PARISH NOTES

Sunday 3 September 2017

Contemporary Icon of Jesus and Peter

FROM THE RECTOR

This Sunday's Gospel features the poignant exchange in which Peter remonstrates with Jesus for predicting that he must go to Jerusalem, suffer many things, be killed and on the third day rise again. Jesus responds harshly: "Get behind me, Satan," making clear that Peter's objection is nothing less than a temptation to abandon his mission. Then speaking to the disciples, Jesus utters his famous saying: "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me." Preaching about the cost of discipleship is not often recommended as a strategy for evangelism and church growth. Yet the paradox of the Gospel is that we only gain our lives by laying them down in the Lord's service. Join us this Sunday as we explore this mystery of dying and rising in Christ. – Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost – Proper 17, Year A
Jeremiah 15:15-21
Psalm 26:1-8
Romans 12:9-21
Matthew 16:21-28

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Guest Organist – We welcome Daryl Bichel at the organ again today while James Busby is on vacation.

Public Holiday Schedule – On Labor Day (Monday), we will hold Morning Prayer at 9:30 am, with Low Mass following at 10:00 am.

Monthly Requiem – Due to Labor Day weekend, the Monthly Requiem for the departed of this parish whose year’s mind falls during September will be offered Monday 11 September at 6 pm (preceded by Evening Prayer at 5:30 pm). If you have any names to add to the list of those remembered, please email Fr. Alexander

Hurricane Harvey Relief -- to contribute to the Episcopal Church's relief operations on the Texas / Louisiana Gulf Coast, we are invited to donate directly online via the Episcopal Relief and Development website at http://www.episcopalrelief.org/hurricane-harvey-response. Alternatively, checks may be written payable to "Episcopal Charities Fund of RI" with "Hurricane Harvey Relief" in the memo line and mailed to Episcopal Charities, 275 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02903. Thank you for your generosity in helping those afflicted.

Society of Mary -- This month's meeting has been postponed to this Saturday, September 9, beginning with Holy Rosary following the 10 a.m. Mass and a brief meeting to follow in the Great Hall. All are welcome and invited to join us.

Epiphany Soup Kitchen (ESK) Fundraiser – a gathering to generate publicity for ESK and raise funds towards purchase of a new freezer will be held at the Portuguese-American Social Club, 32 Sheldon Street, Providence, Thursday 28 September from 6 pm to 8 pm. The event includes appetizers and cash bar. Tickets are $20 and are available today from Susan Brazil or Bruce Lennihan.

Sunday Eight O'Clock Service – During the months of July and August, the Sunday 8 o'clock Mass has begun with an abbreviated form of Morning Prayer followed immediately by the Eucharist. Regular attendees of the 8 o'clock Mass are welcome and invited to discuss with the Rector how they have found this change before we set about making it permanent. Fr. Alexander will be glad to hear thoughts about it following the 8 am Masses over the coming several Sundays.

Nave Flooring Project – We are pleased to announce that over the coming few months the entire tile floor under the pews will be covered over with a layer of birch paneling that will vastly improve the church's appearance and create a smooth surface underfoot. This project will not impact our Sunday worship schedule; but please exercise all due care and avoid any areas that have been cordoned off for this construction.

New Lights – Meanwhile, overhead, you may notice new lights shining in the hanging lanterns in the nave. These LED bulbs give increased light at greatly reduced energy usage and cost. We hope they make an improvement.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

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

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Malcolm Donald Hyman (4 September 2009), Alan Peter Maynard, Priest (7 September 2006); Recently Departed: Phebe Jacobs, Townsend Cass, Russell Langworthy, Jan Wantland, and Stephen Powers, Priest.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the church in San Diego: The Rt Revd James Mathes, and in San Joaquin: The Rt Revd Chester Talton and The Rt Revd David Rice; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for a blessing upon all human labor and for those who suffer want and anxiety from lack of work.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC S Brazil; Thurifer J Starks; Torches F Pisaturo, K Retjo
Lector – T Oakes
Ushers – B Lennihan, L Verdelotti
Coffee Hour – The Society of Mary

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS, & MEETINGS

Wednesday 6 September
Frank Pisaturo Parish Discernment Team 7 pm (Library)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Friday 8 September
Reformed University Fellowship 5 pm (Great Hall)

Saturday 9 September
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 3 September
THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am

