St. Stephen's Calendar

February, 2012
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
			1 9:00 Morning Prayer 7:30 Kerygma bible study	2 9:00 Morning Prayer 10:00 Communion & Healing 7:30 Choir	3 9:00 Morning Prayer	4 9:00 Morning Prayer
5 7:30 Morning Prayer 8:00 Communion 9:00 Sunday School 9:00 Adult Class 10:15 Communion 10:15 Nursery Care Noon: Inquire Class	6 9:00 Morning Prayer	7 9:00 Morning Prayer	8 9:00 Morning Prayer 7:30 Kerygma bible study	9 9:00 Morning Prayer 10:00 Communion & Healing 7:30 Choir	10 9:00 Morning Prayer	11 9:00 Morning Prayer
12 7:30 Morning Prayer 8:00 Communion 9:00 Sunday School 9:00 Adult Class 10:15 Communion 10:15 Nursery Care Noon: Inquire Class	13 9:00 Morning Prayer 7:30 Vestry	14 9:00 Morning Prayer 7:00 Book Group	15 9:00 Morning Prayer 10:00 Daughters of the King	16 9:00 Morning Prayer 10:00 Communion & Healing 7:30 Choir	17 9:00 Morning Prayer	18 9:00 Morning Prayer
19 7:30 Morning Prayer 8:00 Communion 9:00 Sunday School 9:00 Adult Class 10:15 Communion 10:15 Nursery Care Noon: Inquire Class	20 9:00 Morning Prayer 7:30Parish Council	21 9:00 Morning Prayer	22 Ash Wednesday Holy Communion & ashes at 7:00am, 12:30pm and 7:30pm	23 9:00 Morning Prayer 10:00 Communion & Healing 7:30 Choir	24 9:00 Morning Prayer	25 9:00 Morning Prayer
26 1st Sunday in Lent 7:30 Morning Prayer 8:00 Communion 9:00 Sunday School 9:00 Adult Class 10:15 Communion 10:15 Nursery Care Noon: Inquire Class 5:00 Lenten study	27 9:00 Morning Prayer 7:30 Worship Committee	28 9:00 Morning Prayer 7:00 ECW	29 9:00 Morning Prayer

Calendar Notes
Inquire's Classes Inquire's Classes are a basic four week course which is held in an informal atmosphere and taught by the rector. For those who are new to the Episcopal Church, or looking for a new spiritual home, this course will provide an introduction to the Church - its history, beliefs, worship and work in the world. The course is required for all who wish to be confirmed or received into the church. They are held on Sundays at noon in the rector's office beginning January 29th.
Sunday Morning Adult Education: Living the Questions - Facilitated by Fr. James, these ongoing classes will continue a year-long converstation about how we live out our faith in the world. What does it mean to be in relationship with God and our neighbors? How do we practive forgiveness and work toward reconcilitation when relationships are impaired? We will have a conversation about these questions and more, supplemented by video clips of leading theologians and spiritual thinkers discussion their thoughts on being faithful Christians in a 21st century society. Class sessions are held in Fr. James' office on Sunday mornings, from 9am to 10am.
@ St. Stephen's from Ms. Miranda Train a child in the way he should go. When he is old, he will not turn away from it. Proverbs 22:6 (NIRV) After a thorough search of old records, new registrations, and the Saint Stephen's membership directory, I have determined that we are able to maintain two lively, albeit broad-stroke, Sunday school classes. Students currently enrolled in Grades 7 through 12, meet in the chapel at 9:00 with George Woodzell. This group will occasionally entertain guest speakers, or go out of the building for service projects. No formal curriculum for this group - they prefer discussing current affairs, watching a movie, or debating the deep theological (and never-ending) topic - why should we believe in God. Students Pre-K through 6th Grade will meet in the Tower Room during the 10:15 mass-departing after the Children's Message and returning in time to participate in the Eucharist with their parents. The curriculum we have chosen this year, Godly Play, is a series of core bible stories told in the oral tradition, modeled on the Montessori Method, and designed by an Episcopal priest. Father James is modeling the story each week in his time with the children. o Stories for October: 10/02 How the Church Tells Time (Rotation of Church Seasons) 10/09 Creation 10/16 The Flood and the Ark 10/16 The Great Family (God with the People of God) 10/23 The Exodus (Passover of God's People) 10/30 The Ten Best Ways (Ten Commandments) I am still mindful that there are middle-school students in our congregation needing an age-specific time of their own. A monthly Sunday afternoon session of fun, fellowship, food, and bible-study will start in November. The success (or failure) of such a program rests on a critical mass of kids who can make the commitment to attend on a regular basis. I will be in touch with the parents of boys and girls in this age-group to see how we can make this work.
KERYGMA BIBLE STUDY "Exodus: Gateway to the Bible" is the current Kerygma Bible Study offered at St. Stephen's. In this study we see the covenant relationship between God and the people of Israel, which continues throughout the whole Bible (and indeed to the present time). Classes are held on Wednesday evenings, from 7:30-9:00, beginning October 19th, at the home of Jean and Judy Versocki, 1351 Sumner Avenue. (3 blocks from St. Stephen's) This is an excellent opportunity to gain understanding of the Bible at the same time that we develop deeper fellowship with one another.
Episcopal Church Women The ECW will be meeting February 22nd, at 7pm at Susan Feyer's home to make a craft for our parish's shut in and ill folks. The theme of the craft will be St. Patrick's Day.
Daughters of thge King The Daughters of the King is an Order for women in the Episcopal Church, begun in 1885. In recent years the Order has grown rapidly, with over forty chapters in our diocese alone. We take a lifetime vow to live by a rule of life, which is a spiritual discipline of daily prayer, service and evangelism. Many of you already live by a daily rule of life. In addition to this we invite you to share in the joy of praying, studying and serving with other women in close community. We find the Daughters of the King to offer a safe place where we can be together and support each other in Christ’s love. DOK meetings have been moved to the third Wednesday of the month at 10:00 AM in the chapel. January meeting is the 18th. Contact person: Richey Woodzell or any of the daughters listed below. Eunice Chouffi, Emmy Grubb, Marilyn Humphrey, Kabby Lowe, Julie McDonald, Debbie Trawick, Margaret Rivenburg, Mary Whitney, Richey Woodzell

