Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church

Kalendar for the Week of January 29th

2012-01-28T19:54:00.000-06:00

Sunday, January 29th
THE FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
9:00 am, Christian Education
10:00 am, Sung Mass
11:15 am, Annual Parish Meeting, followed by a pot-luck lunch
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15 pm, Youth Group

Monday, January 30th
King Charles the Martyr, 1649

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, January 31st
John Bosco, Priest, 1888

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Wednesday, February 1st
Brigid, Abbess of Kildare, 523

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
10:45 am, Rector's Bible Study

Eve of the Presentation
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Thursday, February 2nd
The Presentation of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple, also called The Purification of Saint Mary the Virgin or Candlemas

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, February 3rd
Blaise of Sebaste, Bishop, 316
Abstinence

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, February 4th
Cornelius the Centurion

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
11:00 am, Low Mass (Rosary & Society of Mary luncheon follow)

Eve of the the Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
Isaiah 40:21-31; Psalm 147:1-6; 1 Corinthians 9:16-23; Mark 1:29-39

Announcements for the Week of January 29th

2012-01-27T17:27:00.000-06:00

Limbourg Brothers (Dutch, fl. 1385–1416). The Exorcism (Folio 166r from The Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, ca 1412–1416). Musée Condé, Chantilly, France.

Welcome to Saint Stephen's! We look forward to having you worship with us. When you visit, please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses and the Christian Education hour.

Christian Education is offered each Sunday beginning at 9 am. Children and youth meet in the Garrard Education Wing. Adults meet with Fr Yost in the Parish Library where they continue the series Anglican Essentials. All are welcome!

The Flowers at the Altar are given to the glory of God by Eliza Davies in loving memory of her mother, Theresa M. Davies.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are given to the glory of God by Carla Self & Joe Nedley celebrating the lives of friends Cathy, Klaus, and Julio.

The Annual Meeting of Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church takes place this Sunday at 11:15, immediately following the 10:00 am Mass. Reports from the Rector, the Senior Warden, and parish organizations will be presented, and new Vestry members and delegates to Diocesan Convention will be elected. Qualified voters are confirmed persons in good standing of the Parish eighteen years of age or older. A pot-luck lunch will follow in the Parish Hall.

Youth Group meets at Saint Stephen's on Sundays at 5:15 pm in the Parish Hall right after Evening Prayer. Young people from 6th grade through high school are welcome. Join us for a meal and some fun, and bring a friend!

The Rector's Bible Study meets this Wednesday, February 1, at 10:45 am, following the 10 am Mass. We continue our study of the Gospel according to Mark. All are welcome!

About Friday abstinence . . . Fridays throughout the year, except for Fridays in the Christmas and Easter seasons, and any Feasts of our Lord which occur on a Friday, are to be marked by special acts of discipline and self-denial, in commemoration of the Lord's crucifixion (Book of Common Prayer, p. 17). For Episcopalians and others in the Catholic tradition, this has meant abstinence from meat on Fridays. This simple custom has been a part of the fabric of Christian community for many centuries and serves to remind us weekly of the sacrifice of Christ.

Habitat for Humanity’s “Habi-Taters Fundraiser” takes place this Friday, February 3, from 5:30–7:30 pm at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 322 W. Pecan. Enjoy a baked potato bar with all the fixings, salad, and dessert while supporting Habitat’s mission to build quality, affordable homes in partnership with families in need. Tickets are $10 each and are available from the Parish Office or from Fr Yost.

The Society of Mary will meet at Saint Stephen's this Saturday, February 4. The Mass of the day will be celebrated at 11 am, followed by the Rosary, luncheon, and a program presented by Fr Yost. All are welcome!

Looking ahead . . . Organ recital, Sunday, February 12, at 4:30 pm, followed by Solemn Evensong & Benediction, at 5 pm. Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, February 21, 6:30 pm. Ash Wednesday, February 22—Low Mass with imposition of Ashes 7 am and 10 am; Sung Mass at 7 pm. Stations of the Cross & Benediction on Fridays in Lent beginning February 24. Soup Supper & Lenten Program on Wednesdays beginning February 29.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, January 29th
Annual Parish Meeting, 11:15 am
Youth Group, 5:15 pm, Parish Hall

Wednesday, February 1st
Rector's Bible Study, 10:45 am, Parish Library

Thursday, February 2nd
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 120 West Wall Street

Friday, February 3rd
Habi-Taters Fundraiser, 5:30 pm, Covenant Presbyterian, 322 W. Pecan

Saturday, February 4th
Society of Mary, 11 am, Low Mass followed by Rosary & luncheon

Kalendar for the Week of January 22nd

2012-01-21T18:57:00.000-06:00

Sunday, January 22nd
THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
9:00 am, Christian Education
10:00 am, Sung Mass
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15 pm, Youth Group

Monday, January 23rd

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, January 24th
Francis de Sales, Bishop and Doctor, 1612

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Vestry meeting

Wednesday, January 25th
The Conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity ends

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
10:45 am, Rector's Bible Study
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Healing Service

Thursday, January 26th
Timothy and Titus, Companions of Saint Paul

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, January 27th
Abstinence

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, January 28th
Thomas Aquinas, Priest and Friar, 1274

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of the the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Mark 1:21-28

Announcements for the Week of January 22nd

2012-01-20T19:52:00.000-06:00

Caravaggio (Italian, 1571–1610). The Calling of Saints Peter & Andrew (ca 1602–1604). The Royal Collection, Hampton Court Palace, London.

Welcome to Saint Stephen's! We look forward to having you worship with us. When you visit please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses.

Christian Education is offered each Sunday beginning at 9 am. Children and youth meet in the Garrard Education Wing. Adults meet with Fr Yost in the Parish Library. In keeping with the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, the subject this week is the apostolic constitution Anglicanorum cœtibus of Pope Benedict XVI. All are welcome!

The Flowers at the Altar given to the glory of God by Steve & Anna Keller in thanksgiving for their family and their many blessings.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are given to the glory of God with funds from the Flower Guild.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Deb & Jerry Montgomery.

This Sunday we welcome Marshall Sartin as our guest organist. Mr Sartin studied music at Ouachita Baptist University, Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and Grayson County College. He was for a decade organist at Saint Luke’s in Denison and has substituted at Saint Stephen’s on a number of occasions.

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity that began with the Confession of Saint Peter on January 18 and concludes with the Conversion of Saint Paul on January 25 has its origins in the work of Fr Paul Wattson and the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement at Graymoor in New York. The observance, which began over a century ago in the Episcopal Church, has since been widely taken up and was given a significant boost by the ecumenical commitment made by the Roman Catholic Church at the Second Vatican Council. This week calls us “seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions” (Prayer for the Unity of the Church, BCP 818) and to pray for the unity of the Church as Christ wills it, and in accordance with the means he wills.

One Church-One School news—A meeting for anyone wishing to becoming involved as a mentor for a student at Wakefield School will take place Tuesday, January 24, at 6 pm in the teacher’s lounge (not the cafeteria as previously announced). For additional information, please contact Connie Mitchusson at 903-893-2533.

The Rector's Bible Study meets this Wednesday, January 25, at 10:45 am, following the 10 am Mass. We continue our study of the Gospel according to Mark. All are welcome!

Healing Service—Wednesday, January 25, at 6:30 pm. This service takes place on the fourth Wednesday of each month as a ministry of the Brotherhood of Saint Stephen's.

Bishop's Ball 2012—City Lights! Beginning at 7 pm and ending at 10:30 pm on Saturday, January 28, and held in the Great Hall at Saint Matthew's Cathedral, this event, for 9th through 12th graders, is the annual “prom” for senior high students an their sponsors. It provides safe, fun Christian fellowship with delicious food, dancing, and more. Some attendees wear prom clothes, some wear “Sunday clothes.” Cost per person is $10 and two pop-top cans of fruits or vegetables for the Cathedral Food Pantry.

Notice of Annual Parish Meeting—The Annual Meeting of Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church will take place on Sunday, January 29, 2012 at 11:15, immediately following the 10:00 am Mass. Reports from the Rector, the Senior Warden, and Parish organizations will be presented, and new Vestry members and delegates to Diocesan Convention will be elected. Qualified voters are confirmed persons in good standing of the Parish eighteen years of age or older. A pot-luck lunch will follow in the Parish Hall. Committee chairs and organization heads are asked to submit reports to the Parish Office no later than Monday, January 23.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, January 22nd
Youth Group, 5:15 pm, Parish Hall

Tuesday, January 24th
Wakefield mentoring program, 6 pm, Wakefield School teacher’s lounge
Choir practice, 6 pm, Choir Room

Wednesday, January 25th
Rector's Bible Study, 10:45 am, Parish Library
Healing Service, 6:30 pm

Thursday, January 26th
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 120 West Wall Street

Saturday, January 28th
Bishop’s Ball, 7 pm, Saint Matthew’s Cathedral, Dallas

Kalendar for the Week of January 15th

2012-01-14T19:40:00.002-06:00

Sunday, January 15th
THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
9:00 am, Christian Education
10:00 am, Sung Mass
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15 pm, Youth Group

Monday, January 16th
Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr—Parish Office closed

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, January 17th
Anthony, Abbot in Egypt, 356

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Vestry meeting

Wednesday, January 18th
Confession of Saint Peter the Apostle
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
10:45 am, Rector's Bible Study
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Ladies' Night Out

Thursday, January 19th
Wolfstan, Bishop of Worcester, 1095

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, January 20th
Fabian, Bishop and Martyr of Rome, 250
Abstinence

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, January 21st
Agnes, Martyr at Rome, 304

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of the the Third Sunday after the Epiphany
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
Jonah 3:1-5, 10; Psalm 62:6-14; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31;
Mark 1:14-20

Announcements for the Week of January 15th

2012-01-13T18:35:00.003-06:00

Philip tells Nathanael about Jesus. Detail of Apostles Window, 1210–1225. Chartres Cathedral.

Welcome to Saint Stephen's! We look forward to having you worship with us. When you visit, please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses.

Christian Education is offered each Sunday beginning at 9 am. Children and youth meet in the Garrard Education Wing. Adults meet with Fr Yost in the Parish Library where they continue the series Anglican Essentials. All are welcome!

The Flowers at the Altar given to the glory of God by Wanda Bush in loving memory of Bob Bush on the anniversary of his birth.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are given to the glory of God by Helen Perkins in loving memory of her granddaughter Chaquana Elaine Bell.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Pam & Ed Colvin.

If you have not yet returned your pledge card . . . it’s not too late! Pledge cards may be found in the Parish Hall. For those who have made a pledge . . . Thank you!

Rite II will be used beginning this Sunday for Sung Masses until Ash Wednesday. The Mass settings are those by Robert Powell, found in the Hymnal at S 280 (Gloria), S 129 (Sanctus), and S 163 (Agnus Dei).

The Rector's Ministry Fund provides for charitable assistance to members of the parish and others in our community as well as other missionary purposes that fall outside the parish budget. Each third Sunday of the month, the undesignated offerings are deposited in the Ministry fund. Your generosity is most appreciated.

The Parish Office will be closed Monday, January 16, for the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr, a Federal Holiday. Mass will be celebrated at the usual time of 9:00 am.

The Rector's Bible Study meets this Wednesday, January 18, at 10:45 am, following the 10 am Mass. We continue our study of the Gospel according to Mark. All are welcome!

Ladies' Night Out is Wednesday January 18, at 6:30 pm in the Parish Hall. Hosts for this month's meeting are Pam Colvin & Penelope Fields. All ladies of the parish and their guests are welcome. A sign up sheet is located in the parish hall.

One Church-One School news—A meeting for anyone wishing to becoming involved as a mentor for a student at Wakefield School will take place Tuesday, January 24, at 6 pm in the school cafeteria. For additional information, please contact Connie Mitchusson at 903-893-2533.

About Friday abstinence . . . Fridays throughout the year, except for Fridays in the Christmas and Easter seasons, and any Feasts of our Lord which occur on a Friday, are to be marked by special acts of discipline and self-denial, in commemoration of the Lord's crucifixion (Book of Common Prayer, p. 17). For Episcopalians and others in the Catholic tradition, this has meant abstinence from meat on Fridays. This simple custom has been a part of the fabric of Christian community for many centuries and serves to remind us weekly of the sacrifice of Christ.

Notice of Annual Parish Meeting—The Annual Meeting of Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church will take place on Sunday, January 29, 2012 at 11:15, immediately following the 10:00 am Mass. Reports from the Rector, the Senior Warden, and Parish organizations will be presented, and new Vestry members and delegates to Diocesan Convention will be elected. Qualified voters are confirmed persons in good standing of the Parish eighteen years of age or older. A pot-luck lunch will follow in the Parish Hall. Committee chairs and organization heads are asked to submit reports to the Parish Office no later than Monday, January 23.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, January 15th
Youth Group, 5:15 pm, Parish Hall

Tuesday, January 17th
SOS, 12:15 pm, Parish Hall
Vestry, 6:30 pm, Parish Hall

Wednesday, January 18th
Rector's Bible Study, 10:45 am, Parish Library
Ladies' Night Out, 6:30 pm, Parish Hall

Thursday, January 19th
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 120 West Wall Street

Kalendar for the Week of January 8th

2012-01-07T18:19:00.000-06:00

Sunday, January 8th
THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY:
THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
9:00 am, Christian Education
10:00 am, High Mass
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15 pm, Youth Group

Monday, January 9th

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Monthly Requiem
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, January 10th
William Laud, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1645

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Wednesday, January 11th

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
10:45 am, Rector's Bible Study
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Brotherhood

Thursday, January 12th
Aelred, Abbot of Rievaulx, 1167

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, January 13th
Hilary, Bishop of Poitiers, 367
Abstinence

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, January 14th
Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of the the Second Sunday after the Epiphany
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), Psalm 139:1-5, 12-17;
1 Corinthians 6:12-20; John 1:43-51

Announcements for the Week of January 8th

2012-01-06T20:29:00.000-06:00

Giotto de Bondone (Italian, ca 1267-1337). Baptism of Christ (ca 1305). Scrovegni Chapel, Padua, Italy.

Welcome to Saint Stephen's! We look forward to having you worship with us. If you are visiting please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses.

Christian Education is offered each Sunday beginning at 9 am. Children and youth meet in the Garrard Education Wing. Adults meet with Fr Yost in the Parish Library where they continue the series Anglican Essentials. All are welcome!

The Flowers at the Altar given to the glory of God by Edward Smith in loving memory of his mother, Grace Schmitz.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are given to the glory of God by Steve & Anna Keller in thanksgiving for their family & friends.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Sue & Jerry Fillebrown.

If you have not yet returned your pledge card . . . it’s not too late! Pledge cards may be found in the Parish Hall. For those who have made a pledge . . . Thank you!

This Sunday is the deadline for Vestry nominations. New Vestry members will be elected at the Annual Parish Meeting in January. The nomination form is available in the Parish Hall and includes information regarding qualifications for service on the Vestry. Please note that because a public records background check is now required by the Diocese before anyone may be permitted to hold a position of Parish leadership, nominations at the Parish Annual Meeting cannot be made from the floor. Nominations may be left in the Parish Office or given to Senior Warden Mike Mitchusson.

Rite II will be used beginning next Sunday for Sung Masses until Ash Wednesday. The Mass settings are those by Robert Powell, found in the Hymnal at S 280 (Gloria), S 129 (Sanctus), and S 163 (Agnus Dei).

The Rector's Bible Study meets this Wednesday, January 11, at 10:45 am, following the 10 am Mass. We continue our study of the Gospel according to Mark. All are welcome!

The Brotherhood of Saint Stephen's meet on Wednesday January 11, at 6:30 pm. Hosts for this month's meeting are Steve Keller and Jerry Fillebrown. All men of the parish and their guests are welcome. A sign up sheet is located in the Parish Hall.

One Church-One School news—A meeting for anyone wishing to becoming involved as a mentor for a student at Wakefield School will take place Tuesday, January 24, at 6 pm in the school cafeteria. For additional information, please contact Connie Mitchusson at 903-893-2533.

Box Tops for Education is a program that earns cash for schools. You can help our school partner, Wakefield Elementary, by clipping the Box Tops for Education coupons on select products and placing them in the collection box in the Parish Hall. A complete list of these products is posted on the bulletin board in the kitchen.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, January 8th
Youth Group, 5:15 pm, Parish Hall

Monday, January 9th
Monthly Requiem, 9 am, All Saints' Chapel

Wednesday, January 11th
Rector's Bible Study, 10:45 am, Parish Library
Brotherhood, 6:30 pm, Parish Hall

Thursday, January 12th
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 120 West Wall Street

The Proclamation of the Date of Easter on the Feast of the Epiphany Anno Domini 2012

2012-01-06T16:25:00.000-06:00

Dear brothers and sisters, the glory of the Lord has shone upon us, and shall ever be manifest among us, until the day of his return. Through the rhythms of times and seasons let us celebrate the mysteries of salvation.

Let us recall the year's culmination, the Easter Triduum of the Lord: his last supper, his crucifixion, his burial, and his rising celebrated between the evening of the Fifth of April and the evening of the Eighth of April.

Each Easter—as on each Sunday—the Holy Church makes present the great and saving deed by which Christ has for ever conquered sin and death.

From Easter are reckoned all the days we keep holy.

Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, will occur on the Twenty-second of February.

The Ascension of the Lord will be commemorated on the Seventeenth of May.

Pentecost, the joyful conclusion of the season of Easter, will be celebrated on the Twenty-seventh of May.

And this year the First Sunday of Advent will be on the Second of December.

Likewise the pilgrim Church proclaims the passover of Christ in the feasts of the holy Mother of God, in the feasts of the Apostles and Saints, and in the commemoration of the faithful departed.

To Jesus Christ, who was, who is, and who is to come, Lord of time and history, be endless praise, for ever and ever.

℟. Amen.

Kalendar for the Week of January 1st

2011-12-31T18:50:00.001-06:00

Sunday, January 1st
THE HOLY NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
10:00 am, High Mass
5:00 pm, Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols,
followed by Christmas Revels

Monday, January 2nd
Christmas Weekday
Parish Office closed

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, January 3rd
Christmas Weekday

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Wednesday, January 4th
Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious, 1821

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Thursday, January 5th
Christmas Weekday

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 pm, Mass
5:30 pm, Rosary

Eve of the Epiphany
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, January 6th
THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
7:00 pm, Procession to the Crèche & High Mass, with the Proclamation of the Date of Easter

Saturday, January 7th
Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of the the Baptism of Our Lord
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 29; Acts 19:1-7; Mark 1:4-11

Announcements for the Week of January 1st

2011-12-30T19:18:00.001-06:00

Monogram of the Holy Name atop the high altar, the Church of the Gesù, Rome.

Merry Christmas and welcome to Saint Stephen's! We look forward to having you worship with us. When you visit, please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses and the Christian Education hour.

Christian Education is in recess this week and will resume next Sunday.