Monday 4 September
Birinus, Bishop of Dorchester, Apostle of Wessex, 650 (G or W)
Morning Prayer 9:30 am
Low Mass 10:00 pm

Tuesday 5 September
Boris & Gleb (Romanus & David), Princes, Martyrs, 1015 (G or R)
Noonday Prayer 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 6 September
FERIA (G)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass with 6 pm

Thursday 7 September
FERIA (G)
Noonday Prayer 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Friday 8 September
THE BIRTH OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (W or Blue)
Noonday Prayer 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 9 September
Charles Fuge Lowder, Priest, Founder of the Society of the Holy Cross, 1880;

Constance, Nun, and Companions, 1878 (G or W)
Morning Prayer 9:30 am
Low Mass 10 am
Holy Rosary 10:30 am

Sunday 10 September
FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (10 September)

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost – Proper 18, Year A

Ezekiel 33:7-11
Psalm 119:33-40
Romans 13:8-14
Matthew 18:15-20

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PARISH NOTES

Sunday 27 August 2017

Pietro Perugini, Delivery of the Keys to Saint Peter, 1480

FROM THE RECTOR

In this Sunday's Gospel, Peter confesses Jesus to be the Messiah, the Christ, and Jesus in turn proclaims Peter the rock on whom he will build his Church and to whom he will entrust the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Come join us at Mass this Sunday as we explore the implications of this exchange for the life of the Church in our own day. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost – Proper 16, Year A 

Isaiah 51:1-6

Psalm 138

Romans 12:1-8

Matthew 16:13-20

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Guest Organist – we welcome Daryl Bichel at the organ today while James Busby is on vacation.

Epiphany Soup Kitchen (ESK) Fundraiser – a gathering to generate publicity for ESK and raise funds towards purchase of a new freezer will be held at the Portuguese-American Social Club, 32 Sheldon Street, Providence, Thursday 28 September from 6 pm to 8 pm. The event includes appetizers and cash bar. Tickets are $20 and are available today from Susan Brazil or Bruce Lennihan.

Society of Mary – will meet on Saturday 2 September for Holy Rosary following the 10 a.m. Mass. A short meeting will follow in the Great Hall. (This meeting has now been postponed to next Saturday, 9 September.)

Sunday Eight O'Clock Service – During the months of July and August, the Sunday 8 o'clock Mass has begun with an abbreviated form of Morning Prayer followed immediately by the Eucharist. Regular attendees of the 8 o'clock Mass are welcome and invited to discuss with the Rector how they have found this change before we set about making it permanent. Fr. Alexander will be glad to hear thoughts about it following the 8 am Masses over the coming several Sundays.

Nave Flooring Project – We are pleased to announce that over the coming few months the entire tile floor under the pews will be covered over with a layer of birch paneling that will vastly improve the church's appearance and create a smooth surface underfoot. This project will not impact our Sunday worship schedule; but please exercise all due care and avoid any areas that have been cordoned off for this construction.

New Lights – Meanwhile, overhead, you may notice new lights shining in the hanging lanterns in the nave. These LED bulbs give increased light at greatly reduced energy usage and cost. We hope that they make an improvement.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

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

Birthdays this week: Simon Newby (29 August)

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Eleanor Fayerweather (30 August 1992), and Robert Thomas McElligott (2 September 1989); Recently Departed: Townsend Cass, Jan Wantland.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the church in Ruvuma (Tanzania): The Rt. Rev’d Maternus Kapinga; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for students and leaders of our campus ministries at URI and Brown/RISD.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC F Pisaturo; Thurifer L Verdelotti; Torches R Callanan, V Johnson

Lector – P Pettingell

Ushers – E Drew, T Oakes

Coffee Hour – The Rejto / Elliot Family

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 2 September 

Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 27 August

TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)

Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8 am

Sung Mass 10 am

Monday 28 August

Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, Teacher, 430 (W)

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Requiem Mass 6 pm 

Tuesday 29 August

Beheading of John the Baptist (G or R)

Noonday Prayer 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 30 August

Charles Chapman Grafton, Bishop of Fond du Lac, 1912 (G or W)

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Low Mass with 6 pm

Thursday 31 August

Aidan, Bishop of Lindisfarne, Missionary, 651 (G or W)

Noonday Prayer 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Friday 1 September

Giles of Provence, Hermit, c. 710 (G or W)

Noonday Prayer 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 2 September

The Martyrs of Papua New Guinea, 1942 (G or R)

