Friday, December 25, 2015

ONLINE PARISH NOTES
SUNDAY 27 DECEMBER 2015


FROM THE RECTOR

Interestingly enough, both Fr. Yost and I have significant prior experience in churches dedicated to Saint Stephen: he served a St. Stephen's Church in Texas; I was sponsored for ordination from a St. Stephen's Church in Pennsylvania. One of the advantages (and disadvantages) of belonging to a church so dedicated is that our patronal festival falls on December 26, the day after Christmas Day, so many people have the day off, but it is also difficult to organize anything much in the way of a grand celebration. The Prayer Book rubrics do permit us to transfer the feast to Sunday, however, which affords the opportunity for more parishioners and friends to mark the occasion. It is especially fitting to make an extra effort to come to Mass this Sunday on our name day. We hope to see you there. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Saint Stephen, Deacon & Martyr (Transferred)
Jeremiah 26:1-9, 12-15;
Psalm 31:1-5
Acts 6:8--7:2a, 51c-60
Matthew 23:34-39

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Poinsettias – Any remaining poinsettias will be removed from the nave after Epiphany, so please feel free to take one from the baptismal font or table after the 10 Mass today to take to someone who is sick or housebound.

Saint John the Evangelist – a major feast of the Church year, will be kept on Monday with Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm and Mass at 6 pm.

The Holy Innocents – a major feast of the Church year, will be kept on Tuesday with Morning Prayer at 8 am and Mass at 8:30 am.

The Holy Name – On Friday 1 January we celebrate this Principal Feast of the Church Year with Morning Prayer at 9 am and Low Mass at 9:30. All practicing Church members should make an effort to attend Mass on this and the other Principal Feasts of the Church Year if they are able.

New Year’s Day Dinner – Once again we will offer our annual New Year’s Day Dinner for those in need, this coming Friday 1 January 2016. If you can help, please email coordinator Sue Brazil, or email the parish office or call 
421-6702 ext. 1. We welcome new scarves, mittens, hats and socks, as well as personal hygiene products such as soaps and toothbrushes. 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)

Society of Mary – will meet this Saturday 2 January for 9 am Morning Prayer, 9:30 Mass, then recitation of the Rosary. Everyone is invited.

Episcopal Ministry at Brown / RISD (EMBR) – Sunday evening prayer with EMBR will resume on January 27, 2016.

The Nominations Committee – has announced the following slate of nominees for election at the Annual Parish Meeting on January 24, 2016: three vestry members for four-year terms (expire Annual Meeting of 2020): Patricia Barnes, 
Charles O’Boyle, and Frank Pisaturo; one vestry member for a two-year term (expires Annual Meeting of 2018): Danielle Latimer; two Diocesan Convention Delegates (one-year term): Richard Noble and Frank Pisaturo; two Diocesan Convention Alternates (one-year term): Cathy Bledsoe and Modu Johnson; Junior Warden (three-year term): Susan Brazil; Clerk of the Vestry (one-year term): Phoebe Pettingell; and Treasurer (one-year term): Ransom Widmer.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Nicholas, Robert, Patricia, Nancy, Townsend, Norman, Elva, Ethel, Andrea, Michael, Mark, Sue, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Deborah, Peter, Harrington, Kate, Davaughn, Bernice, Rob, Ellen-Jean, Robert, Richard, Maureen, Sandy, Donald, Stephen, Angela, Bobby, Laura, Sally, Rhoda, Ned, Charles, Frederick, Henry, James, and Dianne.

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: Mary Gowdey (27 December 1992), Albert E. Godfrey (27 December 1993), John Seville Higgins (Bishop) (28 December 1992), Detlev Schumann (29 December 1986), and Nancy Jean Donaldson Pettingell (2 January 2010).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Diocese of Zaki-Biam (Abuja, Nigeria): The Rt. Rev’d Benjamin Vager; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of St. Stephen’s, Providence and of St. John’s, Barrington and of St. John the Evangelist, Newport, and of the Chapel of St. John the Divine, Saunderstown.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC R Armidon SD W Dilworth; Thurifer J Starks; Crucifer L Verdelotti; Torches C Sylvia, L Hooks
Lector – J Chamberlin
Ushers – J Steiny, G Ryan
Coffee Hour – N Gingrich, S Brazil

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Friday 1 January
New Year’s Day Dinner 12 noon

Saturday 2 January
Society of Mary (following Mass and Recitation of the Rosary)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 2 January
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 27 December
SAINT STEPHEN, DEACON & MARTYR (Transferred) (R)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am

