The Messenger

Newsletter for St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

On-line Version

 

May, 2008

 

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Dear Friends:

 

 Measuring growth; door jambs do a pretty good job of marking growth around my house.  When the kids were younger they would stand against the woodwork balancing a measuring stick against the top of the head and notch the molding with a pencil.

 

Then there’s the growth of the spirit; it’s not so easily chartered, but it is still visible from the first weeks of bible study, through the many occasions of worship, to the fellowship activities that mark the beginning of summer.

 

In the fifty days that followed the Resurrection of Jesus, the community that had gathered around him had plenty of time to reflect upon itself.  On several occasions Jesus is reported to have appeared to them and to have taken part in the events of the moment.  It is difficult to determine just how literally we are to read these accounts, though there can be no doubt that we are to accept them as the reality of those who reported them.  One thing is clear: in each of those post-Resurrection appearances the community learns something about itself and marks its growth in a significant way.  If we focus too closely upon the person of Jesus, and the miraculous supernatural dimensions of his appearing, we miss the equally important and miraculous evidence of the community’s growth.

 

The evidence around Saint Stephen’s, while less dramatic, is no less impressive.  We continue to grow in so many ways.  In this season, as we reflect upon what we have shared, take a moment to chart your own growth.  Look for the marks that our life has made upon you and know that you have made your mark here.

 

James+

 

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Adult Education on Sunday Mornings:

Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Protestant 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.

 

Protestantism represents the outcome of centuries of disagreement over doctrine and practice within the Roman Catholic Church.  Led by Martin Luther in 16^th century Western Europe, this spiritual revolution gained momentum and, under the helm of other Protestant leaders, thrived and grew into new factions around the world, especially in Europe and North America.

 

Classed will be held in the Parish Hall on Sunday mornings from 9am to 10am.

 

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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

 

General information contact the parish office.  

 

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THANK YOU!

Vacation Bible School

 

For the fourth year, we will be working with Union Presbyterian Church to bring a great week of Vacation Bible School to the children.  Many thanks to those who have participated and volunteered in the past years. 

 

Here are the specifics for this year:

            ~Vacation Bible School is the week of July 7th to July 11th.

            ~The program is 9:15-noon at Union Presbyterian Church.

~Friday evening, July 11^th at 6:30pm, we will meet at St. Stephen’s Church to

     share dinner, worship and celebrate the week.

            ~ If you would like your children to participate, you can

                 fill out a registration form (below) and give it to Laura Davis.

 

There are many ways to help out with Bible school this year. 

Here are some of the key areas:

 

            ~The Creative Design team is looking for helpers to decorate the church

                  with animals and rainbows and things that remind us of sailing on the great Ark. 

 

            ~Craft assistants are needed to purchase supplies, put together example crafts

                   and help the kids during Bible school. 

 

            ~Game assistants are needed to help organize the activity station                

                   and be there to play with the kids during Bible school.

 

Your help will be greatly appreciated.  Without it, we cannot continue to offer this special week to our children.  There is a volunteer sign up sheet at the Shop in the Parish Hall. 

If you have any questions, please ask Laura Davis.

 

2008 Vacation Bible School Registration:  July 7~11

 

Child’s name:______________________________  Age / Entering Grade:____________

 

Parents’ / guardians’ names:_________________________________________________

 

Address:________________________________________________________________

 

Phone:_______________________  Email:_____________________________________

 

Parents’ / guardians’ phone contacts:  (W)__________________(cell)________________

 

Who will be picking your child from VBS?_____________________________________

 

Please mark you calendar and plan to join us as we celebrate VBS

with a family potluck and worship on Friday, July 11 @ 6:30pm.

 

Give this registration form to Laura Davis or place it in the box marked

“VBS registration forms” in the Parish Hall.

 

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On-Line Picture Directory

 

Dear St. Stephen’s members:

 

We’re trying out a new thing:  an on-line directory. It has some nice features:

 

We can update it easily: add new people, correct mistakes, …

It has color photos which you can browse anytime.

You can click an e-mail address to initiate a message.

It has the usual directory information: street address and telephone number.

You can check your information and notify us of errors.

It’s secure.

 

Because there are lots of pictures on these pages, it will take a long time to download if you’re on a telephone modem.

 

After entering the ID and password, you should see the first of three directory pages:  A-G, H-Q, and R-Z. You can view these pages one at a time. You can click on a letter on the list at the top of the page (click “C” to get to the beginning of the C’s, for example), or you can just scroll down. If your personal information is incorrect, please let us know. If the picture needs updating, we can do that, or you can supply one for use on this directory and on the picture board in the parish hall extension.

