| "Live the Word of God and Pass it On"
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
Happenings January 20
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St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
351 Main Street
Ridgefield, CT 06877
203-438-3789
Worship Schedule
Sunday Holy Eucharist 8:00 am
10:00 am
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Clergy
Rev. Les Hughs
Priest Associate
Rev. Linda Arsenie
Deacon
Rev. Aaron Manderbach
Rector Emeritus
Vestry Richard Cutting Senior Warden Lizzie Hanson Junior Warden Mike Ryan Treasurer Mike Rodgers Assistant Treasurer Elizabeth Klvana Clerk
Staff
Kay Gelfman Financial Administrator Ginny Fitzpatrick Parish Administrator Virginia Leeman Parish Organist Paul Lyons
Sexton
Erin Mckibben
Children's Minister
Susie McMullan
Administrative Assistant
Suzanne Perlman Coordinator of Counseling Noelle Carr
Nursery School Director
Scott Toperzer
Music Minister
Liz Townsend
Youth Minister
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A huge thank you to the Rev. Les Hughs
who has shepherded us through the past few months!
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Weekly Inspiration
O God of new beginnings and wonderful surprises, thank you for the gift of a new year. May it be a time of grace for me, a time to grow in faith and love, a time to renew my commitment to following Your Son, Jesus. May it be a year of blessing for me, a time to cherish my family and friends, a time to renew my efforts at work, a time to embrace my faith more fully. Walk with me, please, in every day and every hour of this new year, that the light of Christ might shine through me, in spite of my weaknesses and failings. Above all, may I remember this year that I am a pilgrim on the sacred path to You. Amen
This Sunday, January 23rd is the Annual Meeting. PLEASE WEAR YOUR NAME TAGS!!!!! There will be one service at 9:00 am and the meeting will follow. Absentee ballots are available through the office and must be returned by Friday, January 21st at 1:00 pm A children's program is planned - see below for details.
Grown-ups are Goin' to the Annual Meeting But we're Gatherin' for the First Annual "ROUND-UP IN RECTOR'S HALL" WHO? Pre-K - Fifth Grade WHAT? Games, A VeggieTales Movie, Snacks Crafts and Learning Centers WHEN? Sunday, January 23, 2010 WHAT TIME? Sign-in starts at 8:45 a.m. the ranch closes at 11:30 a.m. RSVP BY TUESDAY, JANUARY 18! Mrs. Erin - emckibben@ststephens-ridgefield.org Ask for Erin at the church phone - 203-438-3789 Wear comfy clothes like Jeans and yer boots and Bring a pillow and/or a blanket for movie time and a Snack to Share! (no nuts please!) |
Come Out and Play!
St. Stephen's New Playgroup Meeting
Monday, January 24th
Come in from the cold, and join us
for some parent and child socializing at St. Stephen's!
Organized by the Newcomers Committee, this brand-new playgroup is designed for parents with young children aged (roughly) 3 and under. The group will meet on various Mondays throughout the spring and while the group is hosted by the Newcomers Committee, the group is open to all St. Stephen's members -- both old and new to the church.
So, come out and fight that cabin fever with a change of scenery and some friendly new faces. We will hold our first get-together on Monday, January 24th, at 9:30, in South Hall. Additional meetings will be:
Monday, February 7 at 9:30
Monday, February 28 at 9:30
Monday, March 14 at 9:30
Please respond by e-mail to Sarah Blandford at sjblandford@gmail.com if you think you might make it, so we know how many people to expect. If you don't get around to it, show up anyway - we'll be happy to see you!
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To the Fine women of St. Stephen's parish...
You are cordially invited to a
Valentine Luncheon
Hosted by the
MARY BREWSTER FUND
The Mary Brewster Fund invites all women of the parish to celebrate Valentine's Day at St. Stephen's. For the fourth year, the Mary Brewster Committee will sponsor a luncheon in North Hall
Saturday, February 12 from noon to 2:00 p.m.
This luncheon has become a favorite among St. Stephen's women. Please join us to enjoy fellowship, meet new parishioners and indulge in a delicious meal together.
