Wednesday, February 24, 2016

ONLINE PARISH NOTES
SUNDAY 28 FEBRUARY 2016

Moses and the Burning Bush
Byzantine Mosaic, St. Catherine's Monastery, Sinai, 6th century

FROM THE RECTOR

The Christian life has sometimes been described as the attempt to live well in this life to be prepared for eternal blessedness in the next. Sometimes, however, the two halves of that equation come into tension. We can become so preoccupied with living well in this life that we forget the next. Conversely, we can become so preoccupied with the next life that we forget to make the most of the present moment! The Season of Lent comes around every year to remind us that we live in the midst of a world that is passing away. It's not quite true to say that "all good things come to an end," because as Christians we believe that we are called to enjoy the supreme Good, God himself, the Holy and Undivided Trinity, for eternity. But to prepare ourselves for what lies ahead, we need to practice letting go of the lesser goods that all too easily become substitutes for the ultimate Good that is our true calling. That is the point of "giving things up for Lent" -- not self-denial for the sake of self-denial but for the sake of opening ourselves up to a greater reward and fulfillment than we ever dreamed possible.
-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Third Sunday of Lent, Year C
Exodus 3:1-15
Psalm 63:1-8
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Luke 13:1-9

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Stations of the Cross, Supper, & Lenten Series – This year’s Lenten Series, entitled “Christianity, War, and Peace: Five Ethical Traditions” continues this Friday evening, beginning at 6 pm with Stations of the Cross, followed by a light dinner and Fr. Alexander’s talk.

Lenten Quiet Day – This Saturday 5 March, we will offer our annual Lenten Quiet Day, with meditations by The Rt. Rev. Russell E. Jacobus, Retired Bishop of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. The day begins with Morning Prayer at 9 am, followed by Low Mass and a light breakfast. Silence begins at 10:30 am with Bishop Jacobus’s first meditation. Following a second meditation we will celebrate Angelus and Noonday Prayer at 12:15, followed by luncheon, a final meditation and tea and discussion at 2 pm. The suggested donation is $15 per person, payable on the day. Please let the parish office know in advance if you plan to attend; via phone 421-6702, ext. 1 or email office@sstephens.necoxmail.com. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Easter Flowers – If you would like to make a flower offering at Easter – in thanksgiving or in memoriam - please fill out the enclosed envelope and either put it in the offering plate or return it to the parish office no later than Wednesday 16 March.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

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

The faithful departed: Jane Graves Raymond (29 February 1998), Flora Hilda Harding (2 March 1994), Alice Hunt (2 March 1998), and Mary Chase (2 March 1992).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray Province de L'Eglise Anglicane Du Congo: The Most Rev’d Kahwa Henri Isingoma, Archbishop of the Congo & Bishop of Kinshasa; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of St. David's on-the-Hill, Cranston.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC W Dilworth; SD Z Painter; Thurifer L Verdelotti; Crucifer D Malo; Torches K Rejto, DO Latimer
Lector – J Chamberlin
Ushers – R Viti, B Lennihan
Coffee Hour – S Brazil

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS


Friday 4 March
Stations, Dinner, & Lenten Series 6 pm

Saturday 5 March
Lenten Quiet Day 9 am – 2 pm

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 5 March
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 28 February
THE THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT (LA)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

Daily Office Lectionary: Week of Lent III, Year Two
Daily Mass Lectionary: Week of Lent III


Monday 29 February
Monday in II Lent (V)
John Cassian, Abbot, 433
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 1 March
Tuesday in III Lent (V)
David, Bishop of Menevia, Patron of Wales, c. 601
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 2 March
Chad, Bishop of Lichfield, c. 602
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 3 March
Thursday in III Lent (V)
John and Charles Wesley, Priests, 1791, 1788
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 4 March
Friday in III Lent (V)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm
Stations of the Cross 6 pm

Saturday 5 March
Saturday in III Lent (V)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Angelus & Noonday Prayer 12 noon

Sunday 6 March
THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT (LA)
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 (March 6)

Fourth Sunday of Lent, Year C
Joshua 5:9-12
Psalm 32
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

Thursday, February 18, 2016

ONLINE PARISH NOTES 
SUNDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2016 

