Application Submition Closed Friday March 18, 2010

Thank you for all who have applied.  The committee will be in touch about our continued discernment process.

Warden Kathy Mullins Weekly Update Dated 3/20/11

To St. Stephen's Parishioners:

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES

Sunday March 20 - 8 AM AND 10 AM  Second Sunday in Lent. The Rev. Cooper Conway, Interim Rector is the celebrant and preacher.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, March 20  Coffee Hour   This is Bread Sunday-- Share yours at Coffee Hour

Sunday, March 20  11:15 AM  Lenten Forum led by Rev. Karen Eberhardt, Interim Deacon

Friday, March 25 - Sunday, March 27  Middle School Retreat, Cross Roads Camp

Thursday, March 31  7:30 PM   Preschool Committee Meeting

ANNOUNCEMENTS
UPDATE FROM SEARCH COMMITTEE.   The Search Committee is meeting regularly and working diligently. The committee is expected to report to the vestry each month and to keep the congregation informed about its progress. Today they are issuing another progress report.  As always that reporting must take place within the confidentiality restrictions imposed on the members of the committee.  At the end of this report the search committee invites parishioners to ask questions about the process and next steps.  If you do, and should you feel that you are getting the run around, please remember that Search committee members  cannot state specifics, such as who they are considering or not considering. While they welcome your interest, they cannot tell you -- or even hint at-- who might be a viable candidate, so please do not press them to do so. Here is the latest Search Committee update:

The St. Stephen's Search Committee reports that it has entered an exciting phase of the rector search process.  During January and February the committee whittled down applications to a manageable number of serious candidates, and began interviewing these candidates by phone in early March.  This process will continue over the next few weeks.  As we evaluate these interviews we’re beginning to identify top candidates who we’ll visit at their current parishes to observe them real-time with their congregations.  That phase of the process should begin in April.  From there, a small group of finalists will be selected and presented to the vestry, who will enter into the final stages of discernment.  The interview stage is the culmination of a lot of time spent studying candidates, who have submitted responses to our written questions, as well as sermons and personal statements regarding their interest in St. Stephen’s.  We’ve been very impressed with the response to our opening; in fact, applications were coming in right up until the deadline, which was last Friday, March18. 

Members of the committee will be on hand at coffee hour following the 10am service on March 20 to take any questions about the process and next steps.

Here, once again, are the names of the members of the Search Committee. Seek out any one of them during the Coffee Hour tomorrow and ask your questions:  Paul Boegershausen, Sheelagh Clarke, Dick Cole, Claas Ehlers, Nikki Ellingham, Margo Greenfield, Jeff Majtyka, Patti Moore, and Denise Price.  Remember to thank them for the enormous amount of time, creativity, and energy they are investing in finding the right person to join us in our continuing ministry.

CARE PACKAGES.  Kai Alston, who serves as the Diocesan Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries, sent out a reminder to parishes that during the youth of the diocese will be making care packages for military personnel and college students while attending the Confirmation Retreats. The packages are intended to be a token of encouragement and thanks.  She asks that each parish or individuals within the parish send her the addresses of people who might appreciate such a gift.  They don’t have to be Episcopalian.

NEW SUNDAY SCHOOL ROOM.  The former counseling office adjacent to the Auditorium/Gym has been converted into a new Sunday School room.  The children will be welcomed into the new space next Sunday (March 27) and parishioners will be invited in to see the space during coffee hour next Sunday.  A number of people made this possible. Special thanks to George Ritz of Infinity Floors in Pine Brook NJ for donating the carpet. It is a durable commercial grade in a versatile caramel shade. The large stick-on carpet sections will enable us to replace one section should there be a serious spill. George Ritz is a business associate of parishioner Eric Mauer and we thank Eric for coordinating the donation and installation. Besides all the energy that Linda Soughan brings to planning and organizing a creative Sunday School program, she is also handy with a paint brush. She is responsible for transforming the room with a bright sunshine-infused color. Thanks to all!

