ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

 

THE WISDOM OF FAITH:

Christianity & Judaism

This course centers around interviews that Bill Moyers conducted with Huston Smith about his experiences with the world’s great religions.  Smith is a Methodist but practices yoga, prays five times daily as Muslims do, has endured the rigors of a Zen monastery, and has joined his daughter and her Jewish husband at a Seder.  His book, The World’s Religions has been a bestseller since 1959 and has been translated into 14 languages.  Smith is a pilgrim who has experienced the religions that he studies.  In this series he shares with us how all “wisdom traditions” share fundamental truths.  The course will be on March 2nd and 9th at 10 am in the parish hall.

 

ORTHODOX AND ROMAN

           CATHOLIC CHRISTIANITY

 Orthodox and Roman Catholic Christianity have their roots in the first century of the Common Era and are intrinsically tied to the development of world history. From the public ministry of Jesus to the legendary battles of the Crusades, examine the interwoven histories of these two distinct branches of Christianity. Through the centuries, the practices, customs and traditions of the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Christians have diverged radically. Only recently have these two branches of Christianity made overtures to heal the rift between them that has lasted into the 20th century. Today, there are over one billion people throughout the world who follow the teachings of Orthodox or Roman Catholic Christianity. The course will be on March 16th and 30th at 10 am in the parish hall.
 

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SAY IT WITH A BOOK
 

You are invited to express yourself by donating a new book to the Church Libraries. 

Each donated book will display a label with the donor’s name and personal message.

 

This is the perfect opportunity to....

> celebrate your child or grandchild’s birthday
> show appreciation for a job well done
> say thank you to a church school teacher or

    other parish leader
> share an interest
> remember a loved one
> celebrate a holiday
> make sure a favorite book is in the library.

 

All friends, members of Saint Stephen’s congregation are welcome to become involved in this venture.  It’s a great way to help our library grow.

 

 

The next time you have something to say....

“SAY IT WITH A BOOK.”
 

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What is a Retreat, Anyway?
 

I have just returned from a lovely, quite retreat at the Convent of St. Helena. For over 30 years I have been visiting this Episcopal convent, which is located 100 miles south of Schenectady, near Newburgh, for rest and refreshment. Usually a retreat is led by one of the sisters, and lasts from Friday evening until Sunday afternoon. When the retreat is silent, there is no talking from Friday evening after Compline until Sunday breakfast, but if you need to talk to someone you do it privately so as not to disturb others. Silence is an “acquired taste,” and takes a little getting used to at first, but with experience it becomes very comfortable.

 

 Services in the chapel are held four times a day: Matins (Morning Prayer) followed by Holy Eucharist, Diurnum (Noonday Prayers), Vespers (late afternoon) and Compline (7:30 P.M.). Attendance is entirely optional; mostly I attend, but sometimes a nap is more beneficial. There is a good library, and walking trails on the grounds, and a pleasant neighborhood across the road. The food is excellent (we had cheesecake for dessert on Sunday, to celebrate my birthday!).
 
Sometimes a retreat has a particular theme: writing haiku or icons, the church seasons. Sometimes it is for particular people: fathers and sons, those who have been divorced, etc. Sisters are always available for conversation or counsel, and they are all friendly and welcoming: there is not a holier-than-thou attitude in the place.
 
If anyone wants more information or is interested in making a retreat, please call me. I need very little persuasion to visit St. Helena’s: for me it is a “thin place” where heaven seems closer, a haven from the noise and demands of daily life.

 

                        Deacon Pat
 

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RECOMMENDED LENTEN READING

The following books are available

  on our Library shelves for one-month loan!

 

AMISH GRACE relates the story of how forgiveness

transcended tragedy. On October 2, 2006, Charles Carl Roberts IV entered an Amish school house near Nickel Mines, PA and shot ten girls, five of whom died before he took his own life. The Fetzer Institute provided research funds for Amish Grace as part of The Campaign for Love and Forgiveness. Authors Donald B. Fraybill, Steven M. Nolt and David L. Weaver-Zercher have all written extensively on Amish society. They researched hundreds of media stories and editorials and conducted many interviews comparing the Amish practice of forgiveness with the attitudes of other Christians.

       The book is divided into three sections: the story of the school shootings, the spirituality and practice of forgiveness in Amish life, and a look at the meaning of forgiveness in American society today. The Amish believe that if they don’t forgive, they won’t be forgiven, and this forms the core of their faith. The Amish have a 300-year tradition that proclaims the necessity of loving one’s enemies. The community forgave the killer’s widow, her parents, and the killer’s parents. This wonderful book reminds us that revenge and hatred are never ends in themselves, and that the true miracle is found in loving our enemies.

