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

-->

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

-->

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

PARISH NOTES

Sunday 11 December 2016

Giovanni di Paolo
Saint John the Baptist in Prison Visited by Two Disciples, 1455-60

FROM THE RECTOR

"Are you he is to come, or shall we wait for another?" From prison, John the Baptist sends messengers to ask this question of Jesus. The question most likely arises from a crisis of faith occasioned by John's imprisonment. It is a time of frustrated expectations. Things have not gone as expected. Our Lord's answer speaks to us all when we are similarly tempted to despair. He is the  answer to all our questions, if only we have eyes to see and ears to hear. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Third Sunday of Advent, Year A
Isaiah 35:1-10
Psalm 146:4-9
James 5:7-10
Matthew 11:2-11

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

Eucharistic Adoration – This Saturday 17 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.

Christmas Decorations – This year we hope to engage a group of volunteers to decorate the church between Advent IV (Sunday 18 December) and Christmas Eve (Saturday 24 December). If you are interested in joining in this festive tradition, please contact the parish office via email to office@sstephens.necoxmail.com or phone at 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 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 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, 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: Beverly Ryan (13 December) and Louise Wells (17 December).

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).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Church of Kericho - (Kenya): The Rt. Rev’d Jackson Ole Sapit; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of Church of the Advent, Coventry.

-->

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC D Malo; SD R Noble; Thurifer Z Painter; Crucifer S Brazil; Torches L Rejto, E Benziger
Lector – R G Noble
Ushers – T Bledsoe, P Pettingell
Coffee Hour – The Rejto/Elliot Family

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Tuesday 13 December
Vestry Meeting 7 pm

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Sunday 11 December
Episcopal Ministry at Brown/RISD 5:30 pm

Monday 12 December
Epiphany Soup Kitchen Board Meeting 5 pm

Saturday 10 December
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 11 December
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (V)
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: Advent III, Year One

Monday 12 December
Monday in Advent III (V)
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Finnian, Abbot of Clonard, 549
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 13 December
Lucy, Martyr at Syracuse, 304 (R)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 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

Thursday 15 December
Thursday in Advent III (V)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Friday 16 December
Friday in Advent III (V)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 17 December
Proper for December 17 (V) – (O Sapientia)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Eucharistic Adoration 10 am

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

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (18 December)

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

PARISH NOTES

Sunday 4 December 2016

John the Baptist Preaching
Giovanni Battista Tiempolo, 1732-1733

FROM THE RECTOR

The Second and Third Sundays of Advent bring us face to face with the figure of John the Baptist, one of the most important though perhaps least understood and appreciated figures of the Gospels. He calls us to prepare for the coming of the Lord by confessing and repenting of our sins. This Sunday we explore the continuing relevance and urgency of his message. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Second Sunday of Advent, Year A
Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
Romans 15:4-13
Matthew 3:1-12

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (December 8) – a major feast of the Church year, will be kept on Thursday with Angelus at 12 noon and Low Mass at 12:10 pm.

Commemoration of December Departed – Those on the parish Year’s Mind list whose anniversaries fall during December will be prayed for at the Mass tomorrow evening, Monday 5 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 and come join us if you can.

Advent Quiet Day – This Saturday 10 December from 9 am to 2 pm, we will offer our annual Advent Quiet Day, with addresses by The Rev’d Andrew C. Mead, Rector Emeritus, St. Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue, New York City. 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 9, indicating your intention to attend, via email to office@sstephens.necoxmail.com, or by calling Cory MacLean at 421-6702, ext. 1.

Christmas Decorations – This year we hope to engage a group of volunteers to decorate the church between Advent IV (Sunday 18 December) and Christmas Eve (Saturday 24 December). If you are interested in joining in this festive tradition, please contact the parish office via email to office@sstephens.necoxmail.com or phone at 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 Saturday, 24 December at 5:30 pm. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. Please see Alison Huff for details.

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, Weldon, Dianne, and Elizabeth.

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

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Jimmy Chancy Black (4 December 1992), Homer Shirley (7 December 2013), Lillian Lynch (9 December 1990), George W. Lockwood (10 December 2001), and Elinor Elizabeth Ripley (10 December 1984).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the Church of Karnataka North (South India): The Rt. Rev’d Ravikumar J. Niranjan; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of Emmanuel, Cumberland and of Emmanuel, Newport.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC R Noble; SD W Dilworth; Thurifer L Verdelotti; Crucifer F Pisaturo; Torches G Benziger, C Sylvia
Lector – J Chamberlin
Ushers – K Benziger, S Brazil
Coffee Hour – L Latimer, E Hooks

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Saturday 10 December
Advent Quiet Day 9 am-2 pm

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Sunday 4 December
Episcopal Ministry at Brown/RISD 5:30 pm

Friday 9 December
Brown Madrigal Concert 8 pm

Saturday 10 December
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 4 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

Weekday Office and Mass Lectionary: Advent II, Year One

Monday 5 December
Monday in Advent II (V)
Clement of Alexandria, Priest, Teacher, c. 210
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass (with Commemoration of December Departed) 6 pm

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

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

Thursday 8 December
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (Blue)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Friday 9 December
Friday in Advent II (V)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 10 December
Saturday in Advent II (V)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Angelus & Noonday Prayer 12:15 pm

Sunday 11 December
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (V)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS

Third Sunday of Advent, Year A (11 December)
Isaiah 35:1-10
Psalm 146:4-9
James 5:7-10
Matthew 11:2-11

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

-->