Morning Prayer 9:30 am

Low Mass 10 am

Sunday 3 September

THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)

Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8 am

Sung Mass 10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (3 September)

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost – Proper 17, Year A 

Jeremiah 15:15-21

Psalm 26:1-8

Romans 12:9-21

Matthew 16:21-28

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PARISH NOTES

Sunday 20 August 2017

Jesus and the Canaanite Woman
Serbian fresco, 14th century

FROM THE RECTOR

This Sunday's Gospel (from Saint Matthew) features the Canaanite woman from the region of Tyre and Sidon who approaches Jesus seeking healing for her daughter. While many things can be said about this story, it is clear that Matthew holds up this woman as a model of perseverance in prayer. She persists in asking Jesus for what she needs in the face of his initial silence and then his apparent rudeness in refusing her request. In this way she challenges us to remain faithful in worship and prayer, confident that God always grants us what we truly need in the end. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost – Proper 15, Year A
Isaiah 56:1, 6-8
Psalm 67
Romans 11:1-2a,29-32
Matthew 15:(10-20), 21-28

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Saint Bartholomew the Apostle (August 24th) – a major feast of the church year, will be kept on Thursday with Noonday Prayer at 12 pm, followed by Low Mass.

A Gentle Reminder on Building Security – If you are working at the Church or Guild House in any capacity, please be sure to shut all windows and turn off all lights, fans, and other appliances in the areas where you have been working before you leave, and check to make sure doors are locked and firmly latched as you depart.

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

Nave Flooring Project – We are pleased to announce that over the coming few months the entire tile floor under the pews will be covered over with a layer of birch paneling that will vastly improve the church's appearance and create a smooth surface underfoot. This project will not impact our Sunday worship schedule; but please exercise all due care and avoid any areas that have been cordoned off for this construction.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

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

Birthdays this week: Crystal Malone-Drew & Joel McCoy (21 August), and Patricia Barnes (26 August).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Frank B. Mauk (20 August 1987), Edith Woolsey Nutt (22 August 2005), Robert E. Latham (23 August 1999), Phoebe Robertson (23 August 2016), Thomas Edward Goode (24 August 1991), Florence Thorpe (24 August 1994), and Sheila Kathleen Beresford (26 August 1986); Recently Departed: Townsend Cass.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the church in Rochester (USA) (II, The Episcopal Church): The Rt. Rev’d Prince Singh; Rochester (Canterbury, England) The Rt. Rev’d James Langstaff; and Rochester (Canterbury, England); and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for 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; Thurifer F Pisaturo; Torches V Johnson, C Sylvia
Lector – M Johnson
Ushers – T Bledsoe, S Newby
Coffee Hour – S Brazil, N Gingrich

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

PARISH PROGRAMS, EVENTS & MEETINGS

Wednesday 23 August
Frank Pisaturo Parish Discernment Committee 7 pm (Library)

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 26 August
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 20 August
ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am

Monday 21 August
Jane Frances de Chantal, Founder of the Order of the Visitation, 1641 (G or W)
Abraham of Smolensk, Abbot, 1221
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 22 August
Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary (G or Blue)
Noonday Prayer 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 23 August
Rose of Lima, Dominican Nun, 1617 (G or W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass with 6 pm

Thursday 24 August
SAINT BARTHOLOMEW THE APOSTLE (R)
Noonday Prayer 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Friday 25 August
Louis, King of France, 1270 (G or W)
Noonday Prayer 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 26 August
Dominic Barberi, Priest, Religious, Missionary, 1849 (G or W)
Morning Prayer 9:30 am
Low Mass 10 am

Sunday 27 August
TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (27 August)

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost – Proper 16, Year A
Isaiah 51:1-6
Psalm 138
Romans 12:1-8
Matthew 16:13-20

PARISH NOTES

Sunday 13 August 2017

Saint Peter Attempting to Walk on Water,
Cathédrale Saint-Louis, Versailles
François Boucher, 1766

