PARISH NOTES 

Sunday 19 July 2020

Parable of the Wheat and the Tares (1624) by Abraham Bloemaert (1564-1651). Oil on canvas. Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, MD.

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS 

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost (Year A)
Isaiah 44:6-8
Psalm 86:11-17
Romans 8:12-25
Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

Charles-Marie Widor (1844 – 1937)—Bach’s Memento: 3. Aria in E-moll

Eugène Gigout (1844 – 1925)—Toccata en Si mineur

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.

A WORD FROM FATHER LOCKE

Jesus again uses plants and seeds as signs of the Kingdom, this time by way of pointing out the spiritual danger of trying to be pure. In a situation in which weeds are mixed in with the wheat, there are those who are quite prepared – even eager – to decide which is which and to get rid of the bad. Not so fast, says Jesus, that is the work of the angels, not of fallen humanity.

The history of the church is replete with examples of those who decide they are truly faithful and break away to stay pure. Having broken community once, they tend to continue to fracture, each new group being “purer” than the others. The hard work of Christian community is to acknowledge the weediness of others – and ourselves – and to let God do the sorting.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Welcome Back! – We’re delighted to be able to see you again this Sunday! While we continue to gather again, this privilege comes with it some protocols to keep us all safe. A summary of the safety protocols may be found here.

New Rector Announced – Fr. Benjamin Straley has accepted the call to serve as the next rector of S. Stephen's Church. For more information about his call, to read a letter he wrote to the parish, and to view an introduction video, please click here. Please keep Fr. Straley in your prayers, as he prepares to arrive on 15 August.

Fr. Benjamin Straley

Almighty God, Giver of all good gifts, who of thy divine providence hast provided a rector for our church: Give thy grace, we humbly beseech thee, to Father Straley, called to ministry for thy people; and so fill him with the truth of thy doctrine and clothe him with holiness of life, that he may faithfully serve before thee, to the glory of thy great Name, and for the benefit of thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Virtual Offices and Masses – We will continue to offer Virtual Offices and Masses for those who wish to continue to participate safely from home. To access and view the LIVE (and archived) services, please visit the parish Facebook page here (you do not need a FB account to tune in). To access accompanying Daily Office and Low Mass readings and resources (as well as archived services), please visit the parish website sermon page here.

Virtual Coffee Hour – Please join us for our Virtual Sunday Coffee Hour tomorrow, 19 July, at 11:30 am. To attend, please click here. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact Junior Warden Alison Huff via call or text at 401-465-8029 or email (alisonhuff12@gmail.com), or Jacob Ihnen via call or text at 712-348-5848 or email (jacob_ihnen@alumni.brown.edu). Thank you!

Saint Mary Magdalene (22 July) – a major feast day of the church year, will be celebrated this coming Wednesday with Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm and Low Mass at 6 pm.

Saint James the Apostle (25 July) – a major feast day of the church year, will be celebrated this coming Saturday with Morning Prayer at 9:30 am and Low Mass at 10 am.

Episcopal Conference Center (ECC) Offerings this Summer – ECC is excited to offer you some (safe, physically distant) opportunities to be at ECC this summer. Details of their limited offerings can be found at their website here.

Concerning Pledges and the Sunday Offering – A key worry in this time of physical distancing is that our inability to fully gather as a church damages our income. We have heard nothing from the public health authorities about the risks of virus transmission through the mail, so feel free to mail your check to the church. Alternatively, it is quite straightforward to give online by clicking here to visit S. Stephen’s online giving page, where you can use the payment portal week by week or set up a recurring direct deposit program with your bank. We are grateful for your generous response to our appeal for pledges in this transition year. Now the challenge is for us to receive and collect these pledges. We don’t know how long this period of physical distancing will have to last. If you are experiencing financial difficulties which hurt your ability to keep a pledge you made before this crisis of the coronavirus, please do not hesitate to let us know. Thank you for your love of S. Stephen’s.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

Prayers have been requested for: Beverly, Patti, Ethel, Carl, Kade, Sherri, Charles, Sandra, Lola, Ruby, Norman, Diana, Sarah, Shannah, Lynne, Harrington, Joan, Robyn, Phebe, Hunter, Ann, Beth, Sandy, Kiersten, Beverly, Tom, Jill, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Susan, Beverly, Kevin, Rhoda, Crystal, and Christopher.

Birthdays this week: Harrington Gordon (Sunday 7/19), Molly Ellis (Tuesday 7/21), Tatjana Johnson (Tuesday 7/21), and William Locke (Thursday 7/23).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Georgia Merrill Wray (20 July 1983), James H. Hurn (20 July 1987), Louis Garland Davis (21 July 2009), Houghton P. Metcalf (22 July 2003), and William Dunbar Stewart (24 July 1988). Recently Departed: Eric Westby.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for the Episcopal Church in the Philippines: The Most Rev’d Joel Atiwag Pachao, Prime Bishop of the Philippines; in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, for the people and clergy of St. James', North Providence, and St. James’, Woonsocket.