RSVP: Nancy McDaniel 438-4571
To reserve your place at the party!
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The next push for food pantry items will be for the date of the Super Bowl, Feb. 7th. Until that time there will be containers in the Narthex and in North Hall just waiting for your generous donations of hearty soups and meals in a can. These will be delivered to Daily Bread and to the Ridgefield Food Pantry if there are needs. If there is a large amount, we will also see that Interfaith AIDS has a share.
Also, the next Daily Bread on our schedule is Mon. Feb. 28th Please let Ginny know in the office or call or E-mail Georgia (438-5466 or carrgeo@aol.com)
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St. Stephen's Nursery School is expanding their programs for the 2011-2012 school year to include more extended day and enrichment options for children and families. St. Stephen's has several extended day and enrichment programs, including their Science & Nature Adventures class, Little Artists program, Movers & Shakers movement class, Children's Drama & Storytelling, and Learning Adventures, a program that reinforces language concepts through children's literature. The new expanded schedule will offer more flexibility for families who would like to increase their child's school schedule or try different enrichment classes. Enrollment is now open for the 2011-2012 school year. For more information about St. Stephen's Nursery School or their enrichment programs please visit www.ststephensnurseryschool.org or call 203.438.6806 
Little scientists in Science & Nature Adventures class with their experiment to make stalactites and stalagmites.
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Adult choir rehearsals this week:
Wednesday 7-9, Saturday 9:30-10
ALL ARE WELCOME!!!
Get ready for children's choirs. The first rehearsal and informational meeting will be on Sunday January 30th after the 10:00 service in the choir room. Parents, please prepare to attend this first meeting with your children. Rehearsal will begin at 11:15 and end at 12 each Sunday. There will be two groups of children: K-2 and 3-8 (grade), if you feel that your 4 year-old would do well in choir, feel free bring them as well! I look forward to seeing you all on the 30th. Volunteers are needed, please contact Scott Toperzer at stoperzer@yahoo.com.
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Save the Date! Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at 7:00PM: Join us for an important topic that concerns so many of us.. whether it is now or in your future: Sandwich Generation: Strategies for Dealing with your Aging Parents. Hosted by the Mary Brewster Fund and presented by the Visiting Nurse Association of Ridgefield. The term "Sandwich Generation" describes a growing segment of the population. Adult children are squeezed between the needs of their aging parent and the demands of their own children, spouses, and careers. The discussion will offer tools to make sound decisions for you and your family. We will talk about topics from how to talk to your aging parents, what are the 10 most common signs there is an issue, legal issues and sibling issues. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from experts, ask questions, and share with others who are experiencing similar situations. Call Robin Axness at 203-894-9030 or email robinaxness@aol.com for more information and to sign up for this free event.
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Search Committee Update:
The search committee continues to meet regularly and is now in the process of putting together the parish survey. The survey is a very important document that not only allows us to hear from the parish but will also be a part of the parish profile that potential candidates will receive. Our goal is to have 100% participation from the parish. We will keep you regularly updated as we proceed and welcome any questions, comments or concerns that you might have.
John Morrison, Chair
Many thanks to the following individuals who are on the Rector Search Committee. You may feel free to contact them with questions and concerns.
Andy Robertson: andrewg_robertson@swissre.com
Linda Berry: berry2079@comcast.net
Charlie Ballard: charlie.ballard@ipsos.com
Dave Wilson: david.wilson@gecas.com
Eliza Shanley: eshanley@womenatworknetwork.com
Kathy Ryan: kryan10@comcast.net
Robin Axness: robinaxness@aol.com
Bill Snellings: TOXdoc143@aol.com
John Morrison: john.e.morrison@mssb.com
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Stewardship update: Stewardship update: The pledge campaign is in the home stretch. The vestry has proposed a modest budget for 2011, which requires our pledge campaign to deliver $530,000, from 200 pledges. As of January 12, we had received 173 pledges totaling a commitment of $442,128
We're continuing to follow up with other who have pledged in the past, and will provide a final update as part of the annual report in January. To those that have responded - Thank-you for your generosity! To those that volunteered to assist with the campaign, you have my heart felt thanks for your time and energy.
