Warden Kathy Mullins Weekly Update Dated 2/20/11

To St. Stephen's Parishioners:

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES

Sunday February 20 - 8 AM AND 10 AM  Seventh Sunday After the Epiphany  The Rev. Cooper Conway, Interim Rector, is the celebrant and preacher.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, February 20, 11:15 AM   Adult Forum  "Holy Week Traditions"

Monday-Tuesday, February 21-22,  Preschool Closed

Thursday, February 24, 7:30 PM  Preschool Committee meeting

Friday, February 25, 7 PM   Parents Night Out  (PNO)

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

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

Tuesday, March 8, (approx. 5 PM)    Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

Sunday, March 20  Coffee Hour   This is Bread Sunday

ANNOUNCEMENTS
THAT BIG WIND STORM.  If you have not heard about it already, you will see when you arrive at church tomorrow that the big pine tree at the gate on Main Street blew over on Saturday during the high winds. It fell directly across Main Street -- taking out about three sections of fence as it fell.  Traffic was rerouted for a couple of hours while the Millburn Public Works crew cut up the huge trunk and moved it onto the lawn. We will try to get rid of the debris this week. That will involve cutting up the rest of the tree, chipping the branches and drilling out the stump. Please be careful when you are parking tomorrow  and when you are walking around the tree debris.

RESURRECTION SINGERS.  Think about joining St. Stephen's Senior Choir for the Easter season.  Some people, for one reason or another, cannot manage a full rehearsal schedule, but really enjoy choral singing. We welcome these "Birth and Resurrection Choristers" to fill out our choir ranks for Christmas and/or Easter. Having this extra bank of voices enables the choir to select compositions from a broader range of  choral music. Music Director Kim Williams said she hopes to hear from singers as early as possible and will delay the choice of Easter music until she knows the available mix of voices. Please think about making a short term choir  commitment, and let Kim know as soon as possible if you will be singing with the choir.

FORUM- ABOUT HOLY WEEK.     This Sunday Cooper Conway will lead a forum a out the liturgical traditions of Holy Week.  There are a number of services that are offered in the Book of Common Prayer that have not been part of the tradition at St. Stephen's Church.  She will explain how they fit into the events of Holy Week and talk about the significance of the liturgies and symbols of Holy Week. Holy Week starts with Palm Sunday and the Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem and culminates with Easter Sunday when Mary Magdalene enters the empty tomb, Cooper will show how the liturgical experience of Holy Week is designed to draw worshipers in and to speak to our imaginations.  The Forum will begin about fifteen minutes into the Coffee Hour.

GREENFAITH ADVOCACY DAY.  In June  The Rev. Fletcher Harper, Executive Director of GreenFaith, will visit St. Stephen's to preach and to talk the organization and its work. Before this visit there is an opportunity to learn more about the advocacy work that GreenFaith does for issues surrounding the environment. Rev.Fletcher Harper said, "With environmental issues ranging from hydro-fracking to air pollution facing the New Jersey state legislature, faith-based advocacy for the environment is vitally important."

GreenFaith invites you to join this event:  Trenton Interfaith Environmental Advocacy Day on Monday, March 14 from 10 AM to 3 PM.  Consider attending this event.  If you would like to register, paste the following URL into your browser:  https://www.z2systems.com/np/clients/greenfaith/event.jsp?event=105 

Join GreenFaith at the Trenton Statehouse to:

• Receive a briefing from key New Jersey environmental advocates.
• Hear from elected officials who will be addressing our group.
• Make your voice heard on behalf of the environment.

Participants will gather at the Statehouse, and GreenFaith will provide a light lunch and information about important environmental bills in the legislature. Participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the Statehouse.  Directions to the Statehouse will be forwarded to all who register.  Email questions to Paul Kaufman, GreenFaith's Program Coordinator at <pkaufman@greenfaith.org>.
Learn more about GreenFaith at www.greenfaith.org.

CHURCH PENSION GROUP --WHAT IT DOES/ WHY SHOULD YOU CARE.  On February 27 during the coffee hour, there will be a forum. Parishioner Matthew Price, Director of Analytic Research Strategy and Service Development for the Church Pension Group (CPG), will share his insights on how the CPG affects this parish, the diocese, and clergy across the Church. This session will be particularly helpful for vestry, search committee and finance committee members.  Matthew will help everyone understand how clergy compensation is figured and what goes into a compensation package.