FROM THE RECTOR

This Sunday's readings describe crises of faith. The Prophet Elijah flees to Mount Horeb and complains to God that the nation of Israel has abandoned its religion and "I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away." In response, God manifests his presence in wind, earthquake, and fire; but then speaks to Elijah in "a still, small voice." In the Gospel Jesus comes walking over the storm-tossed Sea of Galilee to his disciples in their wave-beaten boat, but when Peter gets out of the boat and attempts to walk on the water to Jesus his faith falters and he starts to sink beneath the waves, crying out, "Lord, save me." In both cases, the Lord gives decisive reassurance of his promises of salvation -- not only in the midst of the storm but even more in the calm that follows. Come join us at Mass this Sunday as we explore the drama of these crises and the peace passing understanding that only God can give. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost – Proper 14, Year A 

1 Kings 19:9-18

Psalm 85:8-13

Romans 10:5-15

Matthew 14:22-33 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Feast of the Assumption – This Tuesday 15 August, we will keep the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with Evensong and Sung Mass commencing at 5:30 pm in our Lady Chapel as part of our series of joint celebrations with St. John’s, Newport. The preacher will be the Rev. Deacon Buck Close. All are welcome and invited to attend. Noonday Prayer will be said as usual at 12 noon, but the regularly scheduled 12:10 Low Mass will not be offered.

Nave Flooring Project -- we are pleased to announce that over the coming few months the entire tile floor under the pews will be covered over with a layer of birch paneling that will vastly improve the church's appearance and create a smooth surface underfoot. This project will not impact our Sunday worship schedule; but please exercise all due care and avoid any areas that have been cordoned off for this construction.

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

A Gentle Reminder on Building Security – If you are working at the Church or Guild House in any capacity, please be sure to shut all windows and turn off all lights, fans, and other appliances in the areas where you have been working before you leave, and check to make sure doors are locked and firmly latched as you depart.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

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

Birthdays this week: Phoebe Pettingell (14 August), Patricia Fuller (15 August), and Bruce Lennihan (17 August).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: J. Thomas Kershaw (14 August 2001), C. Jane Latham (14 August 2016), Myra F. Craven and Naomi Lane Babson Grieder (15 August 1985), and Sybil Moss (16 August 2006); Recently Departed: Townsend Cass, Mettie Fisher, Russell Langworthy.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the church in Remo (Lagos, Nigeria): The Rt. Rev’d Michael Fape; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of St. Mary’s, Portsmouth; St. Mary’s, East Providence; and for the leadership, staff, and students of St. Mary’s Home for Children.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC R Noble; Thurifer J Starks; Torches L Rejto, TBA

Lector – P Martin

Ushers – Z Painter, F Pisaturo

Coffee Hour – T & C Bledsoe

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 19 August

Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 13 August

TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)

Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8 am

Sung Mass 10 am

Monday 14 August

Maximilian Kolbe, Friar, Martyr, 1941 (G or R)

Jonathan Myrick Daniels, Seminarian, Civil Rights Worker, Martyr, 1965

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Low Mass 6 pm 

Tuesday 15 August

ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY (W)

Noonday Prayer 12 noon

(Please note: no Low Mass at 12:10 pm)

Evensong 5:30 pm

Sung Mass 6 pm

Wednesday 16 August

Stephen, King of Hungary, 1038 (G or W) 

Evening Prayer 5:30 pm

Low Mass with 6 pm

Thursday 17 August

Feria (G)

Noonday Prayer 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Friday 18 August

Feria (G)

Noonday Prayer 12 noon

Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 19 August

Feria (G)

Morning Prayer 9:30 am

Low Mass 10 am

Sunday 20 August

ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)

Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8 am

Sung Mass 10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (20 August)

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost – Proper 15, Year A 

Isaiah 56:1, 6-8

Psalm 67

Romans 11:1-2a,29-32

Matthew 15:(10-20), 21-28

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PARISH NOTES

Sunday 6 August 2017

The Transfiguration
Contemporary Coptic Orthodox Icon

FROM THE RECTOR

In The Book of Common Prayer, 1979, when a major feast falls on a Sunday, it is normally transferred to the first open day in the week that follows. The reason is that the celebration of the Lord's Day normally takes precedence over anything else. But the Transfiguration (August 6) is one of the three major feast days that take precedence over a Sunday on which they fall. (The other two are The Holy Name and the Presentation.) These rules may seem arcane but they are the Church's way of telling us that something not-to-be-missed is being commemorated on these days: something more important and exciting than anything else that might be going on.