 

IN THE SPIRIT OF HAPPINESS is a very candid

and challenging book on the ways and wisdom of the Monks of New Skete, an Orthodox Catholic monastery in nearby Cambridge, NY. The book is a clever narration by “The Seeker”, a composite figure representing the monks themselves. Honest and well-written, it is not difficult to read. It debunks many of the stereotypes of monastic life (they eat well, and earn their bread by breeding and training German Shepherd dogs!). The book is warm and loving and sometimes humorous, and will challenge all who read it. It is the kind of book that can be read again and again as we strive to improve our spiritual lives. Former Presiding Bishop  Frank Griswold noted that “The straightforward observations and insights of the monks of New Skete are like rain upon parched soil”.

 

Jane Tatge
 

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ENTERING HOLY WEEK

 On Palm Sunday, March 16th, we enter the most significant eight days in the Church’s calendar.  It is of the greatest importance that we participate in the experiences described in the church calendar, because living through them, walking the way Christ walked, we uncover the core of Christian Belief and living.

 

We invite all members and friends of St. Stephen’s to be present at these services.  If you are infirm, please call the office to arrange for communion to be brought to you at home by one of the clergy.

 

MAKE THIS THE BEGINNING

OF YOUR EASTER:  FOOT WASHING

On Maundy Thursday, March 20th, at the 7:30 p.m. Eucharist we would like to have volunteers from the congregation for foot washing by the clergy.  If you would like to be one of these representatives of the congregation, please sign up at the parish shop.

 

MAUNDY THURSDAY

PRAYER WATCH

There is a sign‑up sheet on the shop counter for the Maundy Thursday Vigil.  It is suggested that two or more persons sign up for each one hour segment.

 

GOOD FRIDAY OFFERING

On Good Friday, March 21st, we remember in a unique way the witness that Jesus gave to us on the cross.  Through his obedience and through his suffering ‑‑ through the fateful steps he took each day of Holy Week ‑‑ he showed the world just how much God loves us.  Jesus' entire life was a witness to that love and the cross continues to be a sign of that reality.

 

In the midst of religious tensions, historic animosities and political unrest, the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East stands witness to the people of our Lord's homeland, proclaiming and serving the same message that Jesus brought to that land almost 2,000 years ago.

 

On Good Friday we stand with the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem as it witnesses to the love of God in a strife‑filled part of the world through our prayers and financial support. Please be generous in your support of the continuing ministry of our sisters and brothers in the Middle East.

EASTER EVEN VIGIL TO BEGIN THE EASTER CELEBRATION

 The Church will be in darkness.  Into that darkness will be brought the new light of Easter and carried through the nave to the altar where the Paschal Candle will be placed in its stand to burn through the fifty days of Easter until the Ascension of our Lord.

 

We will rehearse our history as a people of God, from creation through the Red Sea with God's promises for his people culminating in the story of the Resurrection.

 

Easter is the festival of Baptism and we shall celebrate that sacrament as well as have the opportunity to renew our own baptismal vows.

 

And then the shout be raised:

 

HE IS RISEN,
THE LORD IS RISEN INDEED,

 

and so begins the first Eucharist of Easter, 2008.  The service begins at 7:30 p.m. 

 

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The Picture Board which normally stands in the nave extension is now being brought up to date.  If you have not been included on that board and would like to be included, please let me know.  If you would like me to take a new photograph of you or your family, I would be glad to do that.  Bringing these boards up to date will probably take a week or two, so please be patient. I’ll plan to be available for photographs after services in the front of the church.    Chris Jones 

 

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Ad Campaign Pays Off for Youth Group
 

Boosted by ads from the well-known firm of Boese & Casale, the St. Stephen’s youth group set several new records for their highly anticipated Super Bowl sub project: not only did they make more subs than ever before – 168 – but they produced them in record time, and took in more money than ever before  - over $700.

 

Here’s a view of our highly-trained, super-efficient sandwich assembly crew in action:

 

The money we raised will help greatly to finance the youth group’s trip to this summer’s Workcamp, in Oceana, West Virginia.

 

So, “thank you” to everyone who helped support this project, and thanks, too, for the other ways in which you all support the youth group.

 

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Thank you from the Children

We finished our hygiene kit drive the beginning of February.  Thank you to all who contributed.  We collected 41 hygiene kits for Bethesda House.  A special thank you to Marilyn Causey who donated boxes of Eucerine lotion for the kits.  That made a terrific addition.  We appreciate your support especially during these uncertain economic times.

Laura Davis

 

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The Pancake Supper

Thank you to everyone who volunteered and assisted with the Pancake Supper.  Many hands make light work. 

And especially thanks for those who came and shared our fellowship and good eats.

Debbie Trawick

 

 

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Sunday School Observes Lent

 

In addition to following the Episcopal Children’s Curriculum, the kids are observing Lent in two ways:

 

v     First, the children preschool through sixth grade have taken home a Hope Chest Box.  The money we raise by putting change into the Hope Chest will go to Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD).  This organization provides help to those who need it in the United States and though out the world.  We are learning about the Millennium Development Goals as well.  Please bring the Hope Chests back to church on Palm Sunday, 3/16.  If you need a box or have any questions, please see me.