This Sunday is Feast of the Holy Name and the octave or eighth day of Christmas, which commemorates the circumcision and naming of Jesus according to the Law of Moses. The rubrics of the Book of Common Prayer (page 16) specify that this feast takes precedence of the First Sunday after Christmas. From Apostolic times, the Church has professed that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Phil. 2:10). On the basis of this passage has arisen the pious custom of bowing the head when the Name of Jesus is spoken. Devotion to the Holy Name was spread through the particular efforts of Saint Bernardine of Siena (1380-1444), who promoted the inscription of the monogram of the Holy Name (IHS) and the addition of the name Jesus to the Hail Mary.

The IHS monogram comes from the first three letters of the name of Jesus in Greek, ΙΗΣ (iota-eta-sigma). In the Middle Ages, the monogram would be read as a Latin abbreviation for Iesus Hominum Salvator, "Jesus the Savior of mankind." Still later it would be interpreted as an English abbreviation for "I have suffered" or "In his service."

A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols for Christmas with Saint Stephen's Choir will be offered this Sunday at 5 pm, followed by our annual Christmas Revels. Continue the celebration of Christmas and begin the New Year with readings and songs of the season followed by an evening of feasting, fellowship, and fun. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors!

The Parish office will be closed Monday, January 2, for the New Year holiday. Mass will be celebrated at the usual time of 9 am.

The Rector's Bible Study does not meet this week. We resume our study of the Gospel according to Mark January 11.

The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Friday, January 6, is one the seven Principal Feasts observed by the Church, a day when the faithful are expected to worship at Mass. Low Mass will be celebrated at 12:15 pm. At 7 pm there will be a Procession to the Crèche & High Mass. Both Masses will be in the church.

If you have not yet returned your pledge card . . . Pledge cards may be found in the Parish Hall. For those who have made a pledge . . . Thank you!

Vestry nominations are now being received for election at the Annual Parish Meeting in January. The nomination form is available in the Parish Hall and includes information regarding qualifications for service on the Vestry. Please note that because a public records background check is now required by the Diocese before anyone may be permitted to hold a position of Parish leadership, nominations at the Parish Annual Meeting cannot be made from the floor. Nominations should be submitted to the Parish Office or to the Senior Warden no later than January 8.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, January 1st
DOK, 11 am, Parish Library
Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols, 5 pm, followed by Christmas Revels

Thursday, January 5th
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 120 West Wall Street

Friday, January 6th
The Epiphany, 12:15 pm, Low Mass; 7 pm, Procession to the Crèche & High Mass

Kalendar for the Week of December 25th

2011-12-25T01:31:00.000-06:00

Sunday, December 25th
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST: CHRISTMAS DAY

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass of the Dawn
10:00 am, High Mass of the Day
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Monday, December 26th
SAINT STEPHEN, DEACON & MARTYR—
THE FEAST OF TITLE

10:00 am, Sung Mass, followed by a festive brunch
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, December 27th
Saint John, Apostle & Evangelist

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Wednesday, December 28th
The Holy Innocents

Blessing of children before and after all schedule services

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Healing Service

Thursday, December 29th
Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, 1170

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, December 16th
Christmas Weekday

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Monthly Requiem
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, December 17th
Sylvester I, Bishop of Rome, 335

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of the Holy Name
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
Numbers 6:22-27; Psalm 8; Philippians 2:5–11; Luke 2:15-21

Announcements for the Week of December 25th

2011-12-24T13:58:00.000-06:00

Gerard David (Netherlandish, 1460–1523). The Nativity (ca 1490).
Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest.

Merry Christmas and welcome to Saint Stephen's! We look forward to having you worship with us. When you visit, please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses.

Christian Education is in recess this week and next.

Saint Stephen’s Day, Monday, December 26, is our parish Feast of Title. There will be a Sung Mass at 10 am, followed by a festive brunch hosted by Fr & Mrs Yost. Join us as we celebrate our name saint and the Lord’s first martyr.

The Parish office will be closed Monday, December 26, and Tuesday, December 27, for the Christmas holiday. The regular schedule of services will be followed on Tuesday.

The Rector's Bible Study does not meet this week or next. We resume our study of the Gospel according to Mark January 11.

Blessing of Children—on Holy Innocents’ Day, December 28, there is the laudable custom of bringing children to the church for a blessing. Fr Yost will be happy to bless children before or after any of the scheduled services.

Healing Service—Wednesday, December 28, at 6:30 pm. This service takes place on the fourth Wednesday of each month as a ministry of the Brotherhood of Saint Stephen's.

The Holy Name of Our Lord Jesus Christ is Sunday, January 1. The feast replaces the First Sunday after Christmas. It is also, of course, New Year’s Day. The regular Sunday schedule of services will be observed.

A Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols for Christmas with Saint Stephen's Choir will be offered next Sunday, January 1, at 5 pm, followed by our annual Christmas Revels. Continue the celebration of Christmas and begin the New Year with readings and songs of the season followed by an evening of feasting, fellowship, and fun. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors!

If you have not yet returned your pledge card . . . it’s not too late! Pledge cards may be found in the Parish Hall. For those who have made a pledge . . .Thank you!

Vestry nominations are now being received for election at the Annual Parish Meeting in January. The nomination form is available in the Parish Hall and includes information regarding qualifications for service on the Vestry. Please note that because a public records background check is now required by the Diocese before anyone may be permitted to hold a position of Parish leadership, nominations at the Parish Annual Meeting cannot be made from the floor. Nominations should be submitted to the Parish Office or to the Senior Warden no later than January 8.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, December 24th
Christmas Eve, 5 pm, Low Mass with Carols & Blessing of the Crèche; 11 pm, Procession to the Crèche & Midnight Mass

Sunday, December 25th
Christmas Day, 8 am, Low Mass of the Dawn; 10 am, High Mass of the Day

Monday, December 26th
Saint Stephen's Day, 10 am Mass, followed by Festive Brunch

Wednesday, December 28th
Blessing of children, before and after all scheduled services
Healing Service, 6:30 pm

Thursday, December 29th
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 129 West Wall Street

Sunday, January 1st
Christmas Lessons & Carols, 5 pm, followed by Christmas Revels

Christmas at Saint Stephen's

2011-12-22T14:12:00.000-06:00

The Christmas Crèche, given in 2010 to Saint Stephen's in memory of
Hildegard Walker by her children. Photo: Jennifer Scoggin

Christmas Eve

December 24th

5 pm, Low Mass with Carols & Blessing of the Crèche

10:30 pm, Musical Prelude

11 pm, Procession to the Crèche & Midnight Mass

Christmas Day

December 25th

Regular Sunday Schedule

7:30 am, Morning Prayer

8 am, Low Mass of the Dawn

10 am, High Mass of the Day

5 pm, Evening Prayer

Monday, December 26th

Saint Stephen, Deacon & Martyr

The Feast of Title

10 am, High Mass, followed by a Festive Brunch

Sunday, January 1st

The Holy Name of our Lord Jesus Christ

Regular Sunday Schedule

7:30 am, Morning Prayer

8 am, Low Mass

10 am, High Mass

5 pm, Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols,

followed by Christmas Revels

Friday, January 6th

The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ

12:15 pm, Low Mass

7 pm, Procession to the Crèche & High Mass,

with the Proclamation of the Date of Easter

Kalendar for the Week of December 18th

2011-12-17T19:41:00.001-06:00

Sunday, December 18th
THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
10:00 am, Sung Mass
11:00 am, Pot luck lunch & greening of the church
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15 pm, Caroling

Monday, December 19th
Advent Weekday

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, December 20th
Advent Weekday

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass
12:15 pm, SOS
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Vestry meeting

Wednesday, December 14th
Saint Thomas the Apostle

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
10:45 am, Rector's Bible Study
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Ladies' Night Out

Thursday, December 15th
Advent Weekday

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, December 16th
Advent Weekday
Abstinence

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Monthly Requiem
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, December 17th
Advent Weekday

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass

Christmas Eve
5:00 pm, Low Mass with carols
10:30 pm, Musical prelude
11:00 pm, Processions to the crèche &a Midnight Mass

Next Sunday's Readings:

Mass at Midnight—Isaiah 9:2–7; Psalm 96:1–4, 11–12; Titus 2:11–14; Luke 2:1–14
Mass at Dawn—Isaiah 6:2-12; Psalm 97:1-4, 11-12; Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:15-20
Mass during the Day—Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98:1-6; Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1:1-14

Announcements for the Week of December 18th

2011-12-16T19:13:00.001-06:00

Martin Schongauer (German, ca 1448–1491). The Annunciation (panels from the Orlier Altarpiece, between 1470 and 1475). Musée d’Unterlinden, Colmar, France

Welcome to Saint Stephen's! We are look forward to having you worship with us. If you are visiting please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses.

Christian Education is offered each Sunday beginning at 9 am. Children and youth meet in the Garrard Education Wing. Adults meet with Fr Yost in the Parish Library where they continue the series Anglican Essentials. All are welcome!

The Advent Wreath is given to the glory of God by Judy Devenport in loving memory of Claud Devenport.

Greening of the church & pot luck lunch follows the 10 am Mass this Sunday. Lend a hand as we prepare for the celebration of the Nativity!

The Rector's Ministry Fund provides for charitable assistance to members of the parish and others in our community as well as other missionary purposes that fall outside the parish budget. Each third Sunday of the month, the undesignated offerings are deposited in the Ministry fund. Your generosity is most appreciated.

If you have not yet returned your pledge card . . . Please do so this Sunday! Pledge cards may be found in the Parish Hall. For those who have made a pledge . . .Thank you!

Let's go caroling! The Youth Group will lead us in caroling this Sunday, leaving from the church at 5:15 pm after Evening Prayer. Everyone, young and old, is invited to join and share some cheer with our shut-in parishioners. Warming refreshments and Youth Group Christmas party will follow in the Parish Hall.

Vestry nominations are now being received for election at the Annual Parish Meeting in January. The nomination form is available in the Parish Hall and includes information regarding qualifications for service on the Vestry. Please note that because a public records background check is now required by the Diocese before anyone may be permitted to hold a position of Parish leadership, nominations at the Parish Annual Meeting cannot be made from the floor. Nominations should be submitted to the Parish Office or to the Senior Warden no later than January 8.

The Rector's Bible Study meets this Wednesday, December 21, at 10:45 am, following the 10 am Mass. We continue our study of the Gospel according to Mark. All are welcome!

Ladies' Night Out is this Wednesday, December 21, at 6:30 pm, hosted by Elizabeth Bennett, Judy Devenport and Rosemary Tasker at the home of Elizabeth Bennett in Van Alstyne. There will be a small gift exchange with the gift not costing more $20. All ladies of the parish are welcome to attend. Please sign the sheet in the parish hall. A car pool will leave from the church at 6 pm on Wednesday.

2012 Ordo Kalendars are here! These attractive calendars provide details of the feasts and fasts to be observed throughout the year along with the liturgical colors and other information. They are available in the Parish Hall or the Parish Office. The suggested offering is $2.00 each. Every home should have one!

Altar Flower and Shrine Flower Charts for 2012 are now posted in the Parish Hall. Make your flower gifts for 2012 early in order to have the date of your choice. The chart for altar flowers is the large one and the smaller is for shrine flowers. Your gift of flowers enables the Flower Guild to make our church more beautiful. The suggested donation is $50 for the altar and $25 for the shrine.

Coffee Hour hosts are needed for 2012. The new sign up sheet is posted in the Parish Hall. Keep it simple—coffee, juice, cookies, etc.

The Parish Office will be closed for Christmas holiday Friday, December 23, through Tuesday, December 27.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, December 18th
Pot luck lunch & greening of the church, 11 am
Caroling, 5:15 pm

Tuesday, December 20th
SOS, 12:15 pm, Parish Hall
Vestry, 6:30 pm

Wednesday, December 21st
Rector's Bible Study, 10:45 am, Parish Library
Ladies' Night Out, 6:30 pm, home of Elizabeth Bennett

Thursday, December 22nd
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 120 West Wall Street

Saturday, December 24th
Christmas Eve, 5 pm, Low Mass with Carols; 10:30 pm, Musical Prelude; 11 pm, Procession & Midnight Mass

Sunday, December 25th
Christmas Day, 8 am, Low Mass of the Dawn; 10 am, High Mass of the Day

Monday, December 26th
Saint Stephen’s Day, 10 High Mass, followed by a festive brunch

Kalendar for the Week of December 11th

2011-12-10T18:29:00.001-06:00

Sunday, December 11th
THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
"Gaudete"

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
10:00 am, Sung Mass
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15 pm, Youth Group

Monday, December 12th
Our Lady of Guadalupe

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, December 13th
Lucy of Syracuse, Virgin and Martyr, c. 304

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:00 pm, Choir practice

Wednesday, December 14th
John of the Cross, Priest, 1591
Ember Day

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
10:45 am, Rector's Bible Study
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Brotherhood

Thursday, December 15th
Advent Weekday

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, December 16th
Ember Day
Abstinence

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Monthly Requiem
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, December 17th
O Sapientia
Ember Day

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass
10:00 am, Christmas Market (until 2 pm)

Eve of the Fourth Sunday of Advent
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
2 Samuel 17:1-11, 16; Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38

Announcements for the Week of December 11th

2011-12-09T16:03:00.001-06:00

Saint John the Forerunner. Icon, Moscow School, 1560s. The State Museums of the Moscow Kremlin.

Welcome to Saint Stephen's! We look forward to having you worship with us. If you are visiting please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses.

Christian Education is offered each Sunday beginning at 9 am. Children and youth meet in the Garrard Education Wing. Adults meet with Fr Yost in the Parish Library where they continue the series Anglican Essentials. All are welcome!

The Advent Wreath is given to the glory of God by Judy Devenport in loving memory of Claud.

The Flowers at the Altar are given to the glory of God by Kay & Bill Vessels in thanksgiving for the birthday of Greg Vessels, and By Fr Forrest in thanksgiving for Saint Stephen’s Parish family.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are given to the glory of God by Ginger, Jessica and Roxy Reddick in thanksgiving for Rex's birthday

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Pam & Ed Colvin.

Pledge cards for 2012 are available in the pews and in the Parish Hall. Please complete one today and place it in the offering plate or slide it under the office door, and save yourself the bother of receiving additional requests! A pledge to your parish is a normal part of your stewardship responsibility and allows Finance Committee and Vestry to plan for the coming year. Thank you for your faithful generosity.

Coffee Hour hosts are needed for 2012. It can be very simple—coffee, juice, and a bite to eat. The new sign up sheet is posted in the Parish Hall.

Altar Flower and Shrine Flower Charts for 2012 are now posted in the Parish Hall. Make your flower gifts for 2012 early in order to have the date of your choice. The chart for altar flowers is the large one and the smaller is for shrine flowers. Your gift of flowers enables the Flower Guild to make our church more beautiful. The suggested donation is $50 for the altar and $25 for the shrine.

2012 Ordo Kalendars are here! These attractive calendars provide details of the feasts and fasts to be observed throughout the year along with the liturgical colors and other information. They are available in the Parish Hall or the Parish Office. The suggested offering is $2.00 each. Every home should have one!

“O Sapientia” on the Kalendar for December 17 indicates the beginning of the traditional "Great O Antiphons" that are sung (or said) with the Magnificat at Evening Prayer on the seven days before Christmas. Each antiphon begins with the letter "O" and a name or attribute of God from the Hebrew Scriptures: O Sapientia, "O Wisdom"; O Adonai, "O Lord"; O Radix Jesse, "O Root of Jesse"; O Clavis David, "O Key of David"; O Oriens, "O Rising Sun"; O Rex gentium, "O King of nations"; and O Emmanuel. These antiphons form the verses of Hymn 56, "O come, O come, Emmanuel."

The Rector's Bible Study meets this Wednesday, December 14, at 10:45 am, following the 10 am Mass. We continue our study of the Gospel according to Mark. All are welcome!

Brotherhood of Saint Stephen's meet for their annual Prime Rib Feast on Wednesday, December 14, at 6:30 pm in the Parish Hall. The dinner is hosted by Mack Broiles, Ed Colvin, and David Stone in memory of Mack Castleberry. Bishop Keith Ackerman will be the guest speaker. All men of the parish are welcome! Please sign up in the Parish Hall.

A Christmas Market will be held at Saint Stephen’s Saturday, December 17, from 10 am until 2 pm in the Parish Hall. Shop for handmade gifts by local artisans—jewelry, tote bags, candles, cards, accessories, and more!

Looking ahead . . . Pot luck lunch & greening of the church next Sunday, December 18, following the 10 am Mass. Caroling to shut-ins, Sunday, December 18, at 5:15 pm following Evening Prayer. Warm refreshments afterward. Ladies’ Night Out at the home of Elizabeth Bennett, Wednesday, December 21, at 6:30 pm. There will be a small gift exchange with the gift not costing over $20. Sign up in the Parish Hall.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, December 11th
Youth Group, 5:15 pm, Parish Hall

Tuesday, December 13th
Choir practice, 6 pm, Choir Room

Wednesday, December 14th
Rector's Bible Study, 10:45 am, Parish Library
Brotherhood, 6:30 pm, Parish Hall

Thursday, December 15th
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 120 West Wall Street

Saturday, December 17th
Christmas Market, 10 am—2 pm, Parish Hall

Kalendar for the Week of December 4th

2011-12-03T19:26:00.001-06:00

Sunday, December 4th
THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
10:00 am, Sung Mass
11:00 am, Daughters of the King
5:00 pm, Advent Lessons & Carols
7:00 pm, Canterbury finals lock in

Monday, December 5th
Clement of Alexandria, Priest, c. 210

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, December 6th
Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, c. 342

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:00 pm, Choir practice

Wednesday, December 7th
Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, 397

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
10:45 am, Rector's Bible Study

Eve of the Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Thursday, December 8th
Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, December 9th
Advent Weekday
Abstinence

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Monthly Requiem
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, December 10th
Advent Weekday

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass
10:00 am, Parish work day

Eve of the Third Sunday of Advent
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; Magnificat; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24;
John 1:6-8, 19-28

Announcements for the Week of December 4th

2011-12-02T14:53:00.001-06:00

Raphael (Italian, 1483–1520). Saint John the Baptist Preaching (ca 1505). The National Gallery, London

Don't miss
A Service of Lessons & Carols
for Advent
Sunday, December 4th,
at 5:00pm

Experience the unique beauty of this season in Holy Scripture and sacred music. A wonderful way to prepare for the celebration of Christmas!

Reception afterward
in the Parish Hall.

Austin College Canterbury is having a finals lock in this evening beginning at 7 pm. Students will have quiet places to study, as well as the chance to take a break with food, friends, and entertainment. Contributions of snacks and soft drinks would be most welcome! Speak to Josh Muchnikoff or Fr Yost if you would like to help.

The Rector's Bible Study meets this Wednesday, December 7, at 10:45 am, following the 10 am Mass. We continue our study of the Gospel according to Mark. All are welcome!

One Church-One School news—Gift items for Wakefield School families must be collected by this Wednesday, December 7. Thanks to all who have helped!

A Parish work day is planned for this Saturday, December 10 beginning at 10 am. We will be cleaning, planting tulip bulbs, and general getting the church ready for Christmas and the New Year. Lots of volunteers are needed. If you have a bulb planter to please bring it with you! For more information, contact Junior Warden Deb Montgomery.

