Wreath stands by the pulpit; one of its four candles is lighted for the first time each Sunday; a fifth candle in the center, known as the “Christ Candle,” is lighted on Christmas Eve; (2) the color of the vestments and Advent candles is violet (symbolizing penitence) or “Sarum Blue” (symbolizing hope); (3) the Gloria in excelsis is omitted from the music of the Mass; (4) flowers are not normally displayed in church during Advent, although greens may be used instead; (5) hymns appropriate to the season are sung, often from the “Advent” section in the Hymnal; motets and anthems are similarly chosen to emphasize the season’s scriptural themes; (6) the principal Sunday Mass begins with a haunting ancient chant known as the “Advent Prose;” (7) a special Blessing for the season is added at the end of Mass, just before the Dismissal; (8) on the third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete or “Rejoice” Sunday, rose vestments (symbolizing joy) are worn, and a rose candle is lighted on the Advent wreath.

All these visual and aural “cues” help comunicate the spiritual themes of the season, along with the Scripture readings and sermons. Advent calls us to prepare, watch, and wait for Christ in hope. The celebration of Christmas is all the more joyful when we have kept a good Advent. Please join us this year on the four Sundays of December as we prepare together for the Coming of the Lord.

– Fr. John D. Alexander


THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924)—Messe Basse

John Taverner (1490-1545)Audivi

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

First Sunday of Advent, Year C
Psalm 25:1-9 
Jeremiah 33:14-16
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Luke 21:25-36

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Welcome to S. Stephen’s – especially to our visitors and guests! We’re glad to have you with us. Please join us for Coffee Hour following the 10 a.m. Mass in the Great Hall upstairs. If you have any questions or special needs, please speak to one of the ushers, who will be glad to assist you.

Stewardship Program – We are pleased to report that as of Wednesday, November 28th, we have received 19 pledges for 2019 totaling $52,350. That is a great start, but we still have a way to go. To help the Vestry approve a budget for the coming year, our goal is to receive ninety percent of all pledges by December 2nd (today), so if you have not submitted a pledge form in hard copy or online (at sstephens.org/donate), please do so! We are grateful for all pledges received, no matter how large or small. Please consider prayerfully what you can offer; your parish is counting on your support and generosity.

Advent Lessons and Carols – This year marks the one-hundredth anniversary of the first Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in its present form at King’s College, Cambridge, England. Please plan on joining us for our Advent Lessons and Carols this evening, Sunday 2 December, at 5:30 pm.

Reception – It’s not too late to sign up to bring a food or dessert item for the reception following Advent Lessons and Carols this evening! Sign-up sheets are in the Narthex and Great Hall. Or call Susan at the parish office (401-421-6702) to let her know what you can bring.

Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (December 8th) – a major feast of the church year will be kept this Saturday with Morning Prayer at 9:00 am, and Low Mass following at 9:30 am. (Please note the changed times owing to the Advent Quiet Day.)

Advent Quiet Day – will be this Saturday, 8 December. Please join us for a Day of Quiet and Reflection beginning at 9 am in the Lady Chapel and concluding with Tea at 2 pm. Addresses will be given by Mr. Richard Mammana, the Presiding Bishop's Associate for Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, and Founder-Director of Project Canterbury.

Brown Madrigal Singers Winter Concert – will be this Saturday, 8 December at 7 pm in the Lady Chapel at S. Stephen’s. The Brown Madrigal Singers invite the community to their annual winter concert to hear the exciting variety of a cappella music they have been working on. Doors open at 6:30 pm.

College Ministry – The Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD (EMBR) will be meeting next Sunday 9 December at 5:30 pm for Evening Prayer and open study session, as Reading Period will be in full swing. Beverages, comfort food, and quiet study space will be provided. All members of the Brown Community are most welcome and invited to attend!

Christmas Flower Offering – If you would like to make a Christmas offering of flowers to the church in thanksgiving or in memoriam, please fill out the envelope included with today’s Kalendar, and put it in the offering plate or bring it to the parish office no later than Sunday December 16th.

