Friday, January 31, 2020

PARISH NOTES 
Sunday 2 February 2020

Presentation of Jesus in the Temple (c. 1440) by Fra Angelico (c. 1395 –1455).
Fresco. Museum of San Marco, Florence, Italy.

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS 

Candlemas (Year A)
Malachi 3:1-4
Hebrews 2:14-18
Luke 2:22-40

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

J. S. Bach (1685–1750)—Canzona in D-dur, BWV 588

Tomás Luis de Victoria (1548–1611)—Missa Ave Maris stella

Herbert Brewer (1865–1928)—Anglican Chant: Psalm 84:1-7

William Byrd (1543–1623)—Senex puerum portabat

J. S. Bach—Fuga in G-Dur (á la Gigue), BWV 577

A WORD OF WELCOME 

Welcome to Saint Stephen’s – S. Stephen’s Church is in the midst of Brown University and serves the communities of the East Side of Providence, North Providence, East Providence, and beyond. It is a parish of the Diocese of Rhode Island in the Episcopal Church in the worldwide Anglican Communion. The Anglo-Catholic tradition informs and shapes our life together. We are a diverse community uniting all sorts and conditions in the worship of Our Lord Jesus Christ and aim to offer up the best we have in liturgy, music, preaching, teaching, fellowship, and service. Visitors and guests are always welcome! If you attend S. Stephen’s on any given Sunday, please join us for Coffee Hour following the 8 am Mass in the Narthex and following the 10 am Mass in the Great Hall upstairs. If you have any questions or special needs before or during the service, please speak to one of the ushers, who will be glad to assist you. We look forward to meeting you!

Joining us with small children? – We are so glad you will be here! Our Sunday School program and nursery are available throughout the program year ten minutes before and during the 10 am Mass, and the ushers will be happy to direct you.

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Episcopal Visitation
– On Sunday, 16 February, we will welcome the Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely, XIII Bishop of Rhode Island, who will be celebrating and preaching at both the 8 am and 10 am Masses. Please plan on attending and helping us welcome our bishop. There will be a Q & A session after the 10 am Mass at the Coffee Hour.

College Ministry – The Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD (EMBR) continues its meetings this Sunday, 2 February, at 5:30 pm for Evening Prayer, followed by a meal. All are most welcome and invited!

Annual Meeting Luncheon – We will have a luncheon to accompany this important gathering immediately following the 10 am Mass this Sunday, 2 February 2020. We still need help: from bringing food and drink, to volunteering to help set up beforehand and clean up afterwards. It’s not too late to commit to help—simply show up if you would like to assist. Thank you to Joy D’Ambra and Leana Latimer for serving as luncheon coordinators, and thank you to those who have already committed to help!

Annual Meeting – The 182nd Annual Meeting of the parish will take place this Sunday, 2 February 2020. 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 Jacob Ihnen. According to the canons of the Episcopal Church adults are 16 years old and older.) If you are the chair of a committee or in charge of a ministry, please submit your reports for the prior year to Jacob Ihnen at communications@sstephens.necoxmail.com as soon as possible. Thank you to those who have already submitted their reports.

Nominations Committee – The following is the list of candidates who have agreed to be nominated for election this Sunday at the Annual Parish Meeting:
  • One Vestry Member for a one-year term (expires 2021)-Lynne deBenedette
  • Clerk of the Vestry (one-year term) – Molly Ellis
  • Treasurer (one-year term) – Muriel Jobbers
  • Two Diocesan Convention Delegates (one-year term)-Jacob Ihnen, Rhoda Steinhart
  • Two Diocesan Convention Alternates (one-year term)-Richard Noble, Cathy Bledsoe
The Nominations Committee consists of: Alison Huff (Chair), Karl Benziger, Joy D’Ambra, Louise Wells, Bobby Rose, and Molly Ellis.


FOR YOUR PRAYERS 

Prayers have been requested for: Virginia, Richard, Beverly, Maxcine, Ethel, Carl, Kade, Sherri, Norman, John, Shannah, Terri, Beth, Lynne, Gus, Harrington, Joan, Robyn, Sandy, John, Dylan, Phebe, Jack, Hunter, Bruce, Richard, Ann, Sandy, Antonio, Emma, Olivia, Raphael, Kiersten, Katie, Beverly, Tom, Gail, Deborah, Tree, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Beverly, Empy, Elizabeth, Carlos, Rhoda, William, Crystal, Roger, Christopher, Beth, Sarah, Diana, Ruby, and Lola.

