Tuesday, October 28, 2014

ONLINE PARISH NOTES
Sunday 2 November 2014


FROM THE RECTOR

The beginning of November brings us to the annual commemorations of All Saints and All Souls. Here we celebrate the mystery of our faith known as the Communion of Saints. Even though death has separated us from those who have gone before us in the Church, nonetheless we have the assurance that they are alive in Christ. Some have displayed such exemplary holiness in their earthly lives that we may be certain that they are in heaven with God. These are "the Saints" in "the Church Triumphant" whose lives and witness we celebrate on All Saints' Day. Others have died with some considerable way to go in the way of further growth, purification, and sanctification before they will be ready to see God face to face. These are "the Holy Souls" in "the Church Expectant" for whom we pray on All Souls' Day, during the month of November, and throughout the year. In the "Church Militant" here on earth, we pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory; and we ask the prayers of the Saints in Heaven both for them and for us. The Church exists in three dimensions -- Militant, Expectant, and Triumphant -- yet in Christ all are bound together in one great fellowship of prayer, the Communion of Saints.
-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

8 am -- Proper 26, Year A – Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost
Micah 3:5-12, Psalm 43, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12

10 am -- Sunday after All Saints Day
Revelation 7:9-17, I John 3:1-3, Matthew 5:1-12

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Welcome to all visitors and guests – we’re glad that you’re here. Please join us after the 10 am Mass for coffee and refreshments in the Great Hall, upstairs. Today’s coffee hour is hosted by Karl and Klara Benziger.

All Souls Day – Requiem for the Commemoration of all Faithful Departed will be kept tomorrow, Monday 3 November at 6 pm, preceded by Evening Prayer in the Lady Chapel at 5:30 pm. The parish branch of the Guild of All Souls will meet following the Mass for fellowship at the English Cellar Alehouse at 156 Angell Street. Everyone is welcome and invited to join us.

Guild of All Souls Annual Requiem – the American Region of the Guild of All Souls will hold its annual Requiem this Saturday, November 8, at the Church of the Advent, Boston. Solemn Requiem Mass will be offered at 11 am (Victoria's Missa Pro Defunctis), followed by luncheon. Everyone is welcome – you do not need to be a member of the Guild of All Souls to attend. If you plan to attend, however, please let Bill Dilworth know today so that we can give the Church of the Advent an accurate count for the luncheon.

Stewardship Sunday -- is two weeks from today, November 16. Please bring your pledge forms to complete and give in during Mass. (If you did not receive a pledge form -- either at the Stewardship Brunch last week or in the mail -- please obtain a blank form from one of the ushers.)

Episcopal Ministry at Brown / RISD – The Student Group continues its activities for the academic year with Evening Prayer in the Lady Chapel at 5:30 pm followed by supper. All students, undergraduate and graduate, are welcome and invited. For more information, please see Fr. Sawicky.

New Seating Arrangement in Lady Chapel – Starting in Advent (which begins Sunday 30 November) we will be experimenting with a new arrangements of the seats in the Lady Chapel, in the “collegiate” style of rows of seats facing each other rather than facing forward. We hope this arrangement will enhance our worship in this space; and we will evaluate how well it works over a period of several months.

Wednesday Afternoon Teas – We continue offering tea in the Narthex Wednesday afternoons at 4 pm. This is a great opportunity to open the church to students and passersby, offer hospitality, and enjoy one another’s company. Any parishioners interested in helping out (for example, by bringing baked goods, cookies, or cupcakes) are invited to contact Fr. Sawicky. In any case, drop by, have a cup of tea and say hello! We pack up in time for Evening Prayer at 5:30.

Windows and Floors – you may have noticed the absence of the rugs in the sanctuary, as well as the removal of one of the vent panels in the Ames memorial window on the north wall. These are preliminary steps in two exciting projects now in the works; the repair and refinishing of the sanctuary floor, and the restoration of the stained glass windows along the north aisle of the nave. We’ll keep you posted on further developments.