 

If you don’t want a part of this information on the on-line directory, please let us know. If you can’t get to the on-line directory, we’d like to know.  If you think this is the greatest invention since the chicken, we’d like to know that too.

 

It is our hope that this on-line directory will help us all to know each other better, and will improve communications in the parish.

 

Chris Jones

 

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Members of St. Stephen’s,

I wish to express my deep gratitude for all that has been and is being done for my husband, Jesse. I know he really appreciates it and enjoys the visiting you do. Also please accept my thanks for all you are doing for both of us. It really is making things easier.

Bless you all,

Betty Dipley

o use our talents

St. Stephen’s Plant Sale

Our plant sale will take place on two Sundays; May 11th and May 18th in the parish hall after the 10:15 service.  We need folks to donate a plant from their garden, one or both Sundays.  Anyone can bring any kind of plant from their garden, in a pot or a bag.  Tables will be set up early for drop off.  Plants will be available for cash purchase (a donation).  All proceeds benefit the youth group's trip to work camp this summer.
Cheryl Syta

 

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Pentecost/Mothers Day Brunch

You’ll son have another opportunity to savor the scrumptious food prepared by the celebrated chefs of St. Stephen’s youth group when, on May 11, the youth group will host another of their legendary brunches: fresh fruit, carefully cut, and delicately placed in bowls to prevent bruising; eggs lovingly scrambled to perfection; bacon and sausage individually selected and placed in pans for cooking; freshly-prepared coffee cake, cut by hand (no machines for us!) into tempting shapes – a feast for the eye and the palate!

 

The proceeds from the brunch will be contributed to the new education fund to remember Peter Bowes.  See the article on the next page.

 

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A Good Habit to Form

We all have heard about the desperate need for food at the SICM food Pantry.  When you are doing your weekly grocery shopping, why not get in the habit of picking up one or two extra items and putting them in the Price Chopper cart at church on Sunday.  It won't cost you that much - probably less than a pack of cigarettes - and this would be a good habit!  If everyone in the congregation did this, we  could full the cart every week. Also, when you send monetary donations to SICM remember that GE employees, spouses, retirees and widows or widowers can have their monetary donations of $25 or above matched by GE.

Thank you .

 

 Millie Gittinger

 

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The Mug Shot Board

Ooops… I mean “The Picture Board”

 

We’re coming along fine getting new photographs posted. It’s particularly helpful to get photographs of new people and families with kids. In case you haven’t noticed, kids grow at an amazing rate, and the old photos can be out of date pretty quickly. I will usually be available to take “snap shots” before or after services. You can tell who I am by the camera slung over my shoulder. Please track me down and ask for a sitting… I promise to not ask you to say “cheese” or “spaghetti”!

 

Chris Jones

 

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Youth Group Notes

1. Workcamp

 

We have reserved 25 spaces for the workcamp in Oceana, West Virginia, but we have only 22 campers registered so far. If you know of a teenager in the church who would like to go to workcamp, let George Woodzell or someone in the youth group know as soon as possible. We have several people from outside the church who want to come, but we feel that St. Stephen’s people should have first priority.

 

2. Lock-in Friday, April 25

 

We’ll meet at the church at six for dinner, then go to the Glenville Sportsplex where the adults will, as usual, demonstrate their superior driving skills in the go-karts and their even more superior skills at miniature golf. Eat our dust!

 

IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR FRIEND AND CLASSMATE PETER BOESE,

the youth group has created a memorial fund, to be used to further the education of young people who struggle against severe handicaps, as peter did.

We will dedicate the proceeds from the mothers day brunch to this fund, and we will begin offering lawn work and car washing services to raise money for this fund.  More information to follow.

 

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MESSENGER GOING GREEN

By Barbara Wisnom

 

Who among us hasn’t been impacted by the rising prices everywhere – gas, food, our electric bill.  It’s a real challenge to stay on track.  We also know that postage will be increasing – AGAIN ! – in the fall.  In addition many of us are keenly aware of doing what we can to conserve resources by recycling and reusing. With these two points in mind (conserving both financial and other resources), the St. Stephen’s Messenger will be transitioning to an electronic version beginning in September.  Here’s what you need to know and do:

 

§  Beginning with the September issue of the Messenger, copies will be sent to parishioners electronically, via their email address.  See the response form below.