Birthdays this week: Charles O’Boyle (Sunday 2/2) and William Kinloch (Tuesday 2/4).

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), and Mildred Dunlop (8 February 1987).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for the Anglican Church of Burundi: The Most Rev’d Martin Blaise Nyaboho, Archbishop of Burundi & Bishop of Makamba; in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, for the leadership, staff, and residents of Hallworth House.

THE SUNDAY ROTA 

Acolytes – MC B Rose, SD J Ihnen, Th R Noble, Cr G Ryan
Lector at 8 am – A Wilson
Lector at 10 am – J Steiny
Ushers – Ernest Drew and Louis Verdelotti
Coffee Hour – ANNUAL MEETING LUNCHEON

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S 

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Tuesday 4 February
Al-Anon Meeting  12:10 pm (Great Hall)

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

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 2 February
CANDLEMAS: THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE (W)
Morning Prayer  8 am
Low Mass  8:10 am
Solemn Mass  10 am
Evening Prayer w/ EMBR  5:30 pm

Daily Mass and Office Lectionary: Week of Epiphany IV, Year Two

Monday 3 February
Anskar, Archbishop of Hamburg, Missionary in Denmark and Sweden, 865 (W)
Blaise, Bishop of Sebaste, Martyr, 316
Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Low Mass  6 pm

Tuesday 4 February
FERIA (G)
Gilbert of Sempringham, Founder of the Gilbertine Order, 1189
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Wednesday 5 February
FERIA (G)
Agatha, Martyr at Catania, 3rd century
Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Low Mass  6 pm

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

Friday 7 February
FERIA (G)
Cornelius the Centurion, 1st century
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Saturday 8 February
FERIA (G)
Jerome Emiliani, Priest, Founder of the Somaschi Fathers, 1537
Morning Prayer  9:30 am
Low Mass  10 am

Sunday 9 February
THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (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 (9 February)

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany (Year A)
Isaiah 58:1-9a(9b-12)
1 Corinthians 2:1-12(13-16) 

Friday, January 24, 2020

PARISH NOTES 
Sunday 26 January 2020

The Calling of Saint Peter and Saint Andrew (c. 1886/1894) by James Tissot (1836-1902). Gouache over graphite on gray wove paper. Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn, NY.

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS 

Third Sunday after the Epiphany (Year A)
Isaiah 9:1-4
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Matthew 4:12-23

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

César Franck (1822–1890)—Cantabile

William Walton (1902–1983)—Missa Brevis

Highmore Skeats, Jr. (1787–1831)—Anglican Chant: Psalm 139:1-11

Harold W. Friedell (1905–1958)—King of glory, King of peace

Eugène Gigout (1844–1925)—Toccata

A WORD OF WELCOME 

Welcome to Saint Stephen’s – S. Stephen’s Church is in the midst of Brown University and serves the communities of the East Side of Providence, North Providence, East Providence, and beyond. It is a parish of the Diocese of Rhode Island in the Episcopal Church in the worldwide Anglican Communion. The Anglo-Catholic tradition informs and shapes our life together. We are a diverse community uniting all sorts and conditions in the worship of Our Lord Jesus Christ and aim to offer up the best we have in liturgy, music, preaching, teaching, fellowship, and service. Visitors and guests are always welcome! If you attend S. Stephen’s on any given Sunday, please join us for Coffee Hour following the 8 am Mass in the Narthex and following the 10 am Mass in the Great Hall upstairs. If you have any questions or special needs before or during the service, please speak to one of the ushers, who will be glad to assist you. We look forward to meeting you!

Joining us with small children? – We are so glad you will be here! Our Sunday School program and nursery are available throughout the program year ten minutes before and during the 10 am Mass, and the ushers will be happy to direct you.

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

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

College Ministry – The Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD (EMBR) resumes its meetings this Sunday, 26 January, at 5:30 pm for Evening Prayer, followed by a meal. All are most welcome and invited!

Annual Meeting Luncheon – As always, we are planning a meal to accompany this important gathering immediately following the 10 am Mass next Sunday, 2 February 2020. We need help: from bringing food and drink, to volunteering to help set up beforehand and clean up afterwards. Please sign up on one of the sheets provided in the Narthex or Great Hall, or email Joy D’Ambra, luncheon coordinator, at JoyLDAmbra@gmail.com to let her know how you can help. Thank you to Joy D’Ambra and Leana Latimer for serving as luncheon coordinators, and thank you to those who have already signed up (and will sign up)!

