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October 15, 2014
The e-pistle
Your Weekly News Update from St. Stephen's
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In This Issue
Bishop Coadjutor Nominees Announced
Special Day School Sunday
Invest 2
Photos from the Afternoon Tea
Parent Presentation
AIDS Fundraiser
Event Calendar
Service Times
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To The People of St. Stephen's
Dear Friends,

Next week I will be pursuing continued professional development,  attending a seminar based on Diana Butler Bass' book Christianity After Religion.  You may remember that during my "state of the parish" address prior to this year's Annual Meeting I articulated a goal of exploring the question "What does it mean to be Church in the 21st Century?"  I look forward to sharing insights with clergy of different faith traditions as we gather at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, NM next week.  The serene desert setting is a "thin space" where I have experienced the presence of God in the magnificent beauty of creation.

A theme that has been consistent whenever people gather to discuss the future of the church is our need to reach beyond the comfort of the four walls of our buildings.  The mission field begins right outside our doors -- in what ways is God calling us to ministry beyond ourselves?  We do certainly focus on outreach, community service, and social justice at St. Stephen's, but to what else might we be called?  During our Stewardship brunches we have been asking you to share ideas about future ministry directions which our vestry will prayerfully consider at our January retreat.

I look forward to reporting back to you on new insights I will gain during my time at Ghost Ranch next week.

In Christ's love,

Rev. Willie Allen-Faiella
A view of Ghost Ranch, Abiquiu, New Mexico

Nominees for Bishop Coadjutor announced 
A diverse and gifted group 

EDSEF The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Southeast Florida announced yesterday the five nominees discerned by the Search Committee as the candidates for our next bishop. What now follows is a two week "petition period" during which others may submit their names to the Standing Committee if they also wish to be candidates. 

The election will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2015. 

Please continue to keep this important process in your prayers.

The nominees are:

The Rev'd Michael Battle
The Rev'd Dede Duncan-Probe
The Very Rev'd Peter Eaton
The Rev'd John Hall
The Rev'd Allen Robinson.

You may read more about them here.

Stay tuned for information about the "walk-abouts" which will take place the week of January12th.  These will be an opportunity to meet the nominees "up close and personal."

Special Day School Sunday 10:30 Mass this Sunday
Honoring Silvia Larrauri's 10th anniversary as head of St. Stephen's Episcopal Day School
 
Each fall we set aside a Sunday to honor our day school, its students, and its teachers and staff. It is an opportunity to celebrate the joint mission of our church and school and to experience the joyful way our students and faculty worship every week.

This year we have something special to celebrate in addition to our school as a whole:   Silvia Larrauri has served as head of school for 10 years.  Please join us in church this Sunday as we honor Silvia for her decade of leadership and service.  Silvia has guided our school in its  Episcopal identity, commitment to excellence in education, and growth in Christian values.  Under her leadership the school has become a national leader in primary school education.
 
Parking will be challenging so don't forget you can also park in the Main Highway lot!

Thank you, Silvia! 

Join us for Invest 2 on Sunday mornings
Inquirers' Classes begin this Sunday

Invest 2 logo For those who want to learn more about the Episcopal Church as well as for those who wish to be confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church when our bishop visits on November 9 -- this class is for you!

Our clergy will be leading a three-week series on the history of the Episcopal and Anglican Churches, how Confirmation we read and interpret Scripture, and how we worship.  If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact Pastor Willie or Rev'd Jo-Ann.

The class meets at 9:30 am in the Great Hall.
A wonderful Afternoon Tea!
"A rare treat in the Grove"

Members of St. Stephen's and guests from the wider community enjoyed
Setting up for the tea in the breezeway
afternoon tea this past Saturday.  Nicola Brown treated us with her wonderful, home-baked goodies. She was assisted by family and friends in providing this lovely afternoon event.  Acoustic group Rodile provided Beatles and similar music.  All this and a fund-raiser for our parish as well!

And the Nepenthe Garden was a lovely setting too
One guest from the wider Coconut Grove community commented:  "The afternoon tea at St Stephen's was a rare treat in the Grove. Not only were the pastries delicious and fresh, the tea perfectly brewed, but the organizers were also sweet. The band and the the ambiance made for a perfect ambiance on Saturday. The price was a welcome great value,  and it was all for a good cause. I cannot wait for the next one!"

Thank you, Nicola and all who helped!  All of us are eagerly awaiting the next one!
 
How To Keep Your Kids Out of the ER
An informative presentation on children's health issues

Dr. Fernando Mendoza, Medical Director of the Children's Emergency Center at Baptist Children's Hospital and parent of two of our Day School students will give a talk on "Pediatric Emergencies:  Myths vs Realities."  Everyone is welcome!

Tuesday, October 21 8:15 am in the Great Hall.
AIDS Fundraiser
Help our music teacher Mr. E help others!

Next month our SSEDS Music Teacher, Mr. E, will be aids ribbon participating in the Smart Ride and cycling 165 miles from Miami to Key West  to raise money for AIDS/HIV.  In an effort to reach his fundraising goal of $5,000, on October 26th at 10:30 am he is hosting a "Spin-a-thon" at M Cycle Gym (6114 S Dixie Hwy, South Miami, FL 33143). All proceeds from the $25 spinning class will fund education, testing, medication, and research for a cure. You are invited to come for a great workout, giveaways, "fun" beverages, a live DJ, and tasty treats. Reserve your spot today by going to the following website, donating, and writing "spin-a-thon" under company name
Upcoming Events
Don't Forget These Dates     

 

reminder

Tuesday, October 21 - At an 8:15 am parent assembly in the Great Hall, Dr. Mendoza will speak on Child Health Issues.  All parishioners and school parents are welcome.

Sunday, October 26 -
 Youth Group Car Wash 9 am - 1 pm

  -  "Spin-a-thon" for AIDS

  -  Evensong at Trinity Cathedral, 6 pm

Sunday, November 2: All Saints' Day (observed) with Baptisms

   - Third and final stewardship brunch, after 10:30 Mass in the Great Hall.

  -  ECW meeting in the Parish Center after the 10:30 am Mass
 
Sunday, November 9:  10:30 am Mass:  Bishop Frade's annual visitation; Baptisms, Confirmations, Receptions

  -  Evensong at Trinity Cathedral, 6 pm

Saturday, November 15 - NovemberFest Family Pig and Bonell Roast, 5 to 9 pm
 

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 three
and Children's Chapel for children seven and under
1st & 3rd Sundays
@Our Table, a dinner church 
 at 5:30 pm (child care available)
Parish Center


Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 to 5.