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St. Stephen's Episcopal Church of Mullica Hill
Email Newsletter
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April 2009
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Issue #2
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In this issue:
Editor's Note
Vicar's View
From The Senior Warden
From The Junior Warden
Deacon-In-Training
Mission Board Minutes
Committee Notes
Community Ministries
Parish Life
Children's Activies
Evangelism
Christian Formation
the Lighter Side
Community Information
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Epsico-Speak
Service Times:
Sunday 8 AM – Rite II
Sunday 10 AM – Rite II with Music (third Sunday: Rite I)
Sunday 11 AM – Coffee Hour, followed by Christian Formation
for all ages
Wednesday 10 AM – Healing Service (not offered March 4)
April's Calendar
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Editor's Note:
Welcome to the second edition of St. Stephens’ e-newsletter. Those of you for whom we have email addresses are receiving this electronically. Those with “snail mail” addresses can pick up the paper version at church on Sunday. Also, please note the electronic calendar link on the front of the website home page: www.ststephensofmullicahill.com. This can be printed out and posted. PS – While you’re looking at the website, check out our new testimonies/profiles about why people like to attend St. Stephens, just click on the “people” link. (And extra thanks to those who agreed to be videotaped!)
Please feel free to contact me with any suggestions or comments at sraman@upenn.edu. Thanks and happy reading!
Sheila Raman Combs |
 Vicar's View:
What do you want for . . . Easter?
Most of us probably associate that question with that other Christian holy day we celebrate in December, but I invite you to take this inquiry seriously. Perhaps you can even get in touch with your inner child and imagine yourself sitting on Jesus’ lap and having him ask you that question. What do you want, or need, to feel a profound sense of re-birth or new life? What do you need or need to do in order for that to happen?
I believe the answer to these questions begins with prayer – intentional, honest prayer between you and God. It requires time and attention to offer this kind of practice, but the reward is fantastic.
About 8 years ago, while I was still discerning my call into ordained ministry, I had a good Lent. What I mean by that is that I was very intentional about my discipline and my prayer life. That year I experienced Holy Week in profound ways – I actually felt like I was walking with Jesus. I died on Good Friday, I was lifeless on Holy Saturday – and I was reborn on Easter Sunday! I remember waking up at about 6 AM that Easter, practically bursting with joy and energy. I had to get up and go for a walk before going to church (not my normal practice as I am a night owl). The trees seemed to glow and I heard the birds’ songs as hymns of praise. It was a glorious experience, and I have not had an Easter like that since.
I invite all of us at St. Stephen’s to dedicate ourselves for the next two weeks prior to Easter to a pattern of intentional prayer, asking God for an experience of re-birth and new life for Easter – for ourselves and for our church.
This is not an easy prayer or one to be taken lightly. It will require dedication and courage in order to walk with Jesus through his Passion and death. But as a community, I believe we are being called to recognize our spiritual dedication to our Savior in new and exciting ways.
I pray that we all may rejoice at Easter in a powerful way this year. Yet, regardless of what happens on Easter morning, I hope you will open yourself up to deepening your relationship with Christ and welcome that day of re-birth as a new beginning. Our secular society has a harder time marketing Easter, save for bunnies and LOTS of candy, because it reminds us that we have been given the ultimate gift in Jesus Christ. So let’s get ready to receive it. Here are some Collects (prayers) to help you get started.
Of the Holy Eucharist (especially suitable for Thursdays)
God our Father, whose Son our Lord Jesus Christ in a wonderful Sacrament has left us a memorial of his passion: Grant us so to venerate the sacred mysteries of his Body and Blood, that we may ever perceive within ourselves the fruit of his redemption; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Of the Holy Cross (especially suitable for Fridays)
Almighty God, whose beloved Son willingly endured the agony and shame of the cross for our redemption: Give us courage to take up our cross and follow him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
For all Baptized Christians (especially suitable for Saturdays)
Grant, Lord God, to all who have been baptized into the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ, that, as we have put away the old life of sin, so we may be renewed in the spirit of our minds, and live in righteousness and true holiness;through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
In Christ,
Valerie+, vballing@comcast.net |
Save the Date:
April 4 – 9 am – 2 pm, Spring Clean Up Day
April 20 – 6:30 PM, Mission Board Meeting
Palm Sunday – April 5 – Following the 10 am service, we will have an intergenerational Christian Formation and will be making palm crosses
Easter Egg Hunt and Champagne Brunch – April 12
April 22 – 6:30 PM – Kid’s Christian Fellowship Evening
May 2 – Harrison Township Day
Book Club Meeting May 11 at the Parish Hall. The book is “Plain Truth” by Jodi Picoult. An unmarried Amish girl has been charged with the murder of her new born infant in this fictional bestseller. Did she do it? The author will keep you guessing until the end.