§  It is critical that we have your current email address.

§  If you do not have email, or still prefer to receive a paper copy of the Messenger, we will be sure that happens.

§  Extra copies of the Messenger will always be available at Church (an extra incentive to come to Church)

§  The Messenger is always available through our website www.saintstephenschenectady.org.

§  You need to tell us your preference.

Please tear off the section below & place in the offering basin, or leave with an Usher.

 or mail to St. Stephen’s Church Office, 1229 Baker Ave., Schenectady, NY  12309.

Feel free to make duplicate forms for anyone.

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NAME ______________________________________________
 

EMAIL ADDRESS ____________________________________

 

CHECK ONE

______ I want my copy of The Messenger delivered to my email box.
 

______ I want to receive a paper copy of The Messenger by regular mail.

 

THANK YOU!

 

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Q&A Corner

 

The Q&A Corner is a monthly feature of The Messenger. You may send your questions to the messenger@saintstephenschenectady.org  and we will do our best to find answers for you.

 

Question:

A couple of Sundays ago, I was really looking forward to chatting with folks I hadn’t seen in awhile after the service.  And I was also looking forward to having a great cup of St. Stephen’s coffee.  Only, there wasn’t any coffee, and nobody seemed interested in hanging around.  What’s happened to Coffee Hour?

 

Signed, Missing the Connection

 

Answer:

Dear Missing,

We get your frustration!  We too have noticed that sometimes there’s no coffee.  What’s up?

 

Well, as a friend used to say about his service in the military “we’re an all volunteer army”.  In other words, the “coffee” in Coffee Hour doesn’t just magically appear.  It’s not like the scripture passage about the loaves and the fishes!  The truth is that sometimes no one has volunteered to do the Coffee Hour.

 

In some churches, Coffee Hour is jokingly refered to as the “8th Sacrament”.  I guess that means it’s pretty important to Episcopalians.  And I’m pretty sure it’s not just the coffee.  It’s true that for most of us it’s the fellowship.  It’s a time when we can meet and greet old friends, welcome visitors and new members, and generally catch up on our lives.  And once you’ve become accustomed to the practice, you notice and miss it when it’s not there.

 

What’s the solution?  Well, it’s pretty simple actually.  Volunteer!  If you’ve never hosted a Coffee Hour, it’s pretty easy to find someone who has.  Ask that person if you can work along side them.  People are very willing to help and glad to be asked.  Besides, many hands make light work.  Can’t stay late to clean up?  No worries.  Agree that you’ll do the set up, and ask your partner to do the clean up.  There are all kinds of options.  Just remember KISS (Keep It Simple, Silly)

 

There is always a “sign-up” sheet on the counter near the kitchen.  There is also a well-written and complete set of directions hanging on the wall in the kitchen.  All of the cupboards are even labeled.  The coffee, tea, and drinks for the kids (lemonade mix) are provided, as are all the paper products.  Most folks bake or buy goodies, but that’s optional.  This isn’t the Pillsbury bake-off.  It’s a ministry of welcoming one another.

 

 

 

There’s still time to sign up for the CROP Walk!

 

CROP  Communities Responding

to Overcome Poverty

 

Please sign up at the CROP Walk display in the parish hall extension.  Take a donor form to sign up sponsors. 

 

This annual 5-kilometer walk for the hungry will be held on Sunday, May 4^th, beginning at St. Helen’s School on Upper Union Street, looping through Central Park and back.  Sign up also if you are interested in participating in a light lunch during coffee hour and a carpool to and from St. Helen’s.  Registration is at 12:30 PM, with the walk (or run!) starting at 1:30.  It’s about 3.1 miles, and should take an hour, more or less.  There is also a “Golden Mile” route, for those who prefer a shorter walk. There will be water stops and restrooms available along the route.

 

No bicycles or skateboards, but you may bring your dog.

 

Walkers should bring the front sheet of their donor envelopes as registration for the walk.  For children under 18, a parent or guardian must sign permission at the bottom. If you have collected all the money from your sponsors, you may turn in the completed envelope and money at the walk.  Otherwise, turn your money and form in to Richey Woodzell by June 1.

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you can’t participate in the walk,

please sponsor one of our walkers.  We hope to have many of St. Stephen’s children and youth participating.   If you would like to help in another way, come and hand out CROP T-shirts at St. Helen’s between 12:30 and 1:30.  Every walker gets one!