Christmas Decorations – This year we hope to engage a group of volunteers to decorate the church after the 10 am Mass for Advent IV (Sunday 23 December), in order to have the church decorated for the Blue Heron Concert later that day. If you are interested in joining in this festive tradition, including a pizza lunch, please contact the parish office via email, or phone at 421-6702, ext. 1.

Message from Sunday School Leaders Modu Johnson & Kate Lester – Dear S. Stephen’s Family: The Sunday School is considering performing a skit “Simply Christmas” and possibly a couple of Christmas carols during the Christmas Eve family service. Even though we are faced with time constraints and inconsistencies of member attendance, we believe that we can pull this off with your assistance. If you are able and willing, please join us for a brief meeting after the 10 am mass on this Sunday, December 2, 2018 in the Great Hall. We would greatly appreciate someone with the gift of voice or musical talent, but all other help will be highly welcomed.—With gratitude, Your servants, Modu & Kate.

Blue Heron Concert: Christmas in 15th-Century France & Burgundy 
– This December, treat yourself to an early evening of the luxurious sounds of the 15th century. Blue Heron, the 2018 Winners of the Gramophone Classical Music Award for Early Music, bring a captivating mix of mysticism and merriment, from the penitential season of Advent through Christmas rejoicing and the festive celebration of New Year’s Day, with music by the greatest French and Flemish musicians of the fifteenth century—Guillaume Du Fay, Johannes Regis, Josquin Desprez, Jacob Obrecht, Antoine Brumel, and others. Doors open at 3:30 pm. For ticket pricing and more information, please visit http://www.blueheron.org/


FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Elizabeth, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Richard, Norman, John, Shannah, Terri, Sister Carolyn, Lynne, William, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Sandy, John, Phebe, Gregory, Jack, Richard, Ann, Colin, Sandy, Kiersten, Beverly, Deborah, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Beverly, Allora, Carlos, Rhoda, William, Roger, and James.

Birthdays this week: Sandra Bartlett (Sunday 12/2) and Lisa Elliot (Saturday 12/8).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Jimmy Chancy Black (4 December 1992) and Homer Clifton Shirley III (7 December 2013). Recently Departed: President George Herbert Walker Bush, the Rev. Dr. Judith Mitchell, and John Mulvey.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for The Reformed Episcopal Church of Spain (E-P to the Archbishop of Canterbury) and the Diocese of The Reformed Episcopal Church of Spain - (Spain): The Rt. Rev’d Carlos López-Lozano; in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, for the people and clergy of Church of the Advent, Coventry.


THE SUNDAY ROTA 

Acolytes – MC F Pisaturo, SD R Noble, Thurifer L Verdelotti, Crucifer R Noble, Torches J Ihnen and F Pisaturo.
Lector – E Alexander
Ushers at 10 am – Alison Huff and Tom Bledsoe
Ushers at 5:30 pm – Nancy Gingrich and Bruce Lennihan
Coffee Hour – Leana Hooks and Family


THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 2 December
Advent Lessons & Carols  5:30 pm (Nave)

Saturday 8 December
Advent Quiet Day  9 am-2 pm (Lady Chapel/Great Hall)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Friday 7 December
Last RUF Meeting of the Fall  4-11 pm (Great Hall)

Saturday 8 December
Epiphany Soup Kitchen  2:30 pm (Great Hall)

Brown Madrigal Singers Winter Concert  7 pm (Lady Chapel)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

2 December
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (Sarum Blue)
Morning Prayer  8 am
Low Mass  8:10 am
Solemn Mass  10 am
Advent Lessons & Carols  5:30 pm

Daily Mass and Office Lectionaries: Week of Advent I, Year One

Monday 3 December
Francis Xavier, Apostle of the Indies, Missionary, 1552 (W)
Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Low Mass  6 pm

