IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Cancellation of Services

S. Stephen's Church

"Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." (Acts 7:56)

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Cancellation of Services

Dear friends,

On the advice of Bishop Knisely and Governor Raimondo, we have decided to take the extraordinary step of cancelling all church services for the time-being. By all accounts, reducing social interaction is the most effective means of stemming what has suddenly become a pandemic of COVID-19. Corporate worship is at the very foundation of Christian practice but we must remember that “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” We hope and pray that we are able to return to our usual and customary practices soon.

In the meantime, some parishes in the Diocese are streaming the celebration of Mass and/or other Offices, and we foresee sending out links to those presentations and our own commentary on scripture texts in the next few days. The office phone lines will be monitored periodically, please let us know if you have pastoral or other needs (shopping or assistance with meals, transportation to medical appointments). If there are urgent pastoral needs, please contact Fr. Mead directly at (917) 592-5947. For other needs, please reach out to Senior Warden Tom Bledsoe at (401) 480-8701 or Junior Warden Alison Huff (401) 465-8029, and leave a message.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the members of our community, and for all of humanity.

O Lord, look down from heaven, behold, visit, and relieve thy sick people. Look upon them with the eyes of thy mercy, give them comfort and sure confidence in thee, defend them in all danger, and keep them in perpetual peace and safety; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Fr. Andrew Mead, Tom Bledsoe, Alison Huff

PARISH NOTES 

Sunday 15 March 2020

Christ and the Samaritan Woman at the Well (1508)
by Jan Joest (c. 1450–1519). The Church of Saint Nicholas, Kalkar, Germany.

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS 

Third Sunday in Lent (Year A)
Exodus 17:1-7
Romans 5:1-11
John 4:5-42

A WORD OF WELCOME 

Welcome to Saint Stephen’s – S. Stephen’s Church is in the midst of Brown University and serves the communities of the East Side of Providence, North Providence, East Providence, and beyond. It is a parish of the Diocese of Rhode Island in the Episcopal Church in the worldwide Anglican Communion. The Anglo-Catholic tradition informs and shapes our life together. We are a diverse community uniting all sorts and conditions in the worship of Our Lord Jesus Christ and aim to offer up the best we have in liturgy, music, preaching, teaching, fellowship, and service.

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Virtual Offices and Masses – To access and view the recorded services going forward, please visit the website sermon page here or the parish Facebook page here.

Saint Joseph (March 19th) – a major feast of the church year will be kept this coming Thursday with Noonday Prayer at 12 noon, and Low Mass following at 12:10 pm. You can view it virtually, as well.

Monthly Commemoration of the Departed – whose year’s mind falls during March will be offered virtually next Saturday, 21 March, at 10 am (preceded by Virtual Morning Prayer at 9:30 am). If you have any names to add to those to be remembered, please let Nancy Gingrich know. This Mass is sponsored by the Guild of All Souls, St. Stephen Protomartyr Branch: all are welcome and invited to attend!

Stations of the Cross – Saint Stephen's Church will virtually offer Stations of the Cross at 6 pm on the remaining Fridays in Lent through and including April 3 (except for 20 March). This is a great opportunity to experience this moving devotion anew or indeed for the first time! All are welcome! 

Easter Flowers – If you would like to make a flower offering at Easter – in thanksgiving or in memoriam - please fill out a flower envelope (which will be enclosed in the Kalendar every Sunday in Lent) and either put it in the offering plate or return it to the parish office no later than Sunday 5 April.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS 

Prayers have been requested for: Virginia, Richard, Beverly, Maxcine, Ethel, Chipper, Donna, Carl, Kade, Sherri, Norman, John, Shannah, Terri, Beth, Lynne, Gus, Harrington, Joan, Robyn, Sandy, John, Dylan, Phebe, Jack, Hunter, Bruce, Richard, Ann, Sandy, Nancy, Antonio, Emma, Olivia, Raphael, Kiersten, Katie, Beverly, Tom, Gail, Deborah, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Beverly, Empy, Elizabeth, Carlos, Rhoda, William, Crystal, Roger, Christopher, Beth, Sarah, Diana, Ruby, and Lola.

Birthdays this week: Jon Berberian (Wednesday 3/18) and Betty Jane Berberian (Saturday 3/21).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Eleanor Retallick (15 March 2009), Betty Louise Claunch (18 March 1999), Edna Brazil (19 March 2008), Tracey Barnes (19 March 1979), and Rosa Ferri Fasano (21 March 1949). Recently Departed: Wendy Brown.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for the Church of England: The Most Rev’d and Right Hon. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury; in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, for the members and ministries of the Episcopal Church Women.