LENTEN FORUM.  This is the first Sunday in the Lenten Forum series being presented by the Rev. Karen Eberhardt. The series will look at Social Justice issues from varied perspectives.  This week discussion will start close to home, focusing on Prison Ministries, particularly about the effect  of incarceration on the children and families of prisoners. When the mother goes to  jail the children are often displaced from the home, which adds to their stress. Karen will share information about the work of the Prison Ministry Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark and lead us in considering possible ministries in this area.

MIDDLE SCHOOL RETREAT.    From March 25 - 27 the Rev. Cooper Conway will be with our youth in grades 6-8 at the Middle School Retreat.  This exciting event will be held at Cross Roads Retreat & Conference Center in Port Murray, NJ.  The theme is “Behind the Smile:  Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover”.  The retreat will encourage youth to learn each others’ stories instead of judging people too early. They’ll also play games, enjoy time making new friends and eat great food.  Kaileen Alston, Diocesan Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries is coordinating the event, which is intended to be part of preparation for confirmation next year.  Cooper says that 9 out of 12 middle school youth are planning to attend the fun-filled weekend.

Cross Roads Camp is a welcoming, ecumenical retreat center and camp of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark and the NJ Synod of the ELCA. It is accredited with the American Camp Association. If you have children be sure to find out about the summer camp program for youth, family camping and the year-round agenda of retreats. Cross Roads camp occupies 250 mountaintop acres in the beautiful Highlands of the Northwestern tip of Hunterdon County. Visit: <www.crossroadsretreat.com>

A LENTEN IDEA.  Many of us try to find ways to bring our family members together around a project.  What if your family could spend an hour or so engaged in an activity that benefits the environment, beautifies the town, teaches local history, gets everyone outdoors, and provides healthy exercise?  Does that hit enough hot buttons?  Here's the need:  During the winter while snow blanketed our area for an inordinate amount of time, our landscape company was  unable to carry out the usual pre-spring cleanup at the cemetery.  They are now playing catch-up, but way behind schedule. Families are showing up at the cemetery to find Christmas wreaths still in place, winter debris (fallen limbs, dead plants, plastic and paper and other wind-blown objects) cluttering the grounds. The challenge would be to select a small area of the cemetery, hand family members a trash bag (we've got a big supply) and as your family walks through that section talk about the names on the stone markers while bagging up the debris. Many denizens of our cemetery were  important figures in local history.  An hour's work would be a big help and could be very enjoyable. You would be making a valuable contribution and this could be lots of fun. If you are interested, be sure to let me (Kathy Mullins) know. I'll get you the needed supplies, some printed tips and suggest an area.

Warden Kathy Mullins Weekly Update Dated 3/13/11

To St. Stephen's Parishioners:

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES

Sunday March 13 - 8 AM AND 10 AM  First Sunday in Lent The Rev. Cooper Conway, Interim Rector is the celebrant and preacher.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, March 13, 11:15 AM  Presentation about Seaman’s Church Institute

Wednesday, March 16 7:30 PM Vestry meeting at Kathy Mullins home

Thursday, March 17, 7:30 PM  Finance Committee meeting

Sunday, March 20  Coffee Hour   This is Bread Sunday

Sunday, March 20  11:15 AM  Lenten Forum led by Rev. Karen Eberhardt, Interim Deacon

ANNOUNCEMENTS
TIME CHANGE.  Remember Daylight Savings Time -- set your clocks ahead. Lose an hour's sleep but come to church on time.

LEARN ABOUT SEAMEN’S CHURCH INSTITUTE.  This Sunday we welcome the Rev. Marjorie D. Lindstrom, Chaplain & Field Education Supervisor at the Port Newark facility of the Seamen's Church Institute (SCI).  During the coffee hour she will tell us about the work and mission of SCI. In this area there are SCI facilities in Port Newark, Brooklyn, and on Water Street in New York City. Founded in 1834, the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI) is North America’s largest mariner’s service agency. Though it is affiliated with the Episcopal Church, the organization is ecumenical in terms of staff, service and mission. SCI promotes safety, dignity, and improved working and living conditions for millions for men and women serving in the maritime workplace.