"As a hen gathers her brood under her wings"
Mosaic on the Altar of Dominus Flevit Church, Mount of Olives, Jerusalem

FROM THE RECTOR 

The Season of Lent bids us "repent and return to the Lord." We do this by rectifying our relationships with God, our neighbors, and ourselves. Is there some task left undone that we need to attend to? Is there some relationship that we need to mend, perhaps by calling on someone we've been neglecting, or saying "sorry" to someone we've offended? Now is the time to examine our conscience and take what steps we can to put our houses in order. This work of Lenten self-examination and repentance is difficult but definitely worth the effort. The indispensable support is regular attendance at Mass and participation in the life of the Christian community. We can't do it on our own; the good news is that we don't have to. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS 

Second Sunday of Lent, Year C
Genesis 15:1-12,17-18
Psalm 27
Philippians 3:17--4:1
Luke 13:31-35

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Saint Matthias the Apostle (February 24) – a major Holy Day, will be celebrated at Low Mass on Wednesday evening at 6 pm, preceded by Evening Prayer at 5:30.

Stations of the Cross, Supper, & Lenten Series – This year’s Lenten Series, entitled “Christianity, War, and Peace: Five Ethical Traditions” continues this Friday evening, beginning at 6 pm with Stations of the Cross, followed by a light dinner and Fr. Alexander’s talk.

Lenten Quiet Day – On Saturday 5 March, we will offer our annual Lenten Quiet Day, with meditations by The Rt. Rev. Russell E. Jacobus, Retired Bishop of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. The day begins with Morning Prayer at 9 am, followed by Low Mass and a light breakfast. Silence begins at 10:30 am with Bishop Jacobus’s first meditation. Following a second meditation we will celebrate Angelus and Noonday Prayer at 12:15, followed by luncheon, a final meditation and tea and discussion at 2 pm. The suggested donation is $15 per person, payable on the day. Please let the parish office know in advance if you plan to attend; via phone 421-6702, ext. 1 or by email. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Easter Flowers – If you would like to make a flower offering at Easter – in thanksgiving or in memoriam - please fill out the enclosed envelope and either put it in the offering plate or return it to the parish office no later than Wednesday 16 March.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS 

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

The faithful departed: Former clergy, parishioners, and benefactors of this parish.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for Iglesia Anglicana de la Region Central de America: The Most Rev’d Sturdie Downs, Primate of IARCA & Bishop of Nicaragua; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership, staff, and residents of Hallworth House.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC R Armidon; SD J Rice; Thurifer R Noble; Crucifer L Hooks; Torches V Johnson, C Sylvia
Lector – P Martin
Ushers – J Steiny, K Benziger
Coffee Hour – K & K Benziger

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S 

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Friday 26 February
Stations, Dinner, & Lenten Series 6 pm

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S
Saturday 27 February
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 21 February
THE SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT (LA)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm 

Daily Office Lectionary: Week of Lent II, Year Two
Daily Mass Lectionary: Week of Lent II


Monday 22 February
Monday in II Lent (V)
The See of Peter the Apostle (Saint Peter’s Chair at Antioch)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 23 February
Tuesday in II Lent (V)
Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, Martyr, c. 155
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 24 February
SAINT MATTHIAS THE APOSTLE (R)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 25 February
Thursday in II Lent (V)
Ethelbert and Bertha, King and Queen of Kent, 616, c. 612
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 26 February
Friday in II Lent (V)
Oswald, Archbishop of York, 992
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm
Stations of the Cross 6 pm

Saturday 27 February
Saturday in II Lent (V)
George Herbert, Priest, Poet, 1633
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Sunday 28 February
THE THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT (LA)
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 (February 28)

Thursday, February 11, 2016

PARISH NOTES
SUNDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2016

Temptation of Christ, c. 1125
Hermitage of San Baudelio de Berlanga

FROM THE RECTOR

In the early centuries of Christianity, the first Sunday of Lent was the day when the catechumens would be enrolled as candidates for Holy Baptism at Easter. The Gospel of the Temptation of Christ would remind them that they were embarking on a journey of fasting and prayer in which they would face many temptations, but if they stayed close to Christ he would give them the power to overcome temptations and remain faithful to him. The Season of Lent similarly invites us on a journey of fasting and prayer with Christ. Come to Mass this Sunday so that we can all make a good beginning of the journey. 
-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

First Sunday of Lent, Year C
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
Romans 10:8b-13
Luke 4:1-13

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Washington’s Birthday (February 15) – As on all federal holidays falling on Monday, Low Mass tomorrow will be offered at 9:30 am, preceded by Morning Prayer at 9.