Tuesday 4 December
John of Damascus, Monk, Teacher, c. 749 (W)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Wednesday 5 December
C
lement of Alexandria, Priest, Teacher, c. 210 (W) 
Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Low Mass  6 pm 

Thursday 6 December
Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, c. 326 (W)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

F
riday 7 December 
Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, Teacher, 397 (W)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Saturday 8 December
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (Marian Blue)
Morning Prayer  9 am
Low Mass  9:30 am
(Please note changed service times due to Advent Quiet Day)

9 December
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (Sarum Blue)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:10 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer w/ EMBR 5:30 pm

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (9 December)

Second Sunday of Advent, Year C
Malachi 3:1-4
Philippians 1:3-11
Luke 3:1-6

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

PARISH NOTES
Sunday 25 November 2018

Tapestry of Christ the King. Church of Saint James the Greater, St. Louis, Missouri. (Artist and date unknown.)

FROM THE RECTOR

In 1970 the Feast of Christ the King was moved from the last Sunday in October (on which date it had been observed since its institution in 1925) to the final Sunday in the Church Year (known in the Episcopal Church since 1979 as the Last Sunday after Pentecost). The change was designed to emphasize the future orientation of the feast. On the Last Great Day Christ will come again as King to judge the living and the dead; his universal reign will then be made manifest over all creation. In the chaos of a fallen and broken world, where everything can seem out of control, this promise of the final triumph of Christ’s Kingdom gives us courage to persevere in serving God and our neighbor in the present. Come join us as we celebrate the completion of another Church year in anticipation of the coming fulfillment of all things in Christ. – Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

Josef Rheinberger (1839-1901)— Messe in C, Op. 169

John Amner (1579-1641)— O God my King

Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)Festival Te Deum, Op. 32

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King—Proper 29, Year B
Psalm 93
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Revelation 1:4b-8
John 18:33-37

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Welcome to S. Stephen’s – especially to our visitors and guests! We’re glad to have you with us. Please join us for Coffee Hour following the 10 a.m. Mass in the Great Hall upstairs. If you have any questions or special needs, please speak to one of the ushers, who will be glad to assist you.

Saint Andrew the Apostle (November 30th) – a major feast of the church year will be kept this Friday with Noonday Prayer at 12 noon, and Low Mass following at 12:10 pm.

Society of Mary – meets this Saturday, December 1, beginning with Holy Rosary following the 10:00 am Mass and a brief meeting (for coffee and bagels) to follow in the Great Hall. All are welcome and invited.

Stewardship Program – It’s that time of year again! If you are on our email distribution list, you should have received an invitation to make your pledge of financial contributions to S. Stephen’s for 2019, along with information on how to make your pledge online. If you are not currently receiving parish emails, please give Fr. Alexander or Jacob Ihnen your email address. The technologically challenged need not despair: hard-copy pledge forms will be made available to all who prefer to make their pledges the old-fashioned way! To aid the Vestry in planning and approving a parish budget for 2019, our goal is to receive ninety percent of all pledges by December 2nd (the First Sunday of Advent). In the meantime, please consider prayerfully what you can offer; your parish is counting on your support and generosity.

Advent Lessons and Carols – This year marks the one-hundredth anniversary of the first Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in its present form at King’s College, Cambridge, England. Please plan on joining us for our Advent Lessons and Carols, this year on Sunday 2 December at 5:30 pm.

Reception – Please sign up to bring a food or dessert item for the reception following Advent Lessons and Carols! Sign-up sheets are in the Narthex and Great Hall. Or call Susan at the parish office (401-421-6702) to let her know what you can bring.

Advent Quiet Day – will be Saturday 8 December. Please join us for a Day of Quiet and Reflection beginning at 9 am in the Lady Chapel and concluding with Tea at 2 pm. Addresses will be given by Mr. Richard Mammana, the Presiding Bishop's Associate for Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations, and Founder-Director of Project Canterbury.

