St. Stephen's Weekly Touchstone
The Third Sunday of Easter  
May 4, 2014 


Farewell to the Clausens



Ruth and Don Clausen have belonged to St. Stephen's for nearly 40 years.  In their decades at St. Stephen's they raised their family; their children were baptized and confirmed and their daughter Rachel was married here. Between Ruth and Don they have filled nearly every volunteer role the church offers.

Ruth, a horticulturalist by profession and author of many books on flowers and plants, has long volunteered her expertise to the Flower Guild. The gardens and greenery on the church grounds have profited from her attention, as have generations of parishioners who learned how to prune correctly from Ruth!  Utilizing her contacts in the business, Ruth led many Plant Sales over the years, benefiting the community and raising funds for the church.

Ruth has taught Sunday School, served as Warden and on the Vestry. She also headed the Sesquicentennial Committee, responsible for the year-long celebration of the 150th Anniversary of St. Stephen's.

 

Ruth has been a mentor and supporter to generations of youth at St. Stephen's. She always made time to check in with young people about their interests and activities, from students long ago to last fall's confirmation class.

Ruth and Don both added their voices and enthusiasm to the choir. Don, a graphic artist, lent his artistic ability in many ways over the years, producing many art and calligraphy projects. The framed work in the hall outside the Bethany Room shows examples of his touch. He made signs for Treasures Thrift Shop as well as for church sales and activities.

Don served on the Vestry, as well as the Search Committee that brought us Father Harry. Don spent many hours working on the grounds, doing gardening and yard work. He was also a chalicist, a Sunday School teacher and a rare male volunteer at Treasures.

The Clausens have moved to Maryland to see more of their children. We will miss them in more ways than we can count. Our appreciation for their decades of friendship, and their many contributions to St. Stephen's, were commemorated last Sunday with the planting of a dogwood tree in front of the church in their honor. In 2004 Ruth was awarded a certificate from the Bishop, acknowledging all she does.  His commendation ends, "Every parish needs a Ruth Clausen." We all say "Amen" to that, and wish the Clausens many blessings in their new life in Maryland. 

 


Father Bob saying a blessing for Ruth and Don.


Gathering to bless the dogwood tree, planted in honor of Ruth and Don Clausen. Ruth estimates it will blossom
in another week.


Ruth and Don admiring the tree, which was generously donated by Karen and Ricardo Pascoe.



Weekly Images:

  
  
To honor an old tradition, we continued the Flowering of the Cross during the Second Sunday of Easter.


 





Announcements at St. Stephen's Church

 

PARISH CLEAN UP: This Saturday at 11 we will be spending a couple of hours cleaning out and sprucing up the property. We need all hands on deck! Please come, attired in gardening clothes or Johnny Cash black, and help us by pitching in. Children are welcome -- we will put their energy to good use.

RECTOR SEARCH: We are pleased to report that with our rector position now listed on the Diocesan website, we have already received the names of three very qualified candidates.  The Search Committee has begun scheduling phone interviews with the candidates, and will then visit their churches to hear a sermon. This process leads to selected candidates being invited to St. Stephen's to be interviewed in person, and to see our church and rectory. Feel free to speak to a Search Committee member if you have any questions or suggestions. The Search Committee consists of Rich Fontaine, Neal Baumann, Laura Johnson, Vicki Mace, Lani Ridenhour, Claire Turner and Kathie Ramsey.



FOOD PANTRY: Our next date to staff the Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry is Tuesday, May 13.   We need volunteers to staff the distribution from 4:45 to 7. This is a wonderful opportunity to help our neighbors alongside others from St. Stephen's. Please let Laura Desmarais know if you can help by emailing [email protected].
We are also collecting canned tuna, low sodium soups and healthy cereals in the bin in the lobby.
 
EGG RETURN:  It was a successful egg hunt on Easter Sunday, with baskets overflowing!  If you don't care to store the plastic eggs, we collect them for reuse next year. Please drop them off at church or the office.


Weekly Readings

First Reading:  Acts 2: 14a, 36-41
Second Reading:  1 Peter 1: 17-23     
Gospel:  Luke 24: 13-35

Sunday Servers

Ushers:  Don and Meg Gregg      
Acolyte:  Grace Lunder
Chalicist:  Sue Brown     
Reader First Lesson:  Rich Fontaine      
Reader Second Lesson:  Charity Lunder        
Altar Guild:  Tina Wolf 
Flower Guild:  Nan Bircham      
Coffee Hour:  Brown    
 


Nursery care is available at the 10 am Sunday service.
Our Saturday evening service is held at 5:30 pm.
More information can be found at our website:

 

For any questions or needs, you can contact the church office

at 914-273-3812 or [email protected]

Office hours: Tuesday & Thursday 9 to 2:30.