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 25 July
Epiphany Soup Kitchen (Meal Pickup Only)  2:30-4:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

* REGATHERING HAS RESUMED FOR IN-PERSON SERVICES ON SUNDAYS (80 PEOPLE TOTAL) AND WEEKDAYS (14 PEOPLE TOTAL)
* ALL ATTENDEES MUST ADHERE TO WRITTEN AND VERBAL PROTOCOLS TO ATTEND

Sunday 19 July
SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Sung Mass  10 am

Daily Office and Mass Lectionary: Proper 11, Year Two

Monday 20 July
FERIA (G)
Margaret of Antioch, Martyr, 4th century
Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Low Mass  6 pm

Tuesday 21 July
FERIA (G)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Wednesday 22 July
SAINT MARY MAGDALENE (W)
Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Low Mass  6 pm

Thursday 23 July
FERIA (G)
Bridget of Sweden, Abbess, Patron of Europe, 1373
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Friday 24 July
FERIA (G)
Thomas à Kempis, Priest, 1471
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Saturday 25 July
SAINT JAMES THE APOSTLE (R)
Morning Prayer  9:30 am
Low Mass  10 am

Sunday 26 July
EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Sung Mass  10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (26 July)

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost (Year A)
1 Kings 3:5-12
Psalm 119:129-136
Romans 8:26-39
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

PARISH NOTES 

Sunday 12 July 2020

The Sower (Sower at Sunset) (1888) by Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890). Oil on canvas. Kröller-Müller Museum, Otterlo, Netherlands.

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS 

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost (Year A)
Isaiah 55:10-13
Psalm 65:9-14
Romans 8:1-11
Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

Percy Whitlock (1903 – 1946)—Five Pieces: II. Folk Tune

Percy Whitlock—Toccata

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.

A WORD FROM FATHER LOCKE 

Our Gospel reading today gives us two for the price of one – a parable from Jesus, and a reflection on and application of that parable from the early Church.

The parables of Jesus in their purest form were brief word pictures, pointing to a single, often surprising, point. They frequently seem to have come in response to some objection or opposition. In this case, perhaps, “Where is this wonderful Kingdom of God of which you continually speak? We don’t see much evidence of it.” To which Jesus responds that the seeds are being sown, even in unlikely places, and while some will never take, there in fact will be an amazing harvest.

The Church in turn reflected on that story over the decades and applied it to itself. What kind of soil are we, am I caught up in the cares of the world, is the evil one at work in our midst…? Good questions for our own reflection and ongoing spiritual growth. And let us not forget that initial power of the Kingdom, ready to spring up, even in the most unexpected of ways.

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Welcome Back! – We’re delighted to be able to see you again this Sunday! While we continue to gather again, this privilege comes with it some protocols to keep us all safe. A summary of the safety protocols may be found here.

Virtual Offices and Masses – We will continue to offer Virtual Offices and Masses for those who wish to continue to participate safely from home. To access and view the LIVE (and archived) services, please visit the parish Facebook page here (you do not need a FB account to tune in). To access accompanying Daily Office and Low Mass readings and resources (as well as archived services), please visit the parish website sermon page here.

Virtual Coffee Hour – Please join us for our Virtual Sunday Coffee Hour this Sunday, 12 July, at 11:30 am. To attend, please click here. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact Junior Warden Alison Huff via call or text at 401-465-8029 or email (alisonhuff12@gmail.com), or Jacob Ihnen via call or text at 712-348-5848 or email (jacob_ihnen@alumni.brown.edu). Thank you!

Monthly Commemoration of the Departed – whose year’s mind falls during July will be offered in person and virtually this coming Saturday, 18 July, 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!

Episcopal Conference Center (ECC) Offerings this Summer – ECC is excited to offer you some (safe, physically distant) opportunities to be at ECC this summer. Details of their limited offerings can be found at their website here.

Concerning Pledges and the Sunday Offering – A key worry in this time of physical distancing is that our inability to fully gather as a church damages our income. We have heard nothing from the public health authorities about the risks of virus transmission through the mail, so feel free to mail your check to the church. Alternatively, it is quite straightforward to give online by clicking here to visit S. Stephen’s online giving page, where you can use the payment portal week by week or set up a recurring direct deposit program with your bank. We are grateful for your generous response to our appeal for pledges in this transition year. Now the challenge is for us to receive and collect these pledges. We don’t know how long this period of physical distancing will have to last. If you are experiencing financial difficulties which hurt your ability to keep a pledge you made before this crisis of the coronavirus, please do not hesitate to let us know. Thank you for your love of S. Stephen’s.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS 

Prayers have been requested for: Beverly, Patti, Ethel, Carl, Kade, Sherri, Charles, Sandra, Lola, Ruby, Norman, Diana, Sarah, Shannah, Lynne, Harrington, Joan, Robyn, Phebe, Hunter, Ann, Beth, Sandy, Kiersten, Beverly, Tom, Jill, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Susan, Beverly, Kevin, Rhoda, Crystal, and Christopher.

Birthdays this week: Laura Rejto (Wednesday 7/15), Emese Benziger (Thursday 7/16), and Luke Tessier (Friday 7/17).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Harold Ellsworth Decker (12 July 2014) and John Austin MacIntyre, Sr. (16 July 1992). Recently Departed: Eric Westby.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for the Anglican Church of Papua New Guinea: The Most Rev’d Allan Migi, Archbishop of Papua New Guinea; in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, for the Congregational Development Commission and those in the Diocese who work to support our congregations.