A Christmas Market will be held at Saint Stephen’s Saturday, December 17, from 10 am until 2 pm in the Parish Hall. Shop for handmade gifts by local artisans—jewelry, tote bags, candles, cards, accessories, and more!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, December 4th
Daughters of the King, 11 am, Parish Library
Advent Lessons & Carols, 5 pm, followed by Reception in Parish Hall
Canterbury finals lock in, 7 pm

Tuesday, December 6th
Choir practice, 6 pm, Choir Room

Wednesday, December 7th
Rector's Bible Study, 10:45 am, Parish Library

Thursday, December 8th
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 120 West Wall Street

Saturday, December 10th
Parish work day, 10 am

Rector's Message for December

2011-11-27T19:02:00.000-06:00

This time of year can be profoundly disorienting for Christians. Even as the world not only takes notice (for once) of a Christian festival, but even seems for a short while to revolve around its celebration, yet the world mostly gets Christmas wrong, focusing on what is sentimental, banal, and mundane, rather than grasping the astounding fact that Time has been intersected by Eternity, that “the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us.” Just as we enter the Advent season, with all its austere beauty, to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Lord, the world has already started celebrating something it does not understand, a celebration of which it will have grown weary by Christmas Day. But it is only in keeping Advent that can we know the true joy and wonder of Christmas.

To be “oriented” is, literally, to be turned towards the east. From Christianity’s very earliest days, east has been the direction of prayer, priest and people facing the altar together, turned towards the rising of the sun that symbolized the coming of Christ. That is why the sanctuary of the church building is referred to as the “east end” (no matter what the actual direction of the compass). Christians are to be oriented—turned towards the Lord. So don’t let the absurd “holiday season” disorient you. As a wonderful contemporary carol puts it:

People, look east. The time is near
Of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able,
Trim the hearth and set the table.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the Guest is on the way.

This comes with every blessing and good wish for Christmas and the New Year.

Kalendar for the Week of November 27th

2011-11-26T21:33:00.001-06:00

Sunday, November 27th
THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
10:00 am, Sung Mass
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15 pm, Youth Group

Monday, November 28th
Advent Weekday

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, November 29th
Advent Weekday

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:00 pm, Choir practice

Wednesday, November 30th
Saint Andrew the Apostle

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
10:45 am, Rector's Bible Study
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Thursday, December 1st
Nicholas Ferrar, Deacon, 1637

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, December 2nd
Advent Weekday
Abstinence

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Monthly Requiem
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, December 3rd
Francis Xavier, Priest and Missionary, 1552

8:30 am, "Sharing Our Faith Today"—Evangelism Conference with Becky Pippert, Church of the Incarnation, 3966 McKinney Avenue, Dallas
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of the Second Sunday of Advent
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; 2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8

Announcements for the Week of November 27th

2011-11-25T08:22:00.000-06:00

Panagia Platytera ton Ouranon ("The All-Holy Virgin More Spacious than the Heavens"). Icon, Kiev school, ca 1114. Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow.

Welcome to Saint Stephen's! We look forward to having you worship with us. When you visit, please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses.

Christian Education is in recess today.

The Advent Wreath is given to the glory of God by Judy Devenport in loving memory of Claud.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Hilary & Stephen Thomas.

An Advent wreath-making activity is offered this morning in the Parish Library following the 10 am Mass. This is a wonderful way especially to draw children into this season of joyful expectation. Materials and instruction will be provided.

To help keep Advent at home an order for the blessing of an Advent wreath and weekly devotions is available in the tract rack in the Parish Hall. Also, the gift shop carries a number of seasonal items including Advent candles and calendars.

The Minor Propers are texts, usually drawn from Scripture, that are said or sung at specific points in the liturgy—the Introit at the beginning; the Alleluia verse before the Gospel; the Offertory antiphon, and the Communion antiphon. The Prayer Book provides that "a hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung" at various points in the liturgy, allowing for the use of these traditional texts. We use the Minor Propers during the major seasons of the Church Year—Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter—to enrich the celebration of Mass and offer additional food for meditation as they echo and develop the day's principal themes and images found in the Collect and Lessons.

Youth Group meets at Saint Stephen's on Sundays at 5:15 pm in the Parish Hall right after Evening Prayer. Young people from 6th grade through high school are welcome. Join us for a meal and some fun, and bring a friend!

One Church-One School news—This Christmas, in partnership with the Daughters of the King, Saint Stephen's will be helping two families from Wakefield School with items such as clothing, shoes, toys and canned non-perishable food. The items must be collected by December 7. Look for the "Gift Tree" set up in the Parish Hall to find out how you can help with this project.

The Rector's Bible Study meets this Wednesday, November 30, at 10:45 am, following the 10 am Mass. We continue our study of the Gospel according to Mark. All are welcome!

Evangelism Conference—“Sharing Our Faith Today”. On Saturday, December 3, at the Church of the Incarnation, Dallas, evangelist Becky Pippert will address such things as how to talk about Jesus without sounding religious, how to run seeker home Bible study, and how to share our faith in our every day lives. For registration and more information, go to edod.org.

Don't miss
A Service of Lessons & Carols
for Advent
Sunday, December 4th,
at 5:00pm

Experience the unique beauty of this season in Holy Scripture and sacred music. A wonderful way to prepare for the celebration of Christmas!

Reception afterward
in the Parish Hall.

Looking ahead . . . Parish work day, Saturday, December 10. Christmas Market, Saturday, December 17.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, November 27th
Advent wreath-making, 11 am, Parish Library
Youth Group, 5:15 pm, Parish Hall

Tuesday, November 29th
Choir practice, 6 pm, Choir Room

Wednesday, November 30th
Rector's Bible Study, 10:45 am, Parish Library

Thursday, December 1st
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 120 West Wall Street

Friday, December 2nd
Monthly Requiem, 12:15 pm, All Saints’ Chapel

Saturday, December 3rd
Evangelism Conference, 8:30 am, Church of the Incarnation, Dallas

Sunday, December 4th
Daughters of the King, 11 am, Parish Library
Advent Lessons & Carols, 5 pm

Kalendar for the Week of November 20th

2011-11-19T18:01:00.000-06:00

Sunday, November 20th
THE LAST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST—
CHRIST THE KING
(Proper 29)

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
9:00 am, Christian Education
10:00 am, Sung Mass
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15 pm, Youth Group

Monday, November 21st
The Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, November 22nd
Cecilia, Virgin & Martyr, c. 117

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:00 pm, Choir practice

Wednesday, November 23rd
Clement, Bishop of Rome, c. 100
Parish Office closed

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Healing Service

Thursday, November 24th
Thanksgiving Day
Parish Office closed

10:00 am, Sung Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, November 25th
Catherine of Alexandria, Martyr, c. 282
Abstinence

9:00 am, Low Mass

Saturday, November 26th
Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of the First Sunday of Advent
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9;
Mark 13:24-37

Announcements for the Week of November 20th

2011-11-17T20:01:00.001-06:00

Christ Pantocrator (1174-1182). Apse mosaic, Cathedral Church of the Assumption, Monreale, Palmero, Sicily.

Welcome to Saint Stephen's! We look forward to having you worship with us. When you visit, please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses.

Christian Education is offered each Sunday beginning at 9 am. Children and youth meet in the Garrard Education Wing. Adults meet with Fr Yost in the Parish Library where they continue the series Anglican Essentials. All are welcome!

The Flowers at the Altar are given to the glory of God by Linda Graham in thanksgiving for the Saint Stephen's family.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are given to the glory of God by Rex & Ginger Reddick in thanksgiving for our families; especially, Joshua Otipoby, Ginger’s great-nephew, who is serving in Afghanistan, and all of our troops, where ever they are stationed.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Ed & Pam Colvin.

The Rector's Ministry Fund provides for charitable assistance to members of the parish and others in our community as well as other missionary purposes that fall outside the parish budget. Each third Sunday of the month, the undesignated offerings are deposited to in the Discretionary Fund. Your generosity is most appreciated.

Music notes—Although by the late twentieth century “Joy to the world” had become the most-published Christmas hymn in North America, it was, in fact, written in 1719 by Isaac Watts as a hymn glorifying Christ’s present rule and his triumphant return at the end of the age, rather than his first coming in Bethlehem. “Joy to the world” is a paraphrase of the latter verses of Psalm 98, one of the so-called “Royal Psalms”. We sing the hymn today to Richmond, the tune associated with it in The Hymnal 1940.

Youth Group meets at Saint Stephen's on Sundays at 5:15 pm in the Parish Hall right after Evening Prayer. This year we are expanding the group to include youth beginning in the 6th grade through high school. Join us for a meal and some fun. And bring a friend!

One Church-One School news—This Christmas, in partnership with the Daughters of the King, Saint Stephen's will be helping two families from Wakefield School with items such as clothing, shoes, toys and canned non-perishable food. The items must be collected by December 7. Look for the "Gift Tree" set up in the Parish Hall to find out how you can help with this project.

The Parish office will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday from Wednesday, November 23, until the next Monday. Sung Mass for Thanksgiving Day will be celebrated in the Church at 10:00 am. Mass on Friday will be celebrated as usual at 12:15 pm in All Saints’ Chapel. These will be the only services Thursday and Friday.

The Rector's Bible Study will not meet this week. We will resume our study of the Gospel according to Mark next Wednesday, November 30, at 10:45 am, following the 10 am Mass.

Healing Service, Wednesday, November 23, at 6:30 pm. This service takes place on the fourth Wednesday of each month as a ministry of the Brotherhood of Saint Stephen's.

Evangelism Conference—“Sharing Our Faith Today”. On Saturday, December 3, at the Church of the Incarnation, Dallas, evangelist Becky Pippert will address such things as how to talk about Jesus without sounding religious, how to run seeker home Bible study, and how to share our faith in our every day lives. For registration and more information, go to edod.org.

Looking ahead . . . Advent Lessons & Carols, Sunday, December 4, at 5 pm. Parish work day, Saturday, December 10. Christmas Market, Saturday, December 17.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, November 20th
Youth Group, 5:15 pm, Parish Hall

Tuesday, November 22nd
Choir practice, 6 pm, Choir Room

Wednesday, November 23rd
Healing Service, 6:30 pm

Thursday, November 24th
Thanksgiving Day, 10 am, Sung Mass

Kalendar for the Week of November 13th

2011-11-12T18:55:00.001-06:00

Sunday, November 13th
THE TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
(Proper 28)

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
9:00 am, Christian Education
10:00 am, Sung Mass
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15 pm, Youth Group

Monday, November 14th

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Monthly Requiem
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, November 15th
Albert the Great, Bishop of Ratisbon and Friar, 1280

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass
12:15 pm, SOS
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Vestry Meeting

Wednesday, November 16th
Margaret, Queen of Scotland, 1093

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
10:45 am, Rector's Bible Study
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Ladies' Night Out

Thursday, November 17th
Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln, 1200

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, November 18th
Hilda, Abbess of Whitbey, 680
Abstinence

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, November 19th
Elizabeth, Princess of Hungary, 1231

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of the Last Sunday after Pentecost
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24; Psalm 100; Ephesians 1:15-23; Matthew 25:31-46

Announcements for the Week of November 13th

2011-11-11T17:00:00.001-06:00

Fra Angelico (Italian, ca 1395–1455). The Last Judgment (triptych, c. 1450). Staatliche Museen, Berlin.

Welcome to Saint Stephen's! We look forward to having you worship with us. When you visit, please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses.

Christian Education is offered each Sunday beginning at 9 am. Children and youth meet in the Garrard Education Wing. Adults meet with Fr Yost in the Parish Library where they continue the series Anglican Essentials. All are welcome!

The Flowers at the Altar and at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are given to the glory of God by Naif and Cindy Risk in thanksgiving for their nephew, Noah Naif Risk.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by the Austin College Canterbury Society.

Youth Group meets at Saint Stephen's on Sundays at 5:15 pm in the Parish Hall right after Evening Prayer. This year we are expanding the group to include youth beginning in the 6th grade through high school. Join us for a meal and some fun. And bring a friend!

Saint Stephen's Own Shepherds is a group of volunteers who give their time to tend to those in need within the Parish Family. Special attention is given to the shut-in, ill, or injured who need help with transportation, a meal, or a visit. If you would like to offer yourself for this ministry, please call the Parish office or speak to Frances Neidhardt. If you need the assistance of SOS please contact the Parish Office. The group next meets this Tuesday, November 15, at 12:15 pm in the Parish Hall.

The Rector's Bible Study meets this Wednesday, November 16th at 10:45 am, following the 10 am Mass. We continue our study of the Gospel according to Mark. All are welcome!

Ladies' Night Out meets this Wednesday November 16, at 6:30 pm, at the home of hostess Pam Colvin, 3113 Richelieu. All ladies of the parish and their guests are welcome. A sign up sheet is located in the Parish Hall.

One Church-One School news—This Christmas, in partnership with the Daughters of the King, Saint Stephen's will be helping two families from Wakefield School . We will be collecting items such as clothing, shoes, toys and canned non-perishable food in the next few weeks. The items must be collected by December 7. Look for the "Gift Tree" set up in the Parish Hall to find out how you can help with this project. For more information about the One Church-One School initiative, contact coordinator Connie Mitchusson at 903-893-2533.

About Friday abstinence . . . Fridays throughout the year, except for Fridays in the Christmas and Easter seasons, and any Feasts of our Lord which occur on a Friday, are to be marked by special acts of discipline and self-denial, in commemoration of the Lord's crucifixion (Book of Common Prayer, p. 17). For Episcopalians and others in the Catholic tradition, this has meant abstinence from meat on Fridays. This simple custom has been a part of the fabric of Christian community for many centuries and serves to remind us weekly of the sacrifice of Christ.

Looking ahead . . . Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24, Sung Mass, 10 am. This will be the only service on that day. Advent Lessons & Carols, the Second Sunday of Advent, December 4, 5 pm.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, November 13th
Youth Group, 5:15 pm, Parish Hall

Monday, November 14th
Monthly Requiem, 7 am, All Saints Chapel

Tuesday, November 15th
SOS, 12:15 pm, Parish Hall
Vestry, 6:30 pm

Wednesday, November 16th
Rector's Bible Study, 10:45 am, Parish Library
Ladies' Night Out, 6:30 pm

Thursday, November 17th
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 129 West Wall Street

Kalendar for the Week of November 6th

2011-11-05T17:48:00.000-05:00

Sunday, November 6th
THE TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
(Proper 27)

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
9:00 am, Christian Education
10:00 am, Sung Mass
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15 pm, Youth Group

Monday, November 7th
Willibrord, Archbishop of Utrecht, Missionary to Frisia, 739

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, November 8th

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Requiem Mass—Parishioners' intentions
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Wednesday, November 9th

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Requiem Mass—Parishioners' intentions
10:45 am, Rector's Bible Study
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Brotherhood

Thursday, November 10th
Leo the Great, Bishop of Rome, 461

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, November 11th
Martin, Bishop of Tours, 397
Abstinence

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, November 12th

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Requiem Mass—Bishops of Dallas & Priests of Saint Stephen's Parish
10:00 am, Dr Peter Kreeft Lecture, Saint Matthew's Cathederal, Dallas

Eve of the Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18; Psalm 90:1-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; Matthew 25:14-30

Announcements for the Week of November 6th

2011-11-04T14:58:00.001-05:00

Attr. William Blake (English, 1757–1827). The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins (1822). The Tate Gallery, London.

Welcome to Saint Stephen's! We look forward to having you worship with us. When you visit, please take a moment to fill out one of our Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses.

Christian Education is offered each Sunday beginning at 9 am. Children and youth meet in the Garrard Education Wing. Adults meet with Fr Yost in the Parish Library where they continue the series Anglican Essentials. All are welcome!

The Flowers at the Altar are given to the glory of God by Lary & Shelly Kuehn in loving memory of all who have gone before us to the greater life to come.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are given to the glory of God by Jim & Carolyn Walker in thanksgiving for their son Jeremy's birthday.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Jerry & Sue Fillebrown.

The Daughters of the King meet today after the 10 am Mass in the Virginia Love Library. Daughters of the King commit themselves to a rule of prayer and service. Membership in the DOK is open to all women of the parish.

Youth Group meets at Saint Stephen's on Sundays at 5:15 pm in the Parish Hall right after Evening Prayer. This year we are expanding the group to include youth beginning in the 6th grade through high school. Join us for a meal and some fun. And bring a friend!

The Rector's Bible Study meets this Wednesday, November 9th at 10:45 am, following the 10 am Mass. We continue our study of the Gospel according to Mark. All are welcome!

Requiem Masses for loved ones whose names have been submitted to the Parish Office will be offered this week on Tuesday at 7 am and Wednesday at 10 am. Forms may still be submitted until noon Monday. Requiem Masses will also be offered this Thursday at 6:30 pm for those interred in the All Saints' Chapel Columbarium, and Saturday, November 12, at 9 am for departed bishops of Dallas and priests of this parish. Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them.

The Brotherhood of Saint Stephen's meet on Wednesday November 9th at 6:30 pm. Host for this month's meeting is Clyde King and Bill Jackson. All men of the parish and their guests are welcome. A sign up sheet is located in the parish hall.

One Church-One School news—Thanks to all who contributed supplies or money for Wakefield School! As this is an ongoing activity for the year, there will be more opportunities to help. This Christmas we will be helping two families from Wakefield School in partnership with the Daughters of the King. We will be collecting items such as clothing, shoes, toys and canned non-perishable food in the next few weeks. The items must be collected by December 7. Look for the "Gift Tree" in the Parish Hall to find out how you can help with this project. For more information about the One Church-One School initiative, contact coordinator Connie Mitchusson at 903-893-2533.

The Stanton Lecture Series at Saint Matthew’s Cathedral will host Dr Peter Kreeft, Professor of Philosophy at Boston College, on Saturday, November 12, at 10 am. Dr Kreeft is the author of over 63 books including: Handbook of Christian Apologetics, Christianity for Modern Pagans, and Fundamentals of the Faith. His topic Saturday will be “Using Your Heart and Head in Evangelizing the Culture.” Dr. Kreeft speaks with absolute clarity, simple wisdom and uncommon common sense. The lectures will be followed by Q & A and book signing. For more information and to register, go to edod.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, November 6th
DOK, 11 am, Parish Library
Youth Group, 5:15 pm, Parish Hall

Tuesday, November 8th
Requiem—Parishioners’ intentions, 7 am, All Saints Chapel
Choir practice, 6 pm, Choir Room

Wednesday, November 9th
Requiem—Parishioners’ intentions, 10 am, All Saints Chapel
Rector's Bible Study, 10:45 am, Parish Library
Brotherhood, 6:30 pm

Thursday, November 10th
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 129 West Wall Street

Saturday, November 12th
Requiem—Bishops of Dallas & Priests of Saint Stephen's,
9 am, All Saints' Chapel
Stanton Lecture Series with Dr Peter Kreeft, 10 am, Saint Matthew's Cathedral, Dallas

Rector's Message for November

2011-11-01T16:14:00.002-05:00

As we come to the end of the Church year, the liturgy turns our attention to the consummation of all things in Christ. November brings with it some holy days that focus in a particular way on fullness of Christian life. We begin the month with All Saints’ Day on November 1 and conclude the Church Year with the Feast of Christ the King and begin a new one the First Sunday of Advent. In between come All Souls’ Day on November 2 and the celebration of our national Thanksgiving Day on November 24. What ties all this together is the fact that the Kingdom of God is both a present reality and something that is yet to be fulfilled. We rejoice with the saints, in whose earthly lives the triumph of God’s grace gives us hope; and we pray for those near and dear to us that they, and one day we, too, may have “our inheritance in that kingdom where there is no death, neither sorrow nor crying, but fullness of joy” (Book of Common Prayer, page 482). We give thanks for all things, whether joy or sorrow, abundance or loss, for all is infused with meaning and purpose through Jesus Christ, who himself knew these very things, and who makes all things new.