Kid Friendly Recessionals
The kid friendly Recessionals will be on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, but for April, because of Easter, they will be on the 3rd and 4th Sundays.
Keeping the Pews Neat
When you invite people into your home, you make sure things are neat, right? The same is true about our church. Please take a moment at the end of the service to straighten the books you used (make sure they are right side-up, facing forward, ribbons are tucked in, etc.) collect any unwanted papers to drop off at the table at the door, and make sure the Welcoming Prayer pew cards are visible. Your efforts will help make a more hospitable experience for new comers. Thank you!
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From the Senior Warden:
At the end of our Mission Board meetings we talk about where we have seen God. I had one of those God moments in March while I was in New York City for a few days.
I was taking a seminar for work and had to give two videotaped presentations in front of our class. Speaking in public, like it is for most people, is very stressful.
While getting ready for the first presentation, I could feel my stress level rise. By the time I had written out what I was going to say and practice it in my head, my stomach was doing somersaults.
Our class had been broken up into two teams. Fortunately, my team was first. I have discovered that when I am nervous, it’s best for me to go as soon as possible to get it over with. I volunteered to be first.
I started my speech and I felt my throat get dry and I thought I sounded terrible. I looked down at my hands and they were trembling. I felt horrible.
When it was over, I went to sit down. The man who was on my team leaned over and said, “very good” and smiled. I thought he was just being nice.
After all of our presentations were done we went into rooms with our team to look at our videos and critique them. When we got to mine, what a surprise. My voice was clear and I looked calm. I couldn’t believe it was me. The group said I was perfect.
God was with me. My second presentation was even better.
- Lisa Redfield, redfieldlisa@aol.com
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From the Junior Warden:
So far 36 people have given me forms to update the contact list. If you still need to drop off your form, you can leave it in my mailbox in the parish hall or email your information at ninianende@veriaozn.net. A new list should be on display at the back of the church the last week of March. Please double check the information on it and make any necessary corrections. Once I have verified that the list is correct, I will get copies printed for everyone.
- Nicole Buehler, niniende@verizon.net
Mission Board Minutes:
-Meeting was held on March 9, 2009.
-Meeting was opened with prayer.
-Minutes from the February 16, 2009 meeting were approved.
-Mutual Invitation Bible Study - John 4 27:42
-Leadership Discussion - What is our Purpose at St. Stephen's.
-Committee reviewed 2008-2009 budget.
-Checks presented were ratified
-Contract with Carmen Viola, our new Deacon, was signed.
-Due to the downturn in the economy, the Treasurer was asked to look into some options for moving some of the money out of the DIT to some fund where it will be better protected.
-Meeting was closed with prayer.
Committee Notes:
Buildings & Grounds – April 4th 9 AM – 2PM – Spring Clean Up Day Please mark your calendars and join us on April 4 as we do a major Spring Clean-up at St. Stephen's. The Mission Board has created a list of some major jobs to be accomplished and we need your help.
The Boy Scouts will be there to help us and there will be outdoor and indoor tasks. Please look for the sign-up sheet at the back of the church and, if you can, please sign up for two hours. It should be a good day for some "fellowship" as we spruce up our spiritual home. Also, join us for lunch. See you on the 4th.
- Andy Misinkavitch andrewmisinkavitch@comcast.net
Parish Life:
Easter Brunch - sign up sheet will be posted on the inside foyer door of the church beginning Mar. 22. Please sign up to bring a brunch item for Apr. 12 after the 10 AM service.
- Kathy Knight, kathygoodknight@comcast.net
Community Information:
Easter Choir
If you would like to make a joyful noise at our 10 AM Easter Service, you are invited to participate in a special choir for that day only! We will be led by Nell Immler and will meet at Jean Immler’s cottage (55 N Main Street, two houses north of the church, the small building behind the main house) on March 22nd , 29th and April 5th at 9 AM. Please sign up or talk to Nell or Jean. Thank you!
Woodbury Convocation Meeting
The spring meeting of the Woodbury Convocation will take place on April 26th, 4:00 PM at Saint Luke’s in
Woodstown. The above mentioned election for the Diocesan Board of Missions will take place at this time.
In addition, Father Tom Barcellona of Our Lady of Grace in Somerdale (Roman Catholic) will be the keynote speaker. Fr. Barcellona is the Chaplain to the Philadelphia Eagles. An autographed picture of Correll Buckhalter, running back for the Philadelphia Eagles, will be offered as door prize. All are welcome to join us.