BOOK CLUB NEWS The St. Stephen's Book Club has started up again! Here are the books for the rest of this year: October: "Room" by Emma Donoghue November: "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte December: "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother" by AmyChua We meet at 7:00 on the second Tuesday of the month at the Feyrers', 1198 Lowell Road, Schenectady. Please join us.

The Parish Council The Parish council offers advice and consultation to Fr. James in the programs areas of the church. The programs areas include service, worship, education, evangelism, pastoral care and fellowship. They meet on first Mondays at 7:30pm in the rector’s office. Membership includes Carole Merrill-Mazurek, Deacon Pat, George Woodzell, Erin Cohen, and Doreen May. These meetings are open to members of the parish. Contact person: Fr. James.
The Worship Committee The Worship Committeeis a forum for the ongoing renewal of our approach to God in worship through informed discussion and regular re‑evaluation of our liturgy. We seek to assist the Rector in his responsibility, both to help the people of Saint Stephen’s grow in their awareness of the deep meanings contained in our liturgy, and to provide for liturgy that engages and renews our faith, strengthens our spirit, and enables us to boldly live out our lives as Christians. *Activities*: Committee members meet monthly (4th Monday at 7:30) in the evening with the Rector and other members of the clergy to further these aims. Contact: Deacon Pat.
Nursery Care The nursery is open with a child care provider mid September until the beginning of June during the 10:15 service. Volunteering in the nursery is an important ministry. Sometimes the nursery has many little ones that need attention. High school aged youth and adults are always welcomed. If you are interested in helping in the nursery or if you are willing to substitute, please let us know. Having help always makes the nursery run smoothly which is so important for the littlest in our congregation.

VESTRY MEETINGS Vestry meetings are open to all members of the congregation. They are held the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:30pm. Please note the Vestry does not meet in July or August Feel free to contact any member of Vestry at any time if you have questions about what goes on at Vestry meetings, or if you have something you would like to bring before the Vestry for discussion. The Wardens are Millie Gittinger and Linda Emaelaf The list of vestry members can be found on our Leadership Page.

End - Calendar Notes

Calendar Notes

Inquire's Classes

Inquire's Classes are a basic four week course which is held in an informal atmosphere and taught by the rector. For those who are new to the Episcopal Church, or looking for a new spiritual home, this
course will provide an introduction to the Church - its history, beliefs, worship and work in the world. The course is required for all who wish to be confirmed or received into the church. They are held on Sundays
at noon in the rector's office beginning January 29th.

Sunday Morning Adult Education:

Living the Questions - Facilitated by Fr. James, these ongoing classes will continue a year-long converstation about how we live out our faith in the world. What does it mean to be in relationship with God and our neighbors? How do we practive forgiveness and work toward reconcilitation when relationships are impaired?

We will have a conversation about these questions and more, supplemented by video clips of leading theologians and spiritual thinkers discussion their thoughts on being faithful Christians in a 21st century society.

Class sessions are held in Fr. James' office on Sunday mornings, from 9am to 10am.

@ St. Stephen's from Ms. Miranda

Train a child in the way he should go.
When he is old, he will not turn away from it.
Proverbs 22:6 (NIRV)

After a thorough search of old records, new registrations, and the Saint Stephen's membership directory, I have determined that we are able to maintain two lively, albeit broad-stroke, Sunday school classes.

Students currently enrolled in Grades 7 through 12, meet in the chapel at 9:00 with George Woodzell. This group will occasionally entertain guest speakers, or go out of the building for service projects. No formal curriculum for this group - they prefer discussing current affairs, watching a movie, or debating the deep theological (and never-ending) topic - why should we believe in God.