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.”

JOHN SCHUCKER ON THE BECKERATH ORGAN.   If you have never heard John Schucker play the organ except during the worship services at St. Stephen's, you are in for a real treat if you attend next Sunday's Friends of Music organ recital. John is the featured recitalist. He will be performing organ works by the gifted French composer Jehan Alain (1911-1940). This special 100th anniversary 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.”

SHOWER FOR NORTH PORCH.  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 (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.   NO BABY FOOD, CEREAL OR CLOTHING IS NEEDED AT THIS TIME.

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKES.  Mark your calendar so you remember to attend the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on Tuesday March 8.  This is a real neighborhood event -- bring your neighbors, relatives, kids, people you meet on the train.  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?  People to cook sausages, people to mix batter, someone to collect money at the door, people to replenish table supplies (syrup, butter), lots of people to clean up.  EVEN MORE PEOPLE TO EAT PANCAKES.

Warden Kathy Mullins Weekly Update Dated 1/30/11

To St. Stephen's Parishioners:

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES

Sunday January 30 - 8 AM AND 10 AM  Fourth Sunday After the Epiphany  The Rev. Cooper Conway, Interim Rector, is the celebrant and preacher.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

Sunday, January 30,  11:15 AM  Social Justice Ministries Committee meeting

Monday. January 31, 7:30 PM   Preschool Committee meeting (rescheduled)

Wednesday, February 2, 7:30 PM  Worship Committee meeting

Sunday, February 6  11:00   Annual Parish Meeting

Sunday, February 6  11:15   Confirmation Class

Wednesday, February 9  7:30 PM   Finance Committee

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRIES MEETING.  Our Parish Survey indicated that many parishioners find their work with Social Justice Ministries to be among their most meaningful activities at St. Stephen's. Parishioners young and old and entire families participate in our ministries to those in need of food, shelter, clothing and companionship. Following the 10 AM service on January 30 there will be a meeting of the Social Justice Ministries Committee in the Common Room.  Attend this meeting if you are interested in the feeding, housing, neighborhood, environmental, or family programs that we support.

THE REVIEWS ARE IN.   Turns out we have quite a group of stage struck extroverts in our parish. Family Fun Night was just that. It was a chance to eat fabulous food with each other, catch up on parish news, chat with newcomers and have fun. There were piano solos by Thomas Singer and Colette Ehlers and a cello performance by Jadyn Herry.  We heard from Rami on the electric guitar and watched an energetic dance by one of the Maurer girls. A skit by Lucia Singer and her invisible partner - I think it was Clara - was hilarious.  A large group of kids performed a very brief song. What a treat to hear the beautiful ballads performed by choir member Eleanor Konrad. Sheelagh Clarke entertained us with humorous poems and Dick Cole sang some German drinking songs, translating as well. There were likely others that I cannot recall, but you get the idea. Thanks to every person that helped with organizing or planning, set up, cooking or baking, and of course, the clean-up crew.

NOTES FROM DIOCESAN CONVENTION.  This weekend was the Diocesan Convention.  There will be a report from our delegates -- Fran Young, Mechelle Evans, and Tina Kelley --tomorrow during the worship service.  They will give a summary of proceedings during the service tomorrow, January 30.

Our delegation was touched to hear Deacon Herb Tinning's name called out during the reading of the necrology.

INTERESTING LISTENING.  The Reverend Gregory Bezilla, Chaplain at the Episcopal Campus Ministry at Rutgers recommends the online lecture God and the Art of Happiness by Dr. Ellen T. Charry, Margaret W. Harmon Professor of Historical and Systematic Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary. Follow this URL to view a video of the lecture on the topic of happiness in Christian perspective:

http://mediasite.ptsem.edu/mediasite/Viewer/?peid=7762c604a5634674b10581fceb4062461d

There is more about Professor Charry at this URL:   http://www3.ptsem.edu/Content.aspx?id=1918&menu_id=72

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION.  Francina de Shong and the Rev. Cooper Conway will be co-teaching three more training sessions to prepare young people seeking confirmation next year: March 13,and April 10.  In addition to classes, these students will attend a Diocesan Middle School Retreat at Crossroads Camp with Cooper on March 25 - 27.  Future confirmands will also assist with an Instructed Eucharist that is scheduled for Sunday May 1. If you are an adult interested in being confirmed in the Episcopal Church, speak to the Interim Rector, Cooper Conway.

CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS FOR TAXES.  This will be the last Sunday that 2010 contribution statements will be available on the table at the main door of the church. Remember to pick yours up and save us the postage. Those still remaining will be mailed to contributors at the end of the month. Thank you to everyone that contributed to St. Stephen's this year.

REMINDER:  ANNUAL PARISH MEETING.  The  Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 6 following the abbreviated 10 AM service. If  you  have been asked to submit a report for a committee or project for the Annual Parish Report,  please get that in to the church office as early as possible this week. Come and learn what your church has been doing this past year. The Annual Meeting lasts approximately one hour.

MEMBER NEWS.  Ellen Pluta's band, It's What You Think will be playing at Crossroads in Garwood on Friday, February 4 at 8 PM.  She would love to see some familiar faces in the crowd, so join her if you can.  The cover charge is $8. If you have questions or need more information, send Ellen an email:   <ellenpluta@comcast.net>

St. Stephen's Parish Profile

Click on the link below to access the Parish Profile:


http://cid-709a3364ace53761.office.live.com/self.aspx/.Documents/St.%20Stephen^4s%20Parish%20Profile.pdf

Pluta-Ehlers Family Profile

We joined St. Stephen’s five years ago, after visiting about a dozen churches of all denominations.  Ellen came from a Catholic background, but while she loved the liturgy and the sense of community, she did not agree with the church’s stance on many issues.  Claas’ background was eclectic, but a commitment to social justice was imperative.  After one visit to St. Stephen's, we knew we were at the right place.  The service was rich and deep, holding communion as an essential part, the sermon was resonant and spoke to us as human beings capable of growth, and it was the friendliest congregation we had ever seen.  We had found our true spiritual home, where both worship and fellowship are held in the highest regard, and a place where our three children could learn that to be blessed by God is to be called by God to service.

Warden Kathy Mullins Weekly Update Dated 1/15/11

To St. Stephen's Parishioners:  

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES

Sunday January 16 - 8 AM AND 10 AM  Second Sunday After Epiphany  The Rev. Cooper Conway, Interim Rector, is the preacher and celebrant.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

Tuesday, January 18, 7:30 PM  Pre-convention meeting, Christ Church, East Orange

Wednesday, January 19, 7:30 PM  Vestry meeting

Sunday, January 23, 5 PM  "Winter Family Fun Night " in the Fellowship Hall.

Thursday, January 27,  7:30 PM, Preschool Committee meeting

Friday, January 28 - Saturday, January 29, 137th Annual Convention Diocese of Newark

ANNOUNCEMENTS

FAMILY FUN NIGHT.  Next Sunday evening should be a Winter Blast. Everyone is invited to join in the fun.  It's a Pot Luck Supper with Open Mic - lots of food, fellowship, music and more. There will be a mini talent show, so if any of our talented youth (or those with youthful talent) want to work something up for the 23rd, talk to Kim Williams on Sunday, or send her an e-mail <kkawe@optonline.net>.  Kim is organizing the line-up of performers.

This party is a chance to catch up with your church friends . . . Show off your talent . . . Relax, and have fun!   It should be lots of fun.  Mark the date now -- Sunday evening, January23 at 5:00 PM­   When you respond to the E-Vite , sign up for what dish you will bring (Each family bring a dish - appetizer, main entree, casserole or dessert).  Drinks will be provided (juice etc). There will also be a sign-up sheet at Coffee Hour.  We'll need volunteers to set up, clean up and help in other ways.  There will be some singing -- performances by those with and without talent. Bring instruments, ask friends to come.  Set up will start at 4 PM.  The Pot Luck will start at 5 PM and run at least until 7.  A cover charge will be:  $5 per person or $10 per family. January 23 -- Be There!

WELCOME BACK KAREN.  St. Stephen's has been without a deacon since the death of the Rev. Herb Tinning. As Cooper Conway explains below, the Diocese has agreed to an unusual arrangement -- an Interim Deacon at St. Stephen's and that will be the Rev. Karen Eberhardt.

St Stephens has been blessed over the past two decades by the presence and ministry of several talented Deacons.  Further, I know we have all missed Herb, especially at Worship on Sundays.  He can never be replaced but, fortunately, he trained many a Deacon for our Diocese.
So, I am pleased to announce that Karen Eberhardt will be joining us as "Interim Deacon" for the next few months.  An Interim Deacon is not something I have ever heard of but in our case I think it is a great idea.