In addition to the celebration of All Saints’ Day at the regular 7 am Mass on Tuesday, November 1, we shall have a solemn celebration in the evening at 7 pm. On Wednesday, November 2, All Souls’ Day, there will be a Requiem Mass at the usual time of 10 am in the Chapel, as well as a sung Missa pro defunctis at 7 pm. On other days in November, Requiem Masses will be offered for various intentions, and you will find with this newsletter a form that may be returned to the parish office listing the names of the departed you wish to have remembered.

Christ the King on the Last Sunday after Pentecost and the First Sunday of Advent will bring one liturgical cycle to a grand climax and inaugurate another, setting before us the cosmic, social, and personal reign of Christ, now and at his Coming Again. I pray that the celebration of these days will give us each a heart full of the profoundest thanks for the wonderful gift of God’s love for us in Christ, for his holy Church, and for the fellowship we share as his faithful people.

Kalendar for the Week of October 30th

2011-10-29T18:16:00.003-05:00

Sunday, October 30th
THE TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
(Proper 26)

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
9:00 am, Christian Education
10:00 am, Sung Mass
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:30 pm, Hallowe'en Party

Monday, October 31st

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of All Saints
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, November 1st
ALL SAINTS' DAY

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
7:00 pm, Procession & Sung Mass
Reception afterward

Wednesday, November 2nd
ALL SOULS' DAY

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Requiem Mass
10:45 am, Rector's Bible Study
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
7:00 pm, Sung Requiem Mass

Thursday, November 3rd

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Requiem Mass—for those interred in the Columarium
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, November 4th
Charles Borremeo, Archbishop of Milan, 1584
Abstinence

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, November 5th

8:30 am, Diocesan Convention, Parish Episcopal School, 4101 Sigma Road, Dallas

Next Sunday's Readings:
Wisdom 6:17-20; Psalm 63:1-8; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13

Announcements for the Week of October 30th

2011-10-28T23:14:00.001-05:00

Micah Prophesying before the Tower, 1220-1240. Quatrefoil on the western exterior, Amiens Cathedral, France.

ALL SAINTS’ DAY

Tuesday, November 1st

Low Mass, 7 am—All Saints' Chapel

PROCESSION & SUNG MASS, 7 PM

Reception afterward hosted by the Daughters of the King

ALL SOULS’ DAY

Wednesday, November 2nd

Low Mass, 10 am—All Saints' Chapel

MISSA PRO DEFUNCTIS, 7 PM

Requiem Masses for loved ones whose names have been submitted to the Parish Office will be offered next week on Tuesday at 7 am and Wednesday at 10 am. A form for this purpose was enclosed with the November Spirit and may also be found in your Sunday bulletin. Requiem Masses will also be offered this Thursday at 6:30 pm for those interred in the All Saints' Chapel Columbarium, and Monday, November 14, at 9 am for departed bishops of Dallas and priests of this parish. Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them.

Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 6, at 2 am. Set your clock back one hour at bedtime Saturday night!

The Stanton Lecture Series at Saint Matthew’s Cathedral will host Dr Peter Kreeft, Professor of Philosophy at Boston College, on Saturday, November 12, at 10 am. Dr Kreeft is the author of over 63 books including: Handbook of Christian Apologetics, Christianity for Modern Pagans, and Fundamentals of the Faith. For more information and to register, go to edod.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, October 30th
Hallow'een Party, 5:30 pm, Parish Hall

Tuesday, November 1st
Procession & Sung Mass, 7 pm, followed by a reception

Wednesday, November 2nd
Rector's Bible Study, 10:45 am, Parish Library
Sung Requiem Mass, 7 pm

Thursday, November 3rd
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 129 West Wall Street
Requiem—Columbarium, 6:30 pm

Saturday, November 5th
Diocesan Convention, 8:30 am, Parish Episcopal School, 4101 Sigma Road, Dallas

Kalendar for the Week of October 23rd

2011-10-22T18:07:00.000-05:00

Sunday, October 23rd
THE NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
(Proper 25)

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
9:00 am, Christian Education
10:00 am, Sung Mass
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15 pm, Youth Group

Monday, October 24th
Saint James of Jerusalem, Brother of
Our Lord Jesus Christ, and Martyr, c. 62
(transferred from the 23rd)

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, October 25th

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:00 pm, Choir practice

Wednesday, October 26th
Alfred the Great, King of the West Saxons, 899

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
10:45 am, Rector's Bible Study
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Healing Service

Thursday, October 27th

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, October 28th
Saint Simon and Saint Jude, Apostles
Abstinence

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
7:00 pm, Fr Forrest's Jubilee Mass, followed by a reception

Saturday, October 29th
James Hannington, Bishop of Eastern Equatorial Africa,
and his Companions, Martyrs, 1885

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of the Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
5:00 pm Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
Micah 3:5-12; Psalm 43; 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13; Matthew 23:1-12

Announcements for the Week of October 23rd

2011-10-21T15:41:00.001-05:00

James Tissot (French, 1836–1902). The Pharisees Question Jesus (Les pharisiens questionnent Jésus), 1886–1894. Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn, New York.

Welcome to Saint Stephen's! We look forward to having you worship with us. If you are visiting please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses and the Christian Education hour.

Christian Education is offered each Sunday beginning at 9 am. Children and youth meet in the Garrard Education Wing. Adults meet with Fr Yost in the Parish Library where they continue the series Anglican Essentials. All are welcome!

The Flowers at the Altar are given to the glory of God by Helen Perkins in thanksgiving for her family.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are given to the glory of God by Rex & Ginger Reddick in thanksgiving for Saint Stephen's, Fr Yost's ministry and all the wonderful volunteers at Saint Stephen's

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Ed & Pam Colvin.

Youth Group meets at Saint Stephen's on Sundays at 5:15 pm in the Parish Hall right after Evening Prayer. This year we are expanding the group to include youth beginning in the 6th grade through high school. Join us for a meal and some fun. And bring a friend!

The Rector's Bible Study meets this Wednesday, October 26, at 10:45 am, following the 10 am Mass. We continue our study of the Gospel according to Mark. All are welcome!

Healing Service, Wednesday, October 26, at 6:30 pm. This service takes place on the fourth Wednesday of each month as a ministry of the Brotherhood of Saint Stephen's.

Fr Forrest Jubilee—Friday, October 28, the feast of Saint Simon & Saint Jude, is the 50th anniversary of Fr Bill's ordination to the sacred priesthood. To mark this occasion, Mass will be celebrated that day at 7 pm with a reception afterwards. Fr Bill and his daughter Mary wish to extend a warm invitation to all at Saint Stephen's to share this celebration. Ad multos annos!

Meals on Wheels needs volunteers! Saint Stephen's commits drivers to a regular route each Thursday, the only church in Sherman to do so. Drivers are needed for this and other routes during the week. Please consider offering your time to this important ministry. For information, speak to Bill Jackson or Nadene Dean.

Science supplies for Wakefield Elementary School are being collected in the Parish Hall. A list of needed supplies was included in a letter sent out this past week from Connie Mitchusson, Saint Stephen's One Church-One School Coordinator, a copy is available in the Parish Hall. Often teachers purchase supplies from their own pockets. Your donation of one or more of these household items allow teachers to use a hands-on-approach in teaching science and will free up limited funds for instructional materials. Please contact Connie with any questions.

Looking ahead . . . Saint Stephen's Youth will sponsor a Hallowe'en Party on Sunday, October 30, at 5:30 pm. All Saints' Day—a Principal Feast—is celebrated Tuesday, November 1, with Low Mass at 7 am in All Saints' Chapel; and in the church at 7 pm with a Procession & Sung Mass. All Souls' Day is observed Wednesday, November 2, with a low Requiem Mass at 10 am , and a sung Missa pro defunctis at 7 pm. Diocesan Convention will be held at Parish Episcopal School, 4101 Sigma Road, Dallas, on Saturday, November 5, beginning at 8:30 am. The Stanton Lecture Series at Saint Matthew's Cathedral will host Dr Peter Kreeft, Professor of Philosophy at Boston College, on Saturday, November 12, at 10 am. Dr Kreeft is the author of over 63 books including: Handbook of Christian Apologetics, Christianity for Modern Pagans, and Fundamentals of the Faith. For more information and to register, go to edod.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, October 23rd
Youth Group, 5:15 pm, Parish Hall

Tuesday, October 25th
Choir practice, 6:00 pm, Choir Room

Wednesday, October 26th
Rector's Bible Study, 10:45 am, Parish Library
Healing Service, 6:30 pm

Thursday, October 27th
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 129 West Wall Street

Friday, October 28th
Fr Forrest's Jubilee Mass, 7 pm, followed by reception in the Parish Hall

Sunday, October 30th
Hallowe'en Party, 5:30 pm, Parish Hall

Kalendar for the Week of October 16th

2011-10-15T17:52:00.001-05:00

Sunday, October 16th
THE EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
(Proper 24)

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
9:00 am, Christian Education
10:00 am, Sung Mass
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Monday, October 17th
Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, and Martyr, c. 115

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, October 18th
Saint Luke the Evangelist

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Vestry

Wednesday, October 19th

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
10:45 am, Rector's Bible Study
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Ladies' Night Out

Thursday, October 20th

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, October 21st
Abstinence

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, October 22nd
Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of the Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
5:00 pm Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18; Psalm 1; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8;
Matthew 22:34-36

Announcements for the Week of October 16th

2011-10-14T15:15:00.001-05:00

A Roman denarius with the image of Tiberius Caesar, Emperor from AD 14 to 37. The inscription reads Ti[berivs] Caesar Divi Avg[vsti] F[ilivs] Avgvstvs, "Caesar Augustus Tiberius, son of the Divine Augustus".

Welcome to Saint Stephen's! We look forward to having you worship with us. If you are visiting please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses and the Christian Education hour.

Christian Education is offered each Sunday beginning at 9 am. Children and youth meet in the Garrard Education Wing. Adults meet with Fr Yost in the Parish Library where they continue the series Anglican Essentials. All are welcome!

The Flowers at the Altar are given to the glory of God by Lary & Shelly Kuehn in thanksgiving for the birthdays and anniversaries celebrated this year and for God's blessing of recent rains.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are given to the glory of God by Jim & Carolyn Walker in thanksgiving for the birthday of their daughter-in-law, Cassandra.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Ed & Pam Colvin.

The Rector's Ministry Fund provides for charitable assistance to members of the parish and others in our community as well as other missionary purposes that fall outside the parish budget. Each third Sunday of the month, the undesignated offerings are deposited to in the Discretionary Fund. Your generosity is most appreciated.

Youth Group will not meet this week as our young people gave time this weekend at the jumble sale.

The Rector's Bible Study meets this Wednesday, October 19, at 10:45 am, following the 10 am Mass. We continue our study of the Gospel according to Mark. All are welcome!

Saint Stephen's Own Shepherds is a group of volunteers who give their time to tend to those in need within the Parish Family. Special attention is given to the shut-in, ill, or injured who need help with transportation, a meal, or a visit. If you would like to offer yourself for this ministry, please call the Parish office or speak to Frances Neidhardt. If you need the assistance of SOS please contact the Parish Office. The group meets this Tuesday, October 18, at 12:15 pm in the Parish Hall.

Ladies' Night Out meets Wednesday, October 19, at 6:30 pm in the Parish Hall. All ladies of the parish and their guests are invited. Please sign up sheet in the Parish Hall.

Junior High retreat at Camp All Saints this Friday and Saturday, October 21–22. The retreat is open to anyone in grades 6–9. Contact Josh Muchnikoff for more information.

Fr Forrest Jubilee—Friday, October 28, the feast of Saint Simon & Saint Jude, is the 50th anniversary of Fr Bill's ordination to the sacred priesthood. To mark this occasion, Mass will be celebrated that day at 7 pm with a reception afterwards. Fr Bill and his daughter Mary wish to extend a warm invitation to all at Saint Stephen's to share this celebration. Ad multos annos!

Looking ahead . . . Saint Stephen's Youth Group will sponsor a Hallowe'en Party on Sunday, October 30, at 5:30 pm. All Saints' Day—a Principal Feast—is celebrated Tuesday, November 1, with Low Mass at 7 am in All Saints' Chapel; and in the church at 7 pm with a Procession & Sung Mass. All Souls' Day is observed Wednesday, November 2, with a low Requiem Mass at 10 am , and a sung Missa pro defunctis at 7 pm. Diocesan Convention will be held at Parish Episcopal School, 4101 Sigma Road, Dallas, on Saturday, November 5, beginning at 8:30 am.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday, October 18th
SOS, 12:15 pm, Parish Hall
Vestry, 6:30 pm

Wednesday, October 19th
Rector's Bible Study, 10:45 am, Parish Library
Ladies' Night Out, 6:30 pm, Parish Hall

Thursday, October 20th
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 129 West Wall Street

Friday, October 21st
Junior High Retreat, Camp All Saints, 7 pm (until 5 pm Saturday)

Kalendar for the Week of October 9th

2011-10-08T18:21:00.001-05:00

Sunday, October 9th
THE SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
(Proper 23)

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
9:00 am, Christian Education
10:00 am, Confirmation & Pontifical Mass
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15 pm, Youth Group

Monday, October 10th
Columbus Day—Parish office closed

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, October 11th
Philip the Deacon

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:00 pm, Choir Practice

Wednesday, October 12th

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
10:45 am, Rector's Bible Study
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Brotherhood of Saint Stephen's

Thursday, October 13th
King Edward the Confessor, 1066

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, October 14th
Callistus I, Bishop of Rome, 223
Abstinence

8:00 am, Jumble Sale at 705 N. McKown (until 5 pm)
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, October 15th
Theresa of Avila, Nun, 1582

8:00 am, Jumble Sale at 705 N. McKown (until 5 pm)
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of the Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
5:00 pm Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
Isaiah 45:1-7; Psalm 96:1-9; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22

Announcements for the Week of October 9th

2011-10-07T16:28:00.000-05:00

Dionisy (Russian, ca 1450–ca 1520). Parable of the Wedding Feast (Fresco, 1502). The Virgin Nativity Cathedral, Ferapontov Monastery, Vologda, Russia.

Welcome to Saint Stephen’s! We look forward to having you worship with us. If you are visiting please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen’s and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses.

Christian Education is offered each Sunday beginning at 9 am. Children and youth meet in the Garrard Education Wing. The adult class meet in the Parish Library where Bishop Stanton joins us today.

The Flowers at the Altar are given to the glory of God by Rex & Ginger Reddick in thanksgiving for all of their family & friends and for Saint Stephen’s.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are given to the glory of God by Jim & Carolyn Walker in thanksgiving for their son, Jimmy, on his birthday.

Today we welcome the Right Rev’d James M. Stanton, Sixth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas, who is with us at the 10 am Mass to celebrate, preach, and confirm. Bishop Stanton also joins us for Christian Education at 9 am. A special reception for the Bishop and Confirmands follows the 10 am Mass.

Youth Group meets at Saint Stephen’s on Sundays at 5:15 pm in the Parish Hall right after Evening Prayer. Join us for a meal and some fun. And bring a friend! All youth from 6th grade through high school. are welcome.

The Parish Office will be closed Monday, October 10, for Columbus Day, a Federal Holiday. Mass will be celebrated at the usual time of 9 am.

The Rector’s Bible Study continues this Wednesday, October 12, at 10:45 am, following the 10 am Mass where we are studying the Gospel according to Mark. All are welcome!

Jumble Sale this Friday, October 14 & Saturday, October 15, 8 am to 5 pm. All sorts of housewares, appliances, and furniture will be available. Tell your friends and neighbors! Early shopping for parishioners only is offered Thursday, October 13, from 8 am until 3 pm. All proceeds will benefit Saint Stephen's Building Fund.

Attention, parents! We are planning on involving our Saint Stephen’s children in several choral anthems this year. The first will be sung in the 10 am Mass on November 20. The children will also be assisting the choir in two songs in our Christmas Lessons and Carols on January 1. Other opportunities will follow in the spring. Please let Jennifer Scoggin or Katherine Yost know if you are interested in being a part of this exciting new aspect of our choral program. We will be preparing learning materials for the children to have at home and will be having occasional rehearsals after the 10 am Mass. Stay tuned for details!

Partnership with Wakefield Elementary School—As part of the Diocese’s “One Church One School” initiative, the Vestry has voted to establish a relationship with Wakefield Elementary School in Sherman. Connie Mitchusson has offered to serve as our coordinator and will be working with the school administration to identify opportunities for Saint Stephen’s parishioners to reach out through tutoring, mentoring, teacher appreciation and other needs that may be identified. Be on the lookout for further information for ways you can help build bridges between the parish and our community.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, October 9th
Youth Group, 5:15 pm, Parish Hall

Wednesday, October 12th
Rector's Bible Study, 10:45 am, Parish Library
Brotherhood, 6:30 pm, Parish Hall

Thursday, October 13th
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 129 W. Wall Street

Friday, October 14th & Saturday, October 15th
Jumble Sale, 8 am–5 pm, 705 N. McKown

Kalendar for the Week of October 2nd

2011-10-01T18:03:00.001-05:00

Sunday, October 2nd
THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEDICATION OF THE CHURCH

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
9:00 am, Christian Education
10:00 am, Procession & Sung Mass
11:00 am, Daughters of the King
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15 pm, Youth Group

Monday, October 3rd
Thérèse of Lisieux, Nun, 1897

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, October 4th
Francis of Assisi, Friar, 1226

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:00 pm, Choir Practice

Wednesday, October 5th

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Requiem Mass
10:45 am, Rector's Bible Study
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Chili Cook-Off

Thursday, October 6th
Bruno of Cologne, Founder of the Carthusian Order, 1101

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, October 7th
Our Lady of the Rosary
Abstinence

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, October 8th
Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass
10:00 am, Pet Blessing

Eve of the Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
5:00 pm Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
Isaiah 25:1-9; Psalm 23; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14

Rector's Message for October

2011-10-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

October is a full month at Saint Stephen’s, and I invite you to take note of the various opportunities and activities presented in this month’s Spirit. On the first Sunday in October, we celebrate the Anniversary of the Dedication of the Church. It is often said that the Church is not a building but the people, and indeed this is true. But the people of God must have a place to gather for worship, and not just any place will do. The church building is consecrated, set apart for the worship of God. In keeping the anniversary of this dedication, we recognize and celebrate the sacredness of this place that is truly the House of God and the Gate of Heaven.