CHURCH MUSIC.  What do you think about the hymnal we use in worship, The Hymnal 1982?   The 77th General Convention. of the Episcopal Church said this:

The world of this new millennium is very different from that of the prior century, when The Hymnal 1982 and its predecessors were created.  Rapid liturgical, cultural and technological change continue to have an impact on the lives of all the faithful. A study of the need for a new hymnal for the Episcopal Church would explore sensitivity to expansive language, the diversity of worship styles, the richness of multicultural and global liturgical forms, and the enduring value of our Anglican musical heritage.  Assuming that a printed book as foundational, the group will also consider economical and efficient delivery vehicles for a new hymnal.   If the 77th General Convention decides to proceed with hymnal revision, the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music would then prepare texts for submission to the 79th Convention in 2015, with the goal of publishing a centenary hymnal for the Episcopal Church in 2018.

The Church Pension Group's Office of Research is assisting the Episcopal Church's Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music in fulfilling its General Convention mandate in Resolution B004 to determine whether a revision of The Hymnal 1982 is needed and wanted by the Episcopal Church.  Congregations, music directors, and clergy are invited to participate in the Hymnal Revision Feasibility Study, a landmark research study being conducted via online surveys and focus groups from fall 2010 to spring 2011.

Members of the congregation are encouraged to participate in this study by completing an online survey.  Each individual may complete the survey only once. The survey must be completed during a single session, so be sure you have enough time before you visit this URL <http://www.cpg.org/hymnalstudy2>.  This page offers links to three particular surveys appropriate to the roles of communicants (including some questions for choir members), music directors and clergy.  Spanish-version Hymnal Revision Feasibility Study surveys are also available on this page for Spanish-speaking members, music directors, and clergy in the Episcopal Church.  The deadline for completing the survey is April 30, 2011.

OSCAR PETERSON OIL PORTRAIT EXHIBIT.  Parishioner Oscar Peterson has been holed up in his studio painting, as he says, his fingers to the bone and his brushes to the ferrule,  preparing for his current exhibition.  He invites the St. Stephen's community to join him at his opening show and artist reception tomorrow, March 13 from 11 AM - 1 PM.  The show is being hosted by The Leon & Toby Cooperman JCC, in West Orange, NJ.  The exhibition is on view March 13 through April 24, 2011. A catalog and/or hand-out samples of the artists’ work will be available. For more information contact: The Leon & Toby Cooperman JCC Ross Family Campus, 760 Northfield Avenue, West Orange, NJ 07052 phone: 973-530-3400. Or contact Lisa Suss at 973-530-3413 or e-mail lsuss@jccmetrowest.org

Said Peterson, "I have quite a few new paintings and works on paper that you just have to see. Along with the art there will be good food, good drink, and hopefully – good press. Help spread the buzz. I’m really hoping to see you there and I appreciate all the support."

ENVIRONMENTAL MINISTRIES.  If you are interested in being a catalyst for Environmental Ministries at St. Stephen's, you will want to know about "Ground for Hope" a two-day workshop held in Philadelphia from April 10 - 11, 2011.  Our friends at GreenFaith, Interfaith Partners for the Environment, urge congregations to get involved. The program aims to inspire, educate and mobilize people of diverse religious backgrounds for environmental leadership.  Sessions on Sunday, April 10 will be held at the  Mishkan Shalom Synagogue, 4101 Freeland Avenue, Philadelphia.  There will be workshops on Energy Conservation Strategies & Resources for Houses of Worship; A comparison of Jewish and Christian Perspectives on The Bible and the Environment led by  Rabbi Arthur Waskow and Rev. Fletcher Harper; and a discussion of Seminarians, Seminaries and the Environment.  Later in the day groups will consider Religious-Environmental Education for Children & Teens; GreenWorship - Integrating Creation into Liturgy, led by the Rev. Fletcher Harper; and, Environmental Justice & Advocacy for Congregations.

Participants will convene Monday morning at The Friends Center, 1501 Cherry Street, Philadelphia. The Friends Center began renovation in 2005 with the goal of becoming "A Showcase for Environmental Sustainability."  Monday evening from 6:30  to 9:00 PM there will be a Freedom Seder for the Earth held at Mother Bethel AME Church, 419 South 6th Street, Philadelphia.  To find out more, and/or register for the event, and to discover some interesting resources, visit:  <http://greenfaith.org/programs/ground-for-hope/ground-for-hope-philadelphia-event-schedule>.