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S 

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Saturday 18 July
Guild of All Souls  10 am (Lady Chapel)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 18 July
Epiphany Soup Kitchen (Meal Pickup Only)  2:30-4:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

* REGATHERING HAS RESUMED FOR IN-PERSON SERVICES ON SUNDAYS (80 PEOPLE TOTAL) AND WEEKDAYS (14 PEOPLE TOTAL)
* ALL ATTENDEES MUST ADHERE TO WRITTEN AND VERBAL PROTOCOLS TO ATTEND

Sunday 12 July
SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Sung Mass  10 am

Daily Office and Mass Lectionary: Proper 10, Year Two

Monday 13 July
FERIA (G)
Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Low Mass  6 pm

Tuesday 14 July
FERIA (G)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Wednesday 15 July
FERIA (G)
Bonaventure, Friar, Bishop, Teacher, 1274
Swithun, Bishop of Winchester, c. 862
Vladimir of Kiev, first Christian ruler in Russia, 1015
Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Low Mass  6 pm

Thursday 16 July
FERIA (G)
Osmund, Bishop of Salisbury, 1099
Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Patron of the State of Rhode Island
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Friday 17 July
FERIA (G)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Saturday 18 July
FERIA
Elizabeth Ferrard, Founder of the Community of Saint Andrew, 1883
Morning Prayer  9:30 am
Low Requiem Mass  10 am (Black)

Sunday 19 July
SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Sung Mass  10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (19 July)

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost (Year A)
Isaiah 44:6-8
Psalm 86:11-17
Romans 8:12-25 

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

PARISH NOTES 

Sunday 5 July 2020

Simon the Cyrenian Compelled to Carry the Cross with Jesus (between 1886 and 1894) by James Tissot (1836-1902). Gouache over graphite on gray wove paper. Brooklyn Museum, NY.

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS 

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost (Year A)
Zechariah 9:9-12
Psalm 145:8-14
Romans 7:15-25a
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

J. S. Bach (1685 – 1750)—Sonata No.1 in E-flat Major, BWV 525: I. [Allegro]

J. S. Bach after Johann Ernst (1664 – 1707), Duke of Saxe-Weimar—Concerto No. 1 in G. BWV 592: I. [Allegro]

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.

A WORD FROM FATHER LOCKE 

Americans are known for their sense of independence, New Englanders in particular for a rugged individualism – live free or die! Jesus reminds us that we in fact are always linked to something; something will direct us, steer us in a certain direction. There is always a yoke. The question then is what will be my yoke, your yoke? What will set us on a particular course? Fear, anger, anxiety, pride…? Jesus offers us his yoke, which, as a yoke of love, is easy, even light. A collect from Morning Prayer says, “to serve you is perfect freedom”. Being yoked to Jesus sets us free and removes that which can so often weigh us down. Perhaps it’s time to lay those burdens down.

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Welcome Back! – We’re delighted to be able to see you again this Sunday! While we can gather again, this privilege comes with it some protocols to keep us all safe. A summary of the safety protocols may be found here.

Virtual Offices and Masses – We will continue to offer Virtual Offices and Masses for those who wish to continue to participate safely from home. To access and view the LIVE (and archived) services, please visit the parish Facebook page here (you do not need a FB account to tune in). To access accompanying Daily Office and Low Mass readings and resources (as well as archived services), please visit the parish website sermon page here.

Virtual Coffee Hour – Please join us for our Virtual Sunday Coffee Hour tomorrow, 5 July, at 11:30 am. To attend, please click here. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact Junior Warden Alison Huff via call or text at 401-465-8029 or email (alisonhuff12@gmail.com), or Jacob Ihnen via call or text at 712-348-5848 or email (jacob_ihnen@alumni.brown.edu). Thank you!

Society of Mary – The Society of Mary: Our Lady of Providence Ward will meet this coming Saturday, 11 July, beginning with Holy Rosary following the 10 am Low Mass and a brief meeting. All are welcome and invited to participate!

Episcopal Conference Center (ECC) Offerings this Summer – ECC is excited to offer you some (safe, physically distant) opportunities to be at ECC this summer. Details of their limited offerings can be found at their website here.

Concerning Pledges and the Sunday Offering – A key worry in this time of physical distancing is that our inability to fully gather as a church damages our income. We have heard nothing from the public health authorities about the risks of virus transmission through the mail, so feel free to mail your check to the church. Alternatively, it is quite straightforward to give online by clicking here to visit S. Stephen’s online giving page, where you can use the payment portal week by week or set up a recurring direct deposit program with your bank. We are grateful for your generous response to our appeal for pledges in this transition year. Now the challenge is for us to receive and collect these pledges. We don’t know how long this period of physical distancing will have to last. If you are experiencing financial difficulties which hurt your ability to keep a pledge you made before this crisis of the coronavirus, please do not hesitate to let us know. Thank you for your love of S. Stephen’s.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS 

Prayers have been requested for: Beverly, Patti, Ethel, Carl, Kade, Sherri, Charles, Sandra, Lola, Ruby, Norman, Diana, Sarah, Shannah, Lynne, Harrington, Joan, Robyn, Phebe, Hunter, Ann, Beth, Sandy, Kiersten, Beverly, Tom, Jill, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Susan, Beverly, Rhoda, Crystal, and Christopher.

Anniversary of Ordination to Sacred Priesthood: Fr. William Locke (7/9/94).

Birthdays this week: Jack Tessier (Sunday 7/5) and Cailyn Ripley-McNamar (Friday 7/10).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Albert S. Cook (7 July 1998), Hamilton Webb (7 July 2011), and Marian Higgins (10 July 2000).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for the United Church of Pakistan: The Most Rev’d Humphrey Peters, Bishop of Peshawar & Moderator of the Church of Pakistan; in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, for the people and clergy of Amazing Grace at the ACI.