Annual Meeting – The 182nd Annual Meeting of the parish will take place on 2 February 2020. 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 Jacob Ihnen. According to the canons of the Episcopal Church adults are 16 years old and older.) If you are the chair of a committee or in charge of a ministry, please submit your reports for the prior year to Jacob Ihnen at communications@sstephens.necoxmail.com as soon as possible. Thank you to those who have already submitted their reports.

Nominations Committee – The following is the list of candidates who have agreed to be nominated for election at the Annual Parish Meeting on 2 February 2020:
  • One Vestry Member for a one-year term (expires 2021)-Lynne deBenedette 
  • Clerk of the Vestry (one-year term) – Molly Ellis
  • Treasurer (one-year term) – Muriel Jobbers
  • Two Diocesan Convention Delegates (one-year term)-Jacob Ihnen, Rhoda Steinhart
  • Two Diocesan Convention Alternates (one-year term)-Richard Noble, Cathy Bledsoe
The Nominations Committee consists of: Alison Huff (Chair), Karl Benziger, Joy D’Ambra, Louise Wells, Bobby Rose, and Molly Ellis. Please speak to any of them if you have suggestions for nominations, or indeed if you would be interested in offering yourself for one of these offices.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS 

Prayers have been requested for: Virginia, Richard, Beverly, Maxcine, Ethel, Carl, Kade, Sherri, Norman, John, Shannah, Terri, Beth, Lynne, Gus, Harrington, Joan, Robyn, Sandy, John, Phebe, Jack, Hunter, Bruce, Richard, Ann, Sandy, Antonio, Emma, Olivia, Raphael, Kiersten, Katie, Beverly, Tom, Gail, Deborah, Tree, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Beverly, Elizabeth, Carlos, Rhoda, William, Crystal, Roger, Christopher, Beth, Sarah, Diana, Ruby, and Lola.

Birthdays this week: Tom Bledsoe (Thursday 1/30) and Nathan Callanan (Saturday 2/1).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Sterling C. Poitier (28 January 1996), Doris Christine Smith (28 January 2019), Armando L. Bustamante (29 January 2014), Florence Matilda Colvin (30 January 1994), Anna Waterman Jackson McCoy (30 January 1985), and Ronald Parks Conner, Priest (30 January 2011). Recently Departed: Sharon Steinbach Shaub.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for the Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil: The Most Rev’d Naudal Alves Gomes, Primate of Brazil & Bishop of Curitiba; in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, for the Center for Reconciliation and all who seek to be reconcilers in our state, nation and world.

THE SUNDAY ROTA 

Acolytes – MC C Bledsoe, SD R Noble, Th J Starks, Cr G Benziger
Lector at 8 am – S Bartlett
Lector at 10 am – K Lester
Ushers – Tom Bledsoe and Sharon Lloyd Clark
Coffee Hour – Society of Mary

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S 

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

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

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Tuesday 28 January
Al-Anon Meeting  12:10 pm (Great Hall)

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

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 26 January
THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (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 Lectionary: Week of Epiphany III, Year Two

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

Tuesday 28 January
Thomas Aquinas, Priest, Doctor, 1274 (W)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Wednesday 29 January
FERIA (G)
Andrei Rublev, Monk and Iconographer, 1430
Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Low Mass  6 pm

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

Friday 31 January
John Bosco, Founder of the Salesians, 1888 (W)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Saturday 1 February
Brigid, Abbess of Kildare, 523 (W)
Morning Prayer  9:30 am
Low Mass  10 am
Holy Rosary  10:30 am

Sunday 2 February
CANDLEMAS: THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE (
W)
Morning Prayer  8 am
Low Mass  8:10 am
Solemn Mass  10 am
Evening Prayer w/ EMBR  5:30 pm

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (2 February)

Candlemas (Year A)
Malachi 3:1-4
Hebrews 2:14-18 

Friday, January 17, 2020

PARISH NOTES 
Sunday 19 January 2020

Agnus Dei (c. 1635/1640) by Francisco de Zurbarán (1598-1664). San Diego Museum of Art, San Diego, CA.