FLOWERS DURING LENT.  This is just a reminder that there will be no flowers on the altar during Sundays in Lent. This has not been our practice in the past, but we are adding this observance this year.  If it is your custom to give memorial flowers on one of the five Sundays in Lent, this year, please consider honoring your loved one on his or her birthday in lieu of the anniversary of their death.

WHAT I ADDED DURING LENT.  The Lent-a-Hand program suggests a number of practices and programs that could help make Lent more meaningful for you.  Parishioners are encouraged to choose something to do during Lent that focuses thinking and actions in a positive direction.  You may choose to organize volunteers to tackle a project, dedicate your own time to a service project, participate in a study program, establish a daily discipline of prayer or spiritual reading, raise money for a particular endeavor, educate others about some area of need, or any other Lenten practice you choose. Be sure to visit the information table that will be set up during the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper.  You will find more details about projects and programs for you to consider, as well as opportunities to serve, deepen family traditions and to explore spiritual practice.  When you decide what you will pursue, grab a “hand” and sign your name and your commitment on the hand.  All the Lenten “Hands” will be posted on a bulletin board in the Narthex during Lent.

BREAD SUNDAY.  Next Sunday, on March 20,  the Coffee Hour will be all about our Daily Bread. The congregation is invited to bring some kind of bread to share with others – a loaf of bread, rolls, Danish, bagels, scones, muffins, rugelach, Irish soda bread – anything you can think up that is in the bread family.

Moore Family Profile

Several months before our first child was born, my husband and I came to St. Stephen's in search of the church we would settle ourselves and our new family into. We knew immediately as we attended our first service and coffee hour that this was the place for us. The overall character and essence of the parishioners and clergy was open, inviting, supportive and lively, we connected on every level. 14 years later our family of four continues to thrive in this nurturing and fun loving church community. Our two daughters have gained a strong sense of compassion, generosity and willingness to lend a helping hand, due to the many social outreach activities they have participated in since they were very young.

Greenfield Family Profile

 

I found St. Stephen’s in 1994 when I visited from a local Catholic church as a volunteer for the Interfaith Hospitality Network. I stayed because I found here a family that opened its arms to strangers, welcoming them to positions of responsibility, and a church where my children learned at soup kitchens, making beds for IHN, stuffing Easter eggs and rocking AIDS babies, to support others in their times of need and to receive support in ours.

Ron Best Profile

I came to St. Stephen's in 1956.  My father-in-law had just come to live with us in Short Hills.  One of our first visitors was Elliot Lindsey, the then rector of St. Stephen's.  It turned out he and my father-in-law had attended the same seminary.  With this family connection, I became active in the church although still a Methodist.  Never one to make snap decisions, I was finally received by Bishop Spong in 1992,   I have served on the vestry with every rector since; serve as a Eucharistic minister and sang with the choir for 20 years.

Clarke Family Profile

I grew up and lived in many countries.  Before coming to St. Stephen’s  in 1987, I had attended about 32 churches. We were certainly welcomed in many. But St. Stephen’s was different, here we were drawn into the family.  St. Stephen’s become “home”.  Having a home and being a member of a family carries with it responsibilities. I pray that we the members and future members of this Church family can continue to welcome and care for All God’s people from every part of the world, as I have been welcomed and cared for here.  Sheelagh Clarke

Warden Kathy Mullins Weekly Update Dated 2/27/11

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES

Sunday February 27 - 8 AM AND 10 AM  Eighth Sunday After the Epiphany  The Rev. Cooper Conway, Interim Rector, Celebrant; The Rev. Karen Eberhardt, Interim Deacon, is the preacher.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, February 27, 11:15 AM   Matthew Price leads forum on Church Pension Group

Sunday, February 27, 4 PM    Friends of Music Organ Recital by John Schucker

Friday, March 4, 7:00 PM   “Parents Night Out” until 9 PM

Sunday, March 6, 11:15   Baby Shower for North Porch

Tuesday, March 8, (5:00 – 7:30 PM)   Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

