The Messenger

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saint Stephen's Schenectady
Summer Issue 
June 2010
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

in this issue

A. From Father James

B. School Days

C. More News

D. More Activities and Dates

 Dear Friends,

This is the "Summer Messenger" which means that is the last one you will receive until September.  This also means that our program year is coming to an end.  Every June I look back over the last ten months in amazement.  The collection of monthly "Messengers" tells the story of the year just past.  As I flip through the pages, there is one response that arises:  the response of gratitude to God for the gift of such a year.

More recently, I have several things on my mind:  recent and future events. First, I had the honor of presenting seven young people to Bishop Love for Confirmation in May.  When we began our classes the snow was quite deep and during that time they have worked diligently on their preparations.  It was a wonderful celebration and culmination of hard work.  One of the biggest problems we had was scheduling meeting times for classes.  High school students are so, so busy!  Next fall I will offer confirmation classes to middle school students and hope that their schedules are more conducive for meeting.

Second, I am amazed at the speed which architects are developing construction drawings for our new building.  I thank Austin Spang for the time he has spent on this project.  There is hardly a day when I don't see his car in the parking lot.  One day I commented that it was good NOT to see him at the church the day before; he was at the architect's office all that morning.  I also want to thank so many others for the time they have put into this major project.  

Since the old building is scheduled to be demolished beginning September 1st, it is important that we pack up everything in it and put it in storage.  Therefore I am asking as many people as possible to come to 'packing sessions' on the first two Saturdays of June.  My aim by the end of June 5th is to fill the storage container behind the office and have it removed so that we can begin on a second container. The packing supplies and instruction will be provided, so all you have to do is come with your work gloves!

Finally, many of you have asked me about the consecration of Mary Glasspool as bishop and what effect this will have on the Diocese of Albany.  Others have asked me about the Anglican Communion and the 'Covenant' that all national churches will vote on over the next several years.  My prediction is that Bp. Love will join other conservative bishops in the USA, condemning the Episcopal consecration of a lesbian living with her life-long partner.  But Bp. Love will not lead us out of the Episcopal Church, as he has said he wouldn't on numerous occasions.  The Diocese of Albany will pass the Anglican Covenant this month, but the national church will not pass it.  The Episcopal Church will still consider itself as a part of the Anglican Communion.  And life in the Church will go on.....

I am hoping you will have a peaceful summer,

James+

A. From the Rector 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

                         
                                 

                            HOME COMMUNION
 
If you or someone you know is unable to attend church on either a long or short-term basis, please call the parish office if you would like to have communion brought to you.  346-6241

                                        **********************************************
 
 
Faith
   Seeking Understanding
The course "Faith Seeking Understanding" will be an introduction for those who want to learn more about the central theological tenets of the Christian Church. The class will explore biblical themes -suffering and sin, creation and the cross, hope and the end times, the foundation for a faithful life and death - to name just a few. This is a class for anyone who has ever wondered what in the world God imagined before Eden was created and what God thought on the day our parents left paradise for good (and for evil).

Anyinterested person may enroll in this course! It is one course in CRTC's LayTheological Education Program, a 3-year cycle of 9 courses designed to address the need for developing lay leadership in our churches. The program and courses are developed in conjunction with our partner denominations so they may be recognized as part of their certification or commissioning processes. Speak with your church or denomination for more information.

Gregg A Mast at Bethany Reformed Church, Albany   
Registration Deadlines 06/28/2010 for:

07/13/2010 6:00-9:30 pm
07/14/2010 6:00-9:30 pm
07/15/2010 6:00-9:30 pm
07/17/2010 9:00am- 3:00 pm

         CRTC Canoeing Through Creation
Come away and spend a few days in nature.  Enjoy the beauty of the earth and reflect on the "good" creation!  Back by popular demand, this course is a wonderful opportunity for a small group to get away and do some hiking, canoeing, and theological reflection on the care of creation. 

One of the primary goals of this course is to help participants see, from a Biblical perspective, their role within creation and how they can better live as God's images who are created to protect and keep God's world.  Worship, discussions of readings, and discussion of practical applications will take place along the trail.