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS 

Second Sunday after the Epiphany (Year A)
Isaiah 49:1-7
1 Corinthians 1:1-9
John 1:29-42

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

Samuel Barber (1910–1981)—Wondrous Love (Variations on a Shape Note Hymn)

Jean Langlais (1907–1991)—Missa in simplicitate

Thomas Attwood Walmisley (1814–1856)—Anglican Chant: Psalm 40:1-10


William Cutter (b. 1956)—Little Lamb

Leo Sowerby (1895–1968)—Toccata

A WORD OF WELCOME 

Welcome to Saint Stephen’s – S. Stephen’s Church is in the midst of Brown University and serves the communities of the East Side of Providence, North Providence, East Providence, and beyond. It is a parish of the Diocese of Rhode Island in the Episcopal Church in the worldwide Anglican Communion. The Anglo-Catholic tradition informs and shapes our life together. We are a diverse community uniting all sorts and conditions in the worship of Our Lord Jesus Christ and aim to offer up the best we have in liturgy, music, preaching, teaching, fellowship, and service. Visitors and guests are always welcome! If you attend S. Stephen’s on any given Sunday, please join us for Coffee Hour following the 8 am Mass in the Narthex and following the 10 am Mass in the Great Hall upstairs. If you have any questions or special needs before or during the service, please speak to one of the ushers, who will be glad to assist you. We look forward to meeting you!

Joining us with small children? – We are so glad you will be here! Our Sunday School program and nursery are available throughout the program year ten minutes before and during the 10 am Mass, and the ushers will be happy to direct you.


ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday (January 15th) – will be observed on Monday 20 January this year and will follow the public holiday schedule with Morning Prayer at 9:30 am and Low Mass following at 10 am.

The Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle (January 25th) – a major feast of the church year will be kept next Saturday with Morning Prayer at 9:30 am and Low Mass following at 10 am.

Welcome back – to the Brown University students who are returning this weekend for the Spring Semester!

College Ministry – The Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD (EMBR) will begin its Spring Semester meetings next Sunday, 26 January, at 5:30 pm for Evening Prayer, followed by a meal. All are most welcome and invited!

Annual Meeting Luncheon – As always, we are planning a meal to accompany this important gathering immediately following the 10 am Mass on Sunday 2 February 2020. We need help: from bringing food and drink, to volunteering to help set up beforehand and clean up afterwards. Please sign up on one of the sheets provided in the Narthex or Great Hall, or email Joy D’Ambra, luncheon coordinator, at JoyLDAmbra@gmail.com to let her know how you can help. 
Thank you to Joy D’Ambra and Leana Latimer for serving as luncheon coordinators, and thank you in advance for what you can do!

Annual Meeting – The 182nd Annual Meeting of the parish will take place on 2 February 2020. 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 Jacob Ihnen. According to the canons of the Episcopal Church adults are 16 years old and older.) If you are the chair of a committee or in charge of a ministry, please submit your reports for the prior year to Jacob Ihnen at communications@sstephens.necoxmail.com. Thank you!

Nominations Committee – The following is the list of candidates who have agreed to be nominated for election at the Annual Parish Meeting on 2 February 2020:

  • One Vestry Member for a one-year term (expires 2021)-Lynne deBenedette
  • Clerk of the Vestry (one-year term) – Molly Ellis
  • Treasurer (one-year term) – Muriel Jobbers
  • Two Diocesan Convention Delegates (one-year term)-Jacob Ihnen, Rhoda Steinhart
  • Two Diocesan Convention Alternates (one-year term)-Richard Noble, Cathy Bledsoe
The Nominations Committee consists of: Alison Huff (Chair), Karl Benziger, Joy D’Ambra, Louise Wells, Bobby Rose, and Molly Ellis. Please speak to any of them if you have suggestions for nominations, or indeed if you would be interested in offering yourself for one of these offices.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS 

Prayers have been requested for: Virginia, Richard, Beverly, Maxcine, Ethel, Carl, Kade, Sherri, Norman, John, Shannah, Terri, Beth, Lynne, Gus, Harrington, Joan, Robyn, Sandy, John, Phebe, Jack, Hunter, Bruce, Richard, Ann, Sandy, Antonio, Emma, Olivia, Raphael, Kiersten, Katie, Beverly, Tom, Gail, Deborah, Tree, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Beverly, Elizabeth, Carlos, Rhoda, William, Crystal, Roger, Christopher, Beth, Sarah, Diana, Ruby, and Lola.