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S 

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Saturday 21 March
Guild of All Souls  10 am (Lady Chapel)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 21 March
Epiphany Soup Kitchen (Meal Pickup Only)  2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 15 March
THE THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT (LA)
In-Person Services Cancelled

Virtual Low Mass  10:30 am

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

ALL IN-PERSON WEEKDAY SERVICES CANCELLED

Monday 16 March
Monday of Lent III (LA)
Virtual Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Virtual Low Mass  6 pm

Tuesday 17 March
Patrick, Bishop of Armagh, Patron of Ireland, c. 460 (LA)
Virtual Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Virtual Low Mass  12:10 pm

Wednesday 18 March
Cyril, Bishop of Jerusalem, 386 (LA)
Edward, King and Martyr, 978 
Virtual Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Virtual Low Mass  6 pm

Thursday 19 March
SAINT JOSEPH (W)
Virtual Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Virtual Low Mass  12:10 pm

Friday 20 March
Cuthbert, Bishop of Lindisfarne, Missionary, 687 (LA)
Thomas Ken, Bishop of Bath and Wells, 1711
Virtual Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Virtual Low Mass  12:10 pm

Saturday 21 March
Saturday of Lent III (LA)
Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1556 
Virtual Morning Prayer  9:30 am
Virtual Low Mass with Commemoration of March Departed  10 am

Sunday 22 March
THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT: Laetare Sunday (Rose)
In-Person Services Cancelled

Virtual Low Mass  10 am
Virtual Evening Prayer w/ EMBR  5:30 pm

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (22 March)

Fourth Sunday in Lent (Year A)
1 Samuel 16:1-13
Ephesians 5:8-14 

John 9:1-41

PARISH NOTES 

Sunday 8 March 2020

Moses and the Brazen Serpent and the Transfiguration of Jesus (1683)
by Cristóbal de Villalpando (c. 1649–1714). Oil on canvas.
Puebla Cathedral, Puebla, Mexico.

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS 

Second Sunday in Lent (Year A)
Genesis 12:1-4a
Romans 4:1-5, 13-17
John 3:1-17

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

Charles-Marie Widor (1844–1937)—Bach’s Memento: III. Aria (E minor)

Plainchant—Missa VII (Kyrie Rex splendens)

John Randall (1715–1799)—Anglican Chant: Psalm 33:12-21

Heinrich Schütz (1585–1672)—Sicut Moses serpentem

A WORD OF WELCOME 

Welcome to Saint Stephen’s – S. Stephen’s Church is in the midst of Brown University and serves the communities of the East Side of Providence, North Providence, East Providence, and beyond. It is a parish of the Diocese of Rhode Island in the Episcopal Church in the worldwide Anglican Communion. The Anglo-Catholic tradition informs and shapes our life together. We are a diverse community uniting all sorts and conditions in the worship of Our Lord Jesus Christ and aim to offer up the best we have in liturgy, music, preaching, teaching, fellowship, and service. Visitors and guests are always welcome! If you attend S. Stephen’s on any given Sunday, please join us for Coffee Hour following the 8 am Mass in the Narthex and following the 10 am Mass in the Great Hall upstairs. If you have any questions or special needs before or during the service, please speak to one of the ushers, who will be glad to assist you. We look forward to meeting you!

Joining us with small children? – We are so glad you will be here! Our Sunday School program and nursery are available throughout the program year ten minutes before and during the 10 am Mass, and the ushers will be happy to direct you.

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

COVID-19/influenza update – Please be assured that we are taking communicable disease risks seriously. To that end:

• The priests and servers all wash their hands before and after each Mass and the altar rail is likewise cleaned before and after each Mass. Those hosting coffee hour are likewise instructed to practice good hand-washing.
• As we have been doing throughout flu season, parishioners are offered the choice of receiving in both kinds at communion or just taking the host. As there is no significant difference in communicable disease risk between having the priest do the intinction for you or drinking from the chalice, both will be offered until we are instructed otherwise by the diocese or the Health Department. Just cross your arms when offered if you choose to not receive from the chalice.
• At the peace and when leaving the church, you may choose to bow or make some other method of greeting your neighbors. As is always the case, please be respectful of others who choose to avoid physical contact.
• At coffee hour, please use the tongs provided to pick up your food items. 
• As always, if you are ill, consider staying home until you are well. Please let the office or other parish members know if we can help you (including saying a prayer for you to get better soon)!

Daylight Saving Time – begins this Sunday 8 March. Remember to set your clocks forward one hour on Saturday night. 

Vestry Meeting – The Vestry will conduct its monthly meeting next Tuesday, 10 March, at 7 pm in the Parish Library.

Ecumenical Stations – Continuing again this year, the Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD (EMBR) has teamed up with the Brown-RISD Catholic Community (BRCC) to offer Stations of the Cross at S. Stephen’s at 6 pm on Fridays in Lent through (and including) April 3. This is a great opportunity to experience this moving devotion anew or indeed for the first time—all are welcome!

Easter Flowers – If you would like to make a flower offering at Easter – in thanksgiving or in memoriam - please fill out a flower envelope (which will be enclosed in the Kalendar every Sunday in Lent) and either put it in the offering plate or return it to the parish office no later than Sunday 5 April.

College Ministry – The Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD (EMBR) continues its meetings this Sunday, 8 March, at 5:30 pm for Evening Prayer, followed by a meal. All are most welcome and invited!