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S 

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Saturday 11 July
Society of Mary  10:45 am (Lady Chapel and Great Hall)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 11 July
Epiphany Soup Kitchen (Meal Pickup Only)  2:30-4:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

* REGATHERING HAS RESUMED FOR IN-PERSON SERVICES ON SUNDAYS (80 PEOPLE TOTAL) AND WEEKDAYS (14 PEOPLE TOTAL)
* ALL ATTENDEES MUST ADHERE TO WRITTEN AND VERBAL PROTOCOLS TO ATTEND

Sunday 5 July
FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Sung Mass  10 am

Daily Office and Mass Lectionary: Proper 9, Year Two

Monday 6 July
FERIA (G)
Sexburga, Abbess of Ely, 699
Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Low Mass  6 pm

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

Wednesday 8 July
FERIA (G)
Aquila and Priscilla, Companions of Saint Paul, 1st century
Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Low Mass  6 pm

Thursday 9 July
FERIA (G)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Friday 10 July
FERIA (G)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Saturday 11 July
Benedict of Nursia, Abbot, Father of Western Monasticism, Patron of Europe, c. 550 (W)
Morning Prayer  9:30 am
Low Mass  10 am
Holy Rosary  10:30 am

Sunday 12 July
SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Sung Mass  10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (12 July)

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost (Year A)
Isaiah 55:10-13
Psalm 65:9-14
Romans 8:1-11 

Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

PARISH NOTES 

Sunday 28 June 2020

Vocation of the Apostles (1481) by Domenico Ghirlandaio (1449-1494).
Fresco. Sistine Chapel, Vatican City.

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS 

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Year A)
Jeremiah 28:5-9
Psalm 89:1-4, 14-17
Romans 6:12-23
Matthew 10:40-42

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

Juan Bautista Cabanilles (1644 – 1712)—Tiento 1. de primer to

Juan Bautista Cabanilles—Batalla Imperial, de cinque to

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.

A WORD FROM FATHER LOCKE

A little background:

Our Gospel reading this week comes as Jesus has gathered the Twelve and sent them out to do no less than cure diseases, cast out evil spirits, and raise the dead. We perhaps lose sight of the depth of that apostolic mission and the power and authority that accompanies it – the Church is called to make an impact.

Now Jesus recalls us to that transitive property that we learned in math class: if a=b, and b=c, then a=c. To welcome one of the disciples is in fact to welcome Jesus himself. But to welcome Jesus is to welcome God. And so a good question to ask of our own lives of faith and our life together as a community of faith is: does my/our presence, proclamation, witness in fact bring something of the presence of Jesus, and, ultimately, God?

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

An Update About Regathering – We will be able to regather for in-person worship as soon as the State moves to Phase III of the reopening plans; however, it is not without some restrictions. A letter has gone out from Interim Rector Fr. Locke detailing the protocols for attending services and a digital version of the letter may be found here. It is important to note also that we will not be able to provide childcare of any kind for the foreseeable future. We look forward to (safely) seeing you again!

Virtual Offices and Masses – We will continue to offer Virtual Offices and Masses for those who wish to continue to participate from home. To access and view the LIVE (and archived) services, please visit the parish Facebook page here (you do not need a FB account to tune in). To access accompanying Daily Office and Low Mass readings and resources (as well as archived services), please visit the parish website sermon page here.

Virtual Coffee Hour – Please join us for our Virtual Sunday Coffee Hour tomorrow, 28 June, at 11:30 am. To attend, please click here. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact Junior Warden Alison Huff via call or text at 401-465-8029 or email (alisonhuff12@gmail.com), or Jacob Ihnen via call or text at 712-348-5848 or email (jacob_ihnen@alumni.brown.edu). Thank you!

Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Apostles [Patrons of the National Cathedral, Washington, D.C.] (29 June) – a major feast day of the church year, will be celebrated this coming Monday with Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm and Low Mass at 6 pm.

Independence Day (4 July) – a major feast day of the church year, will be celebrated this coming Saturday with Morning Prayer at 9:30 am and Low Mass at 10 am.

Episcopal Conference Center (ECC) Offerings this Summer – ECC is excited to offer you some (safe, physically distant) opportunities to be at ECC this summer. Details of their limited offerings can be found at their website here.

Concerning Pledges and the Sunday Offering – A key worry in this time of physical distancing is that our inability to fully gather as a church damages our income. We have heard nothing from the public health authorities about the risks of virus transmission through the mail, so feel free to mail your check to the church. Alternatively, it is quite straightforward to give online by clicking here to visit S. Stephen’s online giving page, where you can use the payment portal week by week or set up a recurring direct deposit program with your bank. We are grateful for your generous response to our appeal for pledges in this transition year. Now the challenge is for us to receive and collect these pledges. We don’t know how long this period of physical distancing will have to last. If you are experiencing financial difficulties which hurt your ability to keep a pledge you made before this crisis of the coronavirus, please do not hesitate to let us know. Thank you for your love of S. Stephen’s.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS 

Prayers have been requested for: Beverly, Patti, Eli, Terry, Ethel, Chipper, Donna, Carl, Kade, Sherri, Charles, Sandra, Lola, Ruby, Norman, Diana, Sarah, Shannah, Lynne, Harrington, Joan, Robyn, Phebe, Hunter, Ann, Beth, Sandy, Antonio, Emma, Olivia, Raphael, Kiersten, Beverly, Tom, Jill, Bryan, Angela, Bobby, Susan, Beverly, Rhoda, Crystal, Louis, and Christopher.

