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Dear Friends, "For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who is not partial and takes no bribe, who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providing for them food and clothing. You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt" (Deuteronomy 10: 17-19). Mahatma Gandhi once said ""A nation's greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members." Certainly there is much useful debate going on now about the question of immigration in our country. This is a serious issue that calls for serious and thoughtful response. However, when thousands of young children arrive at our borders fleeing violence and brutality in their own countries I am horrified that they are being met with hatred and vitriol, much of it coming from self-professed "Christians." We now look back 70 years and hang our heads in shame that we did not respond to the plight of European Jews. We are quick to denounce other countries for human rights violations. A nation's greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members. How will we be measured? You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt... In Christ's love. Pastor Willie +
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Trivia Night at St. Philips!
Let's take home the trophy on July 26th.
Remember these folks? They're the St. Philips team that took home the trophy at St. Stephen's last Trivia Night. Mark your calendars now and save the date for St. Philips' "Dog Days of Summer " Trivia Night. All who love trivia are invited to battle against the St. Philip's team as they take on St. Thomas and St. Stephen's and defend their trophy. Saturday, July 26th, at St. Philip's. If you are interested, please contact St. Philips directly for tickets: 305-444-6176. Bring your friends! Special Note: Mark your calendars now for our own St. Stephen's Trivia Night on Saturday, September 13th at 7 pm, right here in our Great Hall.
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Andrew Lujan's Story Need a Little Inspiration Today? Watch This!
Have you ever speculated about the value of the arts in human development? St. Stephen's choir tenor Andrew Lujan, for one, has discovered the power of music to motivate and heal his life. "Who knew that music could change my life in so many ways?" says Andrew on this six-minute video by the Harmony Foundation. As the accompanying text says, "Andrew Lujan was a shy, reserved, 300 pound kid who didn't know who he was, or who he wanted to be. When singing became a part of his life . . ., it changed forever." Is he good? Andrew's quartet, The Academy, recently won first place in the Collegiate Quartet Contest in the International Barbershop Contest in Las Vegas. Congratulations, Andrew! Also, Dominic Lamberti's chorus, The Sunny Boys, came in second among some very tough competition from all over the world. Congratulations, Dominic! |
Welcome Home Sunday September 7 We're Having a Welcome Home Picnic!
On Sunday, September 7, we will have a special "Welcome Home" service in honor of all who have returned home to South Florida from their travels. Please plan on re-joining us in church that day and staying for a fried chicken and apple-pie picnic after the 10:30 am Mass.
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Sunday School Starts September 14th. Along with our adult Invest 2 programming, Sunday school for children will begin on September 14th at 9:30 am. Please watch the e-pistle for enrollment information as the date draws near.
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Invest 2 Starts on September 14th Mental Health Leads Our Fall Offerings
Mental health is an issue that affects many families and individuals. Many of us would like to help in some way but don't know how. Our first Invest 2 for adults calls on a panel of mental health professionals to help educate us about this important topic.
Please join us at 9:30 am in the Peacock Room.
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Please Help Mothers in Africa Help Assemble Birthing Kits on September 20th, HERE
Mark your calendars and save the date! Watch the e-pistle for more information.
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Many Opportunities to Help Several St. Stephen's Ministries Need Your Help
AIDS Ministry. The AIDS Ministry meets in the Parish Center one Thursday evening a month during the school year to discuss projects and organize fundraising activities to benefit those affected by HIV-AIDS in our community. All are welcome to come to meetings and join with us in this worthwhile activity. If you have questions, email Russell Corbett.
Counters. Each week two volunteers count and tabulate the open plate collection right after the 10:30 am Mass. We can always use more volunteers to help out for an hour a month! Please email Lois Bailey.
These are only three of many more. If you would like to get involved at St. Stephen's, volunteering is a great way to get started. Pick up a copy of the booklet, "Get Involved, Stay Connected" in the back of the church.
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Bishop Coadjutor Search Update Keep this process in your prayersThe Bishop Coadjutor search has now moved to the Skype interview phase, after which 8-10 "semi-finalists" will be brought to Florida in late September for a weekend retreat of prayer, face-to-face interviews, and presentations. In mid-October five candidates will be presented to the Standing Committee and will then be presented to the diocese in a series of on-site "walk-abouts." The election of our next bishop will take place at the end of January 2015, and s/he will be consecrated in May.
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No e-pistle Next Week To be published every two weeks until mid-August
In summer the e-pistle slows down along with everything else in South Florida. It goes from every Wednesday at noon to every other Wednesday at noon. The next issue will show up in your e-mailbox on July 16 - and so on through the summer, until mid-August.
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Upcoming Events Don't Forget These Dates
The Wired Word at 9:30 am in the Peacock Room, continuing Sundays throughout the summer
Saturday, July 26 - Trivia Night at St. Phillips, 7 pm
September 7 - Welcome Home Sunday and picnic lunch after the 10:30 am Mass
Saturday, September 13 - Trivia Night at St. Stephen's, 7 pm
Sunday, September 14 - Invest 2 begins for adults and children (including Sunday School) begins
Big Lunch after the 10:30 am Mass - again! Wait for more.
Saturday, September 20 - Assembling birthing kits for Mothers in Africa, 9 am to noon at the church.
Sunday, September 21 - Blessing of Russell and Christopher's wedding during the 10:30 am Mass. Celebratory brunch to follow.
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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
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