Karen is a long time member of St Stephen's, she was sponsored for ordination to the Deaconate by this parish and she served here as Deacon. Our arrangement with Karen was approved by Bishop Beckwith as a part time and interim posting.  She will be with us every fourth Sunday of the month. Karen has also agreed to run a Sunday Adult Forum series for four weeks in Lent.  Her office will be located in the former counseling office, off the parish hall.   You can look for Karen to join us this month on Sunday the 23rd.  She will be here for the 10 AM service and for the Community Dinner that evening.

I am grateful to her and to the Bishop for their imagination in creating this unusual post for St Stephen's.  --  Cooper Conway

OUR CEMETERY AND MAUSOLEUM.  I had been attending St. Stephen's for about two years before I discovered that the church owned a cemetery. Turns out that it is one of the most scenic places in town. I know that some people have an aversion to cemeteries, but there are many ways to appreciate ours. It is scenic and tranquil in every season. It houses a great deal of local history. The Mausoleum, completed in about 2002, is unusually attractive, modeled after an English country church . If you have not taken the time to walk through the cemetery grounds, I hope you will do so when the snow melts and the weather warms up.

The Cemetery is located on eight acres of land that was given to the church by Israel D. Condit. It is situated on Millburn Avenue directly across from Millburn High School. The purpose of founding the cemetery was to provide a burial site for the people of Millburn as well as for the members of St. Stephen’s Church.

Aside from its scenic beauty, the cemetery is also a business and an integral part of our operation. It requires management, marketing and maintenance. When it's run well, the cemetery can be a great help to St. Stephen's. Dennis Lysaght, General Manager of our Cemetery and Mausoleum, does a wonderful job of selling in very difficult economic climate by creating programs that benefit buyers that pre-plan. Last Fall at a Sunday forum he spoke to a number of us about the benefits of Pre-Planning.

As I've said, when Dennis sells space, that benefits St. Stephen's Church.  Here is how each of us can help. Visit the cemetery yourself and show it to other people. If you have a connection to a group or an organization -- a union, alumni organization, business or professional group, civic organization, club, fraternity -- that might benefit from hearing about pre-planning, Dennis would appreciate an introduction. He will speak free of charge. This not a sales pitch; it is an informational talk that answers questions that people are sometimes hesitant to ask. Think about your own needs, those of your friends and family, and your broader circle of friends. If you have questions, ask me or call Dennis directly (973-564-8787).

SNOW JOB.   Dave owns Quality Landscaping, the company that cuts the lawn, removes trees  and trims the bushes for St. Stephen's Church and Cemetery. He also owns Abbison Paving, the company that plows snow from our driveways throughout the winter. We have known Dave to be knowledgeable and reliable. He is now offering residential snow plowing.  If you are tired of shoveling, think about giving Dave a call to get a quote on plowing your driveway.  If you do, mention that you are from St. Stephen's.

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING.  Each year on the first Sunday in February we have a shortened service of worship and then gather in the Fellowship Hall to review the year past, hear from leaders of the parish and look at plans for the year ahead. The year the Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 6. Prior to the meeting, the Nominating Committee prepares a slate of candidates for any openings in parish leadership as well as delegates and alternates to the Diocesan Convention and suggestions for the Nominating Committee for the following year.  The current Nominating Committee includes:  Denise Price, Katie Wade, Pam Singer, Sydney Davis, and Eugene Foley.  If you would like to be considered for an open position please speak to any member of the Nominating Committee, to one of the Wardens - Kathy Mullins or Marvin Walker, or to the Interim Rector, Cooper Conway.  Don't be shy!

WHAT HAPPENED TO TUESDAY NIGHT? . . . COMMENTS FROM COOPER. 

As I have mentioned before, the interim time is a good time for trying things out.  Sometimes these are brand new ideas, sometimes they are revivals of things that were done in distant past.  This year you have experienced different liturgical styles (longer processions, blessings with Holy water, creation leaflets, Harvest Festival, etc.).  We have done a pilot "Parents Night Out" program.  And we offered a two month trial of a midweek Healing and Eucharist service.