Stations of the Cross & Lenten Series – This year’s Lenten Series, entitled “Christianity, War, and Peace: Five Ethical Traditions” will be on Friday evenings in Lent (February 19 & 26, March 4, 11, & 18). The evening will begin at 6 pm with Stations of the Cross, followed by a light dinner and Fr. Alexander’s talk.

Eucharistic Adoration – This Saturday 20 February, 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.

Lenten Quiet Day – On Saturday 5 March, we will offer our annual Lenten Quiet Day, with meditations by The Rt. Rev. Russell E. Jacobus, Retired Bishop of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. The day begins with Morning Prayer at 9 am, followed by Low Mass and a light breakfast. Silence begins at 10:30 am with Fr. Jacobus’s first meditation. Following a second meditation we will celebrate Angelus and Noonday Prayer at 12:15, followed by luncheon, a final meditation and tea and discussion at 2 pm. The suggested donation is $15 per person, payable on the day. Please let the parish office know in advance if you plan to attend; via phone 421-6702, ext. 1 or email office@sstephens.necoxmail.com. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Easter Flowers – If you would like to make a flower offering at Easter – in thanksgiving or in memoriam - please fill out the enclosed envelope and either put it in the offering plate or return it to the parish office no later than Wednesday 16 March.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

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

Birthdays this week – Lucas Bledsoe (February 17).

Ordination – Please pray for David Robert Radzik, who will be ordained to the Priesthood on Thursday 18 February. (David occasionally attended S. Stephen’s several years ago when he was a student at U. Mass Dartmouth; he is being ordained at Nashotah House by the Rt. Rev. William Love, Bishop of Albany, New York.)

The faithful departed: Year’s mind: Alan Reniere (15 February 2013), Christopher Dunstan (16 February 1994), Gary Lee Stamps (17 February 1991), James W. Randolph (17 February 1985), John Walker (18 February 2008), and Frederick A. Starks, Sr. (19 February 1985).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for The Anglican Church of the Province of Central Africa: The Most Rev’d Albert Chama, Archbishop of Central Africa & Bishop of Northern Zambia; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for retired clergy of our Diocese.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC R Noble SD R Armidon; Thurifer Z Painter; Crucifer W Dilworth; Torches E Benziger, J Rice
Lector – M Johnson
Ushers – S Newby, G Ryan
Coffee Hour – S Brazil, N Gingrich, L Verdelotti

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Tuesday 16 February
Vestry Meeting 7 pm

Friday 19 February
Stations, Dinner & Lenten Series 6 pm

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 20 February
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 14 February
THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT (LA)
Morning Prayer 7:30 am
Low Mass 8 am
Solemn Mass 10 am
Evening Prayer with EMBR* 5:30 pm

Daily Office Lectionary: Week of Lent I, Year Two
Daily Mass Lectionary: Week of Lent I


Monday 15 February
(Sigfrid, Bishop, Apostle of Sweden, 1045
Thomas Bray, Priest, Missionary, Founder of the SPCK, 1730)

Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Tuesday 16 February
Tuesday in I Lent (V)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 17 February
Wednesday in I Lent (V)
(Janani Luwum, Archbishop of Uganda, Martyr, 1977)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Thursday 18 February
Thursday in I Lent (V)
(Simeon of Jerusalem, 1st century )
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 19 February
Friday in I Lent (V)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm
Stations of the Cross 6 pm

Saturday 20 February
Saturday in I Lent (V)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am
Eucharistic Adoration 10 am (until 11 am)

Sunday 21 February
THE SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT (LA)
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 (February 21)

Second Sunday of Lent, Year C
Genesis 15:1-12,17-18
Psalm 27
Philippians 3:17--4:1
Luke 13:31-35

Thursday, February 4, 2016

PARISH NOTES
SUNDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2016

Transfiguration Fresco from Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church, Butte, Montana