Education for Ministry
Classes are formed through the Woodbury Convocation. It is a four year program, with each “year” being a nine month cycle of study. Students enroll for one cycle at a time. If you are interested in joining the new class starting in September 2009, or for more information, please contact Father Burgess at the Parish Office 845-0190.
The Education for Ministry (EfM) program provides people with the education “to be” Christians and to carry out their ministry. All Christians need an education which supports their faith and which prepares them to express that faith in day-to-day events. EfM is a world-wide program developed by the School of Theology of the University of the South. It holds that the foundation for bringing Christ to the world lies in a Church empowered by an active, theologically articulate laity.
The 2nd annual National Healthcare Decisions Day will be observed on Thursday, April 16, 2009. On this day, all across the country, health care facilities, health care professionals, chaplains, the legal community and others will be participating in a collective effort to highlight the importance of making advance healthcare decisions and to provide tools for making these decisions.
It is estimated that only a small minority of people (roughly 25%) have executed an advance directive. Moreover, fewer than 50% of severely or terminally ill patients have an advance directive in their medical records. National Health Care Decisions Day seeks to address the public's misunderstandings about advance healthcare planning and advance directives (one of the myths is that it takes a lawyer to draft an advance directive) and to increase awareness of the benefits of advance care planning so that Americans will be familiar with how to obtain and complete a healthcare power of attorney and/or living will. For more information, program ideas, and to confirm participation, please visit www.nationalhealthcaredecisionsday.org
“Five Wishes” forms are available in the back of the church. If you have any questions, please talk with Rev. Valerie.
Stewardship:
“Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.
1 Peter: 4:10
Celebration of Ministry: We are happy to welcome the following new acolytes participating in the worship at St. Stephen’s - Thomas and Kelsey Butler, Miranda and Michael Turner, Amanda and Shane Mastronardi and Nancy McLaughlin. We are all enriched by their ministry. We have seen an amazing response to the recent pledge drive letters that were sent out last month. As a result of the drive, we received an additional 9 pledges for an increase of 29.56%. We would like to thank everyone for their continued support in all areas - time, treasure and talent! Since we are promoting an electronic newsletter, we are refraining from publishing financial information monthly; however, I will be sending out financial reports in the mail at the end of the quarter to keep you up to date on our financial progress.
- Carole Misinkavitch and Rachel Rowe
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Deacon-in-training Corner:
ACOLYTES
The Acolyte program is moving along. Although we still need more volunteers, the teams that are in place are doing a great job. I would like to add another five to our Ministry. As I have said in the past, age (much be 7 years old +) is no barrier. The new schedule has been distributed and this schedule is through June, 2009. It is not cast in stone. If you some reason, scheduled Acolytes cannot make their assigned Services, please contact me or Rev. Valerie. If you want to switch with someone, please contact them directly or myself. I can be reached by email – sweeneyj25@comcast.net, by phone 609-261-0040 or on Sunday mornings.
OUTREACH
The St. Paul’s soup kitchen outreach program is going well. We have had a great outpouring of help and donations. Jean & Sharon, our head Rock-ies, are great leaders and their volunteer Rock-ies are equally worthy in giving their time and talent to this worthy cause.
Our next trip to St. Paul’s is Sunday, April 5th. The menu is chicken legs, mashed potatoes and greens. The sign-up up sheet for volunteers and food donations are in the back of the Church. We leave St. Stephen’s at 5PM, transportation is available. Evensong is 6PM at St. Paul’s, followed by dinner. A big thanks to Nell for volunteer to play St. Paul’s organ for the 6PM Service. I know it is a labor of love for her.
Other Outreach news will be in Carole Misinkavitch postings.
USHERS
Still waiting for volunteers so I can put a schedule together. PLEASE HELP. We will need 2 Ushers each, at the 8AM & 10AM on Palm Sunday April 5th and Easter Services on April 12th. Please see me after Services on Sunday if you would like to Usher. As you know, our Palm Sunday and Easter Service is usually very crowded, so we will need help not only handing our bulletins and seating people but also bring up the gifts, taking up the collection and guiding people to the Altar rail for Communion. PLEASE HELP!!!!!
FINALLY
My mother used to say, “never say good-bye”. So, I say, so long. As many of you know, Sunday, April 26th will be my last Sunday worshipping with you at St. Stephen’s. It seems only yesterday when I was welcomed into your community back in June of last year. It has been a very enjoyable and rewarding time with you. As I have told Valerie, I just wish I could have done more to “bring the world to the Church” and the “Church to the world” at St. Stephen’s. I have made so many new friends and you have welcomed me with opened arms and embraced me in so many way. My period of internship has been great assistants in my spiritual growth while be able to serve all of you as fellow Christians and spreading the Gospel.