Not everything we do in the interim will stick.  The important thing is to be flexible and to learn.  I mention this now because our trial period for the midweek Eucharist is over.  It was a good spiritual discipline for a couple of us but the demand for such a service just did not seem to be there at this time.  So, you will notice that it is no longer on our schedule.  If you have any thoughts about the midweek Eucharist or any other program you would like to help initiate... please tell me.   -- Cooper Conway
 

ENVELOPES AND STATEMENTS AVAILABLE.  If you asked for envelopes to help manage your pledged giving, you will find boxes at the church door. Look for one that   of envelopes with your name on it.  Everyone that contributed to St. Stephen's in 2010 will find Year-End giving statements there as well.

'TISTHESEASON TO STOCK UP THE FOOD BARREL!   Remember to take advantage of the CAN-CAN sales ... and other  bargains at your local food markets. Felder Dorn says, “The ShopRite stores of Millburn and Springfield have announced a double-barreled opportunity to get our food barrel off to a great start in 2011!  The CAN-CAN sale starts Wednesday, 5 January 2011, AND it is the ShopRite's 40th Anniversary CAN-CAN sale! “  Visit these stores and find ShopRite vegetables at 40 cents per can! Some Chef Boyardee, Manwich, and Hunt's items are priced at 88 cents per can!  There are also great bargains on Progresso Soup and a variety of cereals. Bargains come and go as the sale proceeds. BUY NOW and swell our food barrel. Stock up now and then bring items to the barrel over a period of weeks. If the ShopRite is not your grocery store, you can be sure that your store is countering with bargains of its own, SO GET OUT AND SHOP for the FOOD BARREL!

Warden Kathy Mullins Weekly Update Dated 1/8/11

To St. Stephen's Parishioners:  

SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES

Sunday January 9 - 8 AM AND 10 AM  Third Sunday After Christmas Day  The Rev. Cooper Conway, Interim Rector, is the preacher and celebrant.

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

Wednesday, January 14, 7:30 PM  Finance Committee meeting

Tuesday, January 18, 7:30 PM  Pre-convention meeting, Christ Church, East Orange

Wednesday, January 19, 7:30 PM  Vestry meeting

Sunday, January 23, 5 PM  "Winter Family Fun Night " in the Fellowship Hall.

Thursday, January 27,  7:30 PM, Preschool Committee meeting

Friday, January 28 - Saturday, January 29, 137th Annual Convention Diocese of Newark

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNUAL PARISH MEETING.  Each year on the first Sunday in February we have a shortened service of worship and then gather in the Fellowship Hall to review the year past, hear from leaders of the parish and look at plans for the year ahead. The year the Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 6. Prior to the meeting, the Nominating Committee prepares a slate of candidates for any openings in parish leadership as well as delegates and alternates to the Diocesan Convention and suggestions for the Nominating Committee for the following year.  The current Nominating Committee includes:  Denise Price, Katie Wade, Pam Singer, Sydney Davis, and Eugene Foley.  If you would like to be considered for an open position please speak to any member of the Nominating Committee, to one of the Wardens - Kathy Mullins or Marvin Walker, or to the Interim Rector, Cooper Conway.  Don't be shy!

FAMILY FUN NIGHT.  Most of us have missed opportunities to get together in an informal way.  Want to catch up with your church friends?  Here's a chance to do that. There's a party in the works and it should be lots of fun.  It's a Winter Blast that will include lots of food, fellowship, music and more. Mark the date now -- Sunday evening, January23 at 5:00 PM.  This event will include a pot-luck dinner. If you haven't received an E-Vite already, you'll be getting one soon and that's where you can sign up for what dish you will bring to contribute to the meal. There will also be a sign-up sheet at Coffee Hour.  We'll need volunteers to set up, clean up and help in other ways.  There will be some singing -- we are not sure yet how that will work, but you'll hear more about it.  A cover charge will cover some of the expenses:  $5 per person or $10 per family. January 23 -- Be There!

DIOCESAN NEWS.  The Diocese is trying a new distribution method for the newspaper, The Voice.  Instead of sending issues to individual homes by mail, a bulk delivery will be sent to the church. Anyone interested in having a printed copy may pick up a copy of The Voice at the back of the church.  The January 2011 issue is available now so look for it this Sunday. This issue is 24-pages and full of news about the upcoming diocesan convention.  Take the time to read it and find out what issues will be discussed, who is running for office, and what's happening at nearby churches.  

The Voice is also available online.  Go to the diocesan website, <www.dioceseofnewark.org> and click on the image of The Voice. 

And that's not all. E-News is also available online between issues.