Anniversary of Ordination to Sacred Diaconate: Fr. Gary K. Sturni (6/29/70).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Ben C. Claunch (1 July 2000), Georgiana Kincaid (2 July 2013), and Charles A. Kilvert (4 July 2000).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for the United Church of North India: The Most Rev’d Dr. Prem Chand Singh - Moderator of CNI & Bishop of Jabalpur; in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, for the people and clergy of St. Peter’s by-the-Sea, Narragansett, and St. Peter’s & St. Andrew’s, Providence, and for our country, the President and all in civil authority, for Congress & Courts of Justice, for sound government.

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S 

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 4 July
Epiphany Soup Kitchen (Meal Pickup Only)  2:30-4:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

* AS SOON AS THE STATE MOVES TO PHASE III OF THE REOPENING PLANS, REGATHERING WILL BE ALLOWED FOR IN-PERSON SERVICES ON SUNDAYS (80 PEOPLE TOTAL) AND WEEKDAYS (14 PEOPLE TOTAL)
* ALL ATTENDEES MUST ADHERE TO WRITTEN AND VERBAL PROTOCOLS TO ATTEND

Sunday 28 June
FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Virtual Low Mass  10 am

Daily Office and Mass Lectionary: Proper 8, Year Two

Monday 29 June
SAINT PETER AND SAINT PAUL, APOSTLES [PATRONS OF THE NATIONAL CATHEDRAL, WASHINGTON, D.C.] (R)
Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Low Mass  6 pm

Tuesday 30 June
FERIA (G)
First Martyrs of the Church of Rome, 1st century
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Wednesday 1 July
FERIA (G)
Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Low Mass  6 pm

Thursday 2 July
FERIA (G)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

Friday 3 July
FERIA (G)
Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Low Mass  12:10 pm

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

Sunday 5 July
FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Low Mass  10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (5 July)

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost (Year A)
Zechariah 9:9-12
Psalm 145:8-14
Romans 7:15-25a 

Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

PARISH NOTES 

Sunday 21 June 2020

The Last Judgment Polyptych (between 1446 and 1452)
by Rogier van der Weyden (1399/1400-1464).
Oil on panel. Hospices de Beaune, Beaune, France.

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS 

Third Sunday after Pentecost (Year A)
Jeremiah 20:7-13
Psalm 69:7-19
Romans 6:1b-11
Matthew 10:24-39

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

Jonathan Battishill (1738 – 1801)—Voluntary in B flat

Dr. Maurice Greene (1696 – 1755)—Voluntary in A

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.

A WORD FROM FATHER LOCKE 

In an unplanned alignment of the readings for Sunday (the Epistle is its own reading, not intentionally connected to the other two) we are reminded of the way in which our faith in God captures and changes our lives. Jeremiah laments that God has lured him in and now he’s stuck, a “burning fire shut up in my bones” if he tries not to speak the word of God. Paul proclaims we have been baptized into nothing less than the death and resurrection of Jesus, which lets us “walk in newness of life”. Being a disciple, says Jesus in Matthew’s gospel, reprioritizes all relationships and enables us to find true life.

No vague notion here of being a better person because of being a Christian. Rather, following Christ claims our entire life and reorients us in love and sacrifice to God and to others. “Hear what our Lord Jesus Christ saith…”

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

Virtual Offices and Masses – To access and view the LIVE (and archived) services, please visit the parish Facebook page here (you do not need a FB account to tune in). To access accompanying Daily Office and Low Mass readings and resources (as well as archived services), please visit the parish website sermon page here.

Virtual Coffee Hour – Please join us for our Virtual Sunday Coffee Hour tomorrow, 21 June, at 11:30 am. To attend, please click here. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact Junior Warden Alison Huff via call or text at 401-465-8029 or email (alisonhuff12@gmail.com), or Jacob Ihnen via call or text at 712-348-5848 or email (jacob_ihnen@alumni.brown.edu). Thank you!

An Update About Easing Restrictions – While the Governor has issued permission for reopening churches to the public, we are intentionally going slowly for safety’s sake, following Bishop Knisely’s counsel. The participants you see at our online Masses may if they wish receive Holy Communion with the Priest/Celebrant. The Interim Rector, Wardens, and Vestry are beginning to make plans for reinstating in-person worship once the state moves to Phase III. A notice will be out soon with the details.

A Blessing for Father’s Day (21 June) – For our fathers, who have given us life and love, that we may show them respect and love, we pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.

For fathers who have lost a child through death, that their faith may give them hope, and their family and friends support and console them, we pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.

For fathers who have died, that God may bring them into the joy of his kingdom, we pray to the Lord. Lord, hear our prayer.

God our Father, in your wisdom and love you made all things. Bless these men, that they may be strengthened as Christian fathers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor them always with a spirit of profound respect. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

– taken from the Book of Blessings (1989)

The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist [Patron of the Cathedral and Diocese of Rhode Island] (24 June) – a major feast day of the church year, will be celebrated this coming Wednesday with Virtual Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm and Virtual Low Mass at 6 pm.