 

You can read a more detailed description of CROP in the April Messenger or on Church World Service’s website. 

 

If you have questions or would like to volunteer to help, please talk to Richey Woodzell,

372-9398, erwoodzell@verizon.net.

 

THANK YOU for your support!

 

 

 

Church World Service Kits

THANK YOU to everyone who donated items for the emergency kits for Church World Service.  We sent off two 5-gallon buckets full of cleaning supplies and six packets of clothes and supplies for newborn babies.   Your support helps to provide immediate response in aid after a disaster, either in the U.S. or abroad.    

                                                           

The St. Clare Chapter, Daughters of the King

 

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VESTRY MEETING UPDATE – April 14, 2008

 

Rectory Renovation Updates

 

Fr. James reported that the contractor has completed work on the renovations for the two bathrooms.  He and Vicky are very pleased with the outcome.

 

Finance

 

The Finance Committee proposed that an audit of the 2007 books be conducted by an Audit Committee.  The Finance Committee utilized guidelines for churches made available through the national Episcopal Church.  The Vestry approved the recommendation and a committee will be named shortly.

 

Buildings and Grounds

 

One bid has been received from a company to clean and preserve the sanctuary floor.  Other bids will be sought.

 

Communications Task Force

 

§  A draft of the Ministry Booklet was distributed.  The Task Force is targeting publication by Pentecost, and will distribute at the Mother’s Day Brunch.

§  Chris Jones continues work on the Picture Board

 

Architectural Task Force

 

See separate report submitted by Austin Spang, in this issue of the Messenger.

 

Bylaws Task Force

 

Resources have been secured from various places in New York.  Rocky Bonsal & Barbara Wisnom are in the process of reviewing these resources against our own bylaws.  We are on target with our timeline, and expect to deliver a report to the Vestry at the June meeting.

 

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

 

Contact Barbara Wisnom at 371-6187 or bwisnom@nycap.rr.com

“See” you next month!

 

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Architectural Task Force

Status Report

 

The Architectural Task Force was formed by the Vestry to study the current buildings of St. Stephens and to plan for the future.  The work of the Task Force has been divided into 4 phases. The first phase surveyed the congregation on what was liked and disliked about our buildings.  The second phase developed specific information and requirements about the use of the buildings.  Paul DeKanel gave excellent presentations of the results of these two studies to the congregation.  The third phase interviewed three architects.  On the recommendation of  the Task Force, the Vestry agreed to hire John G. Waite Associates of Albany to do a feasibility study/master plan.  Jack Waite is a nationally known architect specializing in planning and restoration of historical buildings.

 

The Architectural Task Force has begun working with Jack Waite and his team.  We have met 4 times–twice with the whole committee and twice for information gathering purposes.  Their basic approach is to determine in some detail what we currently have, then what we feel we need for the future and finally to determine a plan of action to meet those needs.

 

The first meeting was basically an introduction and a discussion of goals.  We indicated that we were not sure exactly what should be done, but that we want it to be well done.  Jack Waite who had been through the property several time before this meeting, urged that the parish consider National Register Status for the church.  We discussed the results of the previous phases.  He felt that they were quite good.  We gave them all the plans for the church complex.

 

The two working information gathering meetings were handled by Mike Bishop and myself.  In the first, Jack Waite’s team spent all day going thoroughly through all the buildings.  Many detailed questions were answered especially on those things that might have changed since the plans were drawn.   In the second, Nancy Rankin, the lead architect, met with Norman Hoffmann on the property deeds.  She was particularly interested in what might be done with the electric pole.  Unfortunately it is the start of the high voltage line that feeds the entire neighborhood.

 

The most recent meeting of the whole group was held Saturday, April 12.  Jack Waite discussed the history of the church buildings and neighborhood.  He has determined that many of the houses in neighborhood are Montgomery Ward prefab houses built in the twenties.  Reid house is one of the low cost models while the office is one of the higher cost models.  He again indicated that the church and rectory are quite well built.  The parish hall was put together with the remaining limited funds. While any building can be rehabbed, he recommends that Parish Hall be replaced.  A good discussion followed on what St. Stephen’s needed for the future, and the functionality, and rough sizing of spaces.  The vision is “Long life, loose fit, and low energy”

 

The goal of the Task Force is to present the feasibility/master plan to the Vestry this summer.

 

 

Austin Spang

Chairman

Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church

1229 Baker Avenue

Schenectady NY 12309-5711.