Daily Office Lectionary: Christmastide, Year Two
Daily Mass Lectionary: Christmastide

Monday 28 December
SAINT JOHN THE EVANGELIST (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 29 December
THE HOLY INNOCENTS (R)
Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, Martyr, 1170
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

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

Thursday 31 December
Proper for 31 December (W)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 1 January
HOLY NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (W)
(THE CIRCUMCISION)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Saturday 2 January
Proper for January 2 (W)
Seraphim of Sarov, Monk, Spiritual Guide, 1833
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Holy Rosary 10 am

Sunday 3 January
SECOND SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS (W)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (January 3)

Christmas II, Year C
Jeremiah 31:7-14
Psalm 84 or 84:1-8
Ephesians 1:3-6,15-19a
Luke 2:41-52

Friday, December 18, 2015

CHRISTMAS AT S. STEPHEN'S

Lorenzo Monaco, The Nativity, c. 1406-1410

Thursday 24 December 2015

PAGEANT & FAMILY MASS, 5:30 pm
   
SOLEMN MASS OF THE NATIVITY, 10:30 pm

Missa O magnum mysterium -- Thomás Luis de Victoria
Christmas Hymn (Three Choral Hymns) -- R. Vaughan Williams
O magnum mysterium -- Thomás Luis de Victoria

With Hynunjung Choi, harp
Preacher: The Rector


Friday 25 December 2015

MORNING PRAYER, 9:00 am
    
LOW MASS, 9:30 am

S. Stephen's Church
114 George Street
Providence, RI 02906
(401) 421-6702


Thursday, December 17, 2015

ONLINE PARISH NOTES
SUNDAY 20 DECEMBER 2015

Visitation, Philippe de Champaigne, 1602-1674


FROM THE RECTOR

The preparation for the birth of the Savior intensifies. Having received the Angels's message that she is to be the mother of the Messiah, Mary travels to Judah to visit her cousin Elizabeth, already six months' pregnant with the future John the Baptist. The encounter between the two women highlights the grace of God at work in their lives for the salvation of the whole world. Come to Mass this Sunday and join in this time of joyful hope and anticipation. -- Fr. John D. Alexander


THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Advent IV, Year C
Micah 5:2-5a
Canticle 3 or 15, or Psalm 80:1-7;
Hebrews 10:5-10;
Luke 1:39-45(46-56)


ANNOUNCEMENTS

Pageant Rehearsal – Please note that the pageant dress rehearsal will take place today following the 10 am Solemn Mass from roughly 11:30 to 1:30. Lunch will be provided.

Blue Heron Concert – Today at 4 pm, Blue Heron, Boston’s premier Renaissance choir, will perform their concert entitled Christmas in Medieval England here at S. Stephen’s Church. For tickets and information, visit their website at www.blueheronchoir.org.

Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD (EMBR) – Sunday evening prayer with EMBR has concluded for the semester, and will resume on January 27, 2016.

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

Schedule of Christmas Services – Christmas Eve: (Thursday, 24 December) Christmas Pageant & Family Mass - 5:30 pm; Solemn Mass of the Nativity -10:30 pm. Christmas Day: (Friday, 25 December) Morning Prayer 9 am, Low Mass 9:30 am. Please note that on the morning of December 24th (Thursday) Morning Prayer and Low Mass will be offered at the usual times.

Nominations Committee – candidates for the following positions need to be elected at the Annual Parish Meeting on January 24, 2016: three vestry members for four-year terms (expire Annual Meeting of 2020), one vestry member for a two-year term (expires Annual Meeting of 2018), two Diocesan Convention Delegates (one-year term), two Diocesan Convention Alternates (one-year term), Junior Warden (four-year term), Clerk of the Vestry (one-year term), and Treasurer (one-year term). The Nominations Committee consists of Sue Brazil (Chair), Bill Dilworth, Nancy Gingrich, Richard Noble, and Patricia Barnes. Please speak to one of them if you have any suggestions for nominations.

Christmas Decorations – On Tuesday 22 December at 6 pm, we’ll be decorating the church for Christmas. You’re welcome to come help even if you haven’t signed on! There’s much to do. Many hands make light work!