Brass and silver polishing – We are looking for capable volunteers to polish our brass and silver fixtures and accoutrements. If you are willing to help, please see Fr. Alexander.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Nicholas, Jonno, Nancy, Patrick, Will, Townsend, Norman, Mark, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Harrington, Davaughn, Richard, Hugh, Beverly, Deborah, Beverly, Angela, Rhoda, Henry, Thomas, Jim, James, Richard, Lynne, Kathleen, and Richard.

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: Gilbert Jarvis (5 November 1999), Joseph James Bodell, Jr. (5 November 2006), and June Littlefield (6 November 1983)

Birthdays this week: Andrew Alexander (4 November), Albert Ferreira (5 November), Devan Latimer (6 November), Charles Calverley (8 November)

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for Iglesia Episcopal de Cuba - (Cuba): The Rt. Rev’d Griselda Delgado Del Carpio, Suffragan Bishop of Cuba - (Cuba): The Rt Revd Ulises Prendes; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of All Saints’, Providence: David Ames; and All Saints’, Warwick: Philip Devens. We pray for all elected officials and those who will be elected in the United States and for those that serve in the Armed Forces of our Country.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC R Noble; SD R Rose; Thurifer J Starks; Crucifer D Callanan; Torches K Rejto, R Callanan

Lector – R G Noble

Ushers – T Bledsoe, K Benziger

Coffee Hour – K & K Benziger

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Monday 3 November
Guild of All Souls Meeting (following the 6 pm Requiem Mass)

Wednesday 5 November
Afternoon Tea 4 pm

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Wednesday 5 November
Shakespearean Society Hors d’ouevres and Reading 7:30 pm (Black tie if you have it)
Contact Richard Noble at 401-831-6126

Friday 7 November
Reformed University Fellowship 7 pm

Saturday 8 November
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 2 November
TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G) – 8 am
SUNDAY AFTER ALL SAINTS DAY (W) – 10 am
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

Weekday Office and Mass Lectionary: Proper 26, Year Two

Monday 3 November
COMMEMORATION OF ALL FAITHFUL DEPARTED: ALL SOULS DAY (Transferred) (Black)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Sung Requiem Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 4 November
Charles Borromeo, Archbishop of Milan, 1584 (W) 
 Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

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

Thursday 6 November
Leonard, Hermit, 6th century (W)
William Temple, Archbishop of Canterbury, Teacher, 1944

Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 7 November
Willibrord of York, Bishop, Apostle of Frisia, 739 (W)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 8 November
Saints and Martyrs of the Anglican Communion (R)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Sunday 9 November
TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G) – 8 AM
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY (W) – 10 AM
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Requiem Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm


*EMBR = Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD


NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (November 9)

8 am -- Proper 27, Year A – Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost
Amos 5:18-24, Psalm 70, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 5:1-13

10 am -- Remembrance Sunday
Isaiah 2:1-5, Romans 8:31-39, John 15:9-17

Friday, October 24, 2014

ONLINE PARISH NOTES
Sunday 26 October 2014

The Lord said to my Lord ... (Psalm 110:1, quoted in Matthew 22:44)

FROM THE RECTOR

What is stewardship? From a Christian perspective, it is simply the recognition that we are not the absolute owners of anything we possess. All belongs to God, who has entrusted various portions of his bounty into our care during our earthly lives. We are ultimately accountable to God for our use and disposition of the time, treasure, and talent that he has given us. We are stewards. 

As members of the Church, moreover, we have been entrusted with the care of our parish: from the upkeep of its buildings to seeing that it has the resources necessary to fulfill its mission of proclaiming the Gospel in worship and music, in preaching and teaching, in outreach and service.

It is a mistake to think of stewardship in oppositional terms as a zero-sum game between "us" and "them" in which some entity alien to ourselves ("the Church") tries to squeeze our hard-earned money from our wallets, and we decide how much we can afford to part with. We are the Church. Christian stewardship is simply what happens when a parish community takes collective financial responsibility for its shared mission and ministry.