FOR YOUR PRAYERS 

Prayers have been requested for: Virginia, Richard, Beverly, Maxcine, Ethel, Chipper, Donna, Carl, Kade, Sherri, Norman, John, Shannah, Terri, Beth, Lynne, Gus, Harrington, Joan, Robyn, Sandy, John, Dylan, Phebe, Jack, Hunter, Bruce, Richard, Ann, Sandy, Nancy, Antonio, Emma, Olivia, Raphael, Kiersten, Katie, Beverly, Tom, Gail, Deborah, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Beverly, Empy, Elizabeth, Carlos, Rhoda, William, Crystal, Roger, Christopher, Beth, Sarah, Diana, Ruby, and Lola.

Birthdays this week: Tom Oakes (Wednesday 3/11) and Thomas Wells (Saturday 3/14).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Susan B. Brazil (8 March 2018), Ruth Hannah Godfrey (9 March 1987), Robert Russell Sandstrom (10 March 2016), Donald S. Chase (11 March 1998), Frank Chace (11 March 1993), George Freemont Bliven (13 March 1983), Elizabeth Grinnell Allen (13 March 1985), and Ransom Widmer (13 March 2016). Recently Departed: Wendy Brown.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for the Province de L'Eglise Anglicane Du Congo: The Most Rev’d Zacharie Masimango Katanda, Archbishop of the Congo & Bishop of Kindu; in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, for Episcopal Charities and the ministries and agencies the fund supports.

THE SUNDAY ROTA 

Acolytes – MC J Ihnen, SD R Noble, Th L Verdelotti, Cr G Ryan
Lector at 8 am – J Leonard
Lector at 10 am – K Lester
Ushers – Alison Huff and Sharon Lloyd Clark
Coffee Hour – Jacob Ihnen

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Tuesday 10 March
Vestry Meeting  7 pm (Library)

Friday 13 March
Stations of the Cross  6 pm (Nave)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Tuesday 10 March
Al-Anon Meeting  12:10 pm (Great Hall)

Friday 13 March
Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) Meeting  4-11 pm (Great Hall)

Saturday 14 March
Epiphany Soup Kitchen  2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 8 March
THE SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT (LA)
Morning Prayer  8 am
Low Mass  8:10 am
Solemn Mass  10 am
Evening Prayer w/ EMBR  5:30 pm

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

Monday 9 March
Gregory, Bishop of Nyssa, c. 394 (LA)
Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Low Mass  6 pm

Tuesday 10 March
Tuesday of Lent II (LA)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Wednesday 11 March
Wednesday of Lent II (LA)
Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Low Mass  6 pm

Thursday 12 March
Gregory the Great, Bishop of Rome, 604 (LA)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 noon

Friday 13 March
Friday of Lent II (LA)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm
Ecumenical Stations of the Cross  6 pm

Saturday 14 March
Saturday of Lent II (LA)
Morning Prayer  9:30 am
Low Mass  10 am

Sunday 15 March
THE THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT (LA)
Morning Prayer  8 am
Low Mass  8:10 am
Solemn Mass  10 am
Evening Prayer w/ EMBR  5:30 pm

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (15 March)

Third Sunday in Lent (Year A)
Exodus 17:1-7
Romans 5:1-11 

John 4:5-42

PARISH NOTES 

Sunday 1 March 2020

The Temptation of Christ by Sandro Botticelli (1445–1510).
Fresco. Sistine Chapel, Vatican City.

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS 

First Sunday in Lent (Year A)
Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7
Romans 5:12-19
Matthew 4:1-11

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

Herbert Howells (1892–1983)—Preludio Sine Nomine

John Merbecke (1510–1585)—Great Litany in Procession

Plainchant—Missa III (Kyrie Deus sempiterne)

William Morley (1680–1731)—Anglican Chant: Psalm 51:1-12

Charles Shadle (b. 1960)—The Lowest Place (Three Rosetti Motets)

A WORD OF WELCOME

Welcome to Saint Stephen’s – S. Stephen’s Church is in the midst of Brown University and serves the communities of the East Side of Providence, North Providence, East Providence, and beyond. It is a parish of the Diocese of Rhode Island in the Episcopal Church in the worldwide Anglican Communion. The Anglo-Catholic tradition informs and shapes our life together. We are a diverse community uniting all sorts and conditions in the worship of Our Lord Jesus Christ and aim to offer up the best we have in liturgy, music, preaching, teaching, fellowship, and service. Visitors and guests are always welcome! If you attend S. Stephen’s on any given Sunday, please join us for Coffee Hour following the 8 am Mass in the Narthex and following the 10 am Mass in the Great Hall upstairs. If you have any questions or special needs before or during the service, please speak to one of the ushers, who will be glad to assist you. We look forward to meeting you!

Joining us with small children? – We are so glad you will be here! Our Sunday School program and nursery are available throughout the program year ten minutes before and during the 10 am Mass, and the ushers will be happy to direct you.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Society of Mary – meets next Saturday, 7 March, beginning with Holy Rosary following the 10 am Mass and a brief meeting (for coffee and bagels) to follow in the Great Hall. All are welcome and invited.

