ststephensofmullicahill.com

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church of Mullica Hill Email Newsletter
November 2009	Issue #7
In this issue: Editor's Note Vicar's View From The Senior Warden From The Junior Warden Deacon's Corner Mission Board Minutes Committee Notes Evangelism the Lighter Side Community Information Birthdays and Anniversaries Epsico-Speak Service Times: 8 AM Rite II 10 AM with Music, Rite II 10 AM with Music, Rite I on the third Sunday of the month Healing Service on 10 AM on Wednesdays, except Sept. 2 when it will be at 11 AM November Printable Calendar 2009 jpg	Editor's Note: It’s nearly Halloween – do you know where your goblins are? The fall is flying by so quickly and the small people I live with are looking forward to Halloween – how about you? And then it will be Thanksgiving and Christmas before we know it. During this busy time, I hope you’ll be able to pause and think about all the gifts we enjoy – especially the faith and fellowship we are blessed with at St. Stephens. I also hope you’ll either participate or come to watch the children’s Christmas Pageant on December 20. It’s sure to be an adorable and memorable evocation of the Christmas story! Sheila Raman Combs,sraman@upenn.edu
Vicar's View: “Let me catch you celebrating!” The Rt. Rev. George Councell, XI Bishop of New Jersey In a video that we will be watching on Stewardship Sunday (November 8th) Bishop Councell encourages the churches in this Diocese to be joyful, even in the face of economic hardship. I believe that St. Stephen’s can be caught celebrating every week, and in our own ministries, every day! What does it mean to celebrate? I am sure most of us conjure up the vision of a big party, which is fine as far as it goes. As a recovering English teacher, I also offer to you that “celebrate” is derived from the Latin meaning “to frequent in great numbers, assemble to honor." This is what our church community is all about – to come together in great numbers and offer our honor, praise and worship to our God and Savior, Jesus Christ. And we have a lot to celebrate! There is a wonderful spirit flowing through our community – I hope you can feel it as much as I do. It inspires me everyday to do all that I can for God by discerning what God is calling us to do. We are in the midst of really understanding our purpose in Mullica Hill. During the Cottage Meetings, it was very evident that many of us want to minster to the needs of the local community, as well as continue the wonderful outreach to Camden, Seamen’s Church Institute, ERD, the Diocese, etc. Yet, while we are mighty in spirit, we are small in numbers, so we must be careful not to over-commit our people-resources. I would rather do a few things really well than many things poorly. I ask you to pray with me as we move forward with our Vision of St. Stephen’s and that we really live into our Mission Statement: St. Stephen's Episcopal Church is a welcoming community of disciples dedicated to loving God and our neighbors. We proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ in our thoughts, words and deeds. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we seek to do God’s will in a needy world. So let me catch you celebrating in church! In Christ, Valerie+, vballing@comcast.net
Save the Date: Monday nights, starting September 28 - Adult Christian Formation Series – Where is God in Your Life? Discuss and learn about the human experience and who we really are and discover how we can reconnect to God and each other. Topics include: appreciation, suffering, forgiveness, having enough and shame. The seminars will be on Monday evenings from 7 – 8:30 PM in Collins’ Parish Hall. If you have any questions or would like more information, please talk to The Rev. Carmen Viola, Deacon at 267-236-5163 or carmen.viola@dla.mil Our monthly ministry in Camden is fast approaching on Nov. 1st. The menu is ziti, meatballs, sauce, etc. Please sign up in the back of the church for food or to help. The Fall Clean up day with the Boy Scouts is scheduled for Saturday, November 7th from 9 AM – 2 PM. Please help us out, even with an hour of your time. November 13 - Wine Tasting at Heritage Winery - Please join us for an evening of fun, food, and wine. Tickets will be $25 per person and is limited to 60 people. More information will be coming about this event Community Thanksgiving service on Thanksgiving morning (November 26th) at the Friends Meeting Hall at 8 AM. November 29 – Advent I - All are