College Ministry – The Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD (EMBR) will not be meeting next Sunday 2 December at 5:30 pm for Evening Prayer, as S. Stephen’s will be hosting Advent Lessons & Carols at that time. All are most welcome and invited to attend!



FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Elizabeth, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Richard, Norman, John, Shannah, Terri, Sister Carolyn, Lynne, William, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Sandy, John, Phebe, Gregory, Jack, Richard, Ann, Colin, Sandy, Kiersten, Beverly, Deborah, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Beverly, Allora, Carlos, Rhoda, William, and James.

Birthdays this week: Sharon Lennihan (Friday 11/30) and Cory MacLean (Saturday 12/1).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Martha Saunders (29 November 1989). Recently Departed: John Mulvey.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for The Lusitanian Church (E-P to the Archbishop of Canterbury) and the Diocese of the Lusitanian Church - (Portugal): The Rt. Rev’d Jorge Pina Cabral; in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, 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 J Ihnen, SD F Pisaturo, Thurifer J Starks, Crucifer F Pisaturo, Torches G Benziger and B Rose
Lector – J Steiny
Ushers – Karl Benziger and Bobby Rose
Coffee Hour – Cathy and Tom Bledsoe



THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 25 November
Book Discussion Group: Walk in Love, Discussion with Author  
7 pm (Videoconference)

Saturday 1 December
Society of Mary  10:30 am (Lady Chapel/Great Hall)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Wednesday 28 November
Save the Children Meeting  5:30-8 pm (Great Hall)

Friday 30 November
RUF Meeting  4-11 pm (Great Hall)

Saturday 1 December
Epiphany Soup Kitchen  2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

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

Daily Mass and Office Lectionaries: Proper 29, Year Two

Monday 26 November
FERIA (G)
Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Low Mass  6 pm

Tuesday 27 November
FERIA (G)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Wednesday 28 November
FERIA (G)
Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Low Mass  6 pm

Thursday 29 November
FERIA (G)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Friday 30 November
SAINT ANDREW THE APOSTLE (R)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Saturday 1 December
Nicholas Ferrar, Deacon, 1637 (W)
Charles de Foucauld, Hermit, 1916 (W)
Morning Prayer  9:30 am
Low Mass  10 am
Holy Rosary  10:30 am

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

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (2 December)

First Sunday of Advent, Year C
Psalm 25:1-9
Jeremiah 33:14-16
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13
Luke 21:25-36

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

PARISH NOTES
Sunday 18 November 2018

Raphael, St. Michael (c. 1504-1505). Louvre, Paris, France.

FROM THE RECTOR

This Sunday’s readings exhort us to trust in God in times of crisis, whether global or personal. The Old Testament prophet Daniel warns that before the end “there shall be a time of trouble, such as there never has been …” Nonetheless, he offers the promise that “At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people.” In other words, we are on the side of the angels! In the Gospel, Jesus warns a disciple admiring the Jerusalem Temple buildings that “there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” Then he reassures his disciples: “when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is not yet.” As Christians, we are called to hold fast to God in faith and hope whatever the future may bring. The Epistle to the Hebrews rounds off the picture by reminding us of our need to persevere in corporate worship and fellowship: “let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” In an age of mounting anxiety, we need God, the Church, and one another more than ever. For the future belongs to God and all who remain true to him. – Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

William Albright (1944-1998)— Chichester Mass

Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)A Hymn of St. Columba

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost—Proper 28, Year B
Psalm 16
Daniel 12:1-3
Hebrews 10:11-14(15-18)19-25
Mark 13:1-8


ANNOUNCEMENTS

Welcome to S. Stephen’s – especially to our visitors and guests! We’re glad to have you with us. Please join us for Coffee Hour following the 10 a.m. Mass in the Great Hall upstairs. If you have any questions or special needs, please speak to one of the ushers, who will be glad to assist you.


Flowers – at the high altar this Sunday are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Susan Rose Jones (November 23, 2012) by Bo Kinloch and Jenny Jones.