Recurring Email Scam – It has been brought to our attention that a common scam has returned where an email sent from someone claiming to be our priest asks for a favor. Please do not respond to this email if you receive it. For more information on this scam and how to report it, please see this article from the Federal Trade Commission.

Concerning Pledges and the Sunday Offering – A key worry in this time of physical distancing is that our inability to gather as a church damages our income. We have heard nothing from the public health authorities about the risks of virus transmission through the mail, so feel free to mail your check to the church. Alternatively, it is quite straightforward to give online by clicking here to visit S. Stephen’s online giving page, where you can use the payment portal week by week or set up a recurring direct deposit program with your bank. We are grateful for your generous response to our appeal for pledges in this transition year. Now the challenge is for us to receive and collect these pledges. We don’t know how long this period of physical distancing will have to last. If you are experiencing financial difficulties which hurt your ability to keep a pledge you made before this crisis of the coronavirus, please do not hesitate to let us know. Thank you for your love of S. Stephen’s.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS 

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

Anniversary of Ordination to Sacred Diaconate: Fr. Harrington M. Gordon (6/24/55).

Birthdays this week: Betsy Dake (Tuesday 6/23), Julia Steiny (Wednesday 6/24), and Louis Verdelotti (Friday 6/26).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Mama Kelly (21 June 2019), Terry Wilkes (22 June 1999), Anna Leocadia Baronie (22 June 1974), Dorothy Van Slyck Eagles (23 June 1997), Alfreida Louise Moore (24 June 1996), Mortimer G. Hitt, Priest (25 June 1994). Recently Departed: Maxine Faith (Troyer) Bontrager (6/7/2020).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion): The Most Rev’d Henry Chukwudum Ndukuba, Metropolitan & Primate of all Nigeria & Bishop of Abuja; in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, for the campers, counselors and staff of the Episcopal Conference Center as they cope with the limited ability to gather this year.

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 27 June
Epiphany Soup Kitchen (Meal Pickup Only)  2:30-4:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

* ALL IN-PERSON SUNDAY AND WEEKDAY SERVICES LIMITED TO 5 PEOPLE TOTAL
* ALL SERVICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS

Sunday 21 June
THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Virtual Low Mass  10 am

Daily Office and Mass Lectionary: Proper 7, Year Two

Monday 22 June
FERIA (G)
Alban, First Martyr in Britain, c. 304
Paulinus, Bishop of Nola, 431
Thomas More, Scholar, and John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, Martyrs, 1535
Virtual Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Virtual Low Mass  6 pm

Tuesday 23 June
FERIA (G)
Etheldreda, Abbess of Ely, c. 678
Virtual Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Virtual Low Mass  12:10 pm

Wednesday 24 June
THE NATIVITY OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST [PATRON OF THE CATHEDRAL AND DIOCESE OF RHODE ISLAND] (W)
Virtual Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Virtual Low Mass  6 pm

Thursday 25 June
FERIA (G)
Virtual Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Virtual Low Mass  12:10 pm

Friday 26 June
FERIA (G)
John and Paul, Martyrs at Rome, c. 362
Virtual Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Virtual Low Mass  12:10 pm

Saturday 27 June
FERIA (G)
Cyril, Bishop of Alexandria, 444
Virtual Morning Prayer  9:30 am
Virtual Low Mass  10 am

Sunday 28 June
FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Virtual Low Mass  10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (28 June)

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (Year A)
Jeremiah 28:5-9
Psalm 89:1-4, 14-17
Romans 6:12-23 

Matthew 10:40-42

PARISH NOTES 

Sunday 14 June 2020

The Defenders of the Eucharist (17th century) by Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640). Oil on canvas. John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, FL.

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS 

Corpus Christi (Year A)
Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14b-16a
Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20
1 Corinthians 10:16-17
John 6:51-58

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

Herbert Howells (1892 – 1983)—Two slow airs: 1. Rather slow with gentle feeling

Improvisation on “Lauda Sion Salvatorem”

Herbert Murrill (1909 – 1952)—Carillon

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.

A WORD FROM FATHER LOCKE

This Sunday we celebrate the Feast of Corpus Christi, giving thanks for the gift of the Holy Eucharist and the Real Presence of Our Lord in the sacrament. The feast came into the Church in the 13th century as a way to more joyfully celebrate this gift apart from the solemnity of Maundy Thursday in Holy Week.

In our Gospel reading Jesus says he is “the living bread which came down from heaven”, and then shocks his listeners by telling them they must eat his flesh and drink his blood. Doing so is to abide - or as Paul says, participate - in Jesus. We are united with Christ, and with one another, as we take his very presence into our lives.

The current pandemic with its worship restrictions makes this a difficult, almost painful celebration this year. The prayer for spiritual communion in the Kalendar for this Sunday’s Mass reminds us that we can be joined to Christ through the offering of the Eucharist, even if we are not able to physically receive the Sacrament.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Virtual Offices and Masses – To access and view the LIVE (and archived) services, please visit the parish Facebook page here (you do not need a FB account to tune in). To access accompanying Daily Office and Low Mass readings and resources (as well as archived services), please visit the parish website sermon page here.

Virtual Coffee Hour – Please join us for our Virtual Sunday Coffee Hour tomorrow, 14 June, at 11:30 am. To attend, please click here. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact Junior Warden Alison Huff via call or text at 401-465-8029 or email (alisonhuff12@gmail.com), or Jacob Ihnen via call or text at 712-348-5848 or email (jacob_ihnen@alumni.brown.edu). Thank you!

