PARISH NOTES

Sunday 29 January 2017

Sermon on the Mount
Vasiliy Myazin (1936-2008)

FROM THE RECTOR

This Sunday's Gospel consists of the opening section of the Sermon on the Mount known as the Beatitudes: nine sayings in which our Lord declares "Blessed" the poor in spirit, those who mourn, and so forth. As we embark upon our Annual Meeting following the 10 am Mass, we do well to reflect on the ways in which we are blessed as a parish. And how well do we fit the profile of those whom Jesus calls "blessed"? I look forward to seeing you there. --  Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Epiphany 4, Year A

Micah 6:1-8

Psalm 15

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Matthew 5:1-12

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Annual Meeting – Please join us this morning after the 10 am Mass for the 179th 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.

Episcopal Ministry at Brown & RISD (EMBR) – Sunday evening prayer with EMBR resumes this evening in the Lady Chapel at 5:30 pm.

Evensong & Sung Mass for Candlemas – This Thursday 2 February at 5:30 pm, we will celebrate the feast of The Presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple (also known as the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Candlemas), with Evensong and Sung Mass in the Lady Chapel. All are welcome and invited to attend.

Society of Mary – will meet this Saturday 4 February for 9 am Morning Prayer, 9:30 Mass, and recitation of the Rosary. Everyone is invited.

Nominations Committee – candidates for the following positions have been nominated for election at the Annual Parish Meeting today: one vestry member (four-year term): Zachary Painter; two Diocesan Convention Delegates (one-year term): Richard Noble and Frank Pisaturo; two Diocesan Convention Alternates (one-year term): Phoebe Pettingell and John Chamberlin; Clerk of the Vestry (one-year term): Phoebe Pettingell, and Treasurer (one-year term): George Ryan.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Kathleen, Avis, Virginia, Martha, Donald, Townsend, Norman, John, Shannah, Peter, Sister Carolyn, Michael, Richard, Mark, Michael, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Stephanie, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, John, Ed, Virginia, Shane, Jan, Richard, Jerry, Joel, Sandra, Emily, Beverly, Yolanda, Angela, Bobby, Katherine, Sally, Carlos, Loretto, Rhoda, Ned, Michael, James, Michael, Peter, and Weldon.

Birthdays this week: Thomas Bledsoe (30 January), Nathan Callanan (1 February), and Charles O’Boyle (2 February).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Florence Matilda Colvin (30 January 1994), Anna Waterman Jackson McCoy (30 January 1985), Ronald Parks Conner, Priest (30 January 2011), and Henry Francis Tingley, Jr. (4 February 1884). Recently Departed: Frederick Lockwood.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Church of Lichfield (Canterbury, England): The Rt. Rev’d Michael Ipgrave, Shrewsbury: The Rt. Rev’d Mark James Rylands, Stafford: The Rt. Rev’d Geoffrey Peter Annas, and Wolverhampton: The Rt. Rev’d Clive Gregory; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for Episcopal Charities and the ministries and agencies they support.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC D Malo; SD R Noble; Thurifer L Hooks; Crucifer S Brazil; Torches G Benziger, C Sylvia

Lector – P Pettingell

Ushers – P Barnes, K Benziger

Coffee Hour – 179th Annual Meeting and Luncheon

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 29 January

179th Annual Meeting (following 10 am Solemn Mass)

Saturday 4 February

Society of Mary (following Low Mass & Recitation of the Rosary)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 4 February

Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 29 January

THE FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G) 

Morning Prayer 7:30 am

Low Mass 8 am

Solemn Mass 10 am

Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

Daily Office & Mass Lectionary: Epiphany 4 (Year One)

Monday 30 January

Charles, King and Martyr, 1649 (R)

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Low Mass 6 pm 

Tuesday 31 January

John Bosco, Founder of the Salesians, 1888 (W)

Angelus 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 1 February

Brigid, Abbess of Kildare, 523 (W)

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Low Mass 6 pm 

Thursday 2 February

THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IN THE TEMPLE (W)

Angelus 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Evensong 5:30 pm

Sung Mass 6 pm

Friday 3 February

Anskar, Archbishop of Hamburg, Missionary in Denmark and Sweden, 865 (W)

Blaise, Bishop of Sebaste, Martyr, 316 

Angelus 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 4 February

Gilbert of Sempringham, Founder of the Gilbertine Order, 1189 (G or W)

Morning Prayer 9 am

Low Mass 9:30 am

Hoy Rosary 10 am

Sunday 5 February

THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G) 