Especially dear to me, was the response to my request for Acolyte volunteers. These dedicated people will be the making of the future of St. Stephen’s. Nancy, the oldest of the group, has brought a fresh approach to this Ministry – never too old to serve the Lord.
My favorite Ministry is the tremendous response to the Outreach of volunteers for St. Paul’s soup kitchen on Sunday evening. The fellowship this has developed not to mention the continued Ministry of Christ in helping the poor and hungry is
something that I will always remember about St. Stephen’s ROCK-ies.
On May 16th at 10AM, I will be ordained a Deacon in God’s Episcopal Church at Trinity Cathedral in Trenton. Please try to attend. You all have been a part in helping me grow into this Ministry. On June 24th, I will continue my permanent Ministry as a Deacon at Grace Church in Pemberton, NJ.
Valerie, thank you, thank you. First for allowing me to be part of the community at St. Stephen’s. For putting up with my missteps and helping me find my way in being a part of the growing community at St. Stephen’s. You have been a great help to me is so many ways by being a mentor and Priest in my interim period at St. Stephen’s. Oh, one of the many highlights in my education and learning process was how to ring the Sanctus bell. I know we will see each other on the path of Ministry in the Diocese.
Valerie has asked me to Preach on my last Sunday with you and I plan on further talking about what you all have meant to me in my short stay here at St. Stephen’s.
You are all in my prayers – God Bless.
- Joe Sweeney, sweeneyj25@comcast.net
Fundraising:
On March 28 from 9-2 we will host our second annual Spring Shopping Bazaar. 20 different vendors will be attending selling arts, crafts, and direct selling items (Tastefully Simple, Pampered Chef, etc). We will also be running a small white elephant sale out front to help get attention and get people to stop so we can direct them into the sale. To that end, we are looking for a few household items that we could put out for sale (no clothes, please). This is a high profit event; we have already made $600.00 by selling table space and hope to make a couple hundred more between the food sales and rummage sale. We will also need a couple people to help set up the tables on Friday night and to help prepare/sell food on Saturday (probably just hot dogs, chips, etc). If you have anything you would like to donate for the sale or want to volunteer for Saturday, please let Nicole Buehler know (ninianende@verizon.net).
The Shop Rite gift card program is a very successful fundraising program that is ongoing at St. Stephen's. So far we have made $270 profit from the cards that have been sold during 2009. And it's so easy! We basically earn money for the church just for buying our groceries at Shop Rite. Since the inception of this fundraiser, we have made a profit of $2170 selling 43 orders. During the month of March, we went through 3 orders of cards. That is up from our previous 1 order a month, so keep up the good work! If we continue at this pace, we would raise $1890 profit in 2009 JUST FOR BUYING GROCERIES! See Reverend Valerie or Gladys Bailey for your Shop Rite cards today!
- Rachel Rowe, rrowe13@comcast.net
Community Ministries:
Please remember to pick up your Hope Chest for your contributions during Lent. The Hope Chests will be collected on Easter Day and the donations will be sent to Episcopal Relief & Development.
- Carole Misinkavitch, andrewmisinkavitch@comcast.net
Children’s Activities:
Kid's Christian Fellowship: Please join us for a Pajama Drive Party on Wednesday, April 22nd at 6:30 p.m. Kids are encouraged to wear their favorite pajamas to the fun-filled event. We will continue to instill a spirit of giving in our children by collecting new pajamas and books for donation to the Pajama Program, a national nonprofit organization, whose goal is to help ensure that every child has a good night with new bedtime books and cozy pajamas. There will be kid-friendly food, a craft in honor of Earth Day, and bedtime stories. If you have any questions please contact Heather Holt Godfrey at 464-2071 or holtgodfrey@verizon.net.
- Heather Holt Godfrey, holtgodfrey@verizon.net
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Evangelism:
The Evangelism Committee will meet on March 25. Agenda items will include: discussion about how we will participate in the Harrison Township Day On May 2; progress on a brochure and videotape program for same; updates to the website; progress with the electronic newsletter; and progress on the directory.
Click to view new web site video interviews
The Lighter Side
Two Little Boys
After a hardy rainstorm filled all the potholes in the streets and alleys, a young mother watched her two little boys playing in the puddles through her kitchen window. The older of the two, a five year old lad, grabbed his sibling by the back of his head and shoved his face into the water hole.