 

v     Second, the 1^st-6^th graders are learning the 10 Commandments and that these are basic rules God gave to his people.  Preschoolers and kindergarteners are saying the Lord’s Prayer each week in Sunday school.  We hope that they will become familiar with this important prayer.

 

Soon we will set our sites on Holy Week.  Along with Sunday school, we have two programs scheduled.  On Palm Sunday evening, we will have a program focusing on Jesus during the first part of Holy Week.  Dinner will be provided for the children.  All are welcomed.  It will be very helpful to sign up at the Shop so that we know how much food to prepare.  On Good Friday, we will go through the Stations of the Cross for children.

 

 

Here is our schedule for March for the Sunday school children:

Sunday, 3/2/08             A special class for preschoolers and kindergarteners  9:00-10:00. 

                                                There will be no Sunday school during the 10:15 service.

Sunday, 3/16: Palm Sunday:      The Gathering of EDR Hope Chests during the 10:15 service.

Children’s program in the Parish Hall from 5:00-7:00pm.

Friday, 3/21, Good Friday:       Stations of the Cross for Children will meet in the Parish Hall. 

The program will run from 2:00pm to 3:00 pm.

Sunday, 3/23, Easter Sunday: Easter egg hunt!! We will meet in the Parish Hall Extension at 9:30am

 

 

 

 

If have any questions or concerns please contact me.     Laura Davis

 

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Field Trip to Bethesda House

 

            On Saturday, February 9^th, seven of us (plus little Alyssa) gathered the hygiene kits that we collected and took them to Bethesda House.  Tom Morley was waiting there for us.  After unloading the kits, Tom took us on a tour.  He kindly described how things work at Bethesda House and answered all of our questions.  Below is a summary of what we learned.
 

            Bethesda House is an interfaith ministry.  Guests are not preached to nor are they ever turned away for having different beliefs.  175-225 guests visit daily.  There are 230-240 guests that come each month who are visiting Bethesda House for the first time.  Over 150 who visit each month are homeless.

            It is opened Monday-Friday from 10:00am-4:00pm.  Between 10 and 1:00 is when appointments with caseworkers or counselors are made.  The hospitality center is open from 1:00 to 4:00.  This gives the guests a place to socialize and relax inside.  At 3:00 each day there is a community meal.  On Thursdays, there is a health care clinic from 10:00-2:00 for individuals without insurance.  Time with the doctor and nurse and medications are free for people that use the clinic.
 

Bethesda House has an emergency food pantry.  This pantry gives food to those who have exhausted their visits at the SICM and Salvation Army food pantries.  There are about 80 visits to the food pantry every month.  Guests can take a shower, do their laundry, and use the telephone for in coming and out going calls.  They can have a mailbox and a locker for their things.

 

Volunteers are always welcomed.  If you are considering volunteering, it’s best to give Tom a call (374-7873 Ext. 104). Bethesda House accepts non-perishable, easy opening, easily microwaved food.  They accept household donations that are not electrical.  They are always in need of diapers and formula, not to mention hygiene products.  Coats and seasonal clothes are given to the guests.  In fact, Deacon Pat brought many of the coats donated last year to Bethesda House.  They also accept backpacks and tote bags so that the guests are able to carry their things in something. 
 

Bethesda House treats individuals with respect, no matter their situation.  We all see the need out there and Bethesda House is effecting change by meeting some of those needs everyday.  Next month look for an article about the Lighthouse.

 

 

 

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SEDER SUPPER Wednesday March 19th

Do you recall the ten plagues of Egypt?  Did you know Seder means order; order of ascent to renewed spirit?  Everyone is invited to our joyful family dinner of good food, wine, and learning, at a

 

Seder Supper Service on 3/19, at 6 pm. 

Come enjoy the fellowship with each other, and God, and learn more about events which took place more than three thousand years ago! Our Seder is a traditional, family-style, choreographed, and fun dinner.

 

Tickets are presale Feb. 24 to March 9.  Due to the fact some of the food is catered, tickets will be $7 each, or $22 per family. Tickets are being sold by the Daughters of the King. Please plan ahead to attend 3/19. This is a great event for the entire family.

 

                              Debbie Trawick
 

 

 

“Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.”  

 

Opportunities for Service

During the Easter Season
 

The St. Clare Chapter of the Daughters of the King will be packing baby kits and emergency clean-up buckets during April.  In areas of extreme poverty or following a natural disaster, baby kits help young mothers care for their newborn babies. The clean-up buckets enable people to begin the overwhelming job of cleaning up after a flood, hurricane, tornado, or other disaster here in the United States.  We invite all parishioners to join in this effort, another aspect of working toward the Millennium Development Goals.