On the second Sunday of October, Bishop Stanton will be with us to celebrate, to preach, and to confirm and receive new members. The bishop’s visitation is a significant event in the life of a parish, for the bishop is in his person a sacrament of the unity of the church—a sign of our fellowship with other Christians throughout the world, and of our unity with Christians in ages past, going back to the Apostles themselves.

A priest shares in the ministry of the bishop as his representative in a local congregation. We have an opportunity to recognize the ministry of one particular priest when we celebrate Fr Forrest’s Golden Jubilee on October 28. Fr Forrest has had a rich and varied ministry over the fifty years of his priesthood, and I am grateful for his presence, his help, and his encouragement in my own ministry as a priest.

On a personal note, I want to say thank you to our Junior Warden, Deb Montgomery, who saw to a number of repairs and improvements at the rectory while my family and I were on vacation. Katherine and I would also like to express our thanks to the Brotherhood of Saint Stephen’s, and to Jerry Montgomery and Steve Keller in particular, for their assistance in purchasing and installing a new oven for us. We are most grateful for the kindness and consideration shown to us in so many ways by the good folk of Saint Stephen’s.

Announcements for the Week of October 2nd

2011-09-30T11:25:00.002-05:00

The Barque of Peter, symbolic of the Church, depicted in a stained glass window in All Saints' Chapel. The window, from the Charles Connick Studio, Boston, illustrates Psalm 121, "The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in."

Welcome to Saint Stephen's! We look forward to having you worship with us. If you are visiting please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses and the Christian Education hour.

Christian Education is offered each Sunday beginning at 9 am. Children and youth meet in the Garrard Education Wing. Adults meet with Fr Yost in the Parish Library. The Rector's class this fall is Anglican Essentials. This class is especially for those who wish to be confirmed or received when Bishop Stanton
is here on October 9, but all are welcome!

The Flowers at the Altar are given to the glory of God by Patti Castleberry in celebration of the 16th anniversary of the christening of her godchild, Kristine Johnston.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are given to the glory of God by Mike & Connie Mitchusson in memory of Mary Weller and her years of service to Saint Stephen's.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Nadene Dean.

Partnership with Wakefield Elementary School—As part of the Diocese's "One Church One School" initiative, the Vestry has voted to establish a relationship with Wakefield Elementary School in Sherman. Connie Mitchusson has offer to serve as our coordinator and will be working with the school administration to identify opportunities for Saint Stephen's parishioners to reach out through tutoring, mentoring, teacher appreciation and other needs that may be identified. Be on the lookout for further information on how you can help build bridges between the parish and our community.

This Sunday we celebrate the Anniversary of the Dedication of the Church. The Prayer Book provides a special Proper (Collect and Readings) to be used for the occasion and provides further that the celebration may be transferred to a Sunday except the Sundays of Advent, Lent, and Easter. Because the actual anniversary of Saint Stephen's dedication will always fall during Lent or Easter, we are not able to keep it on a Sunday near the actual date of April 17. The transfer of the feast to the first Sunday in October follows an ancient precedent and permits a greater part of the parish to be present to give thanks for this place which is the House of God and the Gate of Heaven.

Youth Group meets at Saint Stephen's on Sundays at 5:15 pm in the Parish Hall right after Evening Prayer. This year we are expanding the group to include youth beginning in the 6th grade through high school. Join us for a meal and some fun. And bring a friend!

The Rector's Bible Study resumes this Wednesday, October 5, at 10:45 am, following the 10 am Mass when we will begin a study of the Gospel according to Mark. All are welcome!

Our Annual "Great Bowls of Fire" Chili Cook-Off takes place this Wednesday, October 5, at 6:30 pm. Enter your favorite bowl of red, bring your friends, and kick back. A fiery good time is guaranteed!

Bishop Stanton will be with us next Sunday, October 9, at the 10 am Mass to celebrate, preach, and confirm or receive new members. Bishop Stanton will also join us for Christian Education at 9 am. If you wish to be confirmed or received, please speak to Fr Yost. A special reception will follow the 10 am Mass. Please plan to be present for this important event in the life of our parish.

The Annual Blessing of Animals in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi takes place Saturday, October 8, at 10 am outside in front of the Parish Hall. All pets are welcome! Refreshments provided for pets and owners. Please leash or cage your pet for safety.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, October 2nd
DOK, 11 am, Parish Library
Youth Group, 5:15 pm, Parish Hall

Tuesday, October 3rd
Choir rehearsal, 6 pm, Choir Room

Wednesday, October 5th
Monthly Requiem, 10 am, All Saints' Chapel
Rector's Bible Study, 10:45 am, Parish Library
Chili Cook-Off, 6:30 pm, Parish Hall

Thursday, October 6th
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 129 West Wall Street

Saturday, October 8th
Pet Blessing, 10 am

Kalendar for the Week of September 25th

2011-09-24T18:16:00.002-05:00

Sunday, September 25th
THE FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
(Proper 21)

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
9:00 am, Christian Education
10:00 am, Sung Mass
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15 pm, Youth Group

Monday, September 26th
Lancelot Andrewes, Bishop of Winchester, 1626

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, September 27th
Vincent de Paul, Priest, 1660

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:15 pm, Choir Practice

Wednesday, September 28th

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of Saint Michael & All Angels
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Healing Service

Thursday, September 29th
Saint Michael & All Angels

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, September 30th
Jerome, Priest, and Monk of Bethlehem, 420
Abstinence

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, October 1st
Remigius, Bishop of Rheims, c. 530

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of the Dedication
5:00 pm Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
1 Kings 8:22-30; Psalm 84:1-6; 1 Peter 2:1-5,9-10;
Matthew 21:33-46

Announcements for the Week of September 25th

2011-09-23T16:10:00.002-05:00

William Blake (English, 1757–1827). Christ Accepting the Office of Redeemer (Illustration to Milton's Paradise Lost), 1808. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Welcome to Saint Stephen's! We look forward to having you worship with us. If you are visiting please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses.

Christian Education is offered each Sunday beginning at 9 am. Children and youth meet in the Garrard Education Wing. Adults meet with Fr Yost in the Parish Library. The Rector's class this fall is Anglican Essentials. This class is especially for those who wish to be confirmed or received when Bishop Stanton on October 9, but all are welcome!

The Flowers at the Altar and at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are given to the glory of God by Rex & Ginger Reddick in thanksgiving for Roxy's birthday.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Hilary & Stephen Thomas.

Healing Service, Wednesday, September 28, at 6:30 pm. This service takes place on the fourth Wednesday of each month as a ministry of the Brotherhood of Saint Stephen's.

Next Sunday we celebrate the Anniversary of the Dedication of the Church. The Prayer Book provides a special Proper (Collect and Readings) to be used for the occasion and provides further that the celebration may be transferred to a Sunday except the Sundays of Advent, Lent, and Easter. Because the actual anniversary of Saint Stephen's dedication will always fall during Lent or Easter, we are not able to keep it on a Sunday near the actual date of April 17. The transfer of the feast to the first Sunday in October follows an ancient precedent and permits a greater part of the parish to be present to give thanks for this beautiful place which is none other than the House of God and the Gate of Heaven.

Looking ahead . . . Our annual Chili Cook-Off is Wednesday, October 5, at 6:30 pm. Volunteers are needed to help set up! Our Saint Francis-tide Pet Blessing will take place Saturday, October 8, at 10 am outdoors in front of the Parish Hall.

Bishop Stanton will be with us Sunday, October 9, at the 10 am Mass to celebrate, preach, and confirm or receive new members. If you wish to be confirmed or received, please speak to Fr Yost. A special reception will follow the 10 am Mass. Please plan to be present for this important event in the life of our parish.

Attention, parents! We are planning on involving our Saint Stephen's children in several choral anthems this year. The first will be sung in the 10 am Mass on November 20. The children will also be assisting the choir in two songs in our Christmas Lessons and Carols on January 1. Other opportunities will follow in the spring. Please let Jennifer Scoggin or Katherine Yost know if you are interested in being a part of this exciting new aspect of our choral program. We will be preparing learning materials for the children to have at home and will be having occasional rehearsals after the 10 am Mass. Stay tuned for details!

About Friday abstinence . . . Fridays throughout the year, except for Fridays in the Christmas and Easter seasons, and any Feasts of our Lord which occur on a Friday, are to be marked by special acts of discipline and self-denial, in commemoration of the Lord's crucifixion (Book of Common Prayer, p. 17). For Episcopalians and others in the Catholic tradition, this has meant abstinence from meat on Fridays. This simple custom has been a part of the fabric of Christian community for many centuries and serves to remind us weekly of the sacrifice of Christ.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, September 25th
Youth Group, 5:15 pm

Wednesday, September 28th
Healing Service, 6:30 pm

Thursday, September 29th
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 129 West Wall Street

Kalendar for the Week of September 18th

2011-09-17T18:34:00.003-05:00

Sunday, September 18th
THE FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
(Proper 20)

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
9:00 am, Christian Education
10:00 am, Sung Mass
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15 pm, Youth Group

Monday, September 19th
Theodore of Tarsus, Archbishop of Canterbury, 690

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, September 20th
John Coleridge Patteson, Bishop of Melanesia, and his Companions, Martyrs, 1871

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Vestry Meeting

Wednesday, September 21st
Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
Ember Day

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Ladies' Night Out

Thursday, September 22nd

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, September 23rd
Ember Day
Abstinence

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, September 24th
Our Lady of Walsingham
Ember Day

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass
9:00 am, Choir Retreat

Eve of the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
5:00 pm Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32; Psalm 25:1-8; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32

Announcements for the Week of September 18th

2011-09-16T15:19:00.006-05:00

Michelangelo (Italian, 1475–1564). The Prophet Jonah (detail of the Sistine Chapel ceiling, 1508–1512). Vatican City.

Welcome to Saint Stephen's! We look forward to having you worship with us. If you are visiting please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses and Sunday School.

Christian Education is offered each Sunday beginning at 9 am. Children and youth meet in the Garrard Education Wing. Adults meet with Fr Yost in the Parish Library. The Rector's class this fall is Anglican Essentials. This class is especially for those who wish to be confirmed or received when Bishop Stanton on October 9, but all are welcome!

The Flowers at the Altar are given to the glory of God by Mack Broiles in thanksgiving for birthdays of Stacey & Sharon, and in memory of L. Mack Castelberry.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are given to the glory of God by Ed & Pam Colvin in hope for peace for everyone all over the world.
Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Pam & Ed Colvin.

The Rector's Ministry Fund provides for charitable assistance to members of the parish and others in our community as well as other missionary purposes that fall outside the parish budget. Each third Sunday of the month, the undesignated offerings are deposited in the Ministry Fund. Your generosity is most appreciated.

Youth Group resumes this week, meeting today at 5:15 pm in the Parish Hall right after Evening Prayer. This year we are expanding the group to include youth beginning in the 6th grade through high school. Join us for a meal and some fun. And bring a friend!

Ladies' Night Out meets on this Wednesday, September 21, at 6:30 pm at the home of Rosemary & Royce Tasker, 1111 E. Houston Street, Sherman. Hosts this month ar Anna Keller and Rosemary Tasker. A signup sheet will be posted in the Parish Hall.

Saint Stephen’s Choir will have a one-day retreat this Saturday, September 24, from 9 am until 4 pm. The day will include looking at upcoming music for the fall through Advent and Christmas as well as a workshop on Anglican chant and plainsong by Fr Yost. This would be an excellent opportunity for anyone who might like to join the choir to get a taste of what they do! For more information, please speak with Choir Director Jennifer Scoggin.

Music notes—T. (Thomas) Tertius Noble (b. Bath, England, 1867; d. Rockport, Massachusetts, 1953) composed Ora Labora for the hymn “Come, labor on” when it was accepted in 1916 for inclusion in the Episcopal hymnal, on whose commission Noble served. Ora Labora means "pray and work." As a youth Noble attended a boarding school but found the curriculum so ill-suited to his abilities (the school offered no music) that he was allowed to come home. A pastor took the thirteen-year-old boy under his wing, supervised his education, and secured him a position at All Saints Church of Colchester. After attending the Royal College of Music in London, England, Noble became organist and choirmaster at Ely Cathedral (1892–1898) and York Minster (1898–1912). In 1913 he was invited to become the organist and to establish a music program at Saint Thomas Episcopal Church in New York City. The church had been recently renovated, and a new organ was built under Noble's direction. He also established a famous choir school for boys there in 1919. Noble served that church until his retirement in 1942. He composed orchestral pieces, choral works, anthems, service music for the Anglican liturgy, and hymn tunes. A member of the Episcopal Church's Joint Commission on Church Music (1916–1943), he published two collections of free harmonizations of hymn tunes used in The Hymnal 1940.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, September 18th
Youth Group, 5:15 pm, Parish Hall

Tuesday, September 20th
SOS, 12:15 pm, Parish Hall
Vestry, 6:30 pm

Wednesday, September 21st
Ladies' Night Out, 6:30 pm, home of Rosemary Tasker

Thursday, September 22nd
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 129 W. Wall Street

Saturday, September 24th

Choir retreat, 9 am–4 pm

Kalendar for the Week of September 11th

2011-09-10T17:54:00.005-05:00

Sunday, September 11th
THE THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
(Proper 19)

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
9:00 am, Christian Education
10:00 am, Sung Mass
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Monday, September 12th
The Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, September 13th
John Chrysostom, Bishop of Constantinople, 407

Eve of Holy Cross Day
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Wednesday, September 14th
Holy Cross Day

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Brotherhood of Saint Stephen's

Thursday, September 15th
Our Lady of Sorrows

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, September 16th
Cornelius, Pope & Martyr, 253, and Cyprian, Bishop
and Martyr of Carthage, 258
Abstinence

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, September 17th
Hildegard, Abbess of Bingen and Mystic, 1179

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
5:00 pm Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
Jonah 3:10-4:11; Psalm 145:1-8; Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16

Announcements for the Week of September 11th

2011-09-09T07:18:00.000-05:00

Willem Drost (Dutch, 1633–1659). The Unmerciful Servant, 1655. The Wallace Collection, London.

Welcome to Saint Stephen's! We look forward to having you worship with us. If you are visiting please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses.

Christian Education resumes today! Classes begin at 9 am. Children and youth meet in the Garrard Education Wing. Adults meet with Fr Yost in the Parish Library. The Rector's class this fall is Anglican Essentials. This class is especially for those who wish to be confirmed or received when Bishop Stanton on October 9, but all are welcome!

The Flowers at the Altar are given to the glory of God by Mike & Connie Mitchusson in thanksgiving for Marc's birthday

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are given to the glory of God by Rex & Ginger Reddick in thanksgiving for Ginger's birthday.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Anna & Steve Keller

Coffee Hour hosts are needed! All that is required is coffee, juice, and a bite to eat. Please sign up in the Parish Hall.

Choir news—The anthems for this Sunday mark the return of the choir after their summer hiatus. The texts are particularly significant as we dedicate ourselves to another year in the service of His worship. Our prayer for this year is, as always, “Not unto us, Lord, not unto us, but to your name give glory.” The choir rehearses on Sunday after the 10 am Mass and would welcome new members. A trained voice is not as important as a desire to sing. Please speak to Jennifer Scoggin for more information.

Father Yost will be away Tuesday–Thursday this week attending the annual synod of the Society of the Holy Cross. Fr Forrest will celebrate the 10 am Mass on Wednesday. There will be no Masses on Tuesday or Thursday.

Brotherhood of Saint Stephen's meets on Wednesday, September 14, at 6:30 pm in the Parish Hall. The meeting is hosted this month by Pat Hunt & Royce Tasker. All men of the parish and their guests are welcome. A sign up sheet is posted in the Parish Hall.

Men's Breakfast & Spiritual Growth Group meets for Bible study each Thursday morning at 6:30 am at Lupe's Restaurant, 129 W. Wall Street. The study focuses on the readings for the upcoming Sunday using three questions: What phrase or idea catches your attention? How does the phrase or idea touch your life? How do I believe God wants me to react to this? Come and go as your schedule requires. For more information, please contact Jerry Fillebrown.

GET UP AND GIVE! NORTH TEXAS GIVING DAY is Thursday, September 15, 2011 from 7 am–7 pm. North Texas Giving Day 2010 is a day for you to go to go online and give to Saint Stephen’s! Between 7 am and 7 pm on Thursday, September 15, 2011, Saint Stephen’s will receive matching funds when donations are made online through DonorBridge. This helps your gifts go farther! Simply go to www.donorbridgetx.org, any time between 7 am and 7 pm on September 15 to donate to Saint Stephen’s. You can donate as much as you want! The only requirement is a minimum donation of $25 for your gift to receive matching funds.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wednesday, September 14th
Brotherhood, 6:30 pm, Parish Hall

Thursday, September 15th
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 129 W. Wall Street
North Texas Giving Day, 7 am–7 pm

Kalendar for the Week of September 4th

2011-09-03T18:11:00.003-05:00

Sunday, September 4th
THE TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 18)

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
10:00 am, Sung Mass

Monday, September 5th
Labor Day—Parish Office closed

7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, September 6th

Wednesday, September 7th

10:00 am, Requiem Mass

Thursday, September 8th
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
5:30 pm, Rosary
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, September 9th
Constance, Nun, and her Companions
(“the Martyrs of Memphis”), 1878
Abstinence

Saturday, September 10th
Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Eve of the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

5:00 pm Evening Prayer

5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
Genesis 50:15-21; Psalm 103:8-13; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35

Announcements for the Week of September 4th

2011-09-02T07:38:00.008-05:00

Unknown Catalan master. Christ and the Twelve Apostles. Ca 1100. Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, Barcelona.

Welcome to Saint Stephen's! We look forward to having you worship with us. If you are visiting please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses.

Christian Education classes resume Sunday, September 11. Look for a registration form for youth in the September Spirit. The Rector’s Class for September and October will be Anglican Essentials for those who wish to be confirmed or received when Bishop Stanton on October 9.

The Flowers at the Altar are given to the glory of God by Patty Castleberry in thanksgiving for the birthday of her great-granddaughter, Trinity Walker.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are given to the glory of God by Jim & Carolyn Walker in thanksgiving for their granddaughter, Kynlee, on her birthday.

Coffee Hour hosts are needed! All that is required is coffee, juice, and a bite to eat. Please sign up in the Parish Hall.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Kay Vessels.

Welcome back to Fr Damian Dollahite who is celebrating and preaching today while Fr Yost is on vacation. Fr Dollahite retired recently from Saint Mary's in Irving where he was rector from 1995. Before that, Fr Dollahite served parishes in Michigan, Wyoming, and California.

Fr Yost is on vacation until Saturday, September 10. During that time, the Sunday morning schedule will remain unchanged. On weekdays, Fr Forrest will celebrate Mass on Wednesday at 10 am, and the Rosary will be said on Thursday at 5:30 pm. The regular weekday schedule will resume after September 11.

If you have a pastoral concern while Fr Yost is away, please speak with Fr Forrest or call the Parish Office so that an appropriate referral can be made.