Students Pre-K through 6th Grade will meet in the Tower Room during the 10:15 mass-departing after the Children's Message and returning in time to participate in the Eucharist with their parents. The curriculum we have chosen this year, Godly Play, is a series of core bible stories told in the oral tradition, modeled on the Montessori Method, and designed by an Episcopal priest. Father James is modeling the story each week in his time with the children.

o Stories for October:

10/02 How the Church Tells Time (Rotation of Church Seasons)
10/09 Creation
10/16 The Flood and the Ark
10/16 The Great Family (God with the People of God)
10/23 The Exodus (Passover of God's People)
10/30 The Ten Best Ways (Ten Commandments)

I am still mindful that there are middle-school students in our congregation needing an age-specific time of their own. A monthly Sunday afternoon session of fun, fellowship, food, and bible-study will start in November. The success (or failure) of such a program rests on a critical mass of kids who can make the commitment to attend on a regular basis. I will be in touch with the parents of boys and girls in this age-group to see how we can make this work.

KERYGMA BIBLE STUDY

"Exodus: Gateway to the Bible" is the current Kerygma Bible Study offered at St. Stephen's. In this study we see the covenant relationship between God and the people of Israel, which continues throughout the whole Bible (and indeed to the present time).

Classes are held on Wednesday evenings, from 7:30-9:00, beginning October 19th, at the home of Jean and Judy Versocki, 1351 Sumner Avenue. (3 blocks from St. Stephen's) This is an excellent opportunity to gain understanding of the Bible at the same time that we develop deeper fellowship with one another.

Episcopal Church Women

The ECW will be meeting February 22nd, at 7pm at Susan Feyer's home to make a craft for our parish's shut in and ill folks. The theme of the craft will be St. Patrick's Day.

Daughters of thge King

The Daughters of the King is an Order for women in the Episcopal Church, begun in 1885. In recent years the Order has grown rapidly, with over forty chapters in our diocese alone. We take a lifetime vow to live by a rule of life, which is a spiritual discipline of daily prayer, service and evangelism.

Many of you already live by a daily rule of life. In addition to this we invite you to share in the joy of praying, studying and serving with other women in close community. We find the Daughters of the King to offer a safe place where we can be together and support each other in Christ’s love.

DOK meetings have been moved to the third Wednesday of the month at 10:00 AM in the chapel. January meeting is the 18th.

Contact person: Richey Woodzell or any of the daughters listed below.

Eunice Chouffi, Emmy Grubb, Marilyn Humphrey, Kabby Lowe, Julie McDonald, Debbie Trawick, Margaret Rivenburg, Mary Whitney, Richey Woodzell

BOOK CLUB NEWS

The St. Stephen's Book Club has started up again! Here are the books for the rest of this year:

October: "Room" by Emma Donoghue
November: "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Bronte
December: "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother" by AmyChua

We meet at 7:00 on the second Tuesday of the month at the Feyrers', 1198 Lowell Road, Schenectady. Please join us.

The Parish Council

The Parish council offers advice and consultation to Fr. James in the programs areas of the church. The programs areas include service, worship, education, evangelism, pastoral care and fellowship. They meet on first Mondays at 7:30pm in the rector’s office. Membership includes Carole Merrill-Mazurek, Deacon Pat, George Woodzell, Erin Cohen, and Doreen May. These meetings are open to members of the parish.

Contact person: Fr. James.

The Worship Committee

The Worship Committeeis a forum for the ongoing renewal of our approach to God in worship through informed discussion and regular re‑evaluation of our liturgy. We seek to assist the Rector in his responsibility, both to help the people of Saint Stephen’s grow in their awareness of the deep meanings contained in our liturgy, and to provide for liturgy that engages and renews our faith, strengthens our spirit, and enables us to boldly live out our lives as Christians.

Activities: Committee members meet monthly (4th Monday at 7:30) in the evening with the Rector and other members of the clergy to further these aims. Contact: Deacon Pat.

Nursery Care

The nursery is open with a child care provider mid September until the beginning of June during the 10:15 service.

Volunteering in the nursery is an important ministry. Sometimes the nursery has many little ones that need attention. High school aged youth and adults are always welcomed. If you are interested in helping in the nursery or if you are willing to substitute, please let us know. Having help always makes the nursery run smoothly which is so important for the littlest in our congregation.

VESTRY MEETINGS

Vestry meetings are open to all members of the congregation. They are held the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:30pm. Please note the Vestry does not meet in July or August

Feel free to contact any member of Vestry at any time if you have questions about what goes on at Vestry meetings, or if you have something you would like to bring before the Vestry for discussion.

The Wardens are Millie Gittinger and Linda Emaelaf

The list of vestry members can be found on our Leadership Page.

February, 2012 St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

Calendar Notes

End - Calendar Notes

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

1935 The Plaza Schenectady, NY 12309 (518)-346-6241

February, 2012
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

1935 The Plaza
Schenectady, NY 12309
(518)-346-6241