invited to make Advent Wreaths after the 10 AM Service. Rectory Work Day – Saturday, December 5th. Rev. Valerie needs help with painting and wall paper removal. If you can help, please let her know. Advent Quiet Day at St. Stephen’s 9 AM – 1 PM Saturday, December 12th. Please join Rev. Valerie for some prayer and reflection (and lunch!) during this hectic season. Christmas Pageant – December 20th at the 10 AM service. Rehearsals will be from 11- 12:00 noon on December 6, 13 and dress rehearsal with music will be held on Saturday, December 19 from 10 – 12 noon. Mission Board Minutes The Mission Board met on October 19, 2009. Meeting was opened with prayer. Mutual Invitation Bible Study - Luke 4:14-21 - The Bible study was led by Kathy Knight. Leadership Topics Video from Bishop - The Mission Board viewed the video from the Bishop that discussed stewardship and the present financial status of the diocese. Stewardship - Cottage meetings are being held and information received will be reviewed by the Mission Board. A session will be held immediately following the 10:00 o'clock service on November 1. Stewardship Sunday is November 8. New Business Fund Raising - Tickets are now being sold for the Wine Tasting on November 13th. The Yard Sale was successful and leftover items were donated to the Veteran's Association. Treasurer's Report - Treasurer's report was approved. Parish Life - Candy Bar Bingo will be held on October 24th - Children are encouraged to wear costumes. Building & Grounds - The fall clean-up day has been scheduled for November 7th. Boy Scouts will be here to assist. Lunch will be provided. A motion was made by Lisa Redfield to purchase a timer for the bell at a cost of $140.00 Second to the motion by Heather Holt-Godfrey, Motion carried. Motion Board members shared "Where They Had Met God Recently". Meeting closed by prayer Submitted by, - Carole Misinkavitch, andrewmisinkavitch@comcast.net	From the Senior Warden: Is God revealed through our pets? The other week on Friday I woke up and it was still dark. I thought maybe it was the middle of the night but then I noticed the sky was brightening. I turned over to see what time it was and the clock was dead. Nothing was showing. My first thought was, the electricity is out. When I sat up I could see the light on my computer was on. I went into the living room and it was 7 a.m. I’m on the road to work at that time. I quick called work to say I was going to be late. I got dressed and had my breakfast and arrived at work a little before 8:30 a.m. I was an hour late. I considered working through my lunch but realized I really had to take a break. My usual time to leave is 4 p.m. but I was going to leave at 5 p.m. A little after 4 the head of our department came by and said, “You usually leave at 4.” I said yes and then gave him the explanation of why I was staying later. Then he said, “You picked a good time to do this. You can go home early.” So I left and arrived home pretty much at my usual time. I went to take care of the clock. When I went to unplug it, the plug was half way out of the socket. The cats had given me an extra hour of sleep and it didn’t affect the time I would be home. Was God’s hand in this and did my cats respond? Some would say it was coincidence. It’s just amazing though how there seems to be more coincidences when God is at the center. - Lisa Redfield, redfieldlisa@aol.com From the Junior Warden: Thanks to everyone who donated items for the yard sale. I am happy to report that we made about $450.00. We have two other items that we will put up on eBay that we hope to get some more money so I will keep you posted on how those go as well. I am also very pleased that the final version of the contact list is finally done. I think all the missing people have now been added in. Of course, if you do notice an error, please let me know. You can reach me at ninianende@verizon.net - Nicole Buehler,niniande@verizon.net The Lighter Side One day, a little girl is sitting and watching her mother do the dishes at the kitchen sink. She suddenly notices that her mother has several strands of white hair sticking out in contrast on her brunette head. She looks at her mother and inquisitively asks, "Why are some of your hairs white, Mom?" Her mother replied, "Well, every time that you do something wrong and make me cry or unhappy, one of my hairs turns white." The little girl thought about this revelation for a while, and then said, "So, Momma, how come ALL of grandma's hairs are white?"