Canoeing through creation will take place along the Long Lake-Tupper Lake canoe route.  Participants should be in good physical condition and ready to camp out for three nights.  Food and most of the gear will be provided.  Space is very limited and on a first come first serve basis, where your full course fee holds your place.  Enroll Now!
Kent Busman  Fowler Camp & Retreat Center    08/25/2010 09/13/2010 10 am arrival
09/14/2010
09/15/2010
09/16/2010 5 pm departure 
   
              The Church and Its Money
What do we believe about money? How do we handle the church's money? Can the church be taxed? How is our minister's money different? This course is designed for all those who deal with church financial issues: deacons, treasurers, trustees, financial secretaries, and ministers alike. All those who deal with money in the church, whether it is organizing the annual stewardship campaign, church accounting, filing IRS paperwork, setting up pastor's annual pay package, or whether you are the pastor who needs to be more informed, this seminar is for you!
This popular yearly Capital Region course returns to allow you to examine each of the four above questions, provide current & detailed information your church needs to know about IRS standards, and offer time for questions and answers.
Church financials are confusing and change regularly! Come find out what you need to know!
Intended Audience:
GEN - General Audience
Cost: $65 with Early Registration
Not currently scheduled.

Watch CRTC website and newsletter for information on these and
many other courses coming in 2010.
Scholarships are available for all classes; please contact us for an application.
Register online or by phone:   www.capitalrtc.org  462-2470

 


Welcome Our Sub on June 6th


The Rev. Dr. Stuart Hoke has served parishes in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas and New York City. At the present time, Dr. Hoke is the Chaplain and Dean for Community Life at General Theological Seminary in New York City. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Episcopal Theological School and a Doctor of Theology from the General Theological Seminary. Dr. Hoke will preach here at both services on Sunday, June 6th. 

             VEGGIES FOR DONNA
Several Sundays ago I invited anyone who was interested to contribute 
to a "Thank You" gift for Donna White and her family. Donna and her 
husband Joe have been cleaning the church for the past several months, 
and all of us appreciate their hard work and faithful service. By the 
end of services on that Sunday, you had contributed enough money for 
us to purchase 1/2 share of fresh produce from Roxbury Farm, a 
community-supported agriculture program. Beginning June 8, and 
continuing through November, the Whites will be receiving fresh fruits 
and vegetables each week. When Donna opened the card that many of you 
signed, and learned of the gift, she was truly moved, and deeply 
thankful to all the people of St. Stephen's. She asked me to convey 
her thanks to you all, and promises to continue to hold St. Stephen's 
in her prayers. During these weeks when she is unable to work, Donna's 
husband Joe is continuing to keep our church a sparkling clean and 
welcoming place for all. I know that we all wish her a speedy recovery 
and look forward to her return.
   

Deacon Pat
                        

 Fr.  James - 370-3573
 james.ross.mcd@gmail.com
 
 Deacon Pat - 372-5836
 patjones99@verizon.net

 

 B. School Days

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

           Sunday School update and Thank You
 
Thank you to all of the families that have participated in Sunday school this year.  I am looking forward to a fun end of the program year.  
 
Our last day of Sunday school for the program year is June 7th.  
 
A great big thank you goes to the teachers who are working (and playing) with our children and youth throughout the year:
 

Kids' Chapel-
          teachers:  Dave Crates, Dawn Tonneau, Melinda Renken,
                                   Richey Woodzell, Diane Reed, Brian Riordon
          helpers:  Cheryl Stya, Pam Guthrie, Ryan Davis
 Intermediate program-teachers:  Allison de Kanel and Peter Nelson

Youth Group program-
          teachers:  George Woodzell and Gloria Kavanah
 Thanks to each and every one of you!

Laura Davis,  rlcs@nycap.rr.com

A Nursery Thank You
 A special thank you goes to Britta Kilbourn who served in the nursery just about every Sunday for this program year.  She created a welcoming, safe environment for the children who visited the nursery.  We will miss you, Britta!  If you see her, please wish Britta well as she graduates from high school this June.  Britta will be attending Wells College in the fall.  Thank you, Britta!


We're having a Rainforest Adventure and you are all invited!            Vacation Bible School 2010!

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is the week of June 28th to July 2nd.  The program is 9:15-noon at Union Presbyterian Church. 

On Friday evening, July 10th at 6:30pm, we will meet at St. Stephen's Church to share dinner, worship and celebrate the week. 

If your children would like to participate, you can fill out a registration form which is at the "shop" and put it in the VBS basket.  To participate in VBS, it's best to be between 3 years and 11 years of age.

Anyone 11 years through 99 years is welcomed to
                  join in the fun by volunteering
We need travel guides that will take small groups of children
                  through the rainforest.

We need actors to make the Bible stories come alive.
We need a helper in crafts on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
We need decorators on Sunday, June 27th in the afternoon.
No advanced prep is needed.  Youth or adults can sign up.

If you would like to help with Bible school this year or if you have questions, please give Laura Davis a call (377-0626).