Choir news—The choir returns from their summer hiatus after Labor Day, beginning rehearsals Sunday, September 11. Whether you can read music or not, please consider joining the choir for our exciting 2011–2012 season. A trained voice is not as important as a love for singing. We have much beautiful music ahead for Fall and Advent! Please contact Jennifer Scoggin for more information.

The Parish Office will be closed Monday, September 5, for Labor Day, a Federal Holiday.

DDYC Fall Rally: “Salt and Light,” Saturday, September 10—For all Junior and Senior High students, this event, sponsored by the Diocese of Dallas Youth Commission, is held at All Saints Camp on Lake Texoma and opens the new school year. It is a day filled with teachings, small group time, games, food, worship and tons of Christian fellowship. Each person needs a completed registration form, a Bible, and a snack to share. The cost is $15.00 per person. Registration opens at 10 am and the event will end at 4 pm. Please contact Josh Muchnikoff for more information.

GET UP AND GIVE! NORTH TEXAS GIVING DAY is Thursday, September 15, 2011 from 7 am–7 pm. North Texas Giving Day 2010 is a day for you to go to go online and give to Saint Stephen’s! Between 7 am and 7 pm on Thursday, September 15, 2011, Saint Stephen’s will receive matching funds when donations are made online through DonorBridge. This helps your gifts go farther! Simply go to www.donorbridgetx.org, any time between 7 am and 7 pm on September 15 to donate to Saint Stephen’s. You can donate as much as you want! The only requirement is a minimum donation of $25 for your gift to receive matching funds.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, September 4th
DOK, 11 am, Parish Library

Wednesday, September 7th
Monthly Requiem, 10 am, All Saints' Chapel

Thursday, September 8th
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 129 West Wall Street

Saturday, September 10th
DDYC Fall Rally, 10 am, All Saints’ Camp

Rector's Message for September

2011-09-01T16:12:00.005-05:00

It’s hard to believe that another fall is upon us, especially for me as I write this in the midst of my summer vacation. I am grateful for this time of rest (and for break from the Texas summer!) but I do always look forward to September when all sorts of activities resume and parish life returns to the full program.

I’m sure we will all be glad to have the choir back this month. Under the capable leadership of Jennifer Scoggin, they contribute greatly to the high standard of worship that we appreciate at Saint Stephen’s. I encourage anyone who likes to sing to consider joining. They rehearse on Sundays after the 10 am Mass beginning September 11. A choir retreat is planned for Saturday, September 24. Please speak to Jennifer Scoggin for more information.

Christian education resumes September 11, with classes for youth and adults. I’m especially happy to announce that the Rector’s class this class this fall will be on Anglican Essentials, an opportunity for those who wish to prepare for confirmation or reception in the Episcopal Church. I do hope that others will see this as an opportunity for a “refresher” and to contribute to our discussions. Bishop Stanton will be with us on October 9.

Over the summer the Vestry began to look into the Diocese’s “One Church-One School” initiative and voted to establish a relationship with one of the elementary schools in Sherman. Look for more information on this exciting outreach opportunity in the weeks ahead.

September 29 is Saint Michael and All Angels—Michaelmas as it is often called—which is one of my favorite feast days and this year marks the fifth anniversary of my institution as your Rector. I thank God for Saint Stephen’s parish, for you, her faithful people, and for the opportunity to serve the Lord together in this ministry.

Kalendar for the Week of August 28th

2011-08-27T18:03:00.002-05:00

Sunday, August 28th
THE ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 17)

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
10:00 am, Sung Mass

Monday, August 29th
The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist

7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, August 30th
Charles Chapman Grafton, Bishop of Fond du Lac, 1912

Wednesday, August 31st
Aidan, Bishop of Lindisfarne, 651

10:00 am, Low Mass

Thursday, September 1st

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
5:30 pm, Rosary
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, September 2nd
The Martyrs of New Guinea, 1942
Abstinence

Saturday, September 3rd
Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Next Sunday's Readings:
Ezekiel 33:7-11; Psalm 119:33-40; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 18:15-20

Announcements for the Week of August 28th

2011-08-26T07:34:00.000-05:00

El Greco (Domenikos Theotokopoulos) (Greek, 1541–1614). Christ Carrying the Cross, ca 1580s. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Welcome to Saint Stephen's! We look forward to having you worship with us . If you are visiting please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses.

Christian Education classes resume Sunday, September 11. Look for a registration form for youth in the September Spirit. The Rector’s Class for September and October will be Anglican Essentials for those who wish to be confirmed or received when Bishop Stanton visits in October.

The Flowers at the Altar are given to the glory of God by Rick Boston & Jo Lindsay in thanksgiving for Jo's birthday.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are given to the glory of God by Jim & Carolyn Walker in thanksgiving for Sarah's birthday.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Hilary & Stephen Thomas.

Coffee Hour hosts are needed! All that is required is coffee, juice, and a bite to eat. Please sign up in the Parish Hall.

Welcome to Fr Bob Corley who is celebrating and preaching today while Fr Yost is on vacation. Fr Corley joined the staff at Saint John’s, Dallas, in the summer of 2006. He has deep roots both in Texas (fifth generation) and the Episcopal Church (third generation), having been baptized at Saint Barnabas’ in Garland. After completing his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington, Fr Corley worked in the defense and telecom industries for ten years. He then headed to the School of Theology at The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, for his seminary education. Fr Corley was married in 1994 to his wife, Laura, and they have two children, Annie and Anderson.

Music notes—The tune of the offertory hymn, Bourbon, is a pentatonic (five-pitch) folk tune from the southern United States. Included in Columbian Harmony (1825), Bourbon was credited there to Freeman Lewis (1780–1859). The tune appeared in several other nineteenth-century songbooks, among them Hauser's Hesperian Harp (1848). The tune name presumably refers to the aristocratic French family whose descendants included Henry IV, Phillip V, and Charles III, and after which a Kentucky county is named.

Choir news—The choir returns from their summer hiatus after Labor Day, beginning rehearsals Sunday, September 11. Whether you can read music or not, please consider joining the choir for our exciting 2011–2012 season. A trained voice is not as important as a love for singing. We have much beautiful music ahead for Fall and Advent! Please contact Jennifer Scoggin for more information.

Fr Yost is on vacation until Saturday, September 10. During that time, the Sunday morning schedule will remain unchanged. On weekdays, Fr Forrest will celebrate Mass on Wednesday at 10 am, and the Rosary will be said on Thursday at 5:30 pm. The regular weekday schedule will resume after September 11.

If you have a pastoral concern while Fr Yost is away, please speak with Fr Forrest or call the Parish Office so that an appropriate referral can be made.

About Friday abstinence . . . Fridays throughout the year, except for Fridays in the Christmas and Easter seasons, and any Feasts of our Lord which occur on a Friday, are to be marked by special acts of discipline and self-denial, in commemoration of the Lord's crucifixion (Book of Common Prayer, p. 17). For Episcopalians and others in the Catholic tradition, this has meant abstinence from meat on Fridays. This simple custom has been a part of the fabric of Christian community for many centuries and serves to remind us weekly of the sacrifice of Christ.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Thursday, September 1st
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 129 West Wall Street

Sunday, September 4th
DOK, 11 am, Parish Library

Kalendar for the Week of August 21st

2011-08-20T17:52:00.006-05:00

Sunday, August 21st
THE TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 16)

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
10:00 am, Sung Mass

Monday, August 22nd
Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary

7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, August 23rd
Rose of Lima, 1617

Wednesday, August 24th
Saint Bartholomew the Apostle

10:00 am, Low Mass

Thursday, August 25th
Louis, King of France, 1270

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
5:30 pm, Rosary
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, August 26th
Abstinence

Saturday, August 27th
Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Next Sunday's Readings:
Jeremiah 15:15-21; Psalm 26:1-8; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28

Announcements for the Week of August 21st

2011-08-19T07:54:00.006-05:00

Lorenzo Veneziano (Italian, active 1356–1372). Christ Giving the Keys to Saint Peter, 1369. Museo Correr, Venice.

Welcome to Saint Stephen's! We are glad to have you worship with us. If you are visiting please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses.

Christian Education classes are in recess for the summer. However, an informal discussion group continues to meet between masses in the Parish Library for any who would like to join the clergy and fellow parishioners for a cup of coffee and conversation.

The Flowers at the Altar are given to the glory of God by Patty Anderson in loving memory of Nicholas Anderson.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are given to the glory of God by Naif & Cindy Risk in memory of the Team Six Navy Seals and their service to our country.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Pam & Ed Colvin.

Coffee Hour hosts are needed! All that is required is coffee, juice, and a bite to eat. Please sign up in the Parish Hall.

The Rector's Ministry Fund provides for charitable assistance to members of the parish and others in our community as well as other missionary purposes that fall outside the parish budget. Each third Sunday of the month, the undesignated offerings are deposited in the Ministry Fund. Your generosity is most appreciated.

Welcome again to Fr Damian Dollahite who is celebrating and preaching today while Fr Yost is on vacation. Fr Dollahite retired recently from Saint Mary's in Irving where he was rector from 1995. Before that, Fr Dollahite served parishes in Michigan, Wyoming, and California.

Music notes—The tune for the hymn at the offertory, Land of Rest, is an American folk tune known throughout the Appalachians with roots in the ballads of northern England and Scotland. A shape-note version of the tune was published with the title New Prospect as the setting for “O land of rest! for thee I sigh” in The Sacred Harp (1844) and again with that same text in J. R. Graves's Little Seraph (Memphis, 1873). The name Land of Rest derives from the tune's association with that text. The tune was known to Annabel M. Buchanan (b. Groesbeck, Texas, 1888; d. Paducah Kentucky, 1983), whose grandmother sang it to her as a child. She harmonized the tune and published it in her Folk Hymns of America (1938). Known especially as a musicologist of American folk music, Buchanan was educated at the Landon Conservatory, Dallas, and the Guilmant Organ School, New York City. She taught at several colleges, including Stonewall Jackson College, Abingdoll, Virginia. Buchanan published numerous articles on folk traditions of the Appalachian area of the United States. She also lectured widely on this topic and gave recitals of folk music. Her own compositions also show the influence of folk music.

Fr Yost is on vacation until Saturday, September 10. During that time, the Sunday morning schedule will remain unchanged. On weekdays, Fr Forrest will celebrate Mass on Wednesday at 10 am, and the Rosary will be said on Thursday at 5:30 pm. The regular weekday schedule will resume after September 11.

If you have a pastoral concern while Fr Yost is away, please speak with Fr Forrest or call the Parish Office so that an appropriate referral can be made.

The Monthly Healing Service will not take place this Wednesday during Fr Yost’s absence. The service will resume next month on the fourth Wednesday.

Is your pledge up to date? With summer travel and the general frantic pace of life, it can be easy to forget to bring your offerings to church. Please see that your pledge is current. If you are in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact the Parish Office. Thank you to all those who continue to support Saint Stephen's so generously.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wednesday, August 24th
Saint Bartholomew, Low Mass, 10 am, All Saints’ Chapel

Thursday, August 25th
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 129 West Wall Street

Kalendar for the Week of August 14th

2011-08-13T17:39:00.005-05:00

Sunday, August 14th
THE NINTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 15)

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
10:00 am, Sung Mass

Eve of the Assumption
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Monday, August 15th
Saint Mary the Virgin, Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ (Assumption)

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, August 16th
Stephen of Hungary, King & Confessor, 1038

Wednesday, August 17th

10:00 am, Low Mass
6:30 pm, Ladies' Night Out

Thursday, August 18th
William Porcher DuBose, Priest, 1918

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
5:30 pm, Rosary
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, August 19th
Abstinence

Saturday, August 13th
Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux, 1153

Next Sunday's Readings:
Isaiah 51:1-6; Psalm 138; Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 16:13-20

Announcements for the Week of August 14th

2011-08-12T10:35:00.002-05:00

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (Dutch, 1606–1669). Christ and the Canaanite Woman, ca 1650. The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, California.

Welcome to Saint Stephen's! We are glad to have you worship with us. If you are visiting please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses.

Christian Education classes are in recess for the summer. However, an informal discussion group continues to meet between masses in the Parish Library for any who would like to join the clergy and fellow parishioners for a cup of coffee and conversation.

The Flowers at the Altar are given to the glory of God by Rick Boston & Jo Lindsay in thanksgiving for their wedding anniversary.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are given to the glory of God by Chris & Shelly Morgan in thanksgiving for Haeleigh’s birthday.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Sue & Jerry Fillebrown.

Coffee Hour hosts are needed! All that is required is coffee, juice, and a bite to eat. Please sign up in the Parish Hall.

Fr Yost is on vacation until Saturday, September 10. During that time, the Sunday morning schedule will remain unchanged. On weekdays, Fr Forrest will celebrate Mass on Wednesday at 10 am, and the Rosary will be said on Thursday at 5:30 pm. The regular weekday schedule will resume the week of September 11.

Welcome to Fr Damian Dollahite who is celebrating and preaching today while Fr Yost is on vacation. Fr Dollahite retired recently from Saint Mary's in Irving where he was rector from 1995. Before that, Fr Dollahite served parishes in Michigan, Wyoming, and California.

If you have a pastoral concern during Fr Yost's absence please speak with Fr Forrest or call the Parish Office so that an appropriate referral can be made.

Saint Mary the Virgin (The Assumption), August 15th—Just after the final prayers of the night in religious communities and churches throughout the world, faithful men and women join in the singing of the hymn Salve Regina, “Hail, holy Queen.” The image of the Blessed Virgin crowned and enthroned in heaven by her Son our Lord is one that, sadly, is scoffed at by many. Yet the elevation and coronation of the Blessed Virgin that is hailed every night by pious custom is simply another way of praising God as well as living within the hope of our elevation and our coronation in heaven when we shall experience the vision of God. It is this praise and this hope of ours that we offer on the Feast of Saint Mary the Virgin, or the Assumption. Not unlike the hope shown us in the Transfiguration, in Mary, the Mother of God, and in her assumption into heaven, we see again the true hope of our redemption and our share in the glory of the kingdom. Through her womb, Christ took upon him the flesh of us all, so it is in her elevation and coronation that we see our own. For this we honor the Virgin Mother, fulfilling her prophecy, “Behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed” (Luke 1:48). Before leaving town later in the day, Fr Yost will celebrate Mass for the Feast of the Assumption on Monday, August 15, at 9:00 am in All Saints' Chapel.

Ladies' Night Out meets this Wednesday, August 17, at 6:30 pm in the Parish Hall, when Deb Montgomery and Linda Adair will host a baked potato and salad bar. All ladies of the parish and their guests are welcome to attend! A sign up sheet is located in the Parish Hall.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Monday, August 15th
Assumption Day, Low Mass, 9 am, All Saints’ Chapel

Wednesday, August 17th
Ladies' Night Out, 6:30 pm, Parish Hall

Thursday, August 18th
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 129 W. Wall Street

Kalendar for the Week of August 7th

2011-08-06T18:14:00.004-05:00

Sunday, August 7th
THE EIGHT SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 14)

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
10:00 am, Sung Mass
11:00 am, DOK
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Monday, August 8th
Dominic, Priest and Friar, 1221

9 am, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, August 9th

Wednesday, August 10th
Laurence, Deacon, and Martyr at Rome, 258

6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Brotherhood of Saint Stephen's

Thursday, August 11th
Clare, Abbess at Assisi, 1253

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, August 12th
Abstinence

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, August 13th
Jeremy Taylor, Bishop of Down, Connor, and Dromore, 1667

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
Isaiah 56:1, 6-8; Psalm 67; Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32; Matthew 15:21-28

Announcements for the Week of August 7th

2011-08-05T16:46:00.004-05:00

A monk of Reichenau Abbey. Peter Walks on the Water. Codex Egberti, 10th century. Stadtbibliothek Trier, Germany.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses and the Christian Education hour.

Christian Education classes are in recess for the summer. However, an informal discussion group continues to meet between masses in the Parish Library for any who would like to join the clergy and fellow parishioners for a cup of coffee and conversation.

The Flowers at the Altar are given to the glory of God by Carla Self and Joseph Nedley in thanksgiving for the birthdays of Carla, Alice and Becky.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are given to the glory of God by Davida Hopkins-George in loving memory of her daughter, Cressida D. Imschweiler.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Penelope & Mel Fields.

Coffee Hour hosts are needed! All that is required is coffee, juice, and a bite to eat. Please sign up in the Parish Hall.

Daughters of the King meet today after the 10 am Mass in the Virginia Love Library. Membership in the DOK is open to all women of the parish. The Daughters are dedicated to prayer and service.

This Sunday we say "farewell" to Adam Urrutia, our summer pastoral intern. Adam has been with us for ten weeks (where does the time go?) as part of the Field Education requirement for his M.Div. degree from Duke Divinity School. This fall, Adam will move to Washington , D.C., to begin a Ph.D. program at Catholic University of American in systematic theology, with a particular focus on the work of Bl. John Henry Newman. Please take a moment to wish Adam well and to say "thank you" for his contributions to Saint Stephen's during his time with us. And do please remember him in your prayers.

Fr Yost will be away this week Monday afternoon through Wednesday for a retreat with the local chapter of the Society of the Holy Cross. There will be no Masses on Tuesday or Wednesday, and no Daily Office, with the exception of Evening Prayer on Wednesday. The regular schedule resumes on Thursday.

Fr Yost will be on vacation beginning Sunday, August 14. During his absence, the Sunday morning schedule remains unchanged. Fr Damian Dollahite, retired from Saint Mary's, Irving will be here to celebrate and preach on three Sundays; and Fr Robert Corley, from Saint John's, Dallas, will be here one Sunday.

Brotherhood of Saint Stephen's meets on Wednesday, August 10, at 6:30 pm in the Parish Hall. The meeting is hosted this month by Craig Summer and Don Tomlinson. All men of the parish and their guests are welcome. A sign up sheet is posted in the Parish Hall.

About Friday abstinence . . . Fridays throughout the year, except for Fridays in the Christmas and Easter seasons, and any Feasts of our Lord which occur on a Friday, are to be marked by special acts of discipline and self-denial, in commemoration of the Lord's crucifixion (Book of Common Prayer, p. 17). For Episcopalians and others in the Catholic tradition, this has meant abstinence from meat on Fridays. This simple custom has been a part of the fabric of Christian community for many centuries and serves to remind us weekly of the sacrifice of Christ.

Is your pledge up to date? With summer travel and the general frantic pace of life, it can be easy to forget to bring your offerings to church. Please see that your pledge is current. If you are in doubt, don't hesitate to contact the Parish Office. Thank you to all those who continue to support Saint Stephen's so generously.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, August 7th
DOK, 11 am, Virginia Love Library

Wednesday, August 10th
Brotherhood, 6:30 pm, Parish Hall

Thursday, August 11th
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 129 W. Wall Street

Kalendar for the Week of July 31st

2011-07-30T17:51:00.005-05:00

Sunday, July 31st
THE SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 13)

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
10:00 am, Sung Mass
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Monday, August 1st
Joseph of Arimathea

9 am, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, August 2nd

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Requiem Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Wednesday, August 3rd

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Thursday, August 4th
John Vianney, Priest, 1859

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, August 5th
Abstinence

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Low Mass

Eve of the Transfiguration
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, August 6th
The Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
11:00 am, Low Mass (Rosary & Society of Mary luncheon follow)
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
1 Kings 19:9-18; Psalm 85:8-13; Romans 10:5-15; Matthew 14:22-33

Announcements for the Week of July 31st

2011-07-29T17:33:00.001-05:00

Loaves and Fishes. 5th century floor mosaic. The Church of the Multiplication, Tabgha, Israel.