As the boy recovered and stood laughing and dripping, the mother ran to the yard in a panic.
"Why on earth did you do that to your little brother?!" she asked as she shook the older boy in anger.
"We were just playing 'church' mommy," he said. "I was just baptizing him . . . in the name of the Father, the Son and in the hole-he-goes.”
 Thanks to the following vendors for their participation in the St. Stephen’s Spring Shopping Bazaar:
Tastefully Simple, Sheryl Neely, fvillegirl@comcast.net
Slice of Life, Pat Davis,alpat@snip.net
Bath Fitter,Ray Moffo,moffo@bathsaver.com
Hoops and Stitches,Michelle Peverelle,peverelle2@comcast.net
Avon,Madalyn Sawickey,madalyn1762@excite.com
Beads'R US,Maureen Robinson,moinphilly2001@yaoo.com
Carol's Epiphany,Carol Reim,carolreim@aol.com
Sue's Country Classics,Sue Shuman,shu8man@comcast.net
Backyard Classic Furniture,Christine Gravot,aladysplan@hotmail.com
American Girl Doll clothes,Mildred Malone
Eco-Lush Designs,Katrina
Lee,kuhtreeuh07@yahoo.com
Pampered Chef,Kathy Butler,cookwithkathy@yahoo.com
TOP Program,Kathy Tingle
Giftware,Paul Lucia,pluchasr@aol.com
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Christian Formation:
Adults:
Sunday Lenten Series: Baptismal Partnership With God
As Christians in the Episcopal tradition we commit to an ongoing covenantal relationship with God through the sacrament of baptism. What are the details of this commitment? What are the implications of this covenant for Christians in daily life? Join Nancy McLaughlin, author of Do You Believe? Living the Baptismal Covenant, in an exploration of these questions and more during the Sunday adult education time following the 10 AM service. Starting Sunday, March 1st, this Lenten series will last 5 weeks.
- Nancy McLaughlin, nmclaughlin2k@yahoo.com
New! Class for Ages 8-12
We are delighted to announce that a new class will be starting for ages 8-10 beginning on April 19th. Rev. Valerie will be teaching the students at 9 am following the early service. If you are interested in attending, let us know by contacting Rev. Valerie at vballing@comcast.net
Special Communion Class for Ages 4-6
Our younger class continues on Sundays at 11:30. Team-taught by Sheila Raman Combs, Rachel Rowe and Lisa Redfield, this class offers children ages 4-6 a lesson that dovetails with day’s Gospel lesson, followed by a game or arts activity.
Rev. Valerie will offer a special introduction to receiving communion on March 29 and April 5. She will also teach the children some songs that they can sing during the Recessional.
Nursery
Nursery is offered at 9:45 AM on Sunday mornings in the Parish Hall. A rotating group of parent-volunteers staffs the
Nursery. The children rejoin their parents in church following the peace and in time for communion.
- Sheila Raman Combs, sraman@upenn.edu
Easter Flowers
We welcome our risen Lord on Easter Sunday with a church full of flowers. If you would like to contribute to the Easter Flowers, it is $10 for all your dedications (memorials and/or thanksgivings). Envelopes are available in the back of the church. Please clearly write the dedications on the envelope or separate sheet of paper. You can put them in the Offering plate or give them to Rev. Valerie.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Kathy Schwehm, April 7
Trey Godfrey, April 8
Chuck Balling, April 8
Don LaBarr, April 10
Casey Allen, April 11
Peggy Layton, April 13
Mary Mowatt, April 17
Dorothy Allen, April 24
Anniversary
Bob & Erna Zolkov, April 20
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Episco-Speak
Easter. The feast of Christ's resurrection. According to Bede, the word derives from the Anglo-Saxon spring goddess Eostre. Christians in England applied the word to the principal festival of the church year, both day and season. Easter Day is the annual feast of the resurrection, the pascha or Christian Passover, and the eighth day of cosmic creation. Faith in Jesus' resurrection on the Sunday or third day following his crucifixion is at the heart of Christian belief. Easter sets the experience of springtime next to the ancient stories of deliverance and the proclamation of the risen Christ. In the west, Easter occurs on the first Sunday after the full moon on or after the vernal equinox. Easter always falls between Mar. 22 and Apr. 25 inclusive.
Following Jewish custom, the feast begins at sunset on Easter Eve with the Great Vigil of Easter. The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates Easter on the first Sunday after the Jewish pesach or Passover (which follows the spring full moon). Although the two dates sometimes coincide, the eastern date is often one or more weeks later.
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Copyright © 2009 St. Stephen's Episcopal Church of Mullica Hill
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