Morning Prayer 7:30 am

Low Mass 8 am

Solemn Mass 10 am

Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

*EMBR=Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (5 February)

Epiphany 5, Year A

Isaiah 58:1-9a(9b-12)

Psalm 112:1-9 (10) 

1 Corinthians 2:1-12(13-16)

Matthew 5:13-20

PARISH NOTES

Sunday 22 January 2017

Jesus Calls Peter and Andrew, 6th century Mosaic
Basilica of Sant' Apollinare Nuovo, Ravenna

FROM THE RECTOR

"The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined" (Isaiah 9:2). This Sunday's Old Testament reading records words spoken by the prophet Isaiah at the time when the Assyrians have conquered the northern kingdom of Israel and carried away its ten tribes -- henceforth known as the "lost tribes." It is seemingly a time of utter hopelessness for "the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali ... Galilee of the nations." Yet the prophet's words reveal that in and through the present deep darkness, God is preparing a bright and glorious future -- of which we glimpse the beginnings in this Sunday's Gospel when Jesus calls Peter and Andrew to be his disciples. A message running consistently through Scripture is that even in the times when we're most tempted to despair, when all seems lost, we must never give up hope, for God is always working in hidden ways to bring joy out of sadness, light out of darkness, life out of death. We proclaim and celebrate that hope at every Mass. Please join us. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Epiphany 3, Year A
Isaiah 9:1-4
Psalm 27:1, 5-13
1 Corinthians 1:10-18
Matthew 4:12-23

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle (January 25) – a major feast of the Church year, will be kept on Wednesday with Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm, followed by Low Mass at 6 pm.

Episcopal Ministry at Brown & RISD (EMBR) – Sunday evening prayer with EMBR resumes next Sunday evening, 29 January, at 5:30 pm.

Evensong & Sung Mass for Candlemas – On Thursday 2 February at 5:30 pm, we will celebrate the feast of The Presentation of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple (also known as the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Candlemas), with Evensong and Sung Mass in the Lady Chapel. All are welcome and invited to attend.

Nominations – Candidates for the following positions have been nominated for election at the Annual Parish Meeting on January 29, 2017: one vestry member (four-year term): Zachary Painter; two Diocesan Convention Delegates (one-year term): Richard Noble and Frank Pisaturo; two Diocesan Convention Alternates (one-year term): Phoebe Pettingell and John Chamberlin; Clerk of the Vestry (one-year term): Phoebe Pettingell, and Treasurer (one-year term): George Ryan.

Annual Meeting – Please join us next Sunday 29 January, after the 10 am Mass for the 179th Annual Meeting of the parish. Please contact Cory MacLean in the parish office if you can help. 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.

Annual Meeting Luncheon – If you can provide food, beverages, or assistance with clean-up for this year’s Annual Meeting, please contact Cory MacLean in the parish office. We are looking for light luncheon fare; sandwiches, salads, desserts, and cold beverages.

Parish Sponsorship of The Living Church — We need some generous individuals to step forward and help fund S. Stephen’s contribution to the fortnightly Episcopal magazine The Living Church for 2017. Published in Milwaukee with a national circulation, The Living Church provides a venue for responsible reporting and serious theological and spiritual reflection on the Church's life and mission in the world today. For an annual contribution of $3,000 we receive mention in each issue as a sponsoring parish, with a write-up in one issue describing our parish’s life and ministry. In addition to this great publicity, we also receive a bundle of copies of each issue to distribute in the narthex. Owing to our need to streamline expenses, we can no longer make our contribution from the parish operating budget, and instead are relying on the generosity of parishioners and friends. $2,500 has already been pledged towards our contribution for 2017; we can meet our goal if, say, one more person contributes $500, or two people $250 each, or even five people $100 each. If you are moved to help in this worthwhile endeavor with any amount, please contact Fr. Alexander.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Kathleen, Avis, Virginia, Martha, Donald, Townsend, Norman, John, Shannah, Peter, Sister Carolyn, Michael, Richard, Mark, Michael, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Stephanie, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, John, Ed, Virginia, Shane, Jan, Richard, Jerry, Joel, Sandra, Emily, Beverly, Yolanda, Angela, Bobby, Katherine, Sally, Carlos, Loretto, Rhoda, Ned, Michael, James, Michael, Peter, and Weldon.

