| "Live the Word of God and Pass it On"
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
Happenings January 27
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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. Ted Rice
Interim
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 Bill Snellings, photographer extraordinaire! Thank you Bill,
once again for a creative and entertaining slide show for our annual meeting!
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Weekly Inspiration
I go to church, not because of any legalistic or moralistic reasons, but because I am a hungry sheep who needs to be fed; and for the same reason that I wear a wedding ring: a public witness of a private commitment. Madeleine L'engle Snow Policy Please be advised, if the Ridgefield Schools have canceled, we are also closed, including evening activities. If there is a morning delay, all morning activities are canceled as well. Please be safe! Sandwich Generation ~ Re-scheduled
Strategies for Dealing with your Aging Parents, is rescheduled for next Wednesday, February 2nd. The seminar will be held in North Hall from 7pm - 8:30pm. Hosted by Mary Brewster.Join us next week for an important topic that concerns so many of us.. whether it is now or in your future: . 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, presented by the VNA of Ridgefield, 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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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. To all the bakers at St. Stephen's - we would so appreciate it if you could bake some cookies and put them in labeled zip-lock baggies and drop them off at North Hall on Sunday morning! We'll make a video get well card, chocolate covered pretzels and a paper chain with messages of hope and healing. 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 on Sunday.
Questions? Liz Townsend, Youth Minister
ltownsend@ststephens-ridgefield.org
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Come Out and Play!
St. Stephen's New Playgroup Meeting
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. Meetings will be at 9:30 am in South Hall
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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Why do parents love St. Stephen's Nursery School?
This is what some of our parents have to say:
"Not only are my children tremendously well prepared for kindergarten, but the caring and individual attention they receive from the teachers makes me (and my children) feel as if they are left with a close family member, not just a preschool." - Magdalena Fincham
"St. Stephen's Nursery School offers the kind of program that gives children an excellent educational background. It is cognitively stimulating, yet also focused on social and emotional growth." - Sarah Blandford
"The play based program taught our children to love school and thoroughly prepared them for kindergarten." - Carrie Ertl
Enrollment is now open for the 2011-2012 school year at St. Stephen's Nursery School. Please contact Noelle Carr at 203-438-6806 to arrange a tour and see why parents (and children) love our school. We look forward to welcoming you to St. Stephen's! Please visit www.ststephensnurseryschool.org more information.
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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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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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 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.
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 Children's Ministry
Ye-Ha! Children's Ministry had our first annual "Round-up in Rector's Hall" on Sunday, January 23. While the adults in the parish attended the Annual Meeting twenty-three children lead by 17 youth had a busy morning of learning centers, games, snacks,singing, and movie. Thank you all for making it a terrific learning morning; especially Ms. Liz, Jim Brown, Chuck McKibben, Kimmy Hamilton, Mimi McKibben, Kim Philbin, Kim Marshall, and Joe McKibben for gettin' up early to take pictures and all our AMAZING youth! We'll have regular Church School this Sunday, January 30th. Don't forget that our first day of Children's Choir is this Sunday too! Everyone meets right after church to begin singing! Bring a friend and lift your voices! Parents will want to stick around for this first meeting as well so you can spot some carpooling possibilities and so Scott can give you information about Children's Choir! Peace and blessings to all - 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 "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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