St. Stephen's Weekly Touchstone
 
May 17, 2011
 
The Week Leading up to The Fifth Sunday of Easter

Thought of the Week

In Adult Education this past Sunday we read the Easter sermon delivered this year by Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury.  In his sermon focusing on the theme of joy he wrote: "Ultimately, joy is about discovering that the world is more than you ever suspected, and so you yourself are more than you suspected."  Thus joy is discovery of truth.  Joy is revelation of possibility.  Joy is the immeasurable reality that extends beyond our own limiting anxieties and fears.   The happiness that results from the revelation of joy-filled moments is not a denial of all that is wrong with the world, but is an insight of perspective that in the face of all the difficulties of this world the immensity of life is triumphant.  Another way to say this is to quote the Gospel message read from John 10:10 last Sunday,  which is also the verse quoted on our bulletin cover: "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."  This is the Easter message.  This is the meaning of the Resurrection; that there is life abundant beyond our suspicion.  May this Easter season surprise you with joy and lead you into the immensity of boundless happiness.

See you in Church!

Fr. Josh
Picture of the Week

A new acolyte, a recent Warden, and a future Chalicist
Charlie, Nat, and Katie Hoyt
Photo by Charity Lunder

Weekly Announcements

 

New Adult Education Series

A new Adult Education series has begun.  This series will focus on different sermons by well known liturgical preachers concerning Easter.  Each time we gather we will either watch, hear or read a sermon and then discuss.  Please join us Sunday mornings at 9:00.  This Sunday we will gather in Fr. Josh's office as we will be watching a sermon by Bishop Michael Curry, Bishop of North Carolina and one of the best preachers in the country. 

  

Wednesday Services Have Restarted

Please join us on Wednesdays at Noon for a simple service of Holy Eucharist.  We will no longer be having lunch and Bible Study afterwards, but instead will have a chance to gather for a short midweek respite.   

 

Mt. Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry

Our next opportunity to serve at the Mt. Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry will be on Tuesday, May 24th, from 5 - 7 pm.  Please contact Sheila Varughese at

sheila.carnicelli@ubs.com  if you will be able to participate.  

 

End of Year Pool Party

Please join us on Friday, June 17th as we gather for a BBQ and Pool Party at the home of Tina and Jack Wolf.  Details will follow.  Please RSVP to Laura Johnson at  ljohnson6@metlife.com.

  

Vertical Tour of The Cathedral of St. John The Divine

The Youth Group will be attending a private Vertical Tour of the Cathedral on Saturday, June 4th, at 10 am.  We would like to extend an invitation to the congregation as well as friends; you are all welcome to participate.  Please RSVP to office.ststephens@gmail.com   by Sunday, May 29th if you plan on joining us.

 

Evensong

Please join us on Sunday, June 12th at 5 pm for a special Choral Evensong.  Child care will be provided.

 

Vestry Meeting

The Vestry will meet on Tuesday, June 14th at 7:30 in the Bethany Room.

Weekly Readings 

 

Our first reading of the week will be Acts 7:55-60
See the reading here:     http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=172656052 

 

Our  Gospel reading of the week will be John 14:1-14 
See the reading here:  http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=172656016

Sunday Servers 

 

Ushers: Marshall and Peggy Corey

Acolyte:  Michael Ramsey

Chalicist:  Laura Desmarais

Reader:  Jerry Brown

Altar Guild: Tina Wolf

Flower Guild: Ruth Clausen

Coffee Hour: Lunder
For any questions or needs, you may contact Father Josh Condon; office - 914-273-3812, Rectory - 914-273-4570, cell - 917-753-1997, or by e-mail: jcondon.ststephens@gmail.com.