An Update from the Search Committee – The committee is excited to report that they have conducted the first two of several planned video interviews with priests interested in exploring a call to be the next rector of S. Stephen's. We are both encouraged and excited by the discussions we've had so far and eagerly look forward to fruitful discussions with more candidates over the coming weeks. For reasons unrelated to those who've so far contacted us and on the advice of Canon Dena, the committee has decided to extend the application period to March 20. Please continue to remember the search committee (and the parish!) in your prayers. Deborah Abel

Ecumenical Stations – Continuing again this year, the Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD (EMBR) has teamed up with the Brown-RISD Catholic Community (BRCC) to offer Stations of the Cross at S. Stephen’s at 6 pm on Fridays in Lent from February 28 through April 3. This is a great opportunity to experience this moving devotion anew or indeed for the first time! The Fish Fry this year will take place after Stations on March 6 and will be hosted by the BRCC at their new Catholic Center at 51 Prospect Street. All are welcome!

College Ministry – The Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD (EMBR) continues its meetings this Sunday, 1 March, at 5:30 pm for Evening Prayer, followed by a meal. All are most welcome and invited!

FOR YOUR PRAYERS 

Prayers have been requested for: Virginia, Richard, Beverly, Maxcine, Ethel, Carl, Kade, Sherri, Norman, John, Shannah, Terri, Beth, Lynne, Gus, Harrington, Joan, Robyn, Sandy, John, Dylan, Phebe, Jack, Hunter, Bruce, Richard, Ann, Sandy, Nancy, Antonio, Emma, Olivia, Raphael, Kiersten, Katie, Beverly, Tom, Gail, Deborah, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Beverly, Empy, Elizabeth, Carlos, Rhoda, William, Crystal, Roger, Christopher, Beth, Sarah, Diana, Ruby, and Lola.

Birthdays this week: George Ryan (Friday 3/6).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Mary Chase (2 March 1992), Flora Hilda Harding (2 March 1994), Alice Hunt (2 March 1998), Howard Johnson (4 March 2015), Josephine Garrett Brown (7 March 1989), and Hilda Grace Stevens (7 March 1991). Recently Departed: The Rev. James R. Bocchino.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for the Iglesia Anglicana de Chile: The Most Rev’d Héctor (Tito) Zavala Muñoz, Bishop of Santiago & Primate; in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, for the people and clergy of St. David’s on-the-Hill, Cranston, and for those who are preparing to serve God as ordained ministers in the Church.

THE SUNDAY ROTA 

Acolytes – MC B Rose, SD J Ihnen, Th R Noble, Cr G Benziger
Lector at 8 am – A Wilson
Lector at 10 am – TBD
Ushers – Simon Newby and TBD
Coffee Hour – Leana Hooks and Family

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S 

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Tuesday 3 March
Al-Anon Meeting  12:10 pm (Great Hall)

Friday 6 March
Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) Meeting  4-11 pm (Great Hall)

Saturday 7 March
Epiphany Soup Kitchen  2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 1 March
THE FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT (LA)
Morning Prayer  8 am
Low Mass  8:10 am
Great Litany and Solemn Mass  10 am
Evening Prayer w/ EMBR  5:30 pm

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

Monday 2 March
Chad, Bishop of Lichfield, c. 602 (LA)
Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Low Mass  6 pm

Tuesday 3 March
Tuesday of Lent I (LA)
John and Charles Wesley, Priests, 1791, 1788
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Wednesday 4 March
Wednesday of Lent I (LA)
Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Low Mass  6 pm

Thursday 5 March
Thursday of Lent I (LA)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 noon

Friday 6 March
Friday of Lent I (LA)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm
Ecumenical Stations of the Cross  6 pm

Saturday 7 March
Perpetua, Felicity, and Companions, Martyrs at Carthage, 202 (LA)
Morning Prayer  9:30 am
Low Mass  10 am
Holy Rosary  10:30 am

Sunday 8 March
THE SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT (LA)
Morning Prayer  8 am
Low Mass  8:10 am
Solemn Mass  10 am
Evening Prayer w/ EMBR  5:30 pm

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (8 March)

Second Sunday in Lent (Year A)
Genesis 12:1-4a
Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 

John 3:1-17

PARISH NOTES 

Sunday 23 February 2020

Transfiguration of Jesus (1872) by Carl Bloch (1834 – 1890).