Birthdays this week: Danielle Malo (22 January).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Gordon Bramwell (22 January 2002), Claire B. Bentley (25 January 1984), L'Marie Blunt (25 January 1994), and Sterling C. Poitier (28 January 1996). Recently Departed: The Rev. Henry Turnbull, and Frederick Lockwood.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Church of Lake Rukwa - (Tanzania): The Rt. Rev’d Mathayo Kasagara; 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; and for leadership and people of St. Paul’s, North Kingstown, St. Paul’s, Pawtucket, and St. Paul’s, Portsmouth.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC F Pisaturo; SD S Brazil; Thurifer Z Painter; Crucifer D Malo; Torches V Johnson, K Rejto
Lector – R G Noble
Ushers – N Gingrich, T Oakes
Coffee Hour – Karl & Klara Benziger

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 29 January
179th Annual Meeting (following 10 am Solemn Mass)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 28 January

Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 22 January
THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass with Holy Baptism 10 am

Daily Office & Mass Lectionary for the Week of Epiphany 3, Year One

Monday 23 January
Feria (G)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 24 January
Francis de Sales, Bishop of Geneva, 1622 (G or W)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 25 January
THE CONVERSION OF SAINT PAUL THE APOSTLE (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 26 January

Timothy and Titus [and Silas], Companions of Saint Paul (R)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Friday 27 January
Feria (G)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 28 January
Thomas Aquinas, Priest, Doctor, 1274 (W)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Sunday 29 January
THE FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

*EMBR=Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (29 January)

Epiphany 4, Year A
Micah 6:1-8
Psalm 15
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Matthew 5:1-12

PARISH NOTES

Sunday15 January 2017

Fr. Raphael Pfisterer, OSB, Lamb of God surrounded by the four Evangelists 

Detail from mural (1927-1931) at Saint Anselm College, Manchester, New Hampshire

FROM THE RECTOR

This Sunday, we welcome back the Schola Cantorum after a brief break. Those who missed church last week on account of the snow have the opportunity this week at the 10 am Mass not only to come and hear the choir, but also to be present for the Baptism of Elliott Randall, son of Grant and Alissa Randall. Grant joined the Schola Cantorum in 2012, and Elliott played the role of baby Jesus at the pageant last month on Christmas Eve. Please join us for this blessed occasion if you are able. 

-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Epiphany 2, Year A

Isaiah 49:1-7

Psalm 40:1-12

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

John 1:29-42

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Holy Baptism – Today at the 10 am Solemn Mass we welcome into the Body of Christ Elliott Timothy, son of Grant and Alissa Randall. Grant joined the Schola Cantorum in 2012, and baby Elliott served as our baby Jesus at the 2016 children’s pageant.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (January 16) – As on all public holidays falling on Monday, Low Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 am, preceded by Morning Prayer at 9.

The Confession of Saint Peter the Apostle (Saint Peter’s Chair at Rome) (January 18) – a major Holy Day, will be celebrated at Low Mass on Wednesday evening at 6 pm, preceded by Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm. This feast begins the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Inauguration Eve Prayers — on Thursday evening 19 January at 6 pm, the Great Litany and Supplication will be offered in the Lady Chapel with special intention for the President-elect and the nation.This traditional Anglican service from the Book of Common Prayer is especially appropriate in times of national division and anxiety. All are welcome to attend and participate.

Eucharistic Adoration – This Saturday 21 January, the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament will sponsor approximately an hour of silent prayer and meditation in the Lady Chapel before the Blessed Sacrament, beginning shortly after the end of the 9:30 am Mass, and concluding by 11 am. All are welcome and invited to participate. 

Epiphany Soup Kitchen – Our next opportunity for members of our parish to serve is this Saturday 21 January. If you can help, please contact Bruce Lennihan at michelleisgreat@comcast.net.

Nominations Committee – candidates for the following positions have been nominated for election at the Annual Parish Meeting on January 29, 2017: one vestry member (four-year term): Zachary Painter; two Diocesan Convention Delegates (one-year term): Richard Noble and Frank Pisaturo; two Diocesan Convention Alternates (one-year term): Phoebe Pettingell and John Chamberlin; Clerk of the Vestry (one-year term): Phoebe Pettingell, and Treasurer (one-year term): George Ryan.

Annual Meeting – Please join us on Sunday 29 January, after the 10 am Mass for the 179th Annual Meeting of the parish. Please contact Cory MacLean in the parish office if you can help. 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 will be available through the luncheon and meeting.

Annual Meeting Luncheon – If you can provide food, beverages, or assistance with clean up for this year’s Annual Meeting, please contact Cory MacLean in the parish office. We are looking for light luncheon fare; sandwiches, salads, desserts, and cold beverages.