Thanksgiving Day (November 22nd) – will follow the public holiday schedule with Morning Prayer at 9:30 am and Low Mass at 10 am.

Stewardship Program – It’s that time of year again! If you are on our email distribution list, you should have received an invitation to make your pledge of financial contributions to S. Stephen’s for 2019, along with information on how to make your pledge online. If you are not currently receiving parish emails, please give Fr. Alexander or Jacob Ihnen your email address. The technologically challenged need not despair: hard-copy pledge forms will be made available to all who prefer to make their pledges the old-fashioned way! To aid the Vestry in planning and approving a parish budget for 2019, our goal is to receive ninety percent of all pledges by December 2nd (the First Sunday of Advent). In the meantime, please consider prayerfully what you can offer; your parish is counting on your support and generosity.

Advent Lessons and Carols – This year marks the one-hundredth anniversary of the first Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in its present form at King’s College, Cambridge, England. Please plan on joining us for our Advent Lessons and Carols, this year on Sunday 2 December at 5:30 pm.

College Ministry – The Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD (EMBR) will not be meeting next Sunday, November 25th, at 5:30 pm for Evening Prayer, as many will still be away for Fall Break.


Community Thanksgiving Dinner – St. Martin's is having their Community Thanksgiving Dinner at their church on Thanksgiving Day at 1 pm. Doors open at noon. All are invited. There is no charge but they will accept a free will offering. Reservations would be helpful. Their number is 401-751-2141.


FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Elizabeth, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Richard, Norman, John, Shannah, Terri, Sister Carolyn, Lynne, William, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Sandy, John, Phebe, Gregory, Jack, Richard, Ann, Colin, Sandy, Kiersten, John, Beverly, Deborah, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Beverly, Allora, Carlos, Rhoda, William, and James.

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

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Alice Esposito (18 November 1994), Florence Ingram (20 November 1998), Stanley Cozzens Bodell (20 November 2010), and Frederick Corcoran (24 November 2007). 
In whose memory flowers are given: Susan Rose Jones (23 November 2012).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for Bermuda (Extra-Provincial to Canterbury) and the Diocese of Bermuda - (Bermuda): The Rt. Rev’d Nicholas Dill; in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, for the people and clergy of St. Elizabeth’s, Hope Valley.



THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC R Noble, SD J Ihnen, Thurifer J Starks, Crucifer F Pisaturo, Torches L Verdelotti and TBD
Lector – E Alexander
Ushers – Julia Steiny and Joy D’Ambra
Coffee Hour – Muriel Jobbers and Alison Huff



THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 18 November
Evening Prayer w/ EMBR 5:30 pm (Lady Chapel)

Rector’s Book Discussion Group: Walk in Love, Chapters 24, 25, 26 7:00 pm (Videoconference)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 24 November
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

18 November
TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Morning Prayer  8 am
Low Mass  8:10 am
Solemn Mass  10 am
Evening Prayer w/ EMBR  5:30 pm

Daily Mass and Office Lectionaries: Proper 28, Year Two

Monday 19 November
Hilda, Abbess of Whitby, 680 (W)
Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Low Mass  6 pm

Tuesday 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)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Wednesday 21 November
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Blue)
Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Low Mass  6 pm

Thursday 22 November
THANKSGIVING DAY (W)
Morning Prayer  9:30 am
Low Mass  10 am

Friday 23 November
Clement, Bishop of Rome, Martyr, c. 100 (R)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Saturday 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)
Morning Prayer  9:30 am
Low Mass  10 am

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

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (25 November)

Last Sunday after Pentecost: Christ the King—Proper 29, Year B
Psalm 93
Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14
Revelation 1:4b-8
John 18:33-37


Stanley Spencer, Resurrection: The Hill of Zion (1946). Harris Museum and Art Gallery, Preston, England.