Wednesday, March 9, 12 Noon and 7:30 PM    Ash Wednesday Services

Sunday, March 20  Coffee Hour   This is Bread Sunday

ANNOUNCEMENTS
SUNDAY FORUM.  Matthew Price will be leading a forum during the coffee hour this Sunday. He will be talking about the Church Pension Group and its relationship to the parishes in the Episcopal Church as well as the clergy. This may seem like a dull topic, but the CPG, as it is known in church circles, has more to do with church life and administration than most of us realize.  Matthew will give a brief history of the CPG and talk about its mission – he may even tell us what his own job, as Director of Analytic Research Strategy and Service Development, entails. The current financial stability of the CPG is of great interest to the clergy since it administers the pension fund.  We will hear how each parish supports its clergy with the help of the CPG. 

Beginning in January 2013, there are some proposed changes that will affect the benefits that lay workers employed by churches and dioceses receive. Each diocese is making decisions about the extent that these recommendations will be mandated.  Matthew will talk about why the changes were recommended and what decisions the Diocese of Newark has made. 

At this time, members of St. Stephen’s may be thinking about how the Vestry and Finance Committee decide how much to pay a new rector.  This Forum will be helpful in deepening your understanding of how some of the financial decisions affecting the hiring of a new rector are made. Certain benefits are mandated by the Diocese; others are recommended.  Each year these guidelines are revised. This is your chance to ask questions. Please join the Forum on Sunday, February 27.

JOHN SCHUCKER ON THE BECKERATH ORGAN.   This Sunday is the second concert of the 41^st Season of the Beckerath Organ Recitals sponsored by St. Stephen’s Friends of Music.  John Schucker, our own organist, will perform organ works by the gifted French composer Jehan Alain (1911-1940). This is the 100th anniversary of his birth and many concerts have been planned in his honor.  The recital will begin at 4:00 PM on Sunday, February 27 at St. Stephen’s Church. A suggested donation of $10 will be accepted at the door. A reception for the artist follows the recital.

John’s commemorative program on the Beckerath will range from Variations on a Theme by Jannequin, with its Baroque-inspired treatment of a Renaissance melody, to the jaunty jazz rhythms of Aria.  The centerpiece of the recital will be Alain’s award-winning Suite for Organ, in three colorful movements: Introduction & Variations, Scherzo, and Choral. The recital concludes with Alain’s best known work, the hypnotically rhythmic Litanies. Describing Alain’s music as quintessentially French, John also finds in it “influences stretching back as far as the early Gregorian chants and modes, the Renaissance, the Baroque, the more recent Impressionists like Debussy and also American jazz, which had taken root in Paris as Alain was growing up.”

Please support John Schucker, the Friends of Music and the Organ Recital Series by attending the performance this Sunday.

COMMENTS FROM COOPER.

Notes on Lent.  Dear People of God: The first Christians observed with great devotion the days of our Lord’s passion and resurrection, and it became the custom of the Church to prepare for them by a season of penitence and fasting… I invite you, therefore, in the name of the Church, to the observance of a holy Lent, by prayer, fasting, and self denial: and by reading and meditating on God’s holy word. (Ash Wednesday Service, BCP)

Lent is soon upon us.  It is, as the Prayerbook tells us, a time of great devotion.  We mark the time by giving things up and taking things on.  This year there will be special aspects to our Lent together, a couple of them are new and one will be familiar.

First, the new:

Flowers: This Lent there will be no flowers at the Altar on the Sundays in Lent.  For five Sundays our Altar area may appear a bit bare. This visual “fast” reminds us that we are in a season of preparation.  When we give something up, it becomes that much sweeter when it returns.  If it is your custom to give memorial flowers on one of the weekends in Lent, this year, please consider honoring your loved one on his or her birthday in lieu of the anniversary of their death.

The Psalm: This year also, we will be chanting the Psalm at the 10 A.M. Eucharist. If you have been here for many years you may even remember the Chant tone from Morning Prayer Services. The Chant is simple and repetitive, in a style called Plainsong.  Kim will teach us how to do it and by the end of Lent it will be second nature to us all. 