Parish Sponsorship of The Living Church — We need some generous individuals to step forward and help fund S. Stephen’s contribution to the fortnightly Episcopal magazine The Living Church for 2017. Published in Milwaukee with a national circulation, The Living Church provides a venue for responsible reporting and serious theological and spiritual reflection on the Church's life and mission in the world today. For an annual contribution of $3,000 we receive mention in each issue as a sponsoring parish, with a write-up in one issue describing our parish’s life and ministry. In addition to this great publicity, we also receive a bundle of copies to distribute in the narthex. Owing to our need to streamline expenses, we can no longer make our contribution from the parish operating budget, and instead are relying on the generosity of parishioners and friends. $2,500 has already been pledged towards our contribution for 2017; we can meet our goal if, say, one more person contributes $500, or two people $250 each, or even five people $100 each. If you are moved to help in this worthwhile endeavor with any amount, please contact Fr. Alexander.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Avis, Virginia, Martha, Donald, Townsend, Norman, John, Shannah, Peter, Sister Carolyn, Michael, Richard, Mark, Michael, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Stephanie, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, John, Ed, Shane, Jan, Richard, Jerry, Joel, Sandra, Emily, Beverly, Yolanda, Angela, Bobby, Sally, Carlos, Loretto, Rhoda, Ned, Michael, James, Michael, Peter, Weldon, Dianne, and Elizabeth.

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: John Arthur Clark (20 January 2008), Ellsworth E. R. Wallace (21 January 1987), and Ruth B. Bodell (21 January 1985). Recently Departed: The Rev. Henry Turnbull.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Church of Kyushu - (Japan): The Rt. Rev’d Luke Ken-ichi Muto; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for our retired Bishops, George Hunt and Geralyn Wolf.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC Z Painter; SD W Dilworth; Thurifer L Verdelotti; Crucifer L Hooks; Torches E Benziger, R Callanan

Lector – E Alexander

Ushers – TBA

Coffee Hour – Karl & Klara Benziger

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 21 January

Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 15 January

THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (W) 

Morning Prayer 7:30 am

Low Mass 8 am

Solemn Mass with Holy Baptism 10 am

Daily Office & Mass Lectionary 2 Epiphany (Year One)

Monday 16 January

Richard Meux Benson, Monk, Founder of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist, 1915 (G or W)

Charles Gore, Bishop, Teacher, Founder of the Community of the Resurrection, 1932

Morning Prayer 9 am

Low Mass 9:30 am

Tuesday 17 January

Anthony, Abbot in Egypt, 356 (W)

Angelus 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 18 January

THE CONFESSION OF SAINT PETER THE APOSTLE (W)

(SAINT PETER’S CHAIR AT ROME)

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Low Mass 6 pm 

Thursday 19 January

Wulfstan, Bishop of Worcester, 1095 (G or W)

Angelus 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm
Great Litany and Supplication  6 pm

Friday 20 January

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

Angelus 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 21 January

Agnes, Martyr at Rome, 304 (R)

Morning Prayer 9 am

Low Mass 9:30 am

Eucharistic Adoration 10 am

Sunday 22 January

THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G) 

Morning Prayer 7:30 am

Low Mass 8 am

Solemn Mass 10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (22 January)

Epiphany 3, Year A

Isaiah 9:1-4 

Psalm 27:1, 5-13 

1 Corinthians 1:10-18

Matthew 4:12-23

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PARISH NOTES

Sunday 8 January 2017

The Baptism of Christ, 10th century mosaic
Saint Mark's Basilica, Venice

FROM THE RECTOR

The Feast of the Baptism of Christ, kept on the First Sunday after the Epiphany, reminds us that at the beginning of his earthly ministry, the sinless Lord received the Baptism of John in order to identify himself with the fallen human race he had come to save. In receiving John's Baptism, he transforms it, making Baptism itself the means by which are identified with him, as members of his Body, the Church. Just as the Holy Spirit descends upon him at his Baptism, empowering him for his ministry, so the same Spirit descends upon us at ours. We do well, then, to make this Sunday an occasion of remembering our own Baptism and recommitting ourselves to keeping our Baptismal Vows and Promises. 

-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

First Sunday After the Epiphany: The Baptism of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Year A

Isaiah 42:1-9

Psalm 29

Acts 10:34-43

Matthew 3:13-17

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Monthly Requiem – for the departed of this parish whose year’s mind falls during January will be offered tomorrow, Monday 9 January at 6 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 or Fr. Yost. 