A Note About Easing Restrictions – While the Governor has issued permission for reopening churches to the public, we are intentionally going slowly for safety’s sake, following Bishop Knisely’s counsel. The participants you see at our online Masses may if they wish receive Holy Communion with the Priest/Celebrant. For the time being, we are limiting total in-person participants to five. Then we shall see about enlarging these numbers as we learn the various protocols for avoiding COVID-19 infections.

Monthly Commemoration of the Departed – whose year’s mind falls during June will be offered virtually this coming Saturday, 20 June, 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!

Recurring Email Scam – It has been brought to our attention that a common scam has returned where an email sent from someone claiming to be our priest asks for a favor. Please do not respond to this email if you receive it. For more information on this scam and how to report it, please see this article from the Federal Trade Commission.

Concerning Pledges and the Sunday Offering – A key worry in this time of physical distancing is that our inability to gather as a church damages our income. We have heard nothing from the public health authorities about the risks of virus transmission through the mail, so feel free to mail your check to the church. Alternatively, it is quite straightforward to give online by clicking here to visit S. Stephen’s online giving page, where you can use the payment portal week by week or set up a recurring direct deposit program with your bank. We are grateful for your generous response to our appeal for pledges in this transition year. Now the challenge is for us to receive and collect these pledges. We don’t know how long this period of physical distancing will have to last. If you are experiencing financial difficulties which hurt your ability to keep a pledge you made before this crisis of the coronavirus, please do not hesitate to let us know. Thank you for your love of S. Stephen’s.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS 

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

Birthdays this week: Charles Andrews (Sunday 6/14), DeOnte Latimer (Sunday 6/14), Andrew Campbell (Friday 6/19), and Modu Johnson (Saturday 6/20).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Palmer Congdon (14 June 1989), Agnes McCoy (16 June 1984), J. Carter Brown (17 June 2002), Rafaello Fasano (17 June 1944), and John P. Ladds (18 June 2018). Recently Departed: Maxine Faith (Troyer) Bontrager (6/7/2020).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for the Church of the Province of Myanmar (Burma): The Most Rev’d Stephen Than Myint Oo, Archbishop of Myanmar and Bishop of Yangon; in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, for all retired clergy of our Diocese.

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S 

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Saturday 20 June
Guild of All Souls  10 am

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 20 June
Epiphany Soup Kitchen (Meal Pickup Only)  2:30-4:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

* ALL IN-PERSON SUNDAY AND WEEKDAY SERVICES LIMITED TO 5 PEOPLE TOTAL
* ALL SERVICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS

Sunday 14 June
CORPUS CHRISTI (W)
Virtual Low Mass  10 am

Daily Office and Mass Lectionary: Proper 6, Year Two

Monday 15 June
FERIA (G)
Evelyn Underhill, Spiritual Writer, 1941
Virtual Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Virtual Low Mass  6 pm

Tuesday 16 June
FERIA (G)
Joseph Butler, Bishop of Durham, 1752
Virtual Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Virtual Low Mass  12:10 pm

Wednesday 17 June
FERIA (G)
Virtual Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Virtual Low Mass  6 pm

Thursday 18 June
FERIA (G)
Bernard Mizeki, Catechist and Martyr in Rhodesia, 1896
Virtual Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Virtual Low Mass  12:10 pm

Friday 19 June
FERIA (G)
Gervase and Protase (Gervasius and Protasius), Martyrs at Milan, 2nd cent.
Virtual Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Virtual Low Mass  12:10 pm

Saturday 20 June
FERIA
Virtual Morning Prayer  9:30 am
Virtual Low Requiem Mass  10 am (Black)

Sunday 21 June
THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Virtual Low Mass  10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (21 June)
Third Sunday after Pentecost (Year A)
Jeremiah 20:7-13
Psalm 69:7-19
Romans 6:1b-11 

Matthew 10:24-39

PARISH NOTES 

Sunday 7 June 2020

Holy Trinity, Central Panel from the High Altar of the Trinity Church, Mosóc (1471) by Master GH (c. 1400-c. 1500). Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest, Hungary.

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS 

Trinity Sunday (Year A)
Genesis 1:1—2:4a
Psalm 8
2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Matthew 28:16-20

THIS SUNDAY’S MUSIC

J. S. Bach (1685 – 1750)—Choral “Nun freut euch, lieben Christen g’mein,” BWV 734

J. S. Bach—Fugue à la Gigue, BWV 577

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.

AN INTRODUCTION BY FATHER LOCKE

 

Dear People of S. Stephen’s,

I am delighted to take on a new role here at S. Stephen’s as your Interim Rector. I join you in giving thanks for Fr. Mead’s leadership over the past year, and I am personally grateful for his invitation to me to be part of the weekday Masses since last June.

I have been engaged in interim ministry for the last several years, with S. Stephen’s now being the eighth parish I have served in that capacity. I find that I can draw on my experience of being a rector for nearly 20 years and bring that to the interim setting, which is at once a time of some stress and uncertainty as well as a time of anticipation and maybe even a new thing or two. Throw in now a pandemic and we find ourselves in interesting times.

I am glad to say that Fr. Pearson is continuing his involvement with S. Stephen’s by way of covering the Offices and Masses on Fridays and Saturdays, as well as assisting with pastoral care. His offering to our parish in this time of transition is invaluable.