'TISTHESEASON TO STOCK UP THE FOOD BARREL!   Remember to take advantage of the CAN-CAN sales ... and other  bargains at your local food markets. Felder Dorn says, “The ShopRite stores of Millburn and Springfield have announced a double-barreled opportunity to get our food barrel off to a great start in 2011!  The CAN-CAN sale starts Wednesday, 5 January 2011, AND it is the ShopRite's 40th Anniversary CAN-CAN sale! “  Visit these stores and find ShopRite vegetables at 40 cents per can! Some Chef Boyardee, Manwich, and Hunt's items are priced at 88 cents per can!  There are also great bargains on Progresso Soup and a variety of cereals. Bargains come and go as the sale proceeds. BUY NOW and swell our food barrel. Stock up now and then bring items to the barrel over a period of weeks. If the ShopRite is not your grocery store, you can be sure that your store is countering with bargains of its own, SO GET OUT AND SHOP for the FOOD BARREL!

    

DELEGATES TO DIOCESAN CONVENTION.   The 2-day convention of the Diocese of Newark  is scheduled for Friday, January 28 and Saturday, January 29, 2011 at the Hilton Hotel, Parsippany.  Delegates to Convention are elected at the Annual Meeting the year before.

PREPARATION FOR THE 137th ANNUAL CONVENTION of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark is scheduled on Tuesday, January 18 at 7:30 PM. The pre-convention meeting will be held at Christ Church in East Orange.  Pre-convention meetings help prepare deputies with reports relevant to the business of convention.  Presentations will be made  on the proposed diocesan budget, task force reports, resolutions and orientation information for first-time deputies. Delegates from St. Stephen’s, elected at the Annual Meeting in February, 2010, are expected to attend both pre-convention meetings and

PLEDGE ENVELOPES.  If you checked off the box on your pledge card indicating that you want pledge envelopes, you should find a box of envelopes marked with your name on the table at the church entrance this Sunday and for the next few weeks. If you have reconsidered and think you would now like envelopes, just send an email to <church@ststepehensmillburn.org> and your envelopes will be available next week. Envelopes are an easy way to keep track of your giving and to make sure your pledge payments get submitted in a timely way.  There are other ways to make your pledge payments.

Automated credit card payments.  A growing number of parishioners take advantage of this easy system.  After you fill out an enrollment form, Dominic Balzano, our bookkeeper, puts through a charge once a month for the amount you have pledged to the card you have indicated. What happens if your charges are a little too heavy one month and you wish you could postpone your payment?  That's easy. Just call or e-mail Dominic and ask him to delay putting the charge through until whatever date you decide. Reminder:  If you paid by credit card in 2010, you should submit a pledge card for 2011, or  let Dominic know if he should continue to submit monthly charges for the same amount and to the same credit card. There is a slight processing charge to the church for handling your pledge in this way. Sometimes those who give in this way consider adding a slight amount to their pledge amount to cover the administrative cost to the church.

Automated bank payment.  If you have automated bill payment through your bank, add St. Stephen's to your list of payees.  Your pledge payments will be paid by electronic check at whatever intervals you designate.

WEST VIRGINIA MISSION TRIP FOR ADULTS.  The Diocese of Newark and St. Mary’s in Sparta are organizing an Adult Mission Trip for one week in July, 2011.  During that week (July 10 - 16) the volunteers that join this effort will completely frame a Habitat house under the direction of a Habitat-qualified construction supervisor.  The project is called “Framing Blitz” and it is under auspices of “Almost Heaven” Habitat for Humanity in Pendleton County, West Virginia (For more information, see: <www.almostheavenhabitat.org>).  This opportunity is open to any adult member of the diocese, 21 years or older. There can be at least 2, no more than 4 persons from any single congregation. Meals and housing provided.  Each will contribute $400 to participate and non-refundable deposit of $200 per person is due January 20, 2011.  Please make the check out to the Diocese of Newark with a memo notation for the Diocesan Mission Trip.  Interested?  See notice on the bulletin board outside the Common Room.  Direct questions to Rev. Orion Davis at 973-729-3136.

St. Stephen's Brochure

Click on the link below to view a brochure that is a snapshot of the various ministries at St. Stephen's.
http://cid-709a3364ace53761.office.live.com/self.aspx/.Documents/St-Stephens%5E_1210-3%20%5E52%5E6-1CTS.pdf