Nominations Committee – candidates for the following positions have been nominated for election at the Annual Parish Meeting on January 29, 2017: one vestry member (four-year term): Zachary Painter; two Diocesan Convention Delegates (one-year term): Richard Noble and Frank Pisaturo; two Diocesan Convention Alternates (one-year term): Phoebe Pettingell and John Chamberlin; Clerk of the Vestry (one-year term): Phoebe Pettingell, and Treasurer (one-year term): George Ryan.

Annual Meeting – Please join us on Sunday 29 January, after the 10 am Mass for the 179th Annual Meeting of the parish. We need volunteers to bring food and beverages, and someone to manage the food setup. Please contact Cory MacLean in the parish office if you can help. 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.)

Parish Sponsorship of The Living Church — We need some generous individuals to step forward and help fund S. Stephen’s contribution to the fortnightly Episcopal magazine The Living Church for 2017. Published in Milwaukee with a national circulation, The Living Church provides a venue for responsible reporting and serious theological and spiritual reflection on the Church's life and mission in the world today. For an annual contribution of $3,000 we receive mention in each issue as a sponsoring parish, with a write-up in one issue describing our parish’s life and ministry. In addition to this great publicity, we also receive a bundle of copies to distribute in the narthex. Owing to our need to streamline expenses, we can no longer make our contribution from the parish operating budget, and instead are relying on the generosity of parishioners and friends. $1,500 has already been pledged towards our contribution for 2017; we can meet our goal if, say, two more people contribute $750 each, or three people $500 each, or even fifteen people $100 each. If you are moved to help in this worthwhile endeavor with any amount, please contact Fr. Alexander.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Avis, Virginia, Martha, Donald, Townsend, Norman, John, Shannah, Peter, Sister Carolyn, Michael, Richard, Mark, Michael, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Stephanie, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, John, Ed, Shane, Jan, Richard, Jerry, Joel, Sandra, Emily, Beverly, Yolanda, Angela, Bobby, Sally, Carlos, Loretto, Rhoda, Ned, Michael, Henry, James, Michael, Peter, Weldon, Dianne, and Elizabeth.

Birthdays this week – Joan Gordon (11 January), Jason Connell & Zachary Painter (13 January).

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), and Harry Johnson (12 January 2007)

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Church of Kuching - (South East Asia): The Rt. Rev’d Bolly Lapok and Assistant Bishop of Kuching - (South East Asia): The Rt. Rev’d Solomon Cheong Sung Voon; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of Church of the Epiphany, Rumford.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC R Noble; SD S Brazil; Thurifer F Pisaturo; Crucifer Painter; Torches C Sylvia, DO Latimer
Lector – T Oakes
Ushers – TBA
Coffee Hour – Cathy & Tom Bledsoe

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 14 January

Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 8 January

FIRST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY:

THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (W) 

Morning Prayer 7:30 am

Low Mass 8 am

Sung Mass 10 am

Daily Office & Mass Lectionary -- Week of the Baptism of our Lord – I Epiphany (Year One)

Monday 9 January

Feria

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Requiem Mass 6 pm (Black)

Tuesday 10 January

William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, Martyr, 1645 (R)

Angelus 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 11 January

Feria (G) 

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Low Mass 6 pm 

Thursday 12 January

Aelred, Abbott of Rievaulx, 1167 (W)

Angelus 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Friday 13 January

Hilary, Bishop of Poiters, 367 (W)

Angelus 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 14 January

Kentigern (Mungo), Bishop, Missionary in Galloway, Founder of Glasgow, 612 (W)

Morning Prayer 9 am

Low Mass 9:30 am

Sunday 15 January

SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (W) 

Morning Prayer 7:30 am

Low Mass 8 am

Solemn Mass with Holy Baptism 10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (15 January)

Second Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A

Isaiah 49:1-7

Psalm 40:1-12

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

John 1:29-42

PARISH NOTES

Sunday 1 January 2017

Fra Angelico, The Circumcision. 1451-1452

FROM THE RECTOR

In the Episcopal Church Calendar, New Year's Day is the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus. Before the 1979 Prayer Book, it was known as the Feast of the Circumcision. The Church of England Book of Common Worship aptly names the day "the Naming and Circumcision of Jesus" since both events took place on the eighth day after the Lord's birth. Following Jewish tradition, Saint Joseph assumes paternal responsibility for Jesus by naming him with the Name that the angel had commanded him. The day thus affords an opportunity to reflect on the significance of names in general, and of the Name that is above every name.
-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

The Naming & Circumcision of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Numbers 6:22-27
Psalm 8
Philippians 2:5-11
Luke 2:15-21

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Welcome to all visitors and guests – we’re glad that you’re here. There will be no coffee hour this morning; we will be having our annual New Year’s Day Dinner for Those In Need at 12 noon. All are welcome and invited to serve or attend as a guest.