Welcome to Saint Stephen's! We are glad to have you worship with us today. If you are visiting please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses.

Christian Education classes are in recess for the summer. However, an informal discussion group continues to meet between masses in the Parish Library for any who would like to join the clergy and fellow parishioners for a cup of coffee and conversation.

The Flowers at the Altar are given to the glory of God by Mel & Penelope Fields in loving memory of their grandchild, Devon.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Frank Rider by friends at Saint Stephen’s.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by the Daughters of the King.

Coffee Hour hosts are needed! All that is required is coffee, juice, and a bite to eat. Please sign up in the Parish Hall.

From the Choir Director—The Choir will be on hiatus for six weeks beginning this Sunday, their first break since summer 2009. I would like to express my great appreciation to all members of the choir for their diligent work and their faithfulness to rehearsals and services both on Sundays and Holy Days! It is with extreme sadness that we bid farewell to Austin Tooley, our wonderful tenor for the past two years, as he pursues graduate studies at SUNY in Binghamton, New York. Please consider joining us when we resume rehearsals at 11 am on Sunday, September 11. We have much beautiful music ahead for Fall and Advent!—Jennifer Scoggin

Weekday schedule change—Mass on Monday is now celebrated at 9 am.

Wednesday Bible Study does not meet this week while Adam Urrutia is away at a conference in preparation for the beginning of graduate studies. We thank Adam for sharing his gift and love of teaching with us. The Rector’s Bible Study will resume in the fall.

Monthly Requiem—A Requiem Mass is celebrated each month for the repose of the souls of those from the parish burial register whose “year’s mind” or anniversary of death occurs that month. The Requiem Mass for August will be celebrated this week on Tuesday, August 2, at 7 am in All Saints’ Chapel.

The Transfiguration, August 6, is Major Feast of our Lord. A Low Mass will be celebrated at 11 am in the church. At that time the Society of Mary will meet as well, with the Rosary following the Mass, luncheon, and a program presented by our Pastoral Intern, Adam Urrutia. All are welcome!

The Stanton Center is a School of Theology whose mission is to educate lay leaders and those seeking ordination to the Diaconate in the Diocese of Dallas. Students from all over the Diocese meet monthly for classes on the Cathedral campus. Registration is now open for classes beginning in August: New Testament II (Bishop Stanton teaches this course), Anglican History (Canon Michell), Old Testament Survey (Fr. Marc Dobson), Moral Theology (Fr. Kevin Huddleston) and Historical Theology (Fr. Andrew Van Kirk). These classes and many more are open to anyone interested in an in-depth study opportunity. For more information go to www.episcopalcathedral.org or contact Deacon Nancy Powers at 214-823-8134, ext. 228.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday, August 2nd
Monthly Requiem, 7 am

Thursday, August 4th
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 129 West Wall Street

Saturday, August 6th
The Transfiguration, 11 am, Low Mass (no 9 am Mass)
Society of Mary, Rosary & Luncheon after Mass

Kalendar for the Week of July 24th

2011-07-23T18:20:00.002-05:00

Sunday, July 24th
THE SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 12)

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
10:00 am, Sung Mass
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Monday, July 25th
Saint James the Apostle

9 am, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, July 26th
The Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Wednesday, July 27th
William Reed Huntington, Priest, 1909

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
10:45 am, Bible Study
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Healing Service

Thursday, July 28th

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, July 29th
Mary and Martha of Bethany
Abstinence

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, July 30th
William Wilberforce, 1833

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
Isaiah 55:1-5; Psalm 145:8-9, 15-22; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:13-21

Announcements for the Week of July 24th

2011-07-22T16:24:00.001-05:00

Domenico Fetti (Italian, ca 1589–1623). The Pearl of Great Price, 1621–1622. Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria.

Welcome to Saint Stephen's! We are glad to have you worship with us. If you are visiting please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses and the Christian Education hour.

Christian Education classes are in recess for the summer. However, an informal discussion group continues to meet between masses in the Parish Library for any who would like to join the clergy and fellow parishioners for a cup of coffee and conversation.

The Flowers at the Altar are given to the glory of God by Nadene Dean in loving memory of Raymond Dean, jr, and for the anniversary of their wedding.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are offered to the glory of God by Mike & Connie Mitchusson in memory of Doris Michael and in appreciation for her many years of service to Saint Stephen's.

Flowers donations may be given in memory of a departed loved one or in thanksgiving for some special occasion such as a birthday or wedding anniversary. Available dates for 2011 are posted in the Parish Hall. The suggested donation is $50.00 for the altar, or $25.00 for the shrine.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Stephen & Hilary Thomas.

Coffee Hour hosts are needed! All that is required is coffee, juice, and a bite to eat. Please sign up in the Parish Hall.

Music notes–Jacques Boyvin, composer of both the opening and closing voluntaries, was a French Baroque composer and organist, probably born in Paris where he studied. One of his first jobs was that of organist of the church of Saint-Antoine-des-Quinze-Vingts, Paris, and in 1674 he was appointed titular organist of the Rouen Cathedral. Other jobs included playing the organ of Rouen's Saint Herbland Church and supervising the rebuilding of the giant four-manual Clicquot cathedral organ. Boyvin published two collections of organ works, in 1689 and in 1700, both featuring pieces spanning through all church modes. The books contain 16 suites, no less than 120 individual pieces total. The second book contains a treatise on accompaniment. The pieces are liturgical in nature and exhibit a brilliant style which makes use of forms and discoveries by Nicolas Lebègue and Guillaume-Gabriel Nivers.

Weekday schedule change–Mass on Monday is now celebrated at 9 am.

The Rector's Bible Study meets Wednesday, July 27th, with a study on the book of Jonah led by our Pastoral Intern, Adam Urrutia. The group meets at 10:45 am, following the 10 am Mass. All are welcome!

Healing Service, Wednesday, July 27, at 6:30 pm. This service takes place on the fourth Wednesday of each month as a ministry of the Brotherhood of Saint Stephen's.

Is your pledge up to date? With summer travel and the general frantic pace of life, it can be easy to forget to bring your offerings to church. Please see that your pledge is current. If you are in doubt, don't hesitate to contact the Parish Office. Thank you to all those who continue to support Saint Stephen's so generously.

Choir News–We will be losing our wonderful tenor, Austin Tooley, in August as he goes to New York to pursue graduate studies. If you are a tenor who reads music, Saint Stephen's Parish Choir needs you! Please consider joining the choir for our exciting 2011-2012 season. In fact, we would love for anyone who reads music to join us. Or if you like to sing and reading music isn't your strong suit, there is an opportunity for you to develop your music-reading skills! Please contact Jennifer Scoggin if you would like more information.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wednesday, July 27th
Rector's Bible Study, 10:45 am, Parish Library
Healing Service, 6:30 pm

Thursday, July 28th
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 129 West Wall Street

Kalendar for the Week of July 17th

2011-07-16T18:30:00.002-05:00

Sunday, July 17th
THE FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 11)

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
10:00 am, Sung Mass
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Monday, July 18th

9 am, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, July 19th
Macrina, Monastic & Teacher, 379

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Vestry

Wednesday, July 20th

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
10:45 am, Bible Study
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Thursday, July 21st

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, July 22nd
Saint Mary Magdalene
Abstinence

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, July 23rd
Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
1 Kings 3:5-12; Psalm 119:129-136; Romans 8:26-39; Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52

Announcements for the Week of July 17th

2011-07-15T19:16:00.005-05:00

Elihu Vedder (American, 1836–1923). The Enemy Sowing Tares, 1892. Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn, New York.

Welcome to Saint Stephen's! We are glad to have you worship with us. If you are visiting please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses.

Christian Education classes are in recess for the summer. However, an informal discussion group continues to meet between masses in the Parish Library for any who would like to join the clergy and fellow parishioners for a cup of coffee and conversation.

The Flowers at the Altar are given to the glory of God by Bill and Kay Vessels in thanksgiving for their wedding anniversary.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are offered to the glory of God by Jim Walker in thanksgiving for Carolyn's birthday.

Flowers donations may be given in memory of a departed loved one or in thanksgiving for some special occasion such as a birthday or wedding anniversary. Available dates for 2011 are posted in the Parish Hall. The suggested donation is $50.00 for the altar, or $25.00 for the shrine.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Ed & Pam Colvin.

Coffee Hour hosts are needed! All that is required is coffee, juice, and a bite to eat. Please sign up in the Parish Hall.

Music notes—The communion motet, Panis angelicus, is the penultimate strophe of the hymn Sacris solemniis written by Thomas Aquinas for the Feast of Corpus Christi. It is set to music by Claudio Casciolini, an Italian composer whose compositions include a three-part Missa pro defunctis, an eight-part Zacchee festinans descende, and a Missa brevissima. From 1726 until his death in 1760, Casciolini sang bass at the church of San Lorenzo in Damaso where he may also have been maestro di cappella.

The Rector's Ministry Fund provides for charitable assistance to members of the parish and others in our community as well as other missionary purposes that fall outside the parish budget. Each third Sunday of the month, the undesignated offerings are deposited in the Ministry fund. Your generosity is most appreciated.

Weekday schedule change—Mass on Monday is now celebrated at 9 am.

The Rector’s Bible Study meets Wednesday, July 20th, with a study on the book of Jonah led by our Pastoral Intern, Adam Urrutia. The group meets at 10:45 am, following the 10 am Mass. All are welcome!

Choir News–We will be losing our wonderful tenor, Austin Tooley, in August as he goes to New York to pursue graduate studies. If you are a tenor who reads music, Saint Stephen's Parish Choir needs you! Please consider joining the choir for our exciting 2011–2012 season. In fact, we would love for anyone who reads music to join us. Or if you like to sing and reading music isn't your strong suit, there is an opportunity for you to develop your music-reading skills! Please contact Jennifer Scoggin if you would like more information.

The Stanton Center is a School of Theology whose mission is to educate lay leaders and those seeking ordination to the Diaconate in the Diocese of Dallas. Students from all over the Diocese meet monthly for classes on the Cathedral campus. Registration is now open for classes beginning in August: New Testament II (Bishop Stanton teaches this course), Anglican History (Canon Michell), Old Testament Survey (Fr. Marc Dobson), Moral Theology (Fr. Kevin Huddleston) and Historical Theology (Fr. Andrew Van Kirk). These classes and many more are open to anyone interested in an in-depth study opportunity. For more information go to episcopalcathedral.org or contact Deacon Nancy Powers at 214-823-8134, ext. 228.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday, July 19th
Vestry, 6:30 pm

Wednesday, July 20th
Rector's Bible Study, 10:45 am, Parish Library

Thursday, July 21st
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 129 West Wall Street

Kalendar for the Week of July 10th

2011-07-09T18:17:00.001-05:00

Sunday, July 10th
THE FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 10)

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
10:00 am, Sung Mass
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Monday, July 11th
Benedict of Nursia, Abbot of Monte Cassino, c. 540

9 am, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, July 12th

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Wednesday, July 13th

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
10:45 am, Bible Study
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Thursday, July 14th
Bonaventure, Bishop & Doctor, 1274

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, July 15th
Abstinence

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, July 16th
Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
Wisdom 12:13, 16-19; Psalm 86:11-17; Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

Announcements for the Week of July 10th

2011-07-08T15:14:00.007-05:00

Jean-François Millet (French, 1814–1875). The Sower, 1850. Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Welcome to Saint Stephen's! We are glad to have you worship with us. If you are visiting please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses.

Christian Education classes are in recess for the summer. However, an informal discussion group continues to meet between masses in the Parish Library for any who would like to join the clergy and fellow parishioners for a cup of coffee and conversation.

The Flowers at the Altar are given to the glory of God by Lary & Shelly Kuehn in thanksgiving for the birthdays of Scott and Julie and for their many blessings.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are given to the glory of God by Helen Perkins in thanksgiving for her birthday, her family, and her many blessings.

Flowers donations may be given in memory of a departed loved one or in thanksgiving for some special occasion such as a birthday or wedding anniversary. Available dates for 2011 are posted in the Parish Hall. The suggested donation is $50.00 for the altar, or $25.00 for the shrine.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Chuck & Faye Precopia.

Coffee Hour hosts are needed! All that is required is coffee, juice, and a bite to eat. Please sign up in the Parish Hall.

Music Notes—The composer of today’s anthem, Bob Burroughs, was Choir Director Jennifer Scoggin’s minster of music during her college years at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene and also served as her mentor for many years, being the first to encourage her to compose church choral music. Burroughs, who was born in Tazewell, Virginia, in 1937, has hundreds of choral works in print. He has served as a minister of music in a number of churches and has been a professor and composer-in-residence at several universities. The words for today’s anthem were written by Henry Collins (1827–1919), a little-known hymnist of the Anglican tradition who was associated with the Oxford movement. As did a number involved in that movement, he became a Roman Catholic, and later became a Cistercian monk. His bent toward the contemplative life is evident in today’s text.

Weekday schedule change—Mass will be celebrated at 9 am on Mondays beginning this Monday, July 11.

The Rector’s Bible Study meets Wednesday, July 13th, with a study on the book of Jonah led by our Pastoral Intern, Adam Urrutia. The group meets at 10:45 am, following the 10 am Mass. All are welcome!

Choir News—We will be losing our wonderful tenor, Austin Tooley, in August as he goes to New York to pursue graduate studies. If you are a tenor who reads music, Saint Stephen's Parish Choir needs you! Please consider joining the choir for our exciting 2011–2012 season. In fact, we would love for anyone who reads music to join us. Please contact Jennifer Scoggin if you would like more information.

About Friday abstinence . . . Fridays throughout the year, except for Fridays in the Christmas and Easter seasons, and any Feasts of our Lord which occur on a Friday, are to be marked by special acts of discipline and self-denial, in commemoration of the Lord's crucifixion (Book of Common Prayer, p. 17). For Episcopalians and others in the Catholic tradition, this has meant abstinence from meat on Fridays. This simple custom has been a part of the fabric of Christian community for many centuries and serves to remind us weekly of the sacrifice of Christ.

Is Your Pledge Up To Date? With summer travel and the general frantic pace of life, it can be easy to forget to bring your offerings to church. Please see that your pledge is current. If you are in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact the Parish Office. Thank you to all those who continue to support Saint Stephen’s so generously.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wednesday, July 13th
Rector's Bible Study, 10:45 am, Parish Library

Thursday, July 14th
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's, 129 West Wall Street

Kalendar for the Week of July 3rd

2011-07-02T18:53:00.002-05:00

Sunday, July 3rd
THE THIRD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 9)

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
10:00 am, Sung Mass

11:00 am, Daughters of the King
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Monday, July 4th
Independence Day
Parish Office closed

9 am, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, July 5th

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Requiem Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Wednesday, July 6th

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
10:45 am, Bible Study
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Thursday, July 7th

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, July 8th
Abstinence

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, July 9th
Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of the Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions
6:00 pm, Youth Group lock in

Next Sunday's Readings:
Isaiah 55:10-13; Psalm 65:9-14; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Announcements for the Week of July 3rd

2011-07-01T17:46:00.006-05:00

Carl Heinrich Bloch (Danish, 1834–1890). Come Unto Me, 1884. Altar piece, Sofia Albertina Church, Landskrona, Sweden.

Welcome to Saint Stephen's! We are glad to have you worship with us. If you are visiting please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses.

Christian Education classes are in recess for the summer. However, an informal discussion group continues to meet between masses in the Parish Library for any who would like to join the clergy and fellow parishioners for a cup of coffee and conversation.

The Flowers at the Altar are given to the glory of God by Nadene Dean in loving memory of Raymond Dean, jr, on his birthday.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are offered to the glory of God with funds from the Flower Guild.

Flower donations may be given in memory of a departed loved one or in thanksgiving for some special occasion such as a birthday or wedding anniversary. Available dates for 2011 are posted in the Parish Hall. The suggested donation is $50.00 for the altar, or $25.00 for the shrine.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Nadene Dean.

Coffee Hour hosts are needed! All that is required is coffee, juice, and a bite to eat. Please sign up in the Parish Hall.

Music notes—Gerald Near, the composer of today’s offertory anthem, is an alumnus of the University of Michigan and has an extensive catalog of well-crafted choral and organ music. His early experience as choirmaster at Calvary Episcopal Church, an Anglo-Catholic parish in Rochester, Minnesota, afforded him the opportunity to hone his craftsmanship for the special choral requirements for that unique community of worshippers. Later, he was appointed Director of Music and Organist of Saint Matthew’s Cathedral, Dallas, before becoming composer-in-residence at the Cathedral of Saint John, Denver, Colorado, and then a freelance composer and Choral Director and Cantor at Holy Faith Episcopal Church, Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The Parish Office will be closed Monday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day, a Federal Holiday. The Mass of the day will be celebrated at 9 am.

The Rector’s Bible Study meets Wednesday, July 6th, with a study on the book of Jonah led by our Pastoral Intern, Adam Urrutia. The group meets at 10:45 am, following the 10 am Mass. All are welcome!

Youth Group lock in, Saturday, July 9, beginning at 6 pm. Bring a pillow, a blanket or sleeping bag, a snack, and a friend! For more information, contact Josh Muchnikoff at (214) 205-5530.

Choir News—We will be losing our wonderful tenor, Austin Tooley, in August as he goes to New York to pursue graduate studies. If you are a tenor who reads music, Saint Stephen's Parish Choir needs you! Please consider joining the choir for our exciting 2011–2012 season. In fact, we would love for anyone who reads music to join us. Please contact Jennifer Scoggin if you would like more information.

The Stanton Center is a School of Theology whose mission is to educate lay leaders and those seeking ordination to the Diaconate in the Diocese of Dallas. Students from all over the Diocese meet monthly for classes on the Cathedral campus. Registration is now open for classes beginning in August: New Testament II (Bishop Stanton teaches this course), Anglican History (Canon Michell), Old Testament Survey (Fr. Marc Dobson), Moral Theology (Fr. Kevin Huddleston) and Historical Theology (Fr. Andrew Van Kirk). These classes and many more are open to anyone interested in an in-depth study opportunity. For more information go to www.episcopalcathedral.org or contact Deacon Nancy Powers at (214) 823-8134, ext. 228.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, July 3rd
DOK, Parish Library

Tuesday, July 5th
Monthly Requiem, 7 am

Wednesday, July 6th
Rector's Bible Study, 10:45 am, Parish Library

Saturday, July 9th
EYC lock in, 6 pm

Rector's Message for July & August

2011-07-01T07:21:00.002-05:00

A description of the persecutions in the first centuries includes the following exchange between a Roman official and a Christian:

“Did you, contrary to the orders of the emperor, arrange for these persons to hold an assembly?”
“Certainly. We celebrated the Eucharist.”
“Why?”
“Because the Eucharist cannot be abandoned. As if a Christian could exist without the Eucharist, or the Eucharist without a Christian! We celebrated our assembly right gloriously!”

