PARISH NOTES
Sunday 2 July 2017

Michelangelo, The Prophet Jeremiah
Sistine Chapel, 1508-1512

FROM THE RECTOR

This Sunday's Scripture readings highlight the theme of prophets sent by God to speak his Word to the people. The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah presents a test of the authenticity of those who claim to be prophets: "As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes to pass, then it shall be known that the LORD has truly sent the prophet." In the Gospel reading, commissioning his disciples to go forth and preach, Jesus affirms his presence in and with those whom he sends: "He who receives you receives me, and he who received me receives him who sent me." Together, these readings challenge us to examine with a discerning eye how we receive and relate to those sent to us in the Name of God. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost – Proper 8, Year A
Jeremiah 28:5-9
Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18
Romans 6:12-23
Matthew 10:40-42

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Commemoration of July Departed – Those on the parish Year’s Mind list whose anniversaries fall during July will be prayed for at the Mass tomorrow evening, Monday 3 July 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.

Guest Organist – We welcome Jeffrey Mills as guest organist this morning, while James Busby is on vacation.

Independence Day – as on all federal public holidays, the schedule on Tuesday 4 July will be Morning Prayer at 9:30 and Low Mass at 10 am, so that those attending these services (or conducting them) may have the rest of the day free.

Sunday Morning Eight O'Clock Service – During the months of July and August, the Sunday 8 o'clock Mass will begin with an abbreviated form of Morning Prayer followed immediately by the Eucharist. (During this period Morning Prayer will not be said at 7:30 a.m.) Please make a note of the change.

Change to Daily Mass Schedule – Effective Saturday 1 July, the schedule for Saturday and federal Public Holidays will shift back a half hour to Morning Prayer at 9:30 am and Mass at 10 am. Please make a note of the change.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Townsend, Norman, John, Shannah, Sister Carolyn, Mark, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Robert, Katherine, Sally, John, Ed, Virginia, Kirsten, Beverly, Deborah, Yolanda, Angela, Bobby, George, Carlos, Rhoda, William, and James.

Birthdays this week: Jack Tessier (5 July).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Georgiana Kincaid (2 July 2013), Charles A. Kilvert (4 July 2000), and Albert S. Cook (7 July 1998); Recently Departed: Elizabeth Martins.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the church in Ogori-Magongo (Lokoja, Nigeria): The Rt. Rev’d Festus Davies, and Ohaji/Egbema (Owerri, Nigeria): The Rt. Rev’d Chidi Collins Oparaojiaku; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for our country, the President and all in civil authority, for Congress and the Courts of Justice, and for sound Government.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC J Ihnen; Thurifer J Starks; Torches L Rejto, C Sylvia
Lector – E Alexander
Ushers – T Oakes, P Pettingell
Coffee Hour – Society of Mary

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 8 July
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 2 July
FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am

Daily Office and Mass Lectionaries: Proper 8, Year One

Monday 3 July
Feria
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Requiem Mass 6 pm (Black)

Tuesday 4 July
INDEPENDENCE DAY (W)
Elizabeth, Queen of Portugal, 1336
Morning Prayer 9:30 am
Low Mass 10 am

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

Thursday 6 July

Thomas More, Scholar, and John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, Martyrs, 1535 (or June 22) (G or R)
Sexburga, Abbess of Ely, 699
Noonday Prayer 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Friday 7 July
Palladius, Apostle of Ireland, 5th century (G or R)
Noonday Prayer 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 8 July
Aquila and Priscilla, Companions of Saint Paul, 1st century (G or W)
Morning Prayer 9:30 am
Low Mass 10 am

Sunday 9 July
FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (9 July)

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost – Proper 9, Year A
Zechariah 9:9-12
Psalm 145:8-15
Romans 7:15-25a
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

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