Please feel free to be in touch by phone or email (421-6702; rector@sstephens.necoxmail.com). I eagerly await the time when we can easily meet in person.

Faithfully,

Fr. Locke

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

A Warm Welcome – to Fr. Bill Locke on his first Sunday at S. Stephen’s as Interim Rector!

Virtual Offices and Masses – To access and view the LIVE (and archived) services, please visit the parish Facebook page here (you do not need a FB account to tune in). To access accompanying Daily Office and Low Mass readings and resources (as well as archived services), please visit the parish website sermon page here.

Fr. Mead’s Sendoff – Please join us virtually for a formally informal sendoff at this Sunday’s Coffee Hour on 7 June at 11:30 am. To attend, please click here. If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to contact Junior Warden Alison Huff via call or text at 401-465-8029 or email (alisonhuff12@gmail.com), or Jacob Ihnen via call or text at 712-348-5848 or email (jacob_ihnen@alumni.brown.edu). Thank you!

A Note About Easing Restrictions – While the Governor has issued permission for reopening churches to the public, we are intentionally going slowly for safety’s sake, following Bishop Knisely’s counsel. The participants you see at our online Masses may if they wish receive Holy Communion with the Priest/Celebrant. For the time being, we are limiting total in-person participants to five. Then we shall see about enlarging these numbers as we learn the various protocols for avoiding COVID-19 infections.

Recurring Email Scam – It has been brought to our attention that a common scam has returned where an email sent from someone claiming to be our priest asks for a favor. Please do not respond to this email if you receive it. For more information on this scam and how to report it, please see this article from the Federal Trade Commission.

Vestry Meeting – The Vestry will virtually conduct its monthly meeting this coming Tuesday, 9 June, at 7 pm.

Saint Barnabas the Apostle (11 June) – a major feast day of the church year, will be celebrated this coming Thursday with Virtual Noonday Prayer at 12 noon and Virtual Low Mass at 12:10 pm.

Concerning Pledges and the Sunday Offering – A key worry in this time of physical distancing is that our inability to gather as a church damages our income. We have heard nothing from the public health authorities about the risks of virus transmission through the mail, so feel free to mail your check to the church. Alternatively, it is quite straightforward to give online by clicking here to visit S. Stephen’s online giving page, where you can use the payment portal week by week or set up a recurring direct deposit program with your bank. We are grateful for your generous response to our appeal for pledges in this transition year. Now the challenge is for us to receive and collect these pledges. We don’t know how long this period of physical distancing will have to last. If you are experiencing financial difficulties which hurt your ability to keep a pledge you made before this crisis of the coronavirus, please do not hesitate to let us know. Thank you for your love of S. Stephen’s.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

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

Anniversary of Ordination to Sacred Diaconate: Fr. Norman J. Catir, Jr. (6/11/58) and Fr. Andrew C. Mead (6/11/71).

Birthdays this week: Jane Malone (Monday 6/8) and Althea Latimer (Saturday 6/13).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Arria Sargent Huntington (7 June 1996), Peter C. Barnes (10 June 1979), Warren Davis Phillips (13 June 1986), David Hale Baldwin (13 June 1999), and Maria DiMezza Nicolella (13 June 1968). Recently Departed: Maxine Faith (Troyer) Bontrager (6/7/2020).

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, we are asked to pray for La Iglesia Anglicana de Mexico: The Most Rev’d Francisco Moreno, Presiding Bishop of La Iglesia Anglicana de Mexico & Bishop of Northern Mexico; in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, for the people and clergy of Trinity, Cranston; Trinity, Newport; Trinity, North Scituate; Holy Trinity, Tiverton; St. Columba’s, Middletown; and St. Barnabas’, Warwick.

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S 

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Tuesday 9 June
Vestry Meeting  7 pm

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 13 June
Epiphany Soup Kitchen (Meal Pickup Only)  2:30-4:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

* ALL IN-PERSON SUNDAY AND WEEKDAY SERVICES LIMITED TO 5 PEOPLE TOTAL
* ALL SERVICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS

Sunday 7 June
TRINITY SUNDAY (W)
Virtual Low Mass  10 am

Daily Office and Mass Lectionary: Proper 5, Year Two

Monday 8 June
FERIA (G)
William, Archbishop of York, 1154
Virtual Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Virtual Low Mass  6 pm

Tuesday 9 June
FERIA (G)
Columba, Abbot of Iona, 597
Virtual Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Virtual Low Mass  12:10 pm

Wednesday 10 June
FERIA (G)
Ephrem of Edessa, Deacon, 373
Virtual Evening Prayer  5:30 pm
Virtual Low Mass  6 pm

Thursday 11 June
SAINT BARNABAS THE APOSTLE (R)
Virtual Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Virtual Low Mass  12:10 pm

Friday 12 June
FERIA (G)
Virtual Noonday Prayer  12 noon
Virtual Low Mass  12:10 pm

Saturday 13 June
FERIA (G)
Anthony of Padua, Priest & Doctor, 1231
Virtual Morning Prayer  9:30 am
Virtual Low Mass  10 am

Sunday 14 June
CORPUS CHRISTI (W)
Virtual Low Mass  10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (14 June)

Corpus Christi (Year A)
Deuteronomy 8:2-3, 14b-16a
Psalm 147:12-15, 19-20
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 

John 6:51-58