New Year’s Day Dinner – Once again we will offer our annual New Year’s Day Dinner for those in need, on Friday 1 January 2016. If you can help, please email coordinator Sue Brazil, or email the parish office or call 421-6702 ext. 1. We welcome new scarves, mittens, hats and socks, as well as personal hygiene products such as soaps and toothbrushes. 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: Nicholas, Robert, Patricia, Nancy, Townsend, Norman, Elva, Ethel, Andrea, Michael, Mark, Sue, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Deborah, Peter, Harrington, Kate, Davaughn, Bernice, Rob, Ellen-Jean, Robert, Richard, Maureen, Sandy, Donald, Stephen, Angela, Bobby, Laura, Sally, Rhoda, Ned, Charles, Frederick, Henry, James, and Dianne.

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: Kathleen Herbert Congdon (22 December 2005), George Wightman Williams (25 December 2004), and Frances S. Sloan (26 December 1993). Recently Departed: Truman Bledsoe III.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Diocese of Yewa (form. Egbado) (Lagos, Nigeria): The Rt. Rev’d Michael Adebayo Oluwarohunbi; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of St. Thomas, Greenville and St. Thomas, Alton.


THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC S Brazil SD D Latimer; Thurifer L Verdelotti; Crucifer R Armidon; Torches DO Latimer, L Rejto
Lector – P Martin
Ushers – E Drew, P Pettingell
Coffee Hour – E Hooks & L Latimer


THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 20 December
Pageant Rehearsal (following the 10 am Mass – 1:30 pm)

Tuesday 22 December
Church Decorating 6 pm

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Sunday 20 December
Blue Heron in concert 4 pm

Saturday 26 December
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 20 December
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT (V)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am


Daily Office & Mass Lectionary: Advent 4, Year Two


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

Tuesday 22 December
Proper for 22 December (V)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 23 December
Proper for 23 December (V)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 24 December
Proper for 24 December (V)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

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

Friday 25 December
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (W)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Saturday 26 December
SAINT STEPHEN, DEACON & MARTYR (R)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Sunday 27 December
SAINT STEPHEN, DEACON & MARTYR (Transferred) (R)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (December 27)

Saint Stephen, Deacon & Martyr (Transferred), Year C
Jeremiah 26:1-9, 12-15;
Psalm 31:1-5
Acts 6:8--7:2a, 51c-60
Matthew 23:34-39

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

ONLINE PARISH NOTES
SUNDAY 13 DECEMBER 2015

Baciccio, The Preaching of St. John the Baptist
c. 1690, the Louvre, Paris

FROM THE RECTOR

The Third Sunday of Advent is known as Gaudete ("Rejoice") Sunday on account of the first words of the Introit: "Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I say, rejoice." In keeping with this theme of rejoicing, we wear rose vestments and light the rose-colored candle in the Advent Wreath. The anticipation and hope associated with the season give us cause to rejoice indeed. Christ is coming. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Advent III, Year C
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Canticle 9
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:7-18

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Guest Preacher – This morning we welcome as guest preacher the Rt. Rev’d Daniel Martins, Bishop of the Diocese of Springfield, Illinois, at the 10 am Solemn Mass. Bp. Martins gave the addresses at our Advent Quiet Day yesterday. We are very glad to have him with us.

Christmas Flower Offering – If you would like to make a Christmas offering of flowers 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 Friday December 18th.

Eucharistic Adoration – This Saturday 19 December, 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.

Blue Heron Concert – Next Sunday 20 December at 4 pm, Blue Heron, Boston’s premier Renaissance choir, will perform their concert entitled Christmas in Medieval England here at S. Stephen’s Church. For tickets and information, visit their website.

EMBR – Sunday Evening Prayer with EMBR (Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD) will conclude for the semester this evening, and resume on January 27, 2016.

Schedule of Christmas Services – Christmas Eve: (Thursday, 24 December) Christmas Pageant & Family Mass - 5:30 pm; Solemn Mass of the Nativity -10:30 pm. Christmas Day: (Friday, 25 December) Morning Prayer 9 am, Low Mass 9:30 am. Please note that on the morning of Thursday 24 December Morning Prayer and Low Mass will be offered at the usual times.

Nominations Committee – candidates for the following positions need to be elected at the Annual Parish Meeting on January 24, 2016: three vestry members for four-year terms (expire Annual Meeting of 2020), one vestry member for a two-year term (expires Annual Meeting of 2018), two Diocesan Convention Delegates (one-year term), two Diocesan Convention Alternates (one-year term), Junior Warden (four-year term), Clerk of the Vestry (one-year term), and Treasurer (one-year term). The Nominations Committee consists of Sue Brazil (Chair), Bill Dilworth, Nancy Gingrich, Richard Noble, and Patricia Barnes. Please speak to one of them if you have any suggestions for nominations.