A key component of this taking of responsibility is acquainting ourselves with the parish's financial situation: its blessings, challenges, and opportunities. The purpose of this Sunday's stewardship brunches is to share some facts and figures that will help clarify our financial situation so that we can make the most responsible decisions possible with respect to our collective stewardship of all that God has entrusted into our care in this life. I look forward to seeing you there.
-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Proper 25, Year A – Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Leviticus 19:1-2,15-18, Psalm 1, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 Matthew 22:34-46

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Welcome to all visitors and guests – we’re glad that you’re here. We will not have our customary coffee hours today, but please join us for one of our Stewardship Brunches following the 8 or 10 am Mass this morning. It is an opportunity to sit down, enjoy breakfast in the company of fellow parishioners, and hear a brief presentation on our stewardship goals for 2015.

Altar Flowers today are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Megda Dunham Hawkins by the Altar Guild.

Saint Simon and Saint Jude (October 28) – a major Holy Day of the Church year, will be kept this Tuesday with Morning Prayer at 8 am and Low Mass at 8:30.

All Saints Day (November 1) – a principal Holy Day of the Church year, will be kept this Saturday with Morning Prayer at 9 am and Low Mass at 9:30 am, as well as at the 10 am Solemn Mass next Sunday (November 2).

Society of Mary -- will meet for Holy Rosary this Saturday, November 1, following Mass for All Saints Day in the Lady Chapel. Coffee and a meeting will follow in the Great Hall.

Daylight Saving Time ends this coming Sunday, November 2, at 2:00 am. Please remember to set your clocks back one hour to avoid being an hour early for Church!

All Souls Day – Requiem for the Commemoration of all Faithful Departed will be kept on Monday 3 November at 6 pm, preceded by Evening Prayer in the Lady Chapel at 5:30 pm. If you would like the names of departed loved ones read at the Mass, please legibly fill out the form included in today’s Kalendar, and either give it to an usher or slip it through the office door mail slot before you leave. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, October 29th.

Housing Needed – If anyone has or knows of an apartment or similar accommodation suitable for a single S. Stephen’s parishioner returning to the area after a number of years away, please contact Fr. Alexander.

Episcopal Ministry at Brown / RISD – The Student Group continues its activities for the academic year with Evening Prayer in the Lady Chapel at 5:30 pm followed by supper. All students, undergraduate and graduate, are welcome and invited. For more information, please see Fr. Sawicky.

New Seating Arrangement in Lady Chapel – Starting in Advent (which begins Sunday 30 November) we will be experimenting with a new arrangements of the seats in the Lady Chapel, in the “collegiate” style of rows of seats facing each other rather than facing forward. We hope this arrangement will enhance our worship in this space; and we will evaluate how well it works over a period of several months.

Wednesday Afternoon Teas – We continue offering tea in the Narthex Wednesday afternoons at 4 pm. This is a great opportunity to open the church to students and passersby, offer hospitality, and enjoy one another’s company. Any parishioners interested in helping out (for example, by bringing baked goods, cookies, or cupcakes) are invited to contact Fr. Sawicky. In any case, drop by, have a cup of tea and say hello! We pack up in time for Evening Prayer at 5:30.

Windows and Floors – you may have noticed the absence of the rugs in the sanctuary, as well as the removal of one of the vent panels in the Ames memorial window on the north wall. These are preliminary steps in two exciting projects now in the works; the repair and refinishing of the sanctuary floor, and the restoration of the stained glass windows along the north aisle of the nave. We’ll keep you posted on further developments.

Brass and silver polishing – We are looking for capable volunteers to polish our brass and silver fixtures and accoutrements. If you are willing to help, please see Fr. Alexander.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Nicholas, Jonno, Nancy, Patrick, Will, Townsend, Norman, Mark, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Harrington, Davaughn, Richard, Hugh, Beverly, Deborah, Beverly, Angela, Rhoda, Henry, Jim, James, Richard, Lynne, Kathleen, and Richard.

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: Clifton Milner Fidler (28 October 1983) and Heather A. Morgan (31 October 1997); Recently departed: John Andrew, Priest; Gary Fertig, Priest; Thomas Shaw, Bishop.