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

PARISH NOTES
Sunday 11 November 2018

Memorial Window, Christchurch, Coldharbour

FROM THE RECTOR

This Sunday marks the 100th Anniversary of the Armistice that ended the hostilities of the Great War of 1914-1918 – on “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.” (The war itself was formally ended by the Treaty of Versailles in January 1920.) The First World War ended the optimism and almost utopian faith in human progress that marked much of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The sheer magnitude of civilian and military deaths was horrifying – 15 to 19 million by most estimates. On Remembrance Sunday we remember and pray for all who have died, not only in the Great War but in all wars; and we pray for peace on earth as we await the coming of God’s Kingdom. Please join us. – Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

Tomás Luis de Victoria (1548-1611)— Requiem à 6

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost—Proper 27, Year B (8 am)

Remembrance Sunday (10 am)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Welcome to S. Stephen’s – especially to our visitors and guests! We’re glad to have you with us. Please join us for Coffee Hour following the 10 a.m. Mass in the Great Hall upstairs. If you have any questions or special needs, please speak to one of the ushers, who will be glad to assist you.

Remembrance Sunday Poppies – are available for the taking at both Masses today. A donation of $1 per poppy will help cover our costs: this can be placed either in the collection plate or in the “Alms” receptacle in the Narthex.

Remembrance Day Evensong at St. Margaret’s, Duxbury – is today at 4 pm and will consist of a service of prayer and song led by the women of the Schola. All are welcome to join us as we honor Remembrance Day. Ethereal music from ancient plainsong and the Renaissance to recently composed canticles will be sung as we offer prayers for all who have died in the service of their country, and for justice and peace. A reception will follow the service. The Society of St. Margaret, 30 Harden Hill Road, Duxbury, MA.

Veterans Day – As Veterans Day falls on a Sunday this year, it will be observed according to the public holiday schedule on Monday 12 November, with Morning Prayer at 9:30 am and Low Mass at 10 am.

Rector’s Book Discussion Group – will not meet this evening, on account of the Veterans Day Holiday. We resume by videoconference next Sunday, November 18th, to discuss Chapters 24, 25, 26 of Walk in Love.

Epiphany Soup Kitchen (ESK) – S. Stephen's next turn to supply the volunteers for ESK is this Saturday, November 17. The Soup Kitchen has been getting an average of 60 people and as many as 86 one week last month. We need at least five volunteers so if you can help please let Bruce Lennihan know. Last week we had more than a dozen volunteers so we served our guests at their tables who gave us a round of applause.

Monthly Requiem – for the departed of this parish whose year’s mind falls during November will be offered this Saturday, 17 November, at 10 am (preceded by Morning Prayer at 9:30 am). If you have any names to add to those to be remembered, please let Fr. Alexander know. See GAS announcement below.

Guild of All Souls: St. Stephen, Proto-Martyr Branch – S. Stephen’s celebrates a parish Requiem Mass on the Third Saturday of most months at the 10 am 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.

Stewardship Sunday – Since we’re running a bit behind in our Stewardship program this year, we are postponing the date by which we hope to receive next year’s pledges to Sunday 2 December (Advent I). See announcement following.

Stewardship Program – It’s that time of year again! If you are on our email distribution list, you will soon be receiving an invitation to make your pledge of financial contributions to S. Stephen’s for 2019. Please keep an eye out for this email, which will contain information on how to make your pledge online. If you are not currently receiving parish emails, please give Fr. Alexander or Jacob Ihnen your email address. The technologically challenged need not despair: hard-copy pledge forms will be made available to all who prefer to make their pledges the old-fashioned way! To aid the Vestry in planning and approving a parish budget for 2019, our goal is to receive ninety percent of all pledges by December 2nd (the First Sunday of Advent). In the meantime, please consider prayerfully what you can offer; your parish is counting on your support and generosity.