Birthdays this week: Danielle Latimer (Wednesday 1/22) and Gary Sturni (Friday 1/24).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: John Arthur Clark (20 January 2008), Ellsworth E. R. Wallace (21 January 1987), Ruth B. Bodell (21 January 1985), Gordon Bramwell (22 January 2002), Claire B. Bentley (25 January 1984), and L’Marie Blunt (25 January 1994). Recently Departed: Wayne Zoutendam and Sharon Steinbach Shaub.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for the United Church of Bangladesh: The Most Rev’d Samuel Sunil Mankhin, Moderator, Church of Bangladesh & Bishop of Kushtia; in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, for the people and clergy of St. Paul's, North Kingstown; St. Paul's, Pawtucket; and St. Paul's, Portsmouth.

THE SUNDAY ROTA 

Acolytes – MC J Ihnen, SD B Rose, Th L Verdelotti, Cr J Coyle
Lector at 8 am – J Malone
Lector at 10 am – T Bledsoe
Ushers – George Ryan and Nancy Gingrich
Coffee Hour – Jennifer and Gregory DePardo

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S 

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Tuesday 21 January
Budget Meeting  6:30 pm (Library)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Tuesday 21 January
Al-Anon Meeting  12:10 pm (Great Hall)

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

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 19 January
THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G)
Morning Prayer  8 am
Low Mass  8:10 am
Solemn Mass  10 am

Daily Mass and Office Lectionary: Week of Epiphany II, Year Two

Monday 20 January
FERIA (G)
Fabian, Bishop of Rome, Martyr, 250, and Sebastian, Martyr at Rome, c. 288
Morning Prayer  9:30 am
Low Mass  10 am

Tuesday 21 January
Agnes, Martyr at Rome, 304 (R)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

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

Thursday 23 January
FERIA (G)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 noon

Friday 24 January
FERIA (G)
Francis de Sales, Bishop of Geneva, 1622
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Saturday 25 January
THE CONVERSION OF SAINT PAUL THE APOSTLE (R)
Morning Prayer  9:30 am
Low Mass  10 am

Sunday 26 January
THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (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 (26 January)

Third Sunday after the Epiphany (Year A)
Isaiah 9:1-4
1 Corinthians 1:10-18 

Friday, January 10, 2020

PARISH NOTES 
Sunday 12 January 2020

The Baptism of Christ (c. 1508/1519) by Juan de Flandes (1450-1519).
Oil on panel. National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS 

First Sunday after the Epiphany (Year A)
Isaiah 42:1-9
Acts 10:34-43
Matthew 3:13-17

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

J. S. Bach (1685–1750)—Praeludium in B minor, BWV 544

Gregorio Allegri (1582–1652)—Missa Che fa oggi il mio sol

Richard Massey (1798–1893)—Anglican Chant: Psalm 89:21-30

Morten Lauridsen (b. 1943)—O nata lux

J. S. Bach—Fuga in B minor, BWV 544

A WORD OF WELCOME 

Welcome to Saint Stephen’s – S. Stephen’s Church is in the midst of Brown University and serves the communities of the East Side of Providence, North Providence, East Providence, and beyond. It is a parish of the Diocese of Rhode Island in the Episcopal Church in the worldwide Anglican Communion. The Anglo-Catholic tradition informs and shapes our life together. We are a diverse community uniting all sorts and conditions in the worship of Our Lord Jesus Christ and aim to offer up the best we have in liturgy, music, preaching, teaching, fellowship, and service. Visitors and guests are always welcome! If you attend S. Stephen’s on any given Sunday, please join us for Coffee Hour following the 8 am Mass in the Narthex and following the 10 am Mass in the Great Hall upstairs. If you have any questions or special needs before or during the service, please speak to one of the ushers, who will be glad to assist you. We look forward to meeting you!

Joining us with small children? – We are so glad you will be here! Our Sunday School program and nursery are available throughout the program year ten minutes before and during the 10 am Mass, and the ushers will be happy to direct you.

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

My S. Stephen’s Ministry: Peter GibsonI’ve been part of S. Stephen’s since 1977 when I was hired to sing as a soloist at Christmas Midnight Mass, and later as Cantor. I’ve also served as a vestryman and as Assistant Treasurer. Singing in choir, though is my main ministry. But I have to confess, even in my forty-third year as a choirman, that S. Stephen’s has ministered more to me than I to her. When I first began, I was a terrible scoffer: a godless mercenary here only for the music and the money. A wonderful thing happened, though: try as I might to resist, the Holy Spirit was able to grab hold of me because of this place, and I was given the gift of faith restored.
 