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS 

Last Sunday after the Epiphany (Year A)
Exodus 24:12-18
2 Peter 1:16-21
Matthew 17:1-9

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

Louis Vierne (1870–1937)—Triptyque, Op. 58: №. 2. Communion

Harold Darke (1888–1976)—Service of Holy Communion in E (Collegium Regale)

Percy W. Whitlock (1903–1946)—Anglican Chant: Psalm 99

Jonathan Dove (b. 1959)—Ecce beatam lucem

Louis Vierne—Pièces de Fantasie, Op. 54: VI. Carillon de Westminster

A WORD OF WELCOME 

Welcome to Saint Stephen’s – S. Stephen’s Church is in the midst of Brown University and serves the communities of the East Side of Providence, North Providence, East Providence, and beyond. It is a parish of the Diocese of Rhode Island in the Episcopal Church in the worldwide Anglican Communion. The Anglo-Catholic tradition informs and shapes our life together. We are a diverse community uniting all sorts and conditions in the worship of Our Lord Jesus Christ and aim to offer up the best we have in liturgy, music, preaching, teaching, fellowship, and service. Visitors and guests are always welcome! If you attend S. Stephen’s on any given Sunday, please join us for Coffee Hour following the 8 am Mass in the Narthex and following the 10 am Mass in the Great Hall upstairs. If you have any questions or special needs before or during the service, please speak to one of the ushers, who will be glad to assist you. We look forward to meeting you!

Joining us with small children? – We are so glad you will be here! Our Sunday School program and nursery are available throughout the program year ten minutes before and during the 10 am Mass, and the ushers will be happy to direct you.

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Congratulations – to Bradin Paul Anderson for being confirmed into the Episcopal Church last Sunday!

An Update from the Search Committee – The committee is excited to report that they have conducted the first two of several planned video interviews with priests interested in exploring a call to be the next rector of S. Stephen's. We are both encouraged and excited by the discussions we've had so far and eagerly look forward to fruitful discussions with more candidates over the coming weeks. For reasons unrelated to those who've so far contacted us and on the advice of Canon Dena, the committee has decided to extend the application period to March 20. Please continue to remember the search committee (and the parish!) in your prayers. Deborah Abel

Saint Matthias the Apostle (February 24th) – a major feast of the church year will be kept this coming Monday with Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm, and Low Mass following at 6 pm.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper – will be this coming Tuesday, 25 February, from 5 – 7 pm in the Great Hall. Pancakes are all you can eat. Tickets are available for $5 at the door or at Coffee Hour. All proceeds support our Sunday School Ministry. Please make sure to bring your palms from last year’s Palm Sunday to be burnt to make new ashes for Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday – Solemn Mass with the Imposition of Ashes will be offered at 7 pm this coming Wednesday, 26 February. The music will include Gregorio Allegri’s Miserere mei, Deus and William Byrd’s Emendemus in melius. You can make a good start to Lent by observing this principal fasting day of the Church year.

Ecumenical Stations – Continuing again this year, the Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD (EMBR) is teaming up with the Brown-RISD Catholic Community (BRCC) to offer Stations of the Cross at S. Stephen’s at 6 pm on Fridays in Lent from February 28 through April 3. This is a great opportunity to experience this moving devotion anew or indeed for the first time! The Fish Fry this year will take place after Stations on March 6 and will be hosted by the BRCC at their new Catholic Center at 51 Prospect Street. All are welcome!

College Ministry – The Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD (EMBR) continues its meetings this Sunday, 23 February, at 5:30 pm for Evening Prayer, followed by a meal. All are most welcome and invited!

FOR YOUR PRAYERS 

Prayers have been requested for: Virginia, Richard, Beverly, Maxcine, Ethel, Carl, Kade, Sherri, Norman, John, Shannah, Terri, Beth, Lynne, Gus, Harrington, Joan, Robyn, Sandy, John, Dylan, Phebe, Jack, Hunter, Bruce, Richard, Ann, Sandy, Nancy, Antonio, Emma, Olivia, Raphael, Kiersten, Katie, Beverly, Tom, Gail, Deborah, Tree, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Beverly, Empy, Elizabeth, Carlos, Rhoda, William, Crystal, Roger, Christopher, Beth, Sarah, Diana, Ruby, and Lola.

Birthdays this week: Florence Friedman (Thursday 2/27).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Dorothy Belden (23 February 1997), Francis John Baronie (24 February 1929), Barbara Albee (26 February 2012), Robert Cartwright (28 February 1992), and Jane Graves Raymond (29 February 1998). Recently Departed: The Rev. James R. Bocchino.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for the Iglesia Anglicana de la Region Central de America: The Right Rev’d Julio Murray Thompson, Primate of IARCA & Bishop of Panama; in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, for our retired Bishops, George Hunt and Geralyn Wolf.