New Year’s Day Public Holiday – will be kept on Monday, 2 January. As with all federal holidays, Low Mass will be offered at 9:30 am, preceded by Morning Prayer at 9 am.

Nominations Committee – candidates for the following positions have been nominated for election at the Annual Parish Meeting on January 29, 2017: one vestry member (four-year term): Zachary Painter; two Diocesan Convention Delegates (one-year term): Richard Noble and Frank Pisaturo; two Diocesan Convention Alternates (one-year term): Phoebe Pettingell and John Chamberlin; Clerk of the Vestry (one-year term): Phoebe Pettingell, and Treasurer (one-year term): George Ryan.

The Epiphany – this Friday 6 January, we will be undertaking a joint celebration of the Feast of the Epiphany at St. John's Church in Newport at 6:30 pm. Please plan on joining us. We will have regularly scheduled services as usual: Angelus at 12 noon and Low Mass at 12:10 pm.

Society of Mary – will meet this Saturday 7 January for 9 am Morning Prayer, 9:30 Mass, and recitation of the Rosary. Everyone is invited.

Annual Meeting – Please join us on Sunday 29 January, after the 10 am Mass for the 179th Annual Meeting of the parish. We need volunteers to bring food and beverages, and someone to manage the food setup. Please contact Cory MacLean in the parish office if you can help. 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.)

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Virginia, Martha, Donald, Townsend, Norman, John, Shannah, Peter, Sister Carolyn, Michael, Richard, Mark, Michael, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Stephanie, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, John, Ed, Shane, Jan, Richard, Jerry, Joel, Sandra, Emily, Beverly, Yolanda, Angela, Bobby, Sally, Carlos, Loretto, Rhoda, Ned, Michael, Henry, James, Michael, Peter, Weldon, Dianne, and Elizabeth.

Birthdays this week – Katherine Hayslip (6 January)

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

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Church of Kolhapur - (North India): The Rt. Rev’d Bathuel Tiwade; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for all the clergy and people of our Diocese.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC S Brazil; SD F Pisaturo; Thurifer D Malo; Crucifer L Verdelotti; Torches R Callanan, L Rejto
Lector – P Martin
Ushers – G Ryan & TBA
Coffee Hour – There is no coffee hour on Sunday 1 January.

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Saturday 7 January
Society of Mary (following Low Mass & Recitation of the Rosary)

Sunday 1 January
New Year’s Day Dinner for Those in Need 12 noon

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 7 January
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 1 January
THE NAMING & CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (W)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am

Daily Office Lectionary: Christmas Day and Following / The Epiphany and Following, Year One
Daily Mass Lectionary: January 2 – January 12

Monday 2 January
Proper for January 2 (W)
Seraphim of Sarov, Monk, Spiritual Guide, 1833
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Tuesday 3 January
Proper for January 3 (W)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 4 January
Proper for January 4 (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 5 January
Proper for January 5 (W)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Friday 6 January
THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (W)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm
(High Mass at St. John the Evangelist, Newport 6:30 pm)

Saturday 7 January
Proper for 7 January (W)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Holy Rosary 10 am

Sunday 8 January
THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY:
THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (W)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (8 January)

The First Sunday after the Epiphany
Isaiah 42:1-9
Psalm 29
Acts 10:34-43
Matthew 3:13-17

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PARISH NOTES

Sunday 25 December 2016

Unknown Master, Austrian, c. 1400
Source: Web Gallery of Art

FROM THE RECTOR

From an early age children associate Christmas with receiving presents. When I was in high school, one of my classmates satirized this aspect of the celebration with a cartoon in the student newspaper captioned, "Tis the season to be greedy." Some of the more literal-minded were not amused, failing to grasp that the caption was intended ironically rather than earnestly. Nonetheless, the practice of giving and receiving gifts appropriately reflects the truth that all we have comes as God's gift to us; and that of all God's gifts the greatest by far is that of his Son Jesus Christ born into this world to be our Savior and Redeemer. Join us as we celebrate this great mystery on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day. 

