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April 30, 2013
The e-pistle
Your Weekly News Update from St. Stephen's
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In This Issue
LGBT Discussion Panel
The Wired Word on Sunday at 9:30 am
The Prodigal Clown
Youth Notes
Choir Cabaret May 10
FREE Volunteer Party May 17
Drew Bunting Accepts New Call
Movie Night Continues
Event Calendar
Service Times
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To The People of St. Stephen's
Dear Friends,

According to Wikipedia, a sabbatical is: "(from Latin sabbaticus, from Greek sabbatikos, from Hebrew shabbat) literally a 'ceasing,' a rest from work, or a break, often lasting from two months to a year. The concept of sabbatical is described several places in the Bible.  In Genesis, God rests on the 7th day.  In Leviticus 25 there is a commandment to desist from working the fields in the seventh year. In the strict sense, therefore, a sabbatical lasts a year.

Thanks be to God, Rev'd Jo-Ann won't be leaving us for a whole year (just 3 months)!  But she is about to engage in a time of stepping away from the immediate demands of her ministry at St. Stephen's. A few weeks ago in her e-pistle letter,  Rev'd Jo-Ann described her sabbatical plans which involve rest, renewal, and regeneration.  She will travel, share time with her family, and pursue continuing education in ministry with children.  This will be a healthy time for Rev'd Jo-Ann, as well as for our parish.

While she is away, many of us will be called on to fill in areas for which she has responsibility.  It will give us each a chance to understand more fully the depth of her ministry here.  Rev'd Jo-Ann, we will miss you, and we hold you in our prayers as we know you hold us in yours.  Godspeed!

Please join us in church this Sunday to wish Rev'd Jo-Ann safe travels and soft landings.

In Christ's love,

Pastor Willie + 

LGBT Parenting Issues?
This May 3rd Panel Discussion is for You

 

The issues LGBT families face in raising our children are myriad.  Participate in a panel discussion focused on issues that are important to LGBT families and their children.  The panel will present material designed to increase our awareness of and stimulate us to think about these special challenges in ways that support child and family well-being.   We will spend a large amount of time asking questions, sharing experiences, and hearing the experiences of other parents.

Sheri P. Ashcraft, Psy.D. 
Todd Cornett, MD 
Matt Ghezzi, LMHC 
Shelley L. Payne, Ph.D.



To register for child care, please pre-register online at sobelaw.com/panelreg.html.

Parking at the church or school lots is $5.00.  There is additional parking off Main Hwy. and next to the Sonesta on McFarlane Rd.

Sunday at 9:30 am - The Wired Word
Tom Pafford to Lead Discussion



Invest II for  Adults meets at 9:30 am on Sunday mornings in the Peacock Room.  During the Easter season Tom Pafford is once again facilitating the popular discussion of current events and theology known as "The Wired Word."

Join Tom for a stimulating and provocative exchange at the intersection of faith and the world in which we live today.  ("The Wired Word" will not meet May 25, Memorial Day weekend.)
 

Come One, Come All!

Sunday, May 4th


Come one, come all! The greatest show on earth will be at St. Stephen's this coming Sunday, May 4th.  Join us at 10:30 am when our Children's Choir will present its spring musical production of "The Prodigal Clown." 

Based on the gospel account of Jesus' parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), this upbeat retelling of a father's great love will remind us all of God's generous love for all his children. 

Members of the Children's Choir include Caleb Carlson, Caroline Carlson, Alia Cornett,  Ciara Coulombe, Danny Coulombe, Kylie Coulombe, Renee Fonseca, Marissa Gagliano, Karina Holcombe, Sophia Jarjour, Lassha Pafford, Liam Pafford, and Zachary Roncallo.  Analy Mendez is director of the Children's Choir.

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Children's Chapel will not be held on Sunday, May 4, in order that everyone may enjoy the Children's Choir production of "The Prodigal Clown" at the 10:30 am Mass.

The Nursery for infants and toddlers under 3 will be staffed as usual from 9:15 until 11:45 am.  Our new nursery attendant is Sheldine Jeanbaptist.  Please introduce yourself and welcome Sheldine to St. Stephen's.

Choir Cabaret May 10
You've Waited For It.  Here It Is!
                        
The annual Choir Cabaret, put on by our own St. Stephen's Choir, is coming on Saturday, May 10, from 7 to 10:30 pm.  Don't miss this exciting event.  Tickets are $20 each and include dinner and fantastic entertainment from your choir.  They can be purchased after church from a choir member, or purchase tickets online.  All proceeds benefit our wonderful choir.
 
Saturday, May 17, 5:30 - FREE!


St. Stephen's is a church full of volunteers - choir members, art show workers, altar guild, Prosperity Center, greeters, Sunday school teachers, Vestry, community brunch and HAC workers, counters, altar servers, readers, on and on.

If you have volunteered for anything at St. Stephen's, we want to thank you.  In fact, we're having a party just for you.  This is NOT a fundraiser.  There are no tickets to buy.  Everything is free - we'll have free heart-and-soul-themed food, free beverages, and dancing music. 

Please come, and help us celebrate YOU on Saturday, May 17, 5:30 to whenever.

Former St. Stephen's Chaplain Accepts New Call
The Rev'd Drew Bunting's new post begins July 1.

Many St. Stephen's parishioners remember The Rev'd Drew Bunting, who served as Day School Chaplain/Associate Rector here nearly a decade ago.  He and his wife, the Rev'd April Berends, left St. Stephen's to take positions elsewhere - he as Associate Rector of St. Columba's in Washington, D.C., and then Priest-in-Charge at St. James' Episcopal Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; she as Priest Associate for Liturgy at Washington National Cathedral, and then Rector of St. Mark's in Milwaukee. 

Father Bunting has recently accepted a call to ministry as St. Andrew's-Sewanee School Chaplain, Beginning July 1.  He and April will live on the school campus.

If you remember Drew, you may recall his talents as an old-time string musician, songwriter and singer. 

Congratulations, Drew!

Movie Night Continues


Our plans last week fell through, but here's another chance to see "Railway Man" -- this time a little closer to home!  It is playing at the Paragon right here in Cocowalk, at 8:20 pm this Friday.  For those who would like to go to dinner beforehand, meet at the church at 6 pm; otherwise meet upstairs by the concession stand at 8:10.  If you wish to pre-purchase your tickets, go here

Upcoming Events
Don't Forget These Dates     

 

reminder

May 3 - Panel Discussion on LGBT parenting issues, 9:30 am in the Great Hall

May 4 - Invest 2, The Wired Word, at 9:30 am in the Peacock Room

Children's production of "The Prodigal Clown" at the 10:30 service.

May 10 - Choir Cabaret, 7 pm in the Great Hall

May 17
- Thank you, St. Stephen's Volunteers! party/celebration at 5:30 in the Great Hall


At St. Stephen's All Are Welcome 

 
Sundays 
Said Mass at 8 am
Sung Mass with choir at 10:30 am,
with child care for children under 3
and Children's Chapel for children 7 and under


Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 to 5