THE SUNDAY ROTA 

Acolytes – MC C Bledsoe, SD R Noble, Th L Verdelotti, Cr G Ryan
Lector at 8 am – S Bartlett
Lector at 10 am – RG Noble
Ushers – Julia Steiny and Muriel Jobbers
Coffee Hour – Society of Mary

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S 

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Tuesday 25 February
Al-Anon Meeting  12:10 pm (Great Hall)

Friday 28 February
Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) Meeting  4-11 pm (Great Hall)

Saturday 29 February
Epiphany Soup Kitchen  2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 23 February
THE LAST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G)
Morning Prayer  8 am
Low Mass  8:10 am
Solemn Mass  10 am
Evening Prayer w/ EMBR  5:30 pm

Daily Mass Lectionary: Last Sunday after the Epiphany, Year Two (Monday and Tuesday); Ash Wednesday and Weekdays Following (Wednesday through Saturday)

Daily Office Lectionary: Week of Last Sunday after the Epiphany, Year Two

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

Tuesday 25 February
FERIA (G)
Ethelbert and Bertha, King and Queen of Kent, 616, c. 612
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Wednesday 26 February
ASH WEDNESDAY (LA)
Solemn Mass  7 pm

Thursday 27 February
Thursday after Ash Wednesday (LA)
George Herbert, Priest, Poet, 1633
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 noon

Friday 28 February
Friday after Ash Wednesday (LA)
Founding of the Society of the Holy Cross, 1855
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm
Ecumenical Stations of the Cross  6 pm

Saturday 29 February
Saturday after Ash Wednesday (LA)
John Cassian, Abbot, 433
Morning Prayer  9:30 am
Low Mass  10 am

Sunday 1 March
THE FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT (LA)
Morning Prayer  8 am
Low Mass  8:10 am
Solemn Mass  10 am
Evening Prayer w/ EMBR  5:30 pm

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (1 March)

First Sunday in Lent (Year A)
Genesis 2:15-17,3:1-7
Romans 5:12-19 

Matthew 4:1-11

PARISH NOTES 

Sunday 16 February 2020

The Sermon on the Mount (1877) by Carl Bloch (1834 – 1890).
Oil on copper. Museum of National History, Hillerød, Denmark.

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS 

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany (Year A)
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Matthew 5:21-37

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

J. S. Bach (1685–1750)—Praeludium und Fuge in G Dur, BWV 543

John Taverner (1490–1545)—Missa Sancti Wilhelmi

Thomas Attwood (1765–1853)—Anglican Chant: Psalm 119:9-16

Charles Wood (1866–1926)—O Thou, the central Orb

J. S. Bach—Pièce d'Orgue, BWV 572

A WORD OF WELCOME 

Welcome to Saint Stephen’s – S. Stephen’s Church is in the midst of Brown University and serves the communities of the East Side of Providence, North Providence, East Providence, and beyond. It is a parish of the Diocese of Rhode Island in the Episcopal Church in the worldwide Anglican Communion. The Anglo-Catholic tradition informs and shapes our life together. We are a diverse community uniting all sorts and conditions in the worship of Our Lord Jesus Christ and aim to offer up the best we have in liturgy, music, preaching, teaching, fellowship, and service. Visitors and guests are always welcome! If you attend S. Stephen’s on any given Sunday, please join us for Coffee Hour following the 8 am Mass in the Narthex and following the 10 am Mass in the Great Hall upstairs. If you have any questions or special needs before or during the service, please speak to one of the ushers, who will be glad to assist you. We look forward to meeting you!

Joining us with small children? – We are so glad you will be here! Our Sunday School program and nursery are available throughout the program year ten minutes before and during the 10 am Mass, and the ushers will be happy to direct you.

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Episcopal Visitation – This Sunday, 16 February, we welcome the Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely, XIII Bishop of Rhode Island, who will be celebrating and preaching at both the 8 am and 10 am Masses. Please plan on attending and helping us welcome our bishop. There will be a Q & A session after the 10 am Mass at the Coffee Hour.

Flowers – at the high altar are given to the glory of God and in thanksgiving for the ministry and presence of Bishop W. Nicholas Knisely this Sunday.

Presidents’ Day observed (February 17) – will be observed this coming Monday. As on all public holidays, Low Mass will be celebrated at 10 am, preceded by Morning Prayer at 9:30 am.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper – will be Tuesday 25 February from 5 – 7 pm in the Great Hall. Pancakes are all you can eat. Tickets are available for $5 at the door or at Coffee Hour. All proceeds support our Sunday School Ministry. Please make sure to bring your palms from last year’s Palm Sunday to be burnt to make new ashes for Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday – Solemn Mass with the Imposition of Ashes will be offered at 7 pm on Wednesday 26 February. The music will include Gregorio Allegri’s Miserere mei, Deus and William Byrd’s Emendemus in melius. You can make a good start to Lent by observing this principal fasting day of the Church year.

Ecumenical Stations – Continuing again this year, the Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD (EMBR) is teaming up with the Brown-RISD Catholic Community (BRCC) to offer Stations of the Cross at S. Stephen’s at 6 pm on Fridays in Lent from February 28 through April 3. This is a great opportunity to experience this moving devotion anew or indeed for the first time! The Fish Fry this year will take place after Stations on March 6 and will be hosted by the BRCC at their new Catholic Center at 51 Prospect Street. All are welcome!

College Ministry – The Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD (EMBR) continues its meetings this Sunday, 16 February, at 5:30 pm for Evening Prayer, followed by a meal. All are most welcome and invited!