Birthdays this week: James Alexander (October 30th).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for The Church of Ceylon (E-P to the Archbishop of Canterbury) Colombo - (Ceylon): The Rt. Rev’d Dhiloraj Ranjit Canagasabey Kurunagala - (Ceylon), The Rt. Rev’d Greg Shantha Kumar Francis; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for clergy widows of the Diocese: Juanita Juhr, Karen Robbins-Taylor, Marie Robinson, Gloria Phillips and widower, Daniel Harvey.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC W Dilworth; SD S Brazil; Thurifer L Verdelotti; Crucifer L Bledsoe; Torches V Johnson, G Benziger

Lector – P Pettingell

Ushers – S Brazil, T Oakes

Coffee Hour – Stewardship Brunches following the 8 and 10 am Masses

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS 

Sunday 26 October
Stewardship Brunches (following the 8 and 10 am Masses)

Wednesday 29 October
Afternoon Tea 4 pm

Saturday 1 November
Society of Mary 10 am (following Morning Prayer at 9 and Mass at 9:30)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Friday 31 October
Reformed University Fellowship 7 pm

Saturday 1 November
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE 

Sunday 26 October
TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

Weekday Office and Mass Lectionary: Proper 25, Year Two

Monday 27 October
Feria (G)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 28 October
SAINT SIMON AND SAINT JUDE (R)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 29 October
James Hannington, Bishop, and Companions, Martyrs, 1885 (R)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 30 October
Feria (G)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 31 October
Feria (G)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 1 November
ALL SAINTS DAY (W)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Holy Rosary 10 am

Sunday 2 November
TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G) – 8 am
SUNDAY AFTER ALL SAINTS DAY (W) – 10 am
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 (November 2)

8 am – Proper 26, Year A – Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost
Micah 3:5-12, Psalm 43, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Matthew 23:1-12

10 am – Sunday after All Saints Day
Revelation 7:9-17; I John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12

Thursday, October 16, 2014

ONLINE PARISH NOTES
Sunday 19 October 2014

S. Stephen's Organist and Choirmaster James Busby


FROM THE RECTOR

One of the pleasures of life at S. Stephen's is our first-rate music program. This Sunday affords us the opportunity to come back to church at 5:30 pm to listen to a recital given by our own Organist and Choirmaster, James Busby. Details of the program are given below. Coming out in force to attend James's recital is one important way of showing our appreciation for all that he does -- including how much we value the enormous contribution he makes to the liturgical and musical life of our parish. It is more than a worthwhile experience in its own right as well. I look forward to seeing good numbers of parishioners both at our morning services this Sunday and at the recital in the evening. -- Fr. John D. Alexander


THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Proper 24, Year A – Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Isaiah 45:1-7Psalm 96:1-9, (10-13)1 Thessalonians 1:1-10Matthew 22:15-22

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Welcome to all visitors and guests – we’re glad that you’re here. Please join us after the 10 am Mass for coffee and refreshments in the Great Hall, upstairs. Today’s coffee hour is hosted by Tom Oakes, Pat Fuller, and Karen Vorbeck Williams.

Memorial Organ Recital – This evening at 5:30 pm, organist/choirmaster James Busby will play his annual memorial organ recital, featuring Aaron Copland’s Preamble (for a Solemn Occasion), Messe Solemnelle à l’usage de paroisses of François Couperin with plainchant versets sung by the gentlemen of the Schola Cantorum, and Leo Sowerby’s organo-deco masterpiece Symphony in G. A reception follows in our Great Hall. If you have a location where you are willing to post a publicity flyer, please see Cory MacLean.

Saint James of Jerusalem (October 23) – a major Holy Day of the Church year, will be kept this Thursday with the Morning Prayer at 8 am and Low Mass at 8:30.

Stewardship Brunch – Yes, talking about Church finances and money can be fun! To help make it so, we are planning two catered brunches for members (and regular attendees) of the parish following both Sunday morning Masses next Sunday 26 October. It will be an opportunity to sit down, enjoy breakfast in the company of fellow parishioners, and hear a brief presentation on our stewardship goals for 2015. Letters of invitation are being sent to our regular mailing list; but in case you do not receive yours, this is your invitation. Please RSVP by calling the parish office at 401-421-6702 and leaving a message for Cory at extension 1; or by emailing office@sstephen's.necoxmail.com.