Peter Gibson

Milestone: Randall Family – Alissa and Grant Randall welcomed Juniper Lucia Randall into the world at 4 pm on 13 December. She was born 7 lbs 2 oz in perfect health with an ideal delivery. Her family is happy to have her, a Christmas joy, at home warming our hearts and arms in the harsh winter. Her brother Elliott is adjusting to being a new big brother; any time you see him, feel free to encourage him and give a few pointers. The family thanks S. Stephen's for being a rock of support as they take on this new challenge. Please join us in welcoming Juniper to the church family!

Juniper
Juniper and Elliott

Milestone: Andrew Campbell – Parishioner Andrew Campbell, Dean of the Graduate School at Brown University, was recently selected to serve as the future chair of the board of directors for the Council of Graduate Schools. The full News from Brown article can be found here. Please join us in congratulating Andrew on his professional accomplishment!

Vestry Meeting – The Vestry will conduct its monthly meeting this coming Tuesday, 14 January, at 7 pm in the Parish Library.

The Confession of Saint Peter the Apostle (January 18th) – a major feast day of the church year, will be celebrated next Saturday, 18 January, with Morning Prayer at 9:30 am and Low Mass at 10 am.

Monthly Commemoration of the Departed – whose year’s mind falls during January will be offered next Saturday, 18 January, 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 Nancy Gingrich know. This Mass is sponsored by the Guild of All Souls, St. Stephen Protomartyr Branch: all are welcome and invited to attend!

Annual Meeting – The 182nd Annual Meeting of the parish will take place on 2 February 2020. 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 Jacob Ihnen. According to the canons of the Episcopal Church adults are 16 years old and older.) If you are the chair of a committee or in charge of a ministry, please submit your reports for the prior year to Jacob Ihnen at communications@sstephens.necoxmail.com. Thank you!

Nominations Committee – The following is the list of candidates who have agreed to be nominated for election at the Annual Parish Meeting on 2 February 2020: 

  • One Vestry Member for a one-year term (expires 2021)-Lynne deBenedette 
  • Clerk of the Vestry (one-year term) – Molly Ellis
  • Treasurer (one-year term) – Muriel Jobbers
  • Two Diocesan Convention Delegates (one-year term)-Jacob Ihnen, Rhoda Steinhart
  • Two Diocesan Convention Alternates (one-year term)-Richard Noble, Cathy Bledsoe
The Nominations Committee consists of: Alison Huff (Chair), Karl Benziger, Joy D’Ambra, Louise Wells, Bobby Rose, and Molly Ellis. Please speak to any of them if you have suggestions for nominations, or indeed if you would be interested in offering yourself for one of these offices.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS 

Prayers have been requested for: Virginia, Richard, Beverly, Maxcine, Ethel, Carl, Kade, Sherri, Norman, John, Shannah, Terri, Beth, Lynne, Gus, Harrington, Joan, Robyn, Sandy, John, Phebe, Jack, Hunter, Bruce, Richard, Ann, Sandy, Antonio, Emma, Olivia, Raphael, Kiersten, Katie, Beverly, Tom, Gail, Deborah, Tree, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Beverly, Elizabeth, Carlos, Rhoda, William, Crystal, Roger, Christopher, Beth, Sarah, Diana, Ruby, and Lola.

Birthdays this week: Jason Connell (Monday 1/13).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Harry Johnson (12 January 2007), Mary Ann Wiggins (12 January 2013), and Florence T. Bustamante (14 January 2019). Recently Departed: Wayne Zoutendam.

Prayer for the Rector Search: Almighty and everlasting God, from whom cometh every good and perfect gift, mercifully hear the supplications of thy servants, and grant unto this parish all things that are needful for its spiritual welfare. Enlighten and guide our search for a priest to serve as our rector, and bring all of us to be of one heart and mind within the fold of thy holy church, to the honor and glory of thy Name. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for the Anglican Church of Australia: The Most Rev’d Philip Leslie Freier, Archbishop of Melbourne & Primate of Australia; in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, for the newly baptized, and for all who share in the Baptism of our Lord.