FROM THE RECTOR

The Feast of the Transfiguration is traditionally kept on August 6th. In the post-1979 Episcopal Calendar, however, the Last Sunday after the Epiphany always features the Gospel of the Transfiguration. Our Lord takes his closest disciples Peter, James, and John, to the top of a mountain where is is transfigured with the light of divine glory. Moses and Elijah appear. A cloud overshadows them and a voice from the cloud proclaims Jesus "My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Come join us as we celebrate this great mystery.
-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Last Sunday after the Epiphany, Year C
Exodus 34:29-35
Psalm 99
2 Corinthians 3:12 - 4:2
Luke 9:28-36, (37-43a)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Altar flowers – are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Alan Reniere, by Brian Ehlers.

Episcopal Ministry at Brown & RISD (EMBR) – Sunday evening prayer with EMBR continues this evening at 5:30 pm.

Information Session – The reports of the Clergy, Wardens, and Treasurer that would have been given at the 178th Annual Meeting will now be given at an Information Session to be held this morning during Coffee Hour. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper – Our annual pancake supper will be this Tuesday 9 February from 5:30 – 7 pm in our Great Hall. Tickets are available at the door. Please let us know if you plan to attend by calling the parish office at 401-421-6702, ext. 1 or via email to office@sstephens.necoxmail.com. All are welcome. Come enjoy a final culinary indulgence before Lent, and join in the burning of last year’s palms to make new ashes for Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday Services (February 10) – Morning Prayer & Blessing of the Ashes will be celebrated at 8 am in the Lady Chapel. (You may receive ashes at this service.) Sung Mass will be celebrated with the Imposition of Ashes at 6 pm in the main church.

Stations of the Cross & Lenten Series – This year’s Lenten Series, entitled “Christianity, War, and Peace: Five Ethical Traditions” will be on Friday evenings in Lent (February 19 & 26, March 4, 11, & 18.) The evening will begin at 6 pm with Stations of the Cross, followed by a light dinner and Fr. Alexander’s talk. (Please note that Stations of the Cross will be offered on Friday 12 February, but the Lenten Series doesn’t begin until the 19th.)

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

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

Birthdays this week – Sharon Lloyd Clark (February 9), Christopher Butler (February 10), Alison Huff (February 12), and Elizabeth Schumann (February 13).

The faithful departed – Year’s mind: Mildred Dunlop (8 February 1987), Madeline Nason (9 February 1985), Madeline Thatcher Howes (10 February 1986), Thomas Greene Cure, Priest (13 February 2001); and Alan Reniere (15 February 2013), in whose memory today’s altar flowers are given.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for The Anglican Church of Canada: The Most Rev’d Frederick Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the people and clergy of Church Beyond the Walls.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes - MC D Latimer; SD W Dilworth; Thurifer R Armidon; Crucifer L Verdelotti; Torches G Benziger, Z Painter
Lector – J Steiny
Ushers – S Brazil, E Drew
Coffee Hour – A Huff

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Sunday 7 February
Information Session (at Coffee Hour, following the 10 am Mass)

Tuesday 9 February
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 5:30 pm

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 13 February
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

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

Daily Office Lectionary – Week of Last Sunday after Epiphany, Year Two
Daily Mass Lectionary – Week of Last Sunday after Epiphany, Year Two; Lenten Weekdays following Ash Wednesday


Monday 8 February
Jerome Emiliani, Priest, Founder of the Somaschi Fathers, 1537 (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 9 February
Feria (G)
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Wednesday 10 February
ASH WEDNESDAY (LA)
Morning Prayer & Blessing of the Ashes 8 am
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Sung Mass with Imposition of Ashes 6 pm

Thursday 11 February
Thursday after Ash Wednesday (LA)
Our Lady of Lourdes
Morning Prayer 8 am
Low Mass 8:30 am

Friday 12 February
Friday after Ash Wednesday (LA)
Angelus 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm
Stations of the Cross 6 pm

Saturday 13 February
Saturday after Ash Wednesday (LA)
Morning Prayer 9 am
Low Mass 9:30 am

Sunday 14 February
THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT (LA)
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 (February 14)

First Sunday of Lent, Year C
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
Romans 10:8b-13
Luke 4:1-13