Respectfully, Tom Byrne
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 Hospitality
Calling all nice people ... and that means you!
The newcomers committee is looking for more people to help us welcome those who are new to St. Stephen's. This is such an important ministry, especially during this time of transition for our church. Here's how you can help make a difference:
1. Sign up to be a Hospitality Minister (HM)
2. Join the Newcomer's Committee
Please contact Kristin Bryson at kristin.a.bryson@gmail.com
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 Mission News
Food Pantry
The Food Pantry always needs donations. There is a need for almost everything, but especially for meals in a can, fruit or juice, and sugar, oil, and flour and, of course diapers. Please consider bringing one item each week!!
Knitting and Crocheting Group
Will meet in South Hall on the first and third Wednesdays of the month, the first Wednesday at 6 pm & the third Wednesday during the day at 1 pm.
 Housatonic Habitat for Humanity is searching for six deserving families to be homeowners in Danbury. Families interested in being considered for one of these homes are invited to attend one of two information meetings held at St. James Church, West St., Danbury: Wednesday, January 26, 7:00 pm or Saturday, January 29, 10:00 am. Those attending the information meeting will learn how to become a Habitat homeowner. Applications will be available only at these sessions.
For more information, please call the Housatonic Habitat office at 203.744.1340, or visit their website: www.housatonichabitat.org.
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 Children's Ministry
Happy New Year! Please think of Children's Ministry when you are spring cleaning!! We are already preparing for Lent and VBS among other events. Our VBS for this year is "Pandamania! Where God is crazy about you!" If you can donate any of the following Children's Ministry would be most appreciative: Empty Wrapping paper tubes, Large cardboard tubing that comes from a roll of carpet, felt, paper lanterns or unused kits to make them, coolly hats, craft wiggly eyes, stuffed panda bears or panda themed party items, dowels, and other miscellaneous craft materials. Thank you!
Serving along side you -
Erin
Erin McKibben, Children's Minister emckibben@ststephens-ridgefield.org
 Middle School Sunday School We will be discussing some upcoming events for the next few months, so come join us! High School Youth Group will be on Sunday from 4:30 to 6:00 Pizza for the youth group and confirmation class will be at 6:00 Confirmation Class is from 6:30 to 8:00. HOPE kick-off!!! February 3rd at 6:30 pm in North Hall Middle School Outreach Project All middle school students in the parish are invited to help fill a care package that will bring smiles to Ridgefield 8th grader Cody Dingee and his family. Cody has been battling Ewing's Sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, for more than a year and a half. He continues to endure difficult treatments in the hospital. The Saint Stephen's care package will be delivered to Cody's family, to share with all the other kids who are receiving cancer treatment at the hospital. Middle school students, please join us, January 30th from 10am to 11am in the North Hall Kitchen to add to our Stephen's group effort. We'll make a video get well card, chocolate covered pretzels and a paper chain with messages of hope and healing. To all bakers in the Saint Stephen's community: we are asking for donations of home made cookies, labeled and packed in Ziploc bags or  containers. Please drop cookies off in the North Hall Kitchen on Sunday January 30th. Also, we are collecting small donations of one or two dollars to help us order a custom football jersey with Cody's name printed on the back. We'll have baskets as you leave church for the next two Sundays. Questions? Liz Townsend, Youth Minister ltownsend@ststephens-ridgefield.org "Youth Ministry cannot be healthy if it is not in partnership with the family!"
Liz Townsend, Youth Minister ltownsend@ststephens-ridgefield.org
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St. Stephen's Nursery School
Registration is open for the 2011-2012 school year at St. Stephen's Nursery School. Please remind family and friends that it is time to schedule tours to visit the school.
Click on our link under Ministry quick-links for more information
Noell Carr, Director
203-438-6806
ncarr@ststephens-ridgefield.org
Check us out on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/album.php?profile=1&id=154695407876983#!/pages/St-Stephens-Nursery-School/154695407876983
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Contact Info
Virginia Fitzpatrick
Parish Administrator
gfitzpatrick@ststephens-ridgefield.org
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