We pray with our brothers and sisters in Australia: Lord of all days and years, and time and eternity, you made this land and have blessed us with its riches and beauty. You are a refuge to all who seek your shelter, our strong defense in trial and tribulation. Send rain we pray to extinguish flames and heal our land. Mercifully protect life and property. Give help and hope to our neighbors assailed by fire. Comfort and provide for those who grieve. Uphold those who suffer loss, give peace and hope to those bewildered and broken-hearted. We thank you for men and women of courage and selflessness. We thank you for brave communities of care and support, we thank you for those who share your comfort and hope, we thank you for those at a distance giving and praying. Lord, you sent your Son so that we would know your power to save, your presence with your people in this world of turmoil, and your promise to renew the whole creation. Turn our hearts to you, that we may have faith for this day and hope for eternity. We ask in Jesus' name. Amen. (A prayer written by the Dean of St Andrew’s Cathedral: The Very Reverend Kanishka Raffel)

THE SUNDAY ROTA 

Acolytes – MC R Noble, SD J Ihnen, Th J Starks, Cr L Verdelotti
Lector at 8 am – J Leonard
Lector at 10 am – J Steiny
Ushers – Alison Huff and Patricia Barnes
Coffee Hour – Karl and Klara Benziger

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Tuesday 14 January
Vestry Meeting  7 pm (Library)

Saturday 18 January
Guild of All Souls  10 am (Lady Chapel)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Tuesday 14 January
Al-Anon Meeting  12:10 pm (Great Hall)

Saturday 18 January
Epiphany Soup Kitchen  2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 12 January
THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY: THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (W)
Morning Prayer  8 am
Low Mass  8:10 am
Solemn Mass  10 am

Daily Mass and Office Lectionary: Week of Epiphany I, Year Two

Monday 13 January
Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers, 367 (W)
Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Low Mass  6 pm

Tuesday 14 January
FERIA (G)
Kentigern (Mungo), Bishop, Missionary in Galloway, Founder of Glasgow, 612
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Wednesday 15 January
FERIA (G)
Paul of Thebes, First Hermit, c. 345
Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Low Mass  6 pm

Thursday 16 January
FERIA (G)
Richard Meux Benson, Monk, Founder of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist, 1915
Charles Gore, Bishop, Teacher, Founder of the Community of the Resurrection, 1932

Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 noon

Friday 17 January
Anthony, Abbot in Egypt, 356 (W)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Saturday 18 January
THE CONFESSION OF SAINT PETER THE APOSTLE (R)
Morning Prayer  9:30 am
Low Mass with Commemoration of January Departed  10 am

Sunday 19 January
THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G)
Morning Prayer  8 am
Low Mass  8:10 am
Solemn Mass  10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (19 January)

Second Sunday after the Epiphany (Year A)
Isaiah 49:1-7
1 Corinthians 1:1-9 

Saturday, January 4, 2020

PARISH NOTES 
Sunday 5 January 2020

Epiphany by Master of Paul and Barnabas Active in Antwerp (c. 1530-1540).
Oil on wood. Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain.

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS 

The Epiphany (Year A)
Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

Maurice Duruflé (1902–1986)—Prélude sur l'introït de l'Epiphanie

Benjamin Britten (1913–1976)—Missa Brevis in D, Op. 63

William Turton (1652–1740)—Anglican Chant: Psalm 72:1-2, 10-17

Johann Hermann Schein (1586–1630)—Verbum caro factum est

Maurice Duruflé—
Fugue sur le thème du Carillon des heures de la Cathédral de Soissons

A WORD OF WELCOME 

Welcome to Saint Stephen’s – S. Stephen’s Church is in the midst of Brown University and serves the communities of the East Side of Providence, North Providence, East Providence, and beyond. It is a parish of the Diocese of Rhode Island in the Episcopal Church in the worldwide Anglican Communion. The Anglo-Catholic tradition informs and shapes our life together. We are a diverse community uniting all sorts and conditions in the worship of Our Lord Jesus Christ and aim to offer up the best we have in liturgy, music, preaching, teaching, fellowship, and service. Visitors and guests are always welcome! If you attend S. Stephen’s on any given Sunday, please join us for Coffee Hour following the 8 am Mass in the Narthex and following the 10 am Mass in the Great Hall upstairs. If you have any questions or special needs before or during the service, please speak to one of the ushers, who will be glad to assist you. We look forward to meeting you!

Joining us with small children? – We are so glad you will be here! Our Sunday School program and nursery are available throughout the program year ten minutes before and during the 10 am Mass, and the ushers will be happy to direct you.


ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Welcome back – to the Schola Cantorum this Sunday after their recess last Sunday!