FOR YOUR PRAYERS 

Prayers have been requested for: Virginia, Richard, Beverly, Maxcine, Ethel, Carl, Kade, Sherri, Norman, John, Shannah, Terri, Beth, Lynne, Gus, Harrington, Joan, Robyn, Sandy, John, Dylan, Phebe, Jack, Hunter, Bruce, Richard, Ann, Sandy, Nancy, Antonio, Emma, Olivia, Raphael, Kiersten, Katie, Beverly, Tom, Gail, Deborah, Tree, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Beverly, Empy, Elizabeth, Carlos, Rhoda, William, Crystal, Roger, Christopher, Beth, Sarah, Diana, Ruby, and Lola.

Birthdays this week: Tristan Kinloch (Thursday 2/20).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Christopher Dunstan (16 February 1994), Gary Lee Stamps (17 February 1991), James W. Randolph (17 February 1985), John Walker (18 February 2008), Coribel Page Stiles (18 February 1995), Elizabeth Bernadette Stewart (18 February 1993), and Frederick A. Starks, Sr. (19 February 1985).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for the Church of the Province of Central Africa: The Most Rev’d Albert Chama, Archbishop of Central Africa & Bishop of Northern Zambia; in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, for the Commission on Ministry and members of our Diocese who walk with those discerning the ministries to which God calls them.

THE SUNDAY ROTA 

Acolytes – MC J Ihnen, SD B Rose, Th J Starks, Cr TBD
Lector at 8 am – J Malone
Lector at 10 am – A Campbell
Ushers – Bruce Lennihan and Joy D’Ambra
Coffee Hour – Cathy and Tom Bledsoe

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S 

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Tuesday 18 February
Al-Anon Meeting  12:10 pm (Great Hall)

Friday 21 February
Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) Meeting  4-11 pm (Great Hall)

Saturday 22 February
Epiphany Soup Kitchen  2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 16 February
THE SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G)
Morning Prayer  8 am
Low Mass  8:10 am
Solemn Pontifical Mass  10 am
Evening Prayer w/ EMBR  5:30 pm

Daily Mass and Office Lectionary: Week of Epiphany VI, Year Two

Monday 17 February
FERIA (G)
Janani Luwum, Archbishop of Uganda, Martyr, 1977
Morning Prayer  9:30 am
Low Mass  10 am

Tuesday 18 February
FERIA (G)
Simeon of Jerusalem, 1st century
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Wednesday 19 February
FERIA (G)
Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Low Mass  6 pm

Thursday 20 February
FERIA (G)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 noon

Friday 21 February
FERIA (G)
John Henry Newman, Priest, Theologian, 1890
Peter Damian, Monk, Bishop, Teacher, 1072
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Saturday 22 February
FERIA (G)
The See of Peter the Apostle (Saint Peter’s Chair at Antioch)
Morning Prayer  9:30 am
Low Mass  10 am

Sunday 23 February
THE LAST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G)
Morning Prayer  8 am
Low Mass  8:10 am
Solemn Mass  10 am
Evening Prayer w/ EMBR  5:30 pm

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (23 February)

Last Sunday after the Epiphany (Year A)
Exodus 24:12-18
2 Peter 1:16-21

Matthew 17:1-9

PARISH NOTES 

Sunday 9 February 2020

An Allegory of the Old and New Testaments (c. 1532 - 1535) by Hans Holbein the Younger (1497/8 – 1543). Oil on panel. National Gallery of Scotland, Edinburgh.

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS 

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany (Year A)
Isaiah 58:1-12
1 Corinthians 2:1-12
Matthew 5:13-20

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

Alec Wyton (1921–2007)—In Praise of Merbecke: 1. Lord, have mercy, 2. Blessed is he that cometh, 3. Lamb of God

Healey Willan (1880–1968)—Mass O Westron Wynde

James Turle (1802–1882)—Anglican Chant: Psalm 27:1-7

Edward Elgar (1857–1934)—The Spirit of the Lord is upon me (The Apostles, Op. 49)
John Cook (1918–1984)—Hornpipe

A WORD OF WELCOME 

Welcome to Saint Stephen’s – S. Stephen’s Church is in the midst of Brown University and serves the communities of the East Side of Providence, North Providence, East Providence, and beyond. It is a parish of the Diocese of Rhode Island in the Episcopal Church in the worldwide Anglican Communion. The Anglo-Catholic tradition informs and shapes our life together. We are a diverse community uniting all sorts and conditions in the worship of Our Lord Jesus Christ and aim to offer up the best we have in liturgy, music, preaching, teaching, fellowship, and service. Visitors and guests are always welcome! If you attend S. Stephen’s on any given Sunday, please join us for Coffee Hour following the 8 am Mass in the Narthex and following the 10 am Mass in the Great Hall upstairs. If you have any questions or special needs before or during the service, please speak to one of the ushers, who will be glad to assist you. We look forward to meeting you!

Joining us with small children? – We are so glad you will be here! Our Sunday School program and nursery are available throughout the program year ten minutes before and during the 10 am Mass, and the ushers will be happy to direct you.

