PARISH NOTES
Sunday 13 August 2017
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| Saint Peter Attempting to Walk on Water, Cathédrale Saint-Louis, Versailles François Boucher, 1766 |
FROM THE RECTOR
This Sunday's readings describe crises of faith. The Prophet Elijah flees to Mount Horeb and complains to God that the nation of Israel has abandoned its religion and "I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away." In response, God manifests his presence in wind, earthquake, and fire; but then speaks to Elijah in "a still, small voice." In the Gospel Jesus comes walking over the storm-tossed Sea of Galilee to his disciples in their wave-beaten boat, but when Peter gets out of the boat and attempts to walk on the water to Jesus his faith falters and he starts to sink beneath the waves, crying out, "Lord, save me." In both cases, the Lord gives decisive reassurance of his promises of salvation -- not only in the midst of the storm but even more in the calm that follows. Come join us at Mass this Sunday as we explore the drama of these crises and the peace passing understanding that only God can give. -- Fr. John D. Alexander
THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost – Proper 14, Year A
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Feast of the Assumption – This Tuesday 15 August, we will keep the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with Evensong and Sung Mass commencing at 5:30 pm in our Lady Chapel as part of our series of joint celebrations with St. John’s, Newport. The preacher will be the Rev. Deacon Buck Close. All are welcome and invited to attend. Noonday Prayer will be said as usual at 12 noon, but the regularly scheduled 12:10 Low Mass will not be offered.
Nave Flooring Project -- we are pleased to announce that over the coming few months the entire tile floor under the pews will be covered over with a layer of birch paneling that will vastly improve the church's appearance and create a smooth surface underfoot. This project will not impact our Sunday worship schedule; but please exercise all due care and avoid any areas that have been cordoned off for this construction.
Sunday Eight O'Clock Service – During the months of July and August, the Sunday 8 o'clock Mass begins 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.
A Gentle Reminder on Building Security – If you are working at the Church or Guild House in any capacity, please be sure to shut all windows and turn off all lights, fans, and other appliances in the areas where you have been working before you leave, and check to make sure doors are locked and firmly latched as you depart.
Prayers have been requested for: Norman, John, Shannah, Sister Carolyn, Mark, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Mary, Gus, Leonard, Harrington, Joan, Robert, Katherine, Sally, John, Ed, Virginia, Kirsten, Beverly, Deborah, Angela, Bobby, George, Carlos, Rhoda, William, and James.
Birthdays this week: Phoebe Pettingell (14 August), Patricia Fuller (15 August), and Bruce Lennihan (17 August).
The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: J. Thomas Kershaw (14 August 2001), C. Jane Latham (14 August 2016), Myra F. Craven and Naomi Lane Babson Grieder (15 August 1985), and Sybil Moss (16 August 2006); Recently Departed: Townsend Cass, Mettie Fisher, Russell Langworthy.
Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the church in Remo (Lagos, Nigeria): The Rt. Rev’d Michael Fape; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of St. Mary’s, Portsmouth; St. Mary’s, East Providence; and for the leadership, staff, and students of St. Mary’s Home for Children.
THE SUNDAY ROTA
Acolytes – MC R Noble; Thurifer J Starks; Torches L Rejto, TBA
Lector – P Martin
Ushers – Z Painter, F Pisaturo
Coffee Hour – T & C Bledsoe
THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S
EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S
Saturday 19 August
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm
LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE
Sunday 13 August
TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am
Monday 14 August
Maximilian Kolbe, Friar, Martyr, 1941 (G or R)
Jonathan Myrick Daniels, Seminarian, Civil Rights Worker, Martyr, 1965
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm
Tuesday 15 August
ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (W)
Noonday Prayer 12 noon
(Please note: no Low Mass at 12:10 pm)
Evensong 5:30 pm
Sung Mass 6 pm
Wednesday 16 August
Stephen, King of Hungary, 1038 (G or W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass with 6 pm
Thursday 17 August
Feria (G)
Noonday Prayer 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm
Friday 18 August
Feria (G)
Noonday Prayer 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm
Saturday 19 August
Feria (G)
Morning Prayer 9:30 am
Low Mass 10 am
Sunday 20 August
ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am
NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (20 August)
Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost – Proper 15, Year A