Christmas Poinsettias – As this Sunday marks the end of Christmastide, please feel free to take some poinsettias home or to a shut-in you know. They are located around the baptismal font and in the library. Thank you!

Society of Mary – meets next Saturday, 11 January (note change from calendar), beginning with Holy Rosary following the 10 am Mass and a brief meeting (for coffee and bagels) to follow in the Great Hall. All are welcome and invited. 


Annual Meeting – The 182nd Annual Meeting of the parish will take place on 2 February 2020. 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 Jacob Ihnen. According to the canons of the Episcopal Church adults are 16 years old and older.) If you are the chair of a committee or in charge of a ministry, please submit your reports for the prior year to Jacob Ihnen at communications@sstephens.necoxmail.com. Thank you!

Nominations Committee – The following is the list of candidates who have agreed to be nominated for election at the Annual Parish Meeting on 2 February 2020:

  • One Vestry Member for a one-year term (expires 2021)-Lynne deBenedette
  • Clerk of the Vestry (one-year term) – Molly Ellis
  • Treasurer (one-year term) – Muriel Jobbers
  • Two Diocesan Convention Delegates (one-year term)-Jacob Ihnen, Rhoda Steinhart
  • Two Diocesan Convention Alternates (one-year term)-Richard Noble, Cathy Bledsoe
The Nominations Committee consists of: Alison Huff (Chair), Karl Benziger, Joy D’Ambra, Louise Wells, Bobby Rose, and Molly Ellis. Please speak to any of them if you have suggestions for nominations, or indeed if you would be interested in offering yourself for one of these offices.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS 

Prayers have been requested for: Virginia, Richard, Beverly, Maxcine, Ethel, Carl, Kade, Sherri, Norman, John, Shannah, Terri, Beth, Lynne, Gus, Harrington, Joan, Robyn, Sandy, John, Phebe, Jack, Hunter, Bruce, Richard, Ann, Sandy, Antonio, Emma, Olivia, Raphael, Kiersten, Katie, Beverly, Tom, Gail, Deborah, Tree, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Beverly, Elizabeth, Carlos, Rhoda, William, Crystal, Roger, Christopher, Beth, Sarah, Diana, Ruby, and Lola.

Birthdays this week: Philip Noble (Sunday 1/5), Katherine Hayslip (Monday 1/6), and Joan Gordon (Saturday 1/11).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Marian Dunlop (6 January 2000), Chester Arthur Files, Jr. (8 January 2013), John Frances Hall (9 January 1990), Margaret Ethel Worthington (10 January 1991), Elizabeth Ann Baronie (10 January 2009), and Gary Paul Eckhardt (11 January 2015).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia: The Most Rev’d Philip Richardson, Bishop of Taranaki and Primate; The Most Rev’d Don Tamihere, Pihopa o Aotearora and Primate; The Most Rev’d Fereimi Cama, Bishop of Polynesia and Primate; in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, for the people and clergy of The Church of the Epiphany, Rumford.


THE SUNDAY ROTA 

Acolytes – MC J Ihnen, SD R Noble, Th L Verdelotti
Lector at 8 am – J Leonard
Lector at 10 am – RG Noble
Ushers – George Ryan and Julia Steiny
Coffee Hour – Cathy and Tom Bledsoe

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S 

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Saturday 11 January
Society of Mary  10:30 am (Lady Chapel/Great Hall)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Tuesday 7 January
Al-Anon Meeting  12:10 pm (Great Hall)

Saturday 11 January
Epiphany Soup Kitchen  2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 5 January
THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (anticipated) (W)
Morning Prayer  8 am
Low Mass  8:10 am
Solemn Mass  10 am

Daily Mass and Office Lectionary: Epiphanytide, Year Two

Monday 6 January
THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (W)
Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Low Mass  6 pm

Tuesday 7 January
FERIA (G)
Noonday Prayer   12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Wednesday 8 January
FERIA (G)
Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Low Mass  6 pm

Thursday 9 January
FERIA (G)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 noon

Friday 10 January
FERIA (G)
William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, Martyr, 1645
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Saturday 11 January
FERIA (G)
Morning Prayer  9:30 am
Low Mass  10 am
Holy Rosary  10:30 am

Sunday 12 January
THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY: THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (W)
Morning Prayer  8 am
Low Mass  8:10 am
Solemn Mass  10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (12 January)

First Sunday after the Epiphany (Year A)
Isaiah 42:1-9
Acts 10:34-43