Advent Lessons and Carols – This year marks the one-hundredth anniversary not only of the Armistice, but also of the first Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in its present form at King’s College, Cambridge. The Dean of the College, Eric Milner-White, a former army chaplain who saw a need for more imaginative forms of worship in the Church of England, composed the well-known Bidding Prayer with its intercession for those “upon another shore and in a greater light, that multitude which no man can number,” – which must have carried great poignancy for a congregation grieving for loved ones lost in the recently concluded war. In the spirit of Remembrance, please plan on joining us for our Advent Lessons and Carols, this year on Sunday 2 December at 5:30 pm.

Altar Flowers – The flowers at the high altar last Sunday were given in memory of Megda Dunham Hawkins by the Altar Guild. We regret the omission.

Volunteer for Acolyte Rota – Fr. Alexander is seeking parishioners young and old who would like to be trained as servers for the 10 am Mass on Sundays and for special services throughout the year. Please get in touch with him if you are willing or know someone else who would be. Thank you!

College Ministry – The Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD (EMBR) will be meeting next Sunday, November 18th, at 5:30 pm for Evening Prayer with dinner to follow. All undergraduate and graduate students are most welcome and invited to attend!
  

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Elizabeth, Richard, Norman, John, Shannah, Sister Carolyn, Lynne, William, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Sandy, John, Phebe, Gregory, Jack, Richard, Ann, Colin, Sandy, Kiersten, Beverly, Deborah, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Beverly, Allora, Carlos, Rhoda, William, and James.

Birthdays this week: Klara Benziger (Sunday 11/11), George Benziger (Wednesday 11/14), and Karl Benziger (Saturday 11/17).

The faithful departed:  Year’s Mind: Helena Crosslin (11 November 2007), Alison Morgan Henning Stebbins (12 November 2012), and Eric Ernest Bernard Hall (16 November 1987).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for Iglesia Episcopal de Cuba and the Diocese of Cuba - (Cuba): The Rt. Rev’d Griselda Delgado Del Carpio; in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, for the people and clergy of St. Martin’s, Providence.
THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC F Pisaturo, SD None, Thurifer L Verdelotti, Crucifer R Noble, Torches W Dilworth and C Sylvia
Lector – A Campbell
Ushers – George Ryan and Bruce Lennihan
Coffee Hour – Society of Mary

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 11 November
Evening Prayer w/ EMBR  5:30 pm (Lady Chapel)

Tuesday 13 November
Budget Committee Meeting  6:30 pm (Library)
Vestry Meeting  7 pm (Library)

Saturday 17 November
Guild of All Souls  10 am (Lady Chapel)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Friday 16 November
RUF Meeting  4-11 pm (Great Hall)

Saturday 17 November
Epiphany Soup Kitchen  2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

11 November
TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST / 
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
Morning Prayer  8 am
Low Mass  8:10 am (G)
Solemn Requiem Mass for Remembrance Sunday  10 am (Black)
Evening Prayer w/ EMBR  5:30 pm 

Daily Mass and Office Lectionaries: Proper 27, Year Two

Monday 12 November
Josaphat Kunsevich, Archbishop of Polotsk, Martyr, 1623 (R)
Morning Prayer  9:30 am
Low Mass  10 am

Tuesday 13 November
FERIA (G)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon                                         
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Wednesday 14 November
Samuel Seabury, First Anglican Bishop in North America, 1796 (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

                                      
Thursday 15 November
Albert the Great, Dominican Friar, Bishop, Teacher, 1280 (W)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Friday 16 November
Margaret, Queen of Scotland, 1093 (W)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Saturday 17 November
Our Lady of Providence, Patroness of the City of Providence
Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln, 1200

Morning Prayer  9:30 am
Low Requiem Mass  10 am (Black)

18 November
TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Morning Prayer  8 am
Low Mass  8:10 am
Solemn Mass  10 am
Evening Prayer w/ EMBR  5:30 pm

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (18 November)

Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost—Proper 28, Year B
Psalm 16
Daniel 12:1-3
Hebrews 10:11-14(15-18)19-25
Mark 13:1-8