There are a number of beautiful hymns in our hymnal which we have avoided using this year because they are chanted (ex. “Creator of the stars of night” #60  or “Most high omnipotent good Lord” #406). Once the community understands chant cadence, these hymns will be easy to sing.  Lent is an ideal time to deepen our understanding of the Episcopal tradition.

Now, the familiar

Lent a Hand:  Last year, since St. Stephen’s was at the beginning of its transition period, you did not have the opportunity to participate in the “Lent-a-Hand” program as you have done in prior years.  I am pleased to announce that this year the program will be revived. 

The program gives each of us suggestions and opportunities to serve, deepen family traditions and to explore spiritual practice. 

The sign-up for “Lent-a-Hand” will begin at the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper.  The “Hands” which you sign will be posted on a cork board in the narthex.  Please carefully consider what you can dedicate yourself to do this year during Lent.

---   Cooper Conway

 SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKES.  Remember the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Tuesday March 8. We need help setting up for this event, which attracts a number of people from the neighborhood. Set up starts around 4 PM. Plan to help with set up (Usually about 4 PM).  The youth group will help flip the pancakes -- some adults are needed also. What other help is needed?  We also need volunteers to cook sausages prior to 5 PM, people to mix batter, table setters and people to replenish table supplies (syrup, butter), someone to collect money at the door, and LOTS of people to clean up.  The final and most important things is we need many people to eat pancakes!  Be sure to bring your own neighbors, relatives, kids, people you meet on the train.

REMINDER ABOUT VERIDIAN.  As we look to the future of St. Stephen’s Church and its ministries, we look for every opportunity to help finance our operations so that these worthwhile endeavors can continue into the future. Recently Viridian Energy joined forces with St. Stephen’s in structuring a plan to help fulfill at least part of this need. It involves you – and your participation—but it also helps you. You simply sign up for cheaper Energy through the Viridian/St. Stephen’s Fundraiser. Then, Virdian Energy will supply $2.00 per month, every month, for you and each person who supports the Church through this endeavor. To enroll, you may contact Tim Conway, Roger Riedel or Joe Stapley (their contact information is in the Church Directory) for information; or, sign up online at the website:  www.Viridian.com/ststephenschurchmillburn.  Simply have your Electric Bill in hand to enroll your information. This Fundraiser is open for everyone to join as well as friends and relatives. In fact, you can help expand enrollment in the Viridian/St.Stephen’s Fundraiser by sharing this information with everyone you know.  Ask them to help St. Stephen’s and save some money on their Electric Bill at the same time. 

HARMONIUM CONCERT.  The 100-voice Harmonium Choral Society, in which St. Stephen's Music Director Kim Williams sings, presents Consider the Heavens, on March 5, at 8 p.m. and March 6, at 3 p.m. at at Morristown United Methodist Church on the Green. General admission tickets at the door are $25 ($20 for students and seniors). Advance tickets only $20/$15 (by 2/25) or $10 for groups of 10 or more at www.harmonium.org  Enjoy sonorous double choir works by Vaughan Williams, Bach, W.H. Harris and Augustinas, 2 NJ premieres, and a hair-raising rendition of Dawson’s classic “Ezekiel Saw de Wheel.”

                                                                  

‘WELCOME SPRING’ NORTH PORCH BABY SHOWER.  On March 6 Theresa Scharff, acting chair of Social Justice at St Stephen’s, will be sponsoring a special Coffee Hour to benefit the North Porch Ministry of the Diocese.  The North Porch Women and Infants' Centers provide emergency seven-day supplies of formula, baby food, diapers, clothing, bed linens and other supplies for needy mothers and infants in the Newark, Paterson and Dover areas of northern New Jersey. Plan to help on March 6 by bringing donations for North Porch. The following items are needed:   

Formula: Similac Advance (dark blue label), 1-quart liquid or 12-ounce powder (must be in date)
(Baby formula is always our #1 most needed item, and this type of Similac Advance is
currently recommended by the WIC assistance program); Disposable diapers sizes 4, 5 and 6
Baby toiletries.  Note: NO BABY FOOD, CEREAL OR CLOTHING IS NEEDED AT THIS TIME.

GOOD NEWS.

Congratulations to Dick and Trina Debevoise as they celebrate their 60^th wedding anniversary.