 

Late in March we will post a list of the items for the kits and the supplies for the buckets.  We invite you to take an index card of an item to contribute toward helping those in need, or to donate money to purchase the items.  The deadline for turning items in is April 20. 

 

Another opportunity through Church World Service is the annual CROP Walk for the Hungry, held the first Sunday afternoon in May.  Sponsorship forms for walkers will be available in April.  Together we raise awareness and funds for international relief and development, and contribute to local food programs as well.

 

 

Church World Service Crop Hunger Walk

Source: http://www.churchworldservice.org/

 

Founded in 1946, Church World Service is the relief, development, and refugee assistance ministry of 35 Protestant, Orthodox, and Anglican denominations in the United States. Working in partnership with indigenous organizations in more than 80 countries, CWS works worldwide to meet human needs and foster self-reliance for all whose way is hard.

 

Within the United States, Church World Service assists communities in responding to disasters, resettles refugees, promotes fair national and international policies, provides educational resources, and offers opportunities to join a people-to-people network of local and global caring through participation in CROP Hunger Walks, the Tools & Blankets Program and the CWS Kits Program.                                                                      

 

Richey Woodzell

 

 

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VESTRY MEETING UPDATE – FEBRUARY 11, 2008

New Members

We welcomed three new members and a new Warden:  Susan Feyrer, Peter Nelson and Amy Soule.  Rocky Bonsal was welcomed as the new Junior Warden

 

Buildings and Grounds

The asbestos inspection of Reid House was complete. We are awaiting the final report.  When we receive the report, we’ll provide you with a summary.

 

Communications Task Force

The Task Force reported they have set their 2008 goals.  One of the most critical is to ensure that we have accurate and current contact information for everyone in the congregation.  Soon, you’ll be seeing us create opportunities to make that happen.  If we don’t have your current phone number and/or email address, communication can’t happen.  As always, please let Kathy Miller, Church Secretary, know of any changes (346-6241; ststeph@albany.net).

·                    Work on the Ministry Booklet continues, and publication is still anticipated for spring.

 

Architectural Task Force

We have engaged the services of an architectural firm that will be doing a feasibility study and providing us with conceptual drawings.  The firm is John G. Waite & Associates.  It is expected that the Vestry will have this information sometime in June.  During the summer, we will be reviewing it.  It is our goal to roll everything out to the congregation in the fall.

 

While all of this may seem like it is taking a long time, in the world of building projects, we’re right on schedule.   We ask your continued prayers for this project.

 

Miscellaneous

·                    Fr. James reported that we received a thank you letter for SICM, acknowledging our support for them in 2007.

·                    The Vestry approved a motion to give the Good Friday offering this year to the Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East.

·                    Vestry Committee assignments were distributed.  There are a number of committees and Task Forces, many of which you see reported about here.  A new one was named at the February meeting.  Its charge is to review our current bylaws and make recommendations for updating them where appropriate.  Members are Rocky Bonsal, Barbara Wisnom & Paul DeKanel.  If you think this is something you are being called to do, please contact Barbara. We will have news next month to keep you updated on our progress.

·                    Also, next month in the Messenger we will include a list of people serving on each of the  Committees of the Vestry.

 

That’s it for the January meeting.  Please give us feedback and let us know if this is useful information ~ or not.  Too much?  Not enough?  Suggestions for improvement?

 

Barbara Wisnom

“See” you next month!

 

The next Vestry Meeting is March 10^th at 7:30 in Parish Hall

 

               Wedding Anniversaries

Susan & John Liberis                03/06      
Karen & Dennis Holcombe       03/28

Birthdays    *

 

John V. Casale                         03/01

Katherine Hoshko                    03/01

Ethan Brooks-McDonald          03/04

Barbara Wisnom                      03/04

Elizabeth MacFarland               03/05

Paul Pratico                              03/06

Thomas Casale                         03/07

Diane Bengtson Kilbourn          03/10

Kelly Nolan                              03/10

Logan Olberg                           03/10

Addison Schierenbeck              03/10

Jim Wolff                                  03/10

Adam Gibbs                             03/11

Norma Piscitelli                        03/11

Shirley Voelker                         03/13

Ted Conwell                             03/14

Roseann Caruso                       03/15

Budd Mazurek                         03/16

Grace Murphy-Nolan               03/18

Emily Blaufuss                          03/21

Brooks Brennan                       03/22

Joanne Frank                            03/22

Susan Townsend                      03/22

Dorothy Gibbs                          03/23

Martie Spang                            03/23

Alexa Wolff                              03/25

Madison Dominguez                 03/26

Bob Hagen                               03/26

Scott Bristol                             03/27

Linda Emaelaf                           03/27

Paul Pratico                              03/27

Diane Reed                              03/27

Julian Canavan            &n