At the Transfiguration, Jesus takes his disciples Peter, James, and John up on a mountain to pray. There they witness his appearance changed as he shines with the light of divine glory. The Old Testament prophets Moses and Elijah appear with him,  and a voice from heaven proclaims "This is my Son, my Chosen, listen to him!" This revelation of our Lord's divine glory is certainly something exciting, something not to be missed. Please join us as we celebrate this wonderful mystery this Sunday.
-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

The Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ
Exodus 34:29-35
Psalm 99
2 Peter 1:13-21
Luke 9:28-36

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Commemoration of August Departed – Those on the parish Year’s Mind list whose anniversaries fall during August will be prayed for at the Requiem Mass tomorrow evening, Monday 7 August at 6 pm. If you have names of departed family or friends to be remembered, please send them to Fr. Alexander at rector@sstephens.necoxmail.com and come join us if you can.

Assumption – On Tuesday 15 August, we will keep the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with Evensong and Sung Mass commencing at 5:30 pm in our Lady Chapel. All are welcome and invited to attend.

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

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

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

Birthdays this week: Catherine Bledsoe (12 August).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Frances Cecilia Lawton (9 August 1983); Recently Departed: Townsend Cass, Mettie Fisher, Yolanda Pisaturo.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the church in Puerto Rico (XI, The Episcopal Church): The Rt. Rev’d Wilfrido Ramos Orench; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of Church of the Transfiguration, Cranston, of Christ Church, Lincoln, and of Christ Church, Westerly.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC S Brazil; Thurifer Z Painter; Torches C Sylvia, L Verdelotti
Lector – T Oakes
Ushers – S Newby, N Gingrich
Coffee Hour – M Johnson & Family

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 5 August
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 6 August

TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (W)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am

Monday 7 August
John Mason Neale, Priest, Scholar, Hymn Writer, 1866
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Requiem Mass 6 pm (B)

Tuesday 8 August
Dominic, Friar, Founder of the Order of Preachers, 1221 (W)
Noonday Prayer 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 9 August
Herman of Alaska, Missionary, 1837 (G or W)
Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), Nun, Martyr, Patron of Europe, 1942
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass with 6 pm

Thursday 10 August
Lawrence, Deacon at Rome, Martyr, 258 (R)

Noonday Prayer 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Friday 11 August
Clare of Assisi, Founder of the Minoresses (Poor Clares), 1253 (G or W)
Noonday Prayer 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 12 August

Hippolytus, Priest, Teacher, Martyr at Rome, 235 (G or R)
Morning Prayer 9:30 am
Low Mass 10 am

Sunday 13 August
ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (13 August)

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost – Proper 14, Year A
1 Kings 19:9-18
Psalm 85:8-13
Romans 10:5-15
Matthew 14:22-33

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PARISH NOTES

Sunday 30 July 2017

Saint Matthew as Scribe
Lindisfarne Gospels, c. 700

FROM THE RECTOR

In this Sunday's Gospel our Lord tells his disciples a series of "Parables of the Kingdom," culminating in his intriguing dictum "Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the Kingdom of Heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure what is old and what is new." What is the old and what is the new? Join us this Sunday as we explore what it means to be a "scribe trained for the Kingdom of Heaven."
-- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Guest Organist – Please welcome Jeffrey Mills again this morning, as he fills in for James Busby, who is on vacation.

Summer Patronal Festival – on Thursday 3 August at the 12:10 am Low Mass, we will celebrate the Feast of the Finding of the Relics of Saint Stephen. For churches such as our own dedicated to Saint Stephen, this feast sometimes serves as a second patronal festival in addition to Saint Stephen's Day on December 26th. Those who desire to venerate the Relic will have the opportunity to do so following the Mass.

Society of Mary – will meet this Saturday 5 August for 9:30 am Morning Prayer and 10 am Mass, followed by recitation of the Rosary. Everyone is invited.

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

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

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

Birthdays this week: Rollin Bartlett (30 July) and Nancy Anderson Gingrich (31 July).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Anillo William Esposito (31 July 1985); Esther Lahiff-Naylor (1 August 1989), Theresa Jarvis (4 August 2011); Recently Departed: Yolanda Pisaturo.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the church in Pennsylvania, The Rt. Rev. Clifton Daniel; and Pittsburgh, The Rt. Rev. Dorsey W.M. McConnell; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the leadership and people of Amazing Grace at the ACI.