-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Saturday 24 December, 10:30 pm – Christmas Day I (In Nocte) 

Isaiah 9: 2-7

Titus 2:11-14

Luke 2:1-14

Sunday 25 December, 8 am –  Christmas Day II (In Aurora) 

Isaiah 62:6-12

Psalm 97

Titus 3:4-7

Luke 2:8-20

Sunday 25 December, 10 am – Christmas Day III (In Dies)

Isaiah 52:7-10; 

Psalm 98

Hebrews 1:1-4.(5-12); 

John 1:1-14

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Guest Organist – We extend our thanks to Dr. Robert Henry, Schola member and organist, for filling in for James Busby at the 10 am Mass on Christmas Day.

Saint Stephen, Deacon & Martyr (December 26) – The feast of Saint Stephen, Deacon and Martyr, will be celebrated tomorrow, Monday 26 December with Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm and Low Mass at 6 pm in the Lady Chapel, followed by Veneration of the Relic. All are encouraged to come worship on this, our patronal feast. 

Saint John, Apostle & Evangelist (December 27), a major feast of the Church calendar, will be kept on Tuesday with Angelus at 12 noon and Low Mass at 12:10 pm.

The Holy Innocents (December 28), a major feast of the Church calendar, will be kept on Wednesday with Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm and Low Mass at 6 pm.

New Year’s Day Dinner – Once again we will offer our annual New Year’s Day Dinner for those in need on Sunday 1 January 2017. If you can help, please contact the parish office at 421-6702 ext. 1 or send email to office@sstephens.necoxmail.com. 

We also welcome new scarves, mittens, hats and socks, as well as personal hygiene products such as soaps and toothbrushes. Join us in helping those in our community who are struggling. For I was hungry, and you gave me food: I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you welcomed me… Matthew 25:35

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Virginia, Martha, Donald, Townsend, Norman, John, Shannah, Peter, Sister Carolyn, Michael, Richard, Mark, Michael, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Stephanie, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, John, Ed, Shane, Jan, Richard, Jerry, Joel, Sandra, Emily, Beverly, Yolanda, Angela, Bobby, Sally, Carlos, Loretto, Rhoda, Ned, Michael, Henry, James, Michael, Peter, Weldon, Dianne, and Elizabeth.

Birthdays this week – Katherine Rejto (27 December)

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

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Church of Kitale, Kenya, The Rt. Rev’d Stephen Kewasis; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of St. Stephen's, Providence; St. John’s, Barrington; St. John the Evangelist, Newport; and the Chapel of St. John the Divine, Saunderstown.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC D Malo; Thurifer J Starks; Crucifer L Hooks; Torches K Rejto, G Benziger

Lector – P Pettingell

Ushers – TBA

Coffee Hour – There is no coffee hour on Sunday 25 December.

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 31 December

Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

Sunday 1 January

New Year’s Day Dinner for Those in Need 12 noon

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 25 December

THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (W)

Morning Prayer 7:30 am

Low Mass 8 am

Sung Mass 10 am

Weekday Office Lectionary: Christmas Day and Following, Year One

Weekday Mass Lectionary: December 26 – December 31

Monday 26 December

SAINT STEPHEN, DEACON & MARTYR (R) 

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Low Mass 6 pm 

Tuesday 27 December

ST. JOHN, APOSTLE & EVANGELIST (W)

Angelus 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 28 December

THE HOLY INNOCENTS (R)

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Low Mass 6 pm 

Thursday 29 December

St. Thomas Becket (R) 

Angelus 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Friday 30 December

Proper for 30 December (W) 

Angelus 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 31 December

Proper for 31 December (W)

Morning Prayer 9 am

Low Mass 9:30 am

Sunday 1 January

THE NAMING & CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (W)

Morning Prayer 7:30 am

Low Mass 8 am

Sung Mass 10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (18 December)

The Naming & Circumcision of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Numbers 6:22-27

Psalm 8

Galatians 4:4-7 or Philippians 2:5-11

Luke 2:15-21

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PARISH NOTES
Sunday 18 December 2016

Saint Joseph's Dream
Philippe de Champaigne, c. 1642-1643

FROM THE RECTOR

The Gospel at Mass on the Fourth Sunday of Advent always features one of the Annunciation or Visitation stories leading up to the birth of Jesus. This year, Saint Matthew tells the story from the viewpoint of Saint Joseph, who, after learning of Mary's pregnancy, is told in a dream by an angel, "Do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit ..." Joseph is thus invited to place his faith in the virginal conception of Jesus, and instead of divorcing Mary quietly and putting her away as he first intended, to accept that God is acting in a wonderfully new and unexpected way for the world's salvation in and through the Son she will bring into the world. The Church invites us to share that same faith. Will we have the courage and open-mindedness to do so? -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year A
Isaiah 7:10-16
Psalm 80: 1-7, 16-18
Romans 1:1-7
Matthew 1:18-25

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sunday Evening Prayer with EMBR will meet this evening (12/18) for the last time before winter break. We will resume on Sunday 29 January at 5:30 pm.