Christmas Decorations – This year we hope to engage a group of volunteers to decorate the church between Advent IV (Sunday 20 December) and Christmas Eve (Thursday 24 December). If you are interested in joining in this festive tradition, please email the parish office or phone 421-6702, ext. 1.

Christmas Pageant and Family Mass – The Sunday School will be presenting its annual Christmas Eve Pageant at the Family Mass on Thursday, 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 Day Dinner for those in need, on Friday 1 January 2016. If you can help, please email coordinator Sue Brazil, or contact the parish office at 421-6702 ext. 1, or email the parish office. We welcome new scarves, mittens, hats and socks, as well as personal hygiene products such as soaps and toothbrushes. 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: Nicholas, Robert, Patricia, Nancy, Townsend, Norman, Elva, Ethel, Andrea, Michael, Mark, Sue, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Deborah, Peter, Harrington, Kate, Davaughn, Rob, Bernice, Ellen-Jean, Robert, Richard, Maureen, Sandy, Donald, Stephen, Angela, Bobby, Laura, Sally, Rhoda, Ned, Charles, Frederick, Henry, James, and Dianne.

Birthdays this week – Beverly Ryan (December 13) and Louise Wells (December 17).

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: Gerald Franklin Barrow (14 December 2007), Mary B. Trask (15 December 1984), Constance Margaret Maxwell and Dorothy Denison Dunlap (17 December 1986); Recently Departed: Maureen Mullaney.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Diocese of the Windward Islands (West Indies): The Rt. Rev’d Calvert Friday; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of Emmanuel, Cumberland and Emmanuel, Newport.

THE SUNDAY ROTA


Acolytes - MC W Dilworth SD R Noble; Thurifer R Armidon; Crucifer Z Painter; Torches E Benziger, G Benziger
Lector – E Alexander
Ushers – R Widmer, T Oakes
Coffee Hour – Society of Mary

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS


Thursday 17 December
Organ Tuning 9 am

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 19 December
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

Sunday 20 December
Blue Heron in concert 4 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 13 December
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (R)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

Daily Office & Mass Lectionary: Advent 3, Year Two

Monday 14 December
John of the Cross, Mystic, Poet, Teacher, 1591 (W)
Alexander Heriot Mackonochie, Priest, 1887
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 15 December
Tuesday in Advent III (V)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 16 December
Wednesday in Advent III (V)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 17 December
Proper for 17 December (V)
O Sapientia
Raising of Lazarus

Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 18 December
Proper for 18 December (V)
Angelus 12 Noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 19 December
Proper for 19 December (V)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Eucharistic Adoration 10 am (until 11 am)

Sunday 20 December
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT (V)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am

* EMBR = Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (December 20)

Advent IV, Year C
Micah 5:2-5a
Canticle 3 or 15, or Psalm 80:1-7;
Hebrews 10:5-10;
Luke 1:39-45(46-56)

Friday, December 4, 2015

ONLINE PARISH NOTES
SUNDAY 6 DECEMBER 2015

Jacopo del Casentino and Assistant: Saint John the Baptist
c. 1330. El Paso Museum of Art

FROM THE RECTOR

The second Sunday of Advent takes us out into the wilderness to meet the strange and mysterious character of John the Baptist, "the voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight'." His is a refreshing voice amidst the dreadful schlock of the secular world's premature celebration of "the Christmas season." Come join us for a bracing antidote to all false sentimentality: an opportunity to prepare for the true joy that lies ahead. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Advent II, Year C
Baruch 5:1-9
Canticle 4
Philippians 1:3-11Luke 3:1-6

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Christmas Flower Offering – If you would like to make a Christmas offering of flowers 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 Friday December 18th.

Commemoration of December Departed – those on the parish Year’s Mind list whose anniversaries fall during December will be prayed for at the Mass on Monday 7 December at 6 pm. If you have names of departed family or friends to be remembered, please send them to Fr. Alexander at rector@sstephens.necoxmail.com or Fr. Yost and come join us if you can.