Committee Notes: Building & Grounds Clean-up Day - November 7th A clean-up day has been scheduled for November 7th. The Boy Scouts will be here to help us and we have lots to do. There will be a job for everyone as we clean-up the outside and inside of the church. Please join us. Look for a sign-up sheet in the back of the church. Lunch will be provided and this is a great day to get jobs accomplished and a chance for some fellowship!! THANK YOU to the people who did the yard maintenance this year. We had budgeted $1500 for yard work and only spent $150 because of your help. Every little bit helps. Thank you again! Andy Misinkavitch Fundraising: FALL FUNDRAISER! This year, we are holding a wine tasting event for our fall fundraiser at the Heritage Winery in Mullica Hill (Richwood). The event will be Friday, November 13th, from 7-9 pm. The cost of a ticket is $25 per person, which includes the tasting wines, cheeses and chocolates for pairing, sweets and coffee. There are only 60 tickets available for sale, so get your tickets early! We will also have items up for auction and a 50/50. Contact Rachel Rowe for tickets: rrowe13@comcast.net or 856-981-8856. - Rachel Rowe, rrowe13@comcast.net - Community Ministries If you would like to contribute to the Altar flowers for All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1st), the cost is $10 for all the faithful you wish to remember. PLEASE submit the names to Rev. Valerie no later than Wednesday, October 28th. If you know of anyone who would like to be baptized on All Saints’ Day, please let Rev. Valerie know ASAP. The 2010 Altar Flower Calendar is up in the foyer of the church. IF YOU ARE SUBMITTING MONEY FOR FLOWER DONATIONS FOR 2010, PLEASE MAKE A NOTE OF THAT ON THE ENVELOPE OR YOUR CHECK – THIS IS AN IMPORTANT BOOKKEEPING MEASURE! Lots of things are happening at the Diocesan level – please check out http://www.newjersey.anglican.org/News/index.html for more information on Jazz Vespers at Ocean Grove on Sunday, November 8th at 4 PM and the Anti-racism Conference on Saturday, November 21st in Trenton from 9 AM- 3 PM. Rev. Valerie will be attending both events, if you want a ride! There is also a Silent Retreat at Holy Trinity in Wenonah on Saturday, November 14th. Unfortunately Rev. Valerie will be in Trenton that day for the diaconal ordination, so she is not attending, but she encourages you to attend! Please remember to sell tickets to the Wine Tasting Fundraiser event at Heritage Winery on Friday, November 13th. $25 per person and we need to sell 60 tickets! Evangelism: The Committee did not meet in October due to scheduling conflicts but we did staff an information booth during the Mullica Hill Fall Festival on October 10. Thanks to everyone who came out to help! Good things that were accomplished as a result of this included the creation of a video loop which includes interviews, pageant footage, and footage of other children’s events for viewing at the tent. Next meeting: November 3 at the Combs house. Sheila Raman Combs, sraman@upenn.edu Fundraising: FALL FUNDRAISER! This year, we are hold a wine tasting event for our fall fundraiser at the Heritage Winery in Mullica Hill (Richwood). The event will be Friday, November 13th, from 7-9 pm. The cost of a ticket is $25 per person, which includes the tasting wines, cheeses and chocolates for pairing, sweets and coffee. There are only 60 tickets available for sale, so get your tickets early! We will also have items up for auction and a 50/50. Contact Rachel Rowe for tickets: rrowe13@comcast.net or 856-981-8856. And for the calendar, Thursday 10/15 is the Fundraising committee meeting at 7 pm in the basement of parish hall, if anyone would like to come out and help raise much needed funds for St. Stephen's! Rachel Rowe, rrowe13@comcast.net	Deacon's Corner: STONE SOUP There’s an old story that’s been around since the French Revolution called Stone Soup, perhaps you’ve heard of it… A kindly, old stranger was walking through the land when he came upon a village. As he entered, the villagers moved towards their homes locking doors and windows. The stranger smiled and asked, why are you all so frightened. I am a simple traveler, looking for a soft place to stay for the night and a warm place for a meal. "There's not a bite to eat in the whole province," he was told. "We are weak and our children are starving. Better keep moving on." "Oh, I have everything I need," he said. "In fact, I was thinking of making some stone soup to share with all of you." He pulled an iron cauldron from his cloak, filled it with water, and began to build a fire under it. Then, with great ceremony, he drew an ordinary-looking stone from a silken bag and dropped it into the water. By now, hearing the rumor of food, most of the villagers had come out of their homes or watched from their windows. As the stranger sniffed the "broth" and licked his lips in anticipation, hunger began to overcome their fear. "Ahh," the stranger said to himself rather loudly, "I do like a tasty stone soup. Of course, stone soup with cabbage -- that's hard to beat." Soon a villager approached