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC J Ihnen; Thurifer L Verdelotti; Torches L Hooks, R Noble
Lector – P Martin
Ushers – C Martel, S Brazil
Coffee Hour – E Hooks & L Latimer

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 5 August
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 30 July
EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am

Daily Office and Mass Lectionaries: Proper 12, Year One

Monday 31 July
Ignatius of Loyola, Founder of the Society of Jesus, 1556 (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 1 August
Alphonsus Liguori, Teacher 1787 (G or W)
Noonday Prayer 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 2 August
Feria (G)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass with 6 pm

Thursday 3 August
FINDING OF THE RELICS OF SAINT STEPHEN, 415 (R)
Noonday Prayer 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Friday 4 August
Jean-Baptiste Vianney, Cure d'Ars, 1859 (G or W)
Noonday Prayer 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 5 August
Oswald, King of Northumbria, Martyr, 642 (G or R)
Morning Prayer 9:30 am
Low Mass 10 am

Sunday 6 August
TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST (W)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (6 August)

The Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ
Exodus 34:29-35
2 Peter 1:13-21
Luke 9:28-36

PARISH NOTES

Sunday 23 July 2017

The Devil Sowing Tares
Attributed to Abraham Bloemaert, 1566-1651

FROM THE RECTOR

Is the Church a society of saints or a hospital for sinners? Based on his reading of this Sunday's Gospel, Saint Augustine of Hippo in the fourth century described it as a "mixed field" of wheat and weeds (or "tares") growing together until the final harvest. Join us this Sunday as we engage this intriguing parable of our Lord. -- Fr. John D. Alexander

THIS SUNDAY’S READINGS

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

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Guest Organist – Please welcome Jeffrey Mills again this morning, as he fills in for James Busby, who is on vacation.

Saint James the Apostle (July 25) – a major feast of the church year, will be kept on Tuesday with Noonday Prayer at 12 noon, and Low Mass at 12:10.

Newport Fast Ferry Trip – the Society of Mary is sponsoring a day’s excursion to Newport on the Fast Ferry this Saturday 29 July, departing Providence at 9:30 am, and departing Newport for the return trip to Providence at 5 pm. During our time in Newport we will attend at organ recital at St. John’s Church at 11:45 am. Then we’re on our own for lunch, sightseeing, and shopping for the afternoon. All are welcome and invited to join us: please make your reservations and pay for your tickets directly at www.seastreak.com.

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

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

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

Birthdays this week: Arthur Bledsoe (23 July). Birthdays last week: Ed Hooks (16 July), Luke Tessier (17 July), Fr. Harrington Gordon (19 July), Molly Bledsoe and Tatjana Johnson (21 July).

The faithful departed: Year’s Mind: Helen W. Williams (28 July 1996); Recently Departed: Yolanda Pisaturo.

Anglican and Diocesan Cycles of Prayer – In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer, please pray for the church in Osun North East (Ibadan, Nigeria): The Rt. Rev’d Humphery Olumakaiye; and in the Diocesan Cycle of Prayer, please pray for rthe leadership and people of St. James, North Providence, St. James, Woonsocket, and St.Ann’s by-the-Sea, Block Island

THE SUNDAY ROTA

Acolytes – MC Z Painter; Thurifer R Noble; Torches J Ihnen, L Rejto
Lector – P Pettingell
Ushers – P Barnes, L Verdelotti
Coffee Hour – N Gingrich, S Brazil

THIS WEEK AT S. STEPHEN’S

EXTRA-PAROCHIAL EVENTS HOSTED AT S. STEPHEN’S

Saturday 29 July
Epiphany Soup Kitchen 2:30 pm

LITURGICAL CALENDAR & SERVICE SCHEDULE

Sunday 23 July
SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am

Monday 24 July
Thomas à Kempis, Priest, 1471 (G or W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass 6 pm

Tuesday 25 July
SAINT JAMES THE APOSTLE (R)
Noonday Prayer 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Wednesday 26 July
Anne and Joachim, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary (W)
Evening Prayer 5:30 pm
Low Mass with 6 pm

Thursday 27 July
Feria (G)
Noonday Prayer 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Friday 28 July
Samson of Dol, Bishop, Abbot, 565 (G or W)
Noonday Prayer 12 noon
Low Mass 12:10 pm

Saturday 29 July
Mary, Martha, and Lazarus of Bethany (W)
Morning Prayer 9:30 am
Low Mass 10 am

Sunday 30 July
EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (G)
Morning Prayer & Low Mass 8 am
Sung Mass 10 am

NEXT SUNDAY'S READINGS (30 July)

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

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