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Episcopal Visitation – On Sunday, 16 February, we will welcome the Rt. Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely, XIII Bishop of Rhode Island, who will be celebrating and preaching at both the 8 am and 10 am Masses. Please plan on attending and helping us welcome our bishop. There will be a Q & A session after the 10 am Mass at the Coffee Hour.

Monthly Commemoration of the Departed – whose year’s mind falls during February will be offered next Saturday, 15 February, at 10 am (preceded by Morning Prayer at 9:30 am). If you have any names to add to those to be remembered, please let Nancy Gingrich know. This Mass is sponsored by the Guild of All Souls, St. Stephen Protomartyr Branch: all are welcome and invited to attend!

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper – will be Tuesday 25 February from 5 – 7 pm in the Great Hall. Pancakes are all you can eat. Tickets are available for $5 at the door or at Coffee Hour. All proceeds support our Sunday School Ministry. Please make sure to bring your palms from last year’s Palm Sunday to be burnt to make new ashes for Ash Wednesday.

Ash Wednesday – Solemn Mass with the Imposition of Ashes will be offered at 7 pm on Wednesday 26 February. The music will include Gregorio Allegri’s Miserere mei, Deus and William Byrd’s Emendemus in melius. You can make a good start to Lent by observing this principal fasting day of the Church year.

College Ministry – The Episcopal Ministry at Brown and RISD (EMBR) continues its meetings this Sunday, 9 February, at 5:30 pm for Evening Prayer, followed by a meal. All are most welcome and invited!

FOR YOUR PRAYERS 

Prayers have been requested for: Virginia, Richard, Beverly, Maxcine, Ethel, Carl, Kade, Sherri, Norman, John, Shannah, Terri, Beth, Lynne, Gus, Harrington, Joan, Robyn, Sandy, John, Dylan, Phebe, Jack, Hunter, Bruce, Richard, Ann, Sandy, Antonio, Emma, Olivia, Raphael, Kiersten, Katie, Beverly, Tom, Gail, Deborah, Tree, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Beverly, Empy, Elizabeth, Carlos, Rhoda, William, Crystal, Roger, Christopher, Beth, Sarah, Diana, Ruby, and Lola.

Birthdays this week: Sharon Lloyd Clark (Sunday 2/9), Christopher Butler (Monday 2/10), Alison Huff (Wednesday 2/12), and Elizabeth Schumann (Thursday 2/13).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Madeline Nason (9 February 1985), Madeline Thatcher Howes (10 February 1986), Thomas Greene Cure, Priest (13 February 2001), M. Marie Pearson (14 February 2015), Jeffrey James Groves (14 February 2019), Alan Edward Reniere (15 February 2013), and James Stephen Clarke (15 February 2019).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for the Anglican Church of Canada: The Most Rev’d Linda Nicholls, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada; in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, for our seminaries and our schools for deacons as they prepare our postulants and candidates for Holy Orders.

THE SUNDAY ROTA 

Acolytes – MC R Noble, SD C Bledsoe, Th L Verdelotti, Cr J Coyle
Lector at 8 am – J Leonard
Lector at 10 am – M Johnson
Ushers – Karl Benziger and Rhoda Steinhart
Coffee Hour – Nancy Gingrich, Bradin Anderson, Louis Verdelotti, and Cory MacLean

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S 

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Saturday 15 February
Guild of All Souls  10 am (Lady Chapel)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Tuesday 11 February
Al-Anon Meeting  12:10 pm (Great Hall)

Friday 14 February
Reformed University Fellowship (RUF) Meeting  4-11 pm (Great Hall)

Saturday 15 February
Epiphany Soup Kitchen  2:30 pm (Great Hall)

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 9 February
THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G)
Morning Prayer  8 am
Low Mass  8:10 am
Solemn Mass  10 am
Evening Prayer w/ EMBR  5:30 pm

Daily Mass and Office Lectionary: Week of Epiphany V, Year Two

Monday 10 February
FERIA (G)
Scholastica, Abbess, c. 543
Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Low Mass  6 pm

Tuesday 11 February
FERIA (G)
Our Lady of Lourdes
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Wednesday 12 February
FERIA (G)
Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Low Mass  6 pm

Thursday 13 February
FERIA (G)
Absalom Jones, Priest, 1818
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 noon

Friday 14 February
Cyril and Methodius, Missionaries to the Slavs, Patrons of Europe, 869, 885 (W)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Saturday 15 February
FERIA
Sigfrid, Bishop, Apostle of Sweden, 1045
Thomas Bray, Priest, Missionary, Founder of the SPCK, 1730
Morning Prayer  9:30 am
Low Requiem Mass for February Departed  10 am (Black)

Sunday 16 February
THE SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY (G)
Morning Prayer  8 am
Low Mass  8:10 am
Solemn Pontifical Mass  10 am
Evening Prayer w/ EMBR  5:30 pm

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (16 February)

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany (Year A)
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 or Sirach 15:15-20
1 Corinthians 3:1-9 

Matthew 5:21-37