Occasionally one will hear the Episcopal Church described as “Catholic Lite.” One of our good qualities is not taking ourselves too seriously, and such a statement is not without its charm. However, while we ought not to take ourselves too seriously, we must take God very seriously indeed. The early Christian did. They thought so much of God, and so little of themselves, that they would rather risk their lives than be absent from the Sunday Eucharist.

At Baptism and Confirmation we are asked, “Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?” And we answer, “I will, with God’s help.” To keep the Church’s precept of Sunday worship is a solemn obligation that every Christian undertakes freely. Far from being “Catholic Lite,” the Anglican tradition at its best is the Catholic faith in its fullness. It is a faith for grownups. There is a level of mature responsibility expected of each of us. No one takes attendance on Sundays. The clergy will not pester anyone. It is up to each of us to live up to our promises by being present for the celebration of the Eucharist every Sunday, and placing that obligation ahead of other considerations.

“As if a Christian could exist without the Eucharist, or the Eucharist without a Christian! “ To be absent from worship on the Lord’s Day without serious cause diminishes the Christian and diminishes the Church. I pray that as we move into summer we will continue faithful in prayer and worship wherever we may be.

Kalendar for the Week of June 26th

2011-06-25T18:45:00.005-05:00

Sunday, June 26th
THE SECOND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST (Proper 8)

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
10:00 am, Sung Mass
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Monday, June 27th
Cyril, Bishop of Alexandria, 444

12:15 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, June 28th
Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, c. 202

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Wednesday, June 29th
Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Apostles

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
10:45 am, Bible Study
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Brotherhood Fish Fry

Thursday, June 30th
Protomartyrs of the Church of Rome, 1st c.

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, July 1st
The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, June 18th
The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of the Third Sunday after Pentecost
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
Zechariah 9:9-12; Psalm 145:8-15; Romans 7:15-25a; Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30

Announcements for the Week of June 26th

2011-06-24T16:20:00.006-05:00

The Twelve Apostles. Illustration from a 17th c. Ethiopian Bible. The British Library.

Welcome to Saint Stephen's! We are glad to have you worship with us. If you are visiting please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses.

Christian Education classes are in recess for the summer. However, an informal discussion group continues to meet between masses in the Parish Library for any who would like to join the clergy and fellow parishioners for a cup of coffee and conversation.

The Flowers at the Altar are given to the glory of God by Mike & Connie Mitchusson in thanksgiving for their daughter, Megan, on her birthday.
The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are offered to the glory of God with funds from the Flower Guild.

Flowers donations may be given in memory of a departed loved one or in thanksgiving for some special occasion such as a birthday or wedding anniversary. Available dates for 2011 are posted in the Parish Hall. The suggested donation is $50.00 for the altar, or $25.00 for the shrine.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Hilary & Stephen Thomas.

Coffee Hour hosts are needed! All that is required is coffee, juice, and a bite to eat. Please sign up in the Parish Hall.

Rite II will be used beginning this Sunday for the 10 am Mass on Sundays and other Sung Masses during the season after Pentecost. The Mass setting will be the Saint Stephen Mass composed by our own Jennifer Scoggin.

The Rector’s Bible Study meets Wednesday, June 29, with a study on the book of Jonah led by our Pastoral Intern, Adam Urrutia. The group meets at 10:45 am, following the 10 am Mass. All are welcome!

The Annual Saint Peter's Fish Fry hosted by the Brotherhood of Saint Stephen's takes place Wednesday, June 29, at 6:30 pm in the Parish Hall. Gentlemen of the Parish and their guests are welcome to attend.

The Parish Office will be closed next Monday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day, a Federal Holiday. The Mass of the day will be celebrated at 9 am.

The Stanton Center is a School of Theology whose mission is to educate lay leaders and those seeking ordination to the Diaconate in the Diocese of Dallas. Students from all over the Diocese meet monthly for classes on the Cathedral campus. Registration is now open for classes beginning in August: New Testament II (Bishop Stanton teaches this course), Anglican History (Canon Michell), Old Testament Survey (Fr. Marc Dobson), Moral Theology (Fr. Kevin Huddleston) and Historical Theology (Fr. Andrew Van Kirk). These classes and many more are open to anyone interested in an in-depth study opportunity. For more information go to www.episcopalcathedral.org or contact Deacon Nancy Powers at 214.823.8134, ext. 228.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wednesday, June 29th
Rector's Bible Study, 10:45 am, Parish Library
Brotherhood Fish Fry, 6:30 pm, Parish Hall

Thursday, June 30th
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's Restaurant, 129 W. Wall Street

Kalendar for the Week of June 19th

2011-06-18T18:22:00.006-05:00

Sunday, June 19th
THE FIRST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST:
TRINITY SUNDAY

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
10:00 am, Procession & Sung Mass
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Monday, June 20th

12:15 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, June 21st

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Wednesday, June 22nd
Alban, First Martyr of Britain, c. 304

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
10:45 am, Bible Study

Eve of Corpus Christi
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Healing Service

Thursday, June 23rd
CORPUS CHRISTI

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
7:00 pm, Sung Mass, Procession of the

Blessed Sacrament & Benediction

Reception afterward in the Garth
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, June 24th
The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Low Mass

Saturday, June 18th
Commemoration of the Blessed Virgin Mary

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of the Second Sunday after Pentecost
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
Jeremiah 28:5-9; Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:40-42

Announcments for the Week of June 19th

2011-06-16T21:25:00.009-05:00

Lucas Cranach the Elder (German, 1472–1553). The Trinity, undated. Museum der Bildenden Künste, Leipzig, Germany

Welcome to Saint Stephen's! We are glad to have you worship with us. If you are visiting please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses.

Christian Education classes are in recess for the summer. However, an informal discussion group continues to meet between masses in the Parish Library for any who would like to join the clergy and fellow parishioners for a cup of coffee and conversation.

Trinity Sunday is one of the few Christian feasts to celebrate an idea rather than an event. Trinity Sunday is one of the seven Principal Feasts of the Church Year (Book of Common Prayer, p. 15). The celebration of Trinity Sunday was approved for the western church by Pope John XXII in 1334. This feast is associated with Thomas Becket (c. 1118–1170), who was consecrated bishop on Trinity Sunday, 1162. His martyrdom may have influenced the popularity of the feast in England. The Sarum Missal and editions of the Book of Common Prayer through 1928 named the Sundays in the latter part of the Church Year “Sundays after Trinity.” The present Prayer Book reverts to earlier practice in identifying this and the Sundays that follow as “Sundays after Pentecost.”

The Rector's Ministry Fund provides for charitable assistance to members of the parish and others in our community as well as other missionary purposes that fall outside the parish budget. Each third Sunday of the month, the undesignated offerings are deposited in the Ministry fund. Your generosity is most appreciated.

The Flowers at the Altar are given to the glory of God by Davida Hopkins-George in loving memory of her father, MSgt David J Hopkins and in thanksgiving for all fathers.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are offered to the glory of God by Jerry & Deb Montgomery in thanksgiving for their wedding anniversary.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Pam & Ed Colvin.

The Rector’s Bible Study meets Wednesday, June 22, with a study on the book of Jonah led by our Pastoral Intern, Adam Urrutia. The group meets at 10:45 am, following the 10 am Mass. All are welcome!

Great Days of Service, June 22–25, is an opportunity to extend a helping hand by volunteering your time and talent. Projects include Sherman Goes Green, Home Improvement, Meals on Wheels, Nursing Home Visitation, Care Packages, Reading Program, Public Servant Meal, Food Drive, Baby Blankets and Gowns, Friends of Hope Camp, Grand Central Station, and Sherman Night Out. For more information go to www.greatdaysofservice.com. Registration forms are available in the Parish Hall.

The Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, June 24, is a Feast of our Lord (see Book of Common Prayer, page 16). An additional Low Mass will be celebrated this Friday in All Saints’ Chapel at 6:30 pm following Evening Prayer.

Celebrate Freedom is an all day free Christian concert featuring Switchfoot and many more this year! All kids are welcome but if they are under 6th grade a parent is required to accompany them. While entrance is free, it is suggested that each kid brings $10-$20 for drinks, food, and merchandise. Water is $2, Drinks $3. This will be a great and fun all day event. We will be getting back approximately 11 pm. Kids are welcome to bring chairs, blankets etc. and are expected to dress appropriately. Friends are encouraged to attend! Please contact Josh Muchnikoff at 214-205-5530 or jmuchnikoff@austincollege.edu or on facebook if you have any questions or concerns. More information may be found here.

Rite II will be used beginning next Sunday for the 10 am Mass on Sundays and other Sung Masses for the Season after Pentecost.. The Mass setting will be the Saint Stephen Mass composed by our own Jennifer Scoggin.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday, June 21st
Vestry, 6:30 pm

Wednesday, June 22nd
Healing Service, 6:30 pm

Thursday, June 23rd
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's Restaurant, 129 W. Wall Street
Corpus Christi, Sung Mass, Procession & Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament, 7 pm; reception afterward in the Garth

Friday, June 24th
Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, 6:30 pm, Low Mass, All Saints' Chapel

Saturday, June 25th
Celebrate Freedom, Southfork Ranch, Richardson; carpool from Saint Stephen's at 11:30 am.

Kalendar for the Week of June 12th

2011-06-11T18:33:00.006-05:00

Sunday, June 12th
THE DAY OF PENTECOST: WHITSUNDAY

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
10:00 am, Procession & Sung Mass
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Monday, June 13th
Anthony of Padua, Priest & Doctor, 1231

12:15 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, June 14th
Basil the Great, Bishop of Caesarea, 379

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Wednesday, June 15th
Ember Day

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Requiem Mass
10:45 am, Bible Study
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Ladies' Night Out

Thursday, June 16th
Joseph Butler, Bishop of Durham, 1752

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, June 17th
Ember Day

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, June 18th
Bernard Mizeki, Catechist and Martyr in Rhodesia, 1896
Ember Day

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of Trinity Sunday
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
Genesis 1:1-2:4a; Psalm 8; 2 Corinthians 13:11-13; Matthew 28:16-20

Announcements for the Week of June 12th

2011-06-10T07:21:00.002-05:00

István Dorffmaister (Hungarian, ca 1729–1797). Pentecost, 1782. Hungarian National Gallery, Budapest.

Alleluia! Christ is risen! Welcome to Saint Stephen's. We are glad to have you worship with us today. If you are visiting please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses.

Christian Education classes are in recess for the summer. However, an informal discussion group continues to meet between masses in the Parish Library for any who would like to join the clergy and fellow parishioners for a cup of coffee and some conversation.

The Flowers at the Altar are given to the glory of God by Mib Garrard in thanksgiving for the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and his continuing presence in our lives, and in loving memory of Fr James Garrard who died on Pentecost 15 years ago.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are offered to the glory of God by Shelly & Chris Morgan in thanksgiving for their daughter Emalee on her birthday.

The Flowers at the Paschal Candle are offered to the glory of God with funds from the Flower Guild.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Frances Neidhartdt.

The Rector’s Bible Study resumes this Wednesday, June 15, with a study on the book of Jonah led by our Pastoral Intern, Adam Urrutia. The series will begin with a helpful introduction to some principles of biblical interpretation. The group meets at 10:45 am, following the 10 am Mass. All are welcome!

Ladies' Night Out meets this Wednesday, June 15, at 6:30 pm in the home of Pam and Ed Colvin with the dinner co-hosted by Elizabeth Bennett. All ladies of the parish and their guests are welcome to attend. A sign up sheet is located in the parish Hall.

Looking ahead . . . The Season after Pentecost, also called “ordinary time,” begins this week. Trinity Sunday is next Sunday, June 19. Corpus Christi is the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, June 23. Mass with Procession & Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament will be celebrated at 7 pm. The Very Rev’d Donald Perschall, Rector of Saint Luke’s, Denison, will be our guest preacher. A reception follows in the Garth.

About Friday abstinence . . . Fridays throughout the year, except for Fridays in the Christmas and Easter seasons, and any Feasts of our Lord which occur on a Friday, are to be marked by special acts of discipline and self-denial, in commemoration of the Lord's crucifixion (Book of Common Prayer, p. 17). For Episcopalians and others in the Catholic tradition, this has meant abstinence from meat on Fridays. This simple custom has been a part of the fabric of Christian community for many centuries and serves to remind us weekly of the sacrifice of Christ.

Great Days of Service, June 22–25, is an opportunity to extend a helping hand by volunteering your time and talent. Projects include Sherman Goes Green, Home Improvement, Meals on Wheels, Nursing Home Visitation, Care Packages, Reading Program, Public Servant Meal, Food Drive, Baby Blankets and Gowns, Friends of Hope Camp, Grand Central Station, and Sherman Night Out. For more information go to www.greatdaysofservice.com. Registration forms are available in the Parish Hall.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wednesday, June 15th

Monthly Requiem, 10 am, All Saints’ Chapel
Ladies' Night Out, 6:30 pm, home of Pam & Ed Colvin

Thursday, June 16th

Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's Restaurant, 129 W. Wall Street

Kalendar for the Week of June 5th

2011-06-04T18:17:00.003-05:00

Sunday, June 5th
THE SEVENTH SUNDAY OF EASTER:

THE SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION DAY

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
10:00 am, Sung Mass
11:00 am, Daughters of the King
5:00 pm, Saint Michael's Conference begins at Camp Crucis (through Saturday)

Monday, June 6th
Easter Weekday

7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, June 7th
Easter Weekday

Wednesday, June 8th
Easter Weekday

Thursday, June 9th
Columba, Abbot of Iona, 597

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
5:30 pm, Rosary
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, June 10th
Ephrem of Edessa, Syria, Deacon, 373

Saturday, June 11th
Saint Barnabas the Apostle

Eve of Pentecost
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
Acts 2:1-21; Psalm 104:25-35, 37; 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13; John 20:19-23

Announcements for the Week of June

2011-06-03T09:05:00.008-05:00

Lorenzo Lotto (Italian, ca 1480–1556). Christ in Glory with Symbols of the Passion, 1543.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are offered to the glory of God by Carla Self & Joseph Nedley.

The Flowers at the Paschal Candle are offered to the glory of God with funds from the Flower Guild.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Sue & Jerry Fillebrown.

The Order of the Daughters of the King meets today for study and prayer in the Parish Library following the 10 am Mass. Membership in the DOK is open to all women of the parish

Flowers donations may be given in memory of a departed loved one or in thanksgiving for some special occasion such as a birthday or wedding anniversary. Available dates for 2011 are posted in the Parish Hall. The suggested donation is $50.00 for the altar, or $25.00 for the shrine.

While Fr Yost is away at the Saint Michael's Conference, June 5–11, weekday Masses and Daily Offices are cancelled. The Rosary will be recited Thursday at 5:30 pm. This will be the only weekday service.

The Rector’s Bible Study will resume next Wednesday, June 15, with a study on the book of Jonah led by our Pastoral Intern, Adam Urrutia. The series will begin with a helpful introduction to some principles of biblical interpretation. The group meets at 10:45 am, following the 10 am Mass. All are welcome!

Men's Breakfast & Spiritual Growth Group meets for Bible study each Thursday morning at 6:30 am at Lupe's Restaurant, 129 W. Wall Street. The study focuses on the readings for the upcoming Sunday using three questions: What phrase or idea catches your attention? How does the phrase or idea touch your life? How do I believe God wants me to react to this? Come and go as your schedule requires. For more information, please contact Jerry Fillebrown.

Looking ahead . . . The Day of Pentecost is next Sunday, June 12. Wear something red to church! Trinity Sunday is June 19. This begins the season after Pentecost, also called “ordinary time.” Corpus Christi is the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, June 23. Mass with Procession & Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament will be celebrated at 7 pm. The Very Rev’d Donald Perschall, Rector of Saint Luke’s, Denison, will be our guest preacher. A reception follows in the Garth.

Great Days of Service, June 22-25, is an opportunity to extend a helping hand by volunteering your time and talent. Projects include Sherman Goes Green, Home Improvement, Meals on Wheels, Nursing Home Visitation, Care Packages, Reading Program, Public Servant Meal, Food Drive, Baby Blankets and Gowns, Friends of Hope Camp, Grand Central Station, and Sherman Night Out. For more information go to www.greatdaysofservice.com. Registration forms are available in the Parish Hall.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, June 5th
DOK, 11 am, Parish Library
Saint Michael's Youth Conference Southwest begins at Camp Crucis (through Saturday)

Thursday, June 9th
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's Restaurant, 129 W. Wall Street

Rector's Message for June

2011-06-01T08:12:00.001-05:00

June is a busy month! So often in June, with Memorial Day past and the beginning of summer, things slow down somewhat. But with the very late date this year of Easter, this month brings with it some of the most important feasts of the whole year—Ascension Day, Pentecost, Trinity Sunday, and Corpus Christi. These feasts “crown the year” as the summation of all that has gone before, drawing together the whole drama of salvation that has been spread before us beginning with the First Sunday of Advent.

“You crown the year with your goodness.” The verse comes from Psalm 65, which happened to come up in the Daily Office as I began to think about this month’s message. Psalm 65 is a “harvest psalm,” a joyous hymn brimming with the abundance of God’s provision. God’s goodness is seen not only in the beauty and bounty of creation; it extends, more importantly, to the spiritual provision of redemption in Christ, which we enter into and apprehend through the celebration of the mysteries of salvation in the feasts and fasts of the Church year.

We welcome Adam Urrutia to our parish family this summer. He is here for ten weeks for an internship as part of the M.Div. program at Duke Divinity School. With his help, the Wednesday morning Bible study will continue into the summer; and, although Sunday School is in recess, occasional discussion topics will be offered on Sunday in the library between Masses. Please welcome Adam warmly and remember him in your prayers.

I shall be away the week of June 5 for the Saint Michael’s Conference with several of our young people. There will be no weekday services during that time. Please note that Great Days of Service is June 22-25. I pray that God will bless you richly as you reap the harvest of his love through service, study, and worship.

Kalendar for the Week of May 29th

2011-05-28T18:24:00.004-05:00

Sunday, May 29th
THE SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
10:00 am, Sung Mass & Rogation Procession
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer

5:00 pm, Youth Group Pool Party

Monday, May 30th
Easter Weekday
Memorial Day—Parish Office closed

9:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of the Visitation
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, May 31st
The Visitation of the Virgin Mary

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Low Mass

Wednesday, June 1st
Justin, Martyr at Rome, c. 167

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
10:45 am, Rector's Study Group

Eve of the Ascension
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Thursday, June 2nd
ASCENSION DAY

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
7:00 pm, Procession & Sung Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, June 3rd
The Martyrs of Uganda, 1886

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, June 4th
Easter Weekday

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of the Seventh Sunday of Easter
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
Acts 1:6-14; Psalm 47; 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11; John 17:1-11

Announcements for the Week of May 29th

2011-05-27T16:30:00.008-05:00

Anonymous German Master. Altarpiece with the Mercy Seat. 1260–1270. Staatliche Museen, Berlin.

Alleluia! Christ is risen