Saint Thomas the Apostle (December 21) – a major Holy Day of the Church year, will be kept this Wednesday with Evening Prayer at 5:30 and Low Mass at 6 pm.

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 Tuesday December 20th.

The Nominations Committee – has been formed to nominate people for election to the following positions at the Annual Parish Meeting on Sunday 29 January 2017: Clerk (one-year term); Treasurer (one-year term); one Vestry Member (four-year term); two Delegates to Diocesan Convention (one-year term); two Alternate Delegates to Diocesan Convention (one-year term). The members of the Nominations Committee are Susan Brazil (Chair), Cathy Bledsoe, Alison Huff, Nancy Gingrich, Bruce Lennihan, and Frank Pisaturo. Feel free to contact any member of the Committee with your preferences regarding nominations.

Christmas Decorations – This year we will decorate the church for Christmas on Monday 19 December beginning at about 6:30 pm, following Evening Prayer and Low Mass. All are welcome to join in this festive tradition. If you are free, join us as we prepare our church for the coming of the Lord!

Christmas Pageant and Family Mass – The Sunday School will be presenting its annual Christmas Eve Pageant at the Family Mass on Saturday, 24 December at 5:30 pm. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. Please see Alison Huff for details.

New Year’s Day Dinner – Once again we will offer our annual New Year’s DayDinner for those in need on Sunday 1 January 2017. If you can help, please contact the parish office at 421-6702 ext. 1 or send email to office@sstephens.necoxmail.com.

We also welcome – new scarves, mittens, hats and socks, as well as personal hygiene products such as soaps and toothbrushes. Join us in helping those in our community who are struggling. For I was hungry, and you gave me food: I was thirsty, and you gave me drink: I was a stranger, and you welcomed me… Matthew 25:35

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Virginia, Martha, Donald, Townsend, Norman, John, Shannah, Peter, Sister Carolyn, Michael, Richard, Mark, Michael, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Stephanie, Leonard, Harrington, John, Ed, Shane, Jan, Richard, Jerry, Joel, Sandra, Emily, Beverly, Yolanda, Angela, Bobby, Sally, Carlos, Loretto, Rhoda, Ned, Michael, Henry, James, Michael, Peter, Weldon, Dianne, and Elizabeth.

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: George Arthur Stiles (20 December 1997), Kathleen Herbert Congdon (22 December 2005) and George Wightman Williams (24 December 2004).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Church of Kilmore; Elphin & Ardagh - (Armagh, Ireland): The Rt. Rev’d Ferran Glenfield; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of St. Thomas, Greenville, and St. Thomas, Alston.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC W Dilworth; SD D Malo; Thurifer F Pisaturo; Crucifer S Brazil; Torches DO Latimer, V Johnson
Lector – M Johnson
Ushers – L Verdelotti, S Newby
Coffee Hour – T & C Bledsoe

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Monday 19 December

Decorating of the Church for Christmas 6:30 pm

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Sunday 18 December
Episcopal Ministry at Brown/RISD 5:30 pm

Saturday 24 December
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 18 December
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT (V)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

EMBR* = Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD

Weekday Office and Mass Lectionary: Advent IV, Year One

Monday 19 December
Proper for 19 December (V)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 20 December
Proper for 20 December (V)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 21 December
SAINT THOMAS THE APOSTLE (R)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 22 December
Proper for 22 December (V)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Friday 23 December
Proper for 23 December (V)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 24 December
Proper for December 24 (V)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

CHRISTMAS EVE (W)
Children’s Pageant and Low Mass 5:30 pm
Solemn Mass of the Nativity (In Nocte) 10:30 pm

Sunday 25 December
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (W)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am

MASS READINGS FOR CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS DAY

Saturday 24 December, 10:30 pm – Christmas Day I (In Nocte)
Isaiah 9: 2-7
Titus 2:11-14
Luke 2:1-14

Sunday 25 December, 8 am  – Christmas Day II (In Aurora)
Isaiah 62:6-12
Psalm 97
Titus 3:4-7
Luke 2:8-20

Sunday 25 December, 10 am – Christmas Day III (In Dies)
Isaiah 52:7-10;
Psalm 98
Hebrews 1:1-4.(5-12);
John 1:1-14