                          
 
***SICM NEWS******

June is near, and that means school is ending, summer is beginning, VBS is about to start and St. Stephen's will be serving----
   
 -------SUMMER LUNCH at JERRY BURRELL PARK!

We will be serving about 200 children a day the week of July 5 - 9 from about 11:30 to 1:15.  The busiest time is right after the food is delivered and we assemble and hand out the lunches.  If there are 6 of us each day the line of kids will move smoothly.

We'll have a signup sheet on June 6th.  Can we count ou YOU?

Marti Spang, spang@nycap.rr.com                 ******************************* 

***There will be no SICM Meeting until September.  Have a great summer!***

 C. More  News
  
  Jump Back to B. School Days
  Jump Ahead to D. Activities & Dates 
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 
                      

   VESTRY MEETING UPDATE - May 2010
 
Fr. James is working to establish a Stewardship Committee to oversee communications, strategic planning, establish goals and find out what the congregation wants and needs to build excitement and commitment. The Finance committee will oversee the Every Member Canvas but not stewardship.

Committee assignments were approved, including a new building committee and transition task force.

The Junior Warden met with the Nursery School committee and Nursery School director Laura Bynum to finalize the interim purchase agreement and discuss possibilities for a permanent purchase by the church Oct. 31. A special vestry meeting will be called in June to discuss whether the school fits into St. Stephen's mission. Another meeting will be held at the end of September with Laura Bynum to talk about how the school is working under St. Stephen's ownership.

Reid House
Reid House has a projected completion date of July 1.

The Zoning Board of Appeals turned down our request to make Reid House into a Nursery.  Currently, the property is zoned residential and we were seeking a variance from the zoning ordinance.  Various options are being explored.  These include among others developing other uses for Reid House that would comply with the current zoning laws and/or appealing the Zoning Board's decision.  The Vestry commits to keeping the congregation informed
 
The Personnel committee is collecting surveys about Sunday school to use in the search for a new Christian Education Director. The committee is also working on a Letter of Agreement between St. Stephen's and Father James that incorporates some of the findings of Jim Garrett.

The Endowment committee has been meeting with Pioneer Bank on an arrangement for a mortgage. Jack Feyrer is chair pro tem.
 


 
                                     VESTRY MEETINGS

Vestry meetings are open to all members of the congregation.  Vestry meetings are held the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:30pm in the basement of the Parish Hall. 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.
 

Tracy Ormsbee, tormsbee@timesunion.com  
                              ********************

  D. More Activities and Dates

Our calendar is on line.  Click here:
 Link to the Saint Stephen's June Calendar 
 Jump ahead to Anniversaries and Birthdays
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 

DON'T FIGHT! WE HAVE SHARES FOR EVERYONE!
 
Yes, it's that time of year again - workcamp shares went on sale in May, so please see George Woodzell for our answer to the stock market blues.  
 
We well be helping residents of Windsor, Main this year.

Also, if we can get you to be an adult woman chaperone, that would be helpful.

Remember: all proceeds from the sale of these shares helps pay for the youth group trip to workcamp this summer.  Trip expenses and constuction materials are both funded through these shares.

THANK YOU!
For Shares and questions contact:
George Woodzell, gwwny@verizon.net  

              END OF YEAR PICNIC - June 13th - 11:30am

In the Episcopal church (and probably in other churches as well), our "year" ends in June.  And of course, we have to celebrate.  One of the ways we do that at St. Stephen's is to party!  And at this time of year there is no better way to do that than with a picnic.
 
Plan to be a part of the fun on Sunday, June 13 immediately following the 10:15am service.  We provide fried chicken, dessert and drinks.
 
Please bring a salad or side dish to share.

Wear your picnic clothes!

We will have face painting, a make your own sundae bar and a cake walk.

Come join the fun!

Volunteers are still needed to help set up and clean up.  
Questions?  Call Cheryl Syta 381-6229 or Erin Cohen 346-9377

                   Packing Saturdays

Want to help pack but don't know what to do with the kids? Bring them! Erin Cohen will be in the Nursery from 9:30 to Noon on both packing days. If the group gets too big we will move over to the nursery school space. Questions about childcare? Please call Erin @346-9377.
Thanks!
Erin Cohen
 
 
                   --------St. Stephen's Shop News-------

If you see a new face behind the counter, stop by and say "hello" to Lily Holcombe, daughter of Dennis and Karen and granddaughter of Irene and George Matwijecko.  Lily is almost 12 and a student at Scotia-Glenville schools.  Welcome, Lily!

The shop will be giving a check for $300.00  to support the Youth Work Camp program.  Thank you all for shopping with us; you made this contribution possible. 