All Souls Day – Requiem for the Commemoration of all Faithful Departed will be offered on Monday 3 November at 6 pm, preceded by Evening Prayer in the Lady Chapel at 5:30 pm. If you would like the names of departed loved ones read at the Mass, please legibly fill out the form included in today’s Kalendar, and either give it to an usher or slip it through the office door mail slot before you leave. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, October 29th.

Housing Needed – If anyone has or knows of an apartment or similar accommodation suitable for a single S. Stephen’s parishioner returning to the area after a number of years away, please contact Fr. Alexander.

Episcopal Ministry at Brown / RISD – The Student Group continues its activities for the academic year with Evening Prayer in the Lady Chapel at 5:30 pm followed by supper. All students, undergraduate and graduate, are welcome and invited. For more information, please see Fr. Sawicky.

Wednesday Afternoon Teas – We continue offering tea in the Narthex Wednesday afternoons at 4 pm. This is a great opportunity to open the church to students and passersby, offer hospitality, and enjoy one another’s company. Any parishioners interested in helping out (for example, by bringing baked goods, cookies, or cupcakes) are invited to contact Fr. Sawicky. In any case, drop by, have a cup of tea and say hello! We pack up in time for Evening Prayer at 5:30.

Windows and Floors – you may have noticed the absence of the rugs in the sanctuary, as well as the removal of one of the vent panels in the Ames memorial window on the north wall. These are preliminary steps in two exciting projects now in the works; the repair and refinishing of the sanctuary floor, and the restoration of the stained glass windows along the north aisle of the nave. We’ll keep you posted on further developments.

Brass and silver polishing – We are looking for capable volunteers to polish our brass and silver fixtures and accoutrements. If you are willing to help, please see Fr. Alexander.

Flower Memorial Opportunities – If you would like to order flowers for the High Altar or the statue of our Lady in memory of a loved one or in thanksgiving for blessings received, the cost per vase for the High Altar is $80 (both vases $160), and $65 for a vase at the Statue of our Lady. Please send a check to the parish office for the amount, and let Cory MacLean know the intentions for which the flowers are offered.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Nicholas Andrews, Jonno Boyer-Dry, Nancy Bredbeck, Patrick Brown, Will Calverley, Townsend Cass, The Rev. Norman Catir, Hannah Flanagan, Kaitlyn Flanagan, Mary Flanagan, The Rev. Harrington Gordon, Davaughn Hooks, Hugh McNamar, Beverly Myers, Angela Rose, Rhoda Steinhart, The Rev. Henry Turnbull, The Rt. Rev. Thomas Shaw, The Rev. James Verdelotti, Richard Viti, Lynne Walker, Kathleen Werner, and Richard Werner.

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: Phyllis Hayden Potterton (20 October 1997) and Megda Dunham Hawkins (20 October 1984); Recently Departed: Pauline Frances Bell

Birthdays this week: David Brooks (October 22nd)

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for The Church in the Province of the West Indies: The Most Rev’d & The Hon. Dr. John Holder, Archbishop of West Indies & Bishop of Barbados; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of St. Luke's, East Greenwich: Tim Rich and Noel Bailey; and St. Luke's, Pawtucket: Dennis Bucco and Joyce Thorne.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC S Brazil; SD R Himes; Thurifer B Rose; Crucifer L Hooks; Torches DO Latimer, L Rejto

Lector – E Alexander

Ushers – N Gingrich, G Ryan

Coffee Hour – T Oakes, P Fuller, K Vorbeck Williams

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 19 October
Memorial Organ Recital 5:30 pm (reception following)

Wednesday 22 October
Afternoon Tea 4 pm

Sunday 26 October
Stewardship Brunches (following the 8 and 10 am Masses)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Friday 24 October
Reformed University Fellowship 7 pm

Saturday 25 October
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 19 October
NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

Weekday Office and Mass Lectionary: Proper 24, Year Two

Monday 20 October
Feria (G)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 21 October
Feria (G)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 22 October
Feria (G)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 23 October
SAINT JAMES OF JERUSALEM (R)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 24 October
Feria (G)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 25 October
Crispin and Crispinian, Martyrs at Rome, c. 287 (R)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Sunday 26 October
TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (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 (October 26)

Proper 25, Year A – Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18Psalm 1, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Matthew 22:34-46

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

ONLINE PARISH NOTES
Sunday 12 October 2014

Parable of the Wedding Banquet
14th Century Russian Icon

FROM THE RECTOR

"Many are called, but  few are chosen." The wedding banquet (Matthew 22:1-14) is one of our Lord's more challenging parables of the Kingdom. Many of those invited refuse to come and suffer the consequences. Of those who accept the invitation, however, at least one guest is found unworthy to attend when he appears without the proper wedding garment. Join us this Sunday at S. Stephen's as we explore the meaning of this and the other appointed scriptural readings.  -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Proper 23, Year A – Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Isaiah 25:1-9Psalm 23Philippians 4:1-9Matthew 22:1-14 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Columbus Day – As on all public holidays falling on Monday, Low Mass tomorrow, Monday 13 October, will be celebrated at 9:30 am, preceded by Morning Prayer at 9.

Saint Luke the Evangelist (October 18) – a major Holy Day of the Church year, will be kept this Saturday with the Morning Prayer at 9 am and Low Mass at 9:30.

Eucharistic Adoration – On Saturday 18 October, 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.

Memorial Organ Recital – Next Sunday 19 October at 5:30 pm, organist/choirmaster James Busby will play his annual memorial organ recital, featuring Aaron Copland’s Preamble (for a Solemn Occasion), Messe Solemnelle à l'usage de paroisses of François Couperin with plainchant versets sung by the gentlemen of the Schola Cantorum, and Leo Sowerby’s organo-deco masterpiece Symphony in G. A reception follows in our Great Hall. If you have a location where you are willing to post a publicity flyer, please see Cory MacLean.

Stewardship Brunch – Yes, talking about Church finances and money can be fun! To help make it so, we are planning two catered brunches for members (and regular attendees) of the parish following both Sunday morning Masses on October 26. It will be an opportunity to sit down, enjoy breakfast in the company of fellow parishioners, and hear a brief presentation on our stewardship goals for 2015. Letters of invitation are being sent to our regular mailing list; but in case you do not receive yours, this is your invitation. Please RSVP by calling the parish office at 401-421-6702 and leaving a message for Cory at extension 1; or by emailing office@sstephen's.necoxmail.com.

Housing Needed – If anyone has or knows of an apartment or similar accommodation suitable for a single S. Stephen's parishioner returning to the area after a number of years away, please contact Fr. Alexander.

Episcopal Ministry at Brown / RISD – The Student Group continues its activities for the academic year with Evening Prayer in the Lady Chapel at 5:30 pm followed by supper. All students, undergraduate and graduate, are welcome and invited. For more information, please see Fr. Sawicky.

Wednesday Afternoon Teas – We continue offering tea in the Narthex Wednesday afternoons at 4 pm. This is a great opportunity to open the church to students and passersby, offer hospitality, and enjoy one another’s company. Any parishioners interested in helping out (for example, by bringing baked goods, cookies, or cupcakes) are invited to contact Fr. Sawicky. In any case, drop by, have a cup of tea and say hello! We pack up in time for Evening Prayer at 5:30.

Windows and Floors – you may have noticed the absence of the rugs in the sanctuary, as well as the removal of one of the vent panels in the Ames memorial window on the north wall. These are preliminary steps in two exciting projects now in the works; the repair and refinishing of the sanctuary floor, and the restoration of the stained glass windows along the north aisle of the nave. We’ll keep you posted on further developments.

Brass and Silver Polishing – We are looking for capable volunteers to polish our brass and silver fixtures and accoutrements. If you are willing to help, please see Fr. Alexander.

Flower Memorial Opportunities – If you would like to order flowers for the High Altar or the statue of our Lady in memory of a loved one or in thanksgiving for blessings received, the cost per vase for the High Altar is $80 (both vases $160), and $65 for a vase at the Statue of our Lady. Please send a check to the parish office for the amount, and let Cory MacLean know the intentions for which the flowers are offered.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Nicholas, Jonno, Nancy, Patrick, Will, Townsend, Norman, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Harrington, Davaughn, Hugh, Beverly, Angela, Rhoda, Henry, Thomas, James, Richard, Lynne, Kathleen, and Richard.

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: David W. Marsland (14 October 1993) and William N. H. Potterton (17 October 1997)

Birthdays this week: Christine Sylvia (October 16th)

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for The Church of the Province of West Africa: The Most Rev’d Dr. Solomon Tilewa Johnson, Primate & Metropolitan, CPWA; Archbishop of Internal province of West Africa and Bishop of Gambia; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and students of St. George’s School, Newport and their chaplain, Jeff Lewis; and for clergy of the Diocese: Henry Fairman and Ted Hallenbeck.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC R Rose; SD R Armidon; Thurifer J Starks; Crucifer L Bledsoe; Torches E Benziger, C Sylvia
Lector – J Chamberlin
Ushers – B Dilworth R Widmer
Coffee Hour – Society of Mary

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Wednesday 15 October
Afternoon Tea 4 pm

Saturday 18 October
Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament (following Eucharistic Adoration)
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Friday 17 October
Reformed University Fellowship 7 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE 

Sunday 12 October
EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

Weekday Office and Mass Lectionary: Proper 23, Year Two

Monday 13 October
Edward the Confessor, King of England, 1066 (W)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Tuesday 14 October
Samuel Isaac Joseph Scherechewsky, Bishop, Translator of the Scriptures, 1906 (W)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 15 October
Teresa of Avila, Carmelite Nun, Teacher, 1582 (W)
Translation of the Image of Our Lady of Walsingham, 1931
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 16 October
Gall, Hermit, 670 (W)
Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley, Bishops, Reformation Martyrs, 1555

Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 17 October
Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, Martyr, c. 107 (R)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 18 October
SAINT LUKE THE EVANGELIST (R)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Eucharistic Adoration 10 am

Sunday 19 October
NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (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 (October 19)

Proper 24, Year A – Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Isaiah 45:1-7, Psalm 96:1-9, (10-13), 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22



Thursday, October 2, 2014

ONLINE PARISH NOTES
Sunday 5 October 2014

The Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely
XIII Bishop of Rhode Island

FROM THE RECTOR

This Sunday, October 5, we have the great pleasure of welcoming Bishop W. Nicholas Knisely to S. Stephen's. The Bishop will be celebrating and preaching at all our Sunday morning services for the annual celebration of the Anniversary of the Dedication of our church building. The Mass setting will be the tremendously exciting traditional Congolese Missa Luba. Please join us and help welcome Bishop Knisely to S. Stephen's on his first official Episcopal Visitation to our parish.  -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Feast of the Dedication
Genesis 28:10-17, (Psalm 84:1-6), 1 Peter 2:1-5, 9Matthew 21:12-16

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Welcome to all visitors and guests – we’re glad that you’re here. Please join us after the 10 am Mass for coffee and refreshments in the Great Hall, upstairs. Today’s coffee hour is hosted by Sue Brazil and Nancy Gingrich. In addition to a celebration of our monthly birthdays, Bishop Knisely will speak and answer questions.

October Year’s Mind – Departed parishioners whose anniversaries fall during October will be prayed for at the Requiem Mass this Monday, October  6, at 6 pm (preceded by Evening Prayer at 5:30). If you have any additional names of the departed to be remembered, please let Fr. Alexander know.

The Guild of All Souls -- will meet following the 6 pm Requiem Mass this Monday, October 6. Please join us if you like to learn more about the life and work of the Guild.

Vestry Meeting – The Vestry will meet this Tuesday evening, October 7, in the library at 7 pm (and not on the 14th as originally scheduled).

Society of Mary – will meet this Saturday, October 11, and not on the first Saturday as customarily scheduled. Please note the change is for this month only.

Memorial Organ Recital – On Sunday 19 October at 5:30 pm, organist/choirmaster James Busby will play his annual memorial organ recital, featuring Aaron Copland’s Preamble (for a Solemn Occasion), Messe Solemnelle á l'usage de pariosses of François Couperin with plainchant versets sung by the gentlemen of the Schola Cantorum, and Leo Sowerby’s organo-deco masterpiece Symphony in G. A reception follows in our Great Hall.

Episcopal Ministry at Brown / RISD (EMBR) – The Student Group continues its activities for the academic year with Evening Prayer in the Lady Chapel at 5:30 pm followed by supper. All students, undergraduate and graduate, are welcome and invited. For more information, please see Fr. Sawicky.

Wednesday Afternoon Teas – We continue offering tea in the Narthex Wednesday afternoons at 4 pm. This is a great opportunity to open the church to students and passersby, offer hospitality, and enjoy one another’s company. Any parishioners interested in helping out (for example, by bringing baked goods, cookies, or cupcakes) are invited to contact Fr. Sawicky. In any case, drop by, have a cup of tea and say hello! We pack up in time for Evening Prayer at 5:30.

Windows and Floors – you may have noticed the absence of the rugs in the sanctuary, as well as the removal of one of the vent panels in the Ames memorial window on the north wall. These are preliminary steps in two exciting projects now in the works; the repair and refinishing of the sanctuary floor, and the restoration of the stained glass windows along the north aisle of the nave. We’ll keep you posted on further developments.

Brass and Silver Polishing – We are looking for capable volunteers to polish our brass and silver fixtures and accoutrements. In fact, the need is urgent. If you are willing to help, please see Fr. Alexander.

Flower Memorial Opportunities – If you would like to order flowers for the High Altar or the statue of our Lady in memory of a loved one or in thanksgiving for blessings received, the cost per vase for the High Altar is $80 (both vases $160), and $65 for a vase at the Statue of our Lady. Please send a check to the parish office for the amount, and let Cory MacLean know the intentions for which the flowers are offered.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Nicholas, Jonno, Nancy, Patrick, Will, Townsend, Norman, David, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Harrington, Davaughn, Hugh, Beverly, Angela, Rhoda, Henry, Thomas, James, Richard, Lynne, Kathleen, and Richard.

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: Lawrence W. Seamans (5 October 1987), Lester Wilkinson (9 October 1983), Elizabeth A. Olsen (10 October 1999), and James K. Walker (11 October 2008)

Birthdays this week: James Busby (October 5th), Devon Callanan (October 7th), Deborah Abel (October 11th)

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for The Church in Wales: The Most Rev’d Dr. Barry Morgan, Archbishop of Wales & Bishop of Llandaff; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of St. Francis, Coventry: Sean Manchester; and for clergy widows of the Diocese: Priscilla Martin, Betty Usher, Virginia Hastings, and Virginia Chase.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC R Noble; SD W Dilworth; Thurifer D Latimer; Crucifer R Rose; Torches V Johnson, K Hooks

Lector – J Steiny

Ushers – B Lennihan, Simon Newby

Coffee Hour – S Brazil, N Gingrich

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Monday 6 October
Guild of All Souls (following the 6 pm Mass)

Tuesday 7 October
Vestry Meeting 7 pm

Wednesday 8 October
Afternoon Tea 4 pm

Saturday 11 October
Society of Mary (following the 9:30 am Mass)
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Friday 10 October
Reformed University Fellowship 7 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 5 October
FEAST OF THE DEDICATION (W)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Pontifical Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

Weekday Office and Mass Lectionary: Proper 22, Year Two

Monday 6 October
Bruno, Founder of the Carthusian Order, 1101 (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 7 October
Our Lady of the Rosary (B)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 8 October
Feria (G)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 9 October
Denys, Bishop of Paris, and Companions, Martyrs, c. 258 (R)
Robert Grosseteste, Bishop of Lincoln, 1253
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 10 October
Paulinus, Bishop of York, Missionary, 644 (W)
Thomas Traherne, Poet, Spiritual Writer, 1674
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 11 October
Ethelburga, Abbess of Barking, 675 (W)
James the Deacon, Companion of Paulinus, 7th century
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Sunday 12 October
EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (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 (October 12)

Proper 23, Year A – Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Isaiah 25:1-9, Psalm 23, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14