hesitantly, holding a small cabbage he'd retrieved from its hiding place, and added it to the pot. "Wonderful!!" cried the stranger. "You know, I once had stone soup with cabbage and a bit of salt beef as well, and it was fit for a king." The village butcher managed to find some salt beef . . . and so it went, through potatoes, onions, carrots, mushrooms, and so on, until there was indeed a delicious meal for everyone in the village to share. The villager elder offered the stranger a great deal of money for the stone, but he refused to sell it and traveled on the next day. As he left, the stranger came upon a group of village children standing near the road. He gave the silken bag containing the stone to the youngest child, whispering to the group, was not the stone, but the villagers that had performed all the magic." This story really illustrates to power of all of us when we each just share a small portion of our time, talent and treasure together for a common purpose. St. Paul talks of this synergy as the Body of Christ. St. Paul tells us that we all have different gifts and parts to play in building up the kingdom of God. We are all different, but when working together we become Christ in the world for others. Last month I had the fortunate opportunity to get to know you all a little better through the cottage meetings and our adult formation classes. What I see, and have sensed all along, is the strong Christian spirit that runs through this parish as manifested in each of its members. Each of you has gifts and has in many ways already put them to God’s use. Like the story Stone Soup, St. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians outlines how the Church functions much in the same way - bringing everyone’s gifts into focus. St. Paul then goes on to say that all that we do must also be done with love. The formula for growth and change is simple. If we combine our passions, talents and gifts, in love, and focus them on changing the world for Christ we cannot fail. We become incorporate the “Body of Christ” acting in and through the world. This is what the church at its heart should always strive to be: Christ acting in the world as the Church through its members. Part of my calling as a Deacon is to match up your passions with the world’s needs. Some of you may even have felt a tug towards doing or championing a particular ministry and we’d like to help you with the resources and connect you with other parishioners that may share your passions. Perhaps you are currently doing your passion in your job or your hobby, or perhaps you have always felt a love a something that you just haven’t been able to follow through with. We may be able to connect you to others and resources. Our goal is to enable you in your calling and purpose in serving God and one another. Getting back to the story of the Stone Soup you can begin to realize what we can accomplish if we all combine our small offerings together. Even small contributions can yields GREAT results in service to God and his church; for together we can do much more than any one of us alone can do. Little is much when God’s in it! Think of us, St. Stephen’s Church family, each adding something to the kettle that produces the wherewithal which allows our faith to be nurtured and our community enriched by our Christian witness and service to God and one another here in South Jersey. Like the soup, it is amazing what can be accomplished when we all work together! Your faithful servant, Carmen, Carmen.Viola@dla.mil Birthdays and Anniversaries 11-4 John Rowe 11-9 Jean Immeler 11-17 John Poulson 11-19 Doris Elliot 11-23 Lionel Worman 11-27 Melissa Poulson

Episco-Speak All Hallows' Eve The evening of Oct. 31, which precedes the church's celebration of All Saints' Day on Nov. 1. The BOS provides a form for a service on All Hallows' Eve. This service begins with the Prayer for Light, and it includes two or more readings from scripture. The options for the readings include the Witch of Endor (1 Sm 28:3-25), the Vision of Eliphaz the Temanite (Jb 4:12-21), the Valley of Dry Bones (Ez37;1-14), and the War in Heaven (Rv 12:[1-6]7-12). The readings are followed by a psalm, canticle, or hymn, and a prayer. The BOS notes that "suitable festivities and entertainments" may precede or follow the service, and there may be a visit to a cemetery or burial place. The popular name for this festival is Halloween. It was the eve of Samhain, a pagan Celtic celebration of the beginning of winter and the first day of the new year. This time of the ingathering of the harvest and the approach of winter apparently provided a reminder of human mortality. It was a time when the souls of the dead were said to return to their homes. Bonfires were set on hilltops to frighten away evil spirits. Samhain was a popular festival at the time when the British Isles were converted to Christianity. The church "adopted" this time of celebration for Christian use by observing All Saints' Day on Nov. 1, and All Hallows' Eve on the evening of Oct. 31. *** November, 2009 Edition
Copyright © 2009 St. Stephen's Episcopal Church of Mullica Hill