With the coming "tear down," we're not sure where we will be located in the fall, but we hope we can find a little corner somewhere to "set up shop." In the meantime, the Encore shop has been successful and we still have many garden items, Garden Angels and fun greeting cards from Shirley, Goodness and Merci. 

Thanks so much for your support.  
Marilyn Humphrey, Dawn Rizzo and Lily Holcombe

                                    USHERS NEEDED
We're looking to expand our Ushers group for the 10:15am service.  And we'd like you to pray about volunteering for this ministry. Ushering is an easy yet fulfilling way to be a good Steward, as you give back to St. Stephen's of your time.
It only involves your time during the service.  No extra meetings or activities.  And we'll schedule you with an experienced Usher who will show you the ropes.  You can volunteer once a week, once a month or once a year.  It's up to you.
Oh, and by the way, this is an "all gender" ministry - not just limited to the men!
                                       Curious?  Interested?  Please speak to an Usher. 
 
                                            *************************
Dear Fellow Parishioners:

I first came to St. Stephens when my son, Nick, was 5 years old.  I had been looking for an Episcopal church family for several months, but everywhere I went was either so stuffy that there were cobwebs hanging from the parishioners, or so cold that no one acknowledged or even seemed to note my presence there.
 
And then, I found St. Stephens.  Father James was the new pastor there and the difference between St. Stephens and other churches I had been to was like night and day.  I was approached right away after church, with smiles, hand shakes and introductions.  The warmth I felt, the feeling of "coming home" was so apparent, I have attended the church all the 20 years since.

I have again reached a turning point in my life, one that will take me physically away from my St. Stephens family.  I am graduating in July with honors from Mildred Elley College, with an AS degree in Graphic and Media Design.  I have also been accepted at the University of Stirling, in Scotland, in the discipline of Film and Media.  Depending upon when I get my student visa, I will be leaving for Scotland by the end of July.  I am excited and yet sad, to leave my son and my church family behind.  I have learned many lessons from my life with St. Stephens: selflessness, quiet charity, and the ability to look beyond one's own concerns to the needs of others.

This church has been my second family and has been there for me in all the joys and the upheavals I have experienced.  My gratitude and love will never abate and I will remember you and St. Stephens fondly, no matter where I go. 
       
Robyn Leith Stewart
Video Producer and Editor
P:  + 1 518-831-1729
M:  + 1 518-256-8728
E:  robynstewartenterprises@yahoo.com

               **************************
    

 June Prayer with Partnerships in the Episcopal Relief & Development 

Episcopal Relief & Development is working with local partners in over 40 countries to help communities become less vulnerable to food price fluctuations, global shifts in the availability of staple foods and the consequences of climate change on agricultural production. We are also committed to continuing our support of other initiatives that are not traditionally understood as improving a community's food supply, yet instill sound agricultural practices and promote the overall health and vitality of communities such as:
· Promoting women's access to agricultural inputs, credit, and land ownership, and so increase agricultural production and ensure sustainable food access for entire families;
· Improving infrastructure, housing, and education to enable community access to food;
· Increasing community access to clean water, sanitation, and health care to preserve community health and therefore support peoples' abilities to work and reduce contamination of ground water and rivers;
· Supporting community health programs that address malnutrition and protect the advancements made in other health areas.
Episcopal Relief & Development believes that only by supporting development efforts in all these areas will at-risk communities become less vulnerable to food crises in the future.

To make a contribution to help people worldwide, please donate to Episcopal Relief & Development online at www.er-d.org , or call 1-800-334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief & Development, PO Box 7058, Merrifield, VA 22116-7058.

Wedding Anniversaries and Birthdays
 

          Birthdays:

Bill Frank....................6/1
Robbie Manor.............6/1
Chloe Tonneau............6/2
Robert Voelker ..........6/2
David Caruso............... 6/4
June Hatlee ....................6/5
Ellen Ormsbee ...............6/5
Barbara Adams .............6/7
JP Murphy-Nolan .......6/11
Phoebe Redmond .......6/12
Charlie Mertz ..............6/13
Bonita Bailey ..............6/14
Stephen Gray .............6/14
Madeline Olberg ........6/14
Carsten Renken ..........6/14
Diana Belardo ............6/12
Josephine Jones .........6/18
Karen Smith .............6/18
Meghan Bauer........... 6/18
Al Lowe................... 6/20
Benjamin Claus .........6/22
Donald Humphrey .....6/22
Britta Kilbourn ............6/22
Joseph Tonneau ..........6/22
Chris Murphy .............6/23
Darcy Pratt ................6/25
Ann Walraven ...........6/25
Salvatore Belardo ......6/27
Jack Luczka ...............6/27
Laura Davis ...............6/30
Alyssa Koreman .......6/30
Charles Trawick .......6/30
Scott Moss ..............6/30
Patrick Trant ...........7 / 1
Hoagy Walker ..........7 / 1
J. Keith Nelson .........7 / 3
Everett Schierenbeck 7 / 8
Mary Davis ...............7 / 9
Joan Moss................. 7 / 9
Marian Sevinsky .........7 / 9
Dawn Tonneau ...........7 / 9
Doreen May ...............7 / 1 0
Judith Versocki ...........7 / 1 0
Gillian Woodcock .......7 / 1 2
James McDonald ..........7/13
William Smith ...............7 / 1 5
Andrea Worthington .....7 / 1 5
Michael Bishop ............7 / 1 6
Gaye Mertz .................7 / 1 6
Austin Spang ...............7 / 1 6
Jean Versocki ..............7 / 1 7
Larry Levine ...............7 / 1 9
Jean Hadley ................7 / 2 1
Christopher Jones........7 / 2 1
Oto Jones ..................7 / 2 5
George Woodzell........7 / 2 5
Garret Pierce .............7 / 2 6
Ryan Huneau ............7 / 2 8
Connor Wolff............7 / 2 9
Molly Ormsbee..........7 / 3 1
Jeanette Claus ...........8 / 1
Brody Riordan...........8 / 1
Jean Greenspan..........8 / 5
Robert Chapman........8 / 6
Pauline Holmes ..........8 / 6
Sydney Bailey ...........8 / 7
Suzanne Taylor ..........8 / 7
Julia Smith ................8 / 1 4
John Goldthwaite........8 / 1 5
Daniel Emaelaf ...........8 / 1 6
Ganon Riordan ..........8 / 1 6
Mildred Santer ..........8 / 1 8
Polly Mathews ...........8 / 1 8
Brandon Anthony.......8 / 1 9
Angela Strong ...........8 / 1 9
Stacy DeBritz ............8 / 2 0
Emily Mertz ...............8 / 2 0
David Dare ................8 / 2 2
Melinda Renken..........8 / 2 3
Daniel Koch ..............8 / 2 4
Alannah Mykoo..........8/24
Richey Woodzell ........8/26
Cadence Brennan.......8 / 2 7
Madeline Denofio.........8 / 2 8
Glenn Kaler ................8 / 2 9
Wendy Koreman..........8 / 2 9
Mary Whitney ..............8 / 3 0                     

                  
           Anniversaries:
 
Lucy Clark & Stephen Sombor ....6/1
Diana & Salvatore Belardo ........6/12
Patricia & Christopher Jones ......6/12
Diane & K.Scott Kilbourn .........6/15
Ann & A. Emile Walraven .........6/15
Janet & William Schlansker ......6/19
Michael & Stacy DeBritz ......6 /20
Mildred & Clark Gittinger......6 /20
Dawn & Glenn Kaler ..............6/20
Linda & Belachew Emaelaf......6/22
Susan & Jack Feyrer ..............6 /22
Marti & Austin Spang .............6/22
Wendy & Gene Koreman ........6/26
Tracy & Jim Ormsbee .............6/26
Pat & Bob Hagen ...................6/28
Amy & Scott Soulé ..................7/5
Shirley & Robert Voelker ........7/10
Gaye & Charlie Mertz ............7 /16
Carolyn & Richard Morin .......7 /19
Julie & Brian Bailey ................7 /21
Marilyn & James Dare ...........7 /28
Lorie & David Kelley .............7/30
Dawn & Benoit Tonneau .........8/1
Susie & Tim Olsen ..................8 /2
Chris Murphy & Kelly Nolan...8 / 3
Jean & Owen Greenspan ........8/5
Cindy & Wayne Reedy .........8 /6
Mary & Eber Davis ...............8 /9
Karen & William Smith ..........8 /9
Marilyn & Donald Humphrey...8 /13
Polly & Richard Mathews .......8/18
Mary & Ronald Michelson ......8/25
Deborah & Charles Trawick....8 /25
Joanne & Bill Frank ..................8 /26
Suzanne & David Taylor ...........8/28
Kathy & Tom Miller ................8 /31

Quick Links...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
www.saintstephenschenectady.org
Calendar on Website

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
1935 The Plaza
Schenectady, New York   12309
 Church Staff 
The Rev. Dr. James R. McDonald, Rector,
The Rev. Patricia L. Jones, Deacon
Dr. Timothy Olsen, Director of Music