Advent Quiet Day – This Saturday 12 December from 9 am to 2 pm, we will offer our annual Advent Quiet Day, with addresses by The Rt. Rev. Daniel Martins, Bishop of Springfield, Illinois. We will begin as usual with Morning Prayer at 9 am, and Mass at 9:30 am followed by a light breakfast. The day will include a simple catered lunch, and we will conclude at 2 pm. The donation is $15 per person, payable on the day, which will help cover the cost of both breakfast and lunch. (Financial assistance is available if this may cause a hardship; please speak confidentially to one of the clergy.) So we have an idea of how many to plan for, please RSVP the parish office by Friday, December 11, indicating your intention to attend, via email to the parish office or by calling Cory MacLean at 421-6702, ext. 1.

Blue Heron Concert – On Sunday 20 December at 4 pm, Blue Heron, Boston’s premier Renaissance choir, will perform their concert entitled Christmas in Medieval England here at S. Stephen’s Church. For tickets and information, visit their website.

Schedule of Christmas Services – Christmas Eve: (Thursday, 24 December) Christmas Pageant & Family Mass - 5:30 pm; Solemn Mass of the Nativity -10:30 pm. Christmas Day: (Friday, 25 December) Morning Prayer 9 am, Low Mass 9:30 am. Please note that on Christmas Eve (Thursday) Morning Prayer and Low Mass will be offered at the usual times.

Nominations Committee – candidates for the following positions need to be elected at the Annual Parish Meeting on January 24, 2016: three vestry members for four-year terms (expire Annual Meeting of 2020), one vestry member for a two-year term (expires Annual Meeting of 2018), two Diocesan Convention Delegates (one-year term), two Diocesan Convention Alternates (one-year term), Clerk of the Vestry (one-year term), and Treasurer (one-year term). The Nominations Committee consists of Sue Brazil (Chair), Bill Dilworth, Nancy Gingrich, Richard Noble, and Patricia Barnes. Please speak to one of them if you have any suggestions for nominations.

Christmas Decorations – This year we hope to engage a group of volunteers to decorate the church between Advent IV (Sunday 20 December) and Christmas Eve (Thursday 24 December). If you are interested in joining in this festive tradition, please email the parish office or phone 421-6702, ext. 1.

Christmas Pageant and Family Mass – The Sunday School will be presenting its annual Christmas Eve Pageant at the Family Mass on Thursday, 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 Day Dinner for those in need, on Friday 1 January 2016. If you can help, please email coordinator Sue Brazil, or email the parish office or call 421-6702 ext. 1. We welcome new scarves, mittens, hats and socks, as well as personal hygiene products such as soaps and toothbrushes. "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: Nicholas, Robert, Patricia, Nancy, Townsend, Norman, Elva, Ethel, Andrea, Michael, Mark, Sue, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Deborah, Peter, Harrington, Kate, Davaughn, Rob, Bernice, Ellen-Jean, Robert, Richard, Maureen, Sandy, Donald, Stephen, Angela, Bobby, Laura, Sally, Rhoda, Ned, Charles, Frederick, Henry, James, and Dianne.

Birthdays this week – Lisa Elliot (December 8), Beverly Myers (December 9), and Lynne DeBenedette (December 10).

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: Homer Shirley (7 December 2013), Lillian Lynch (9 December 1990), George W. Lockwood (10 December 2001), and Elinor Elizabeth Ripley (10 December, 1984). Recently Departed: Maureen Mullaney.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Diocese of Western Louisiana (VII, The Episcopal Church): The Rt. Rev’d Jacob W Owensby; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of Emmanuel, Cumberland and Emmanuel, Newport.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC R Noble SD R Armidon; Thurifer D Latimer; Crucifer S Brazil; Torches R Callanan, C Sylvia
Lector – W Dilworth
Ushers – S Newby, K Benziger
Coffee Hour – T Oakes, P Fuller, K Vorbeck Williams

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Tuesday 8 December
Vestry Meeting 7 pm

Saturday 12 December
Advent Quiet Day 9 am – 2 pm

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 12 December
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm
Brown Madrigal Concert 7 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 6 December
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (V)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

Daily Office & Mass Lectionary: Advent 2, Year Two

Monday 7 December
Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, Teacher, 397 (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 8 December
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (Blue)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 9 December
Wednesday in Advent II (V)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 10 December
Thursday in Advent II (V)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 11 December
Friday in Advent II (V)
Angelus 12 Noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 12 December
Saturday in Advent II (V)
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Finnian, Abbot of Clonard, 549
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Angelus & Noonday Prayer 12:15 pm

Sunday 13 December
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (R)
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 (December 13)

Advent III, Year C
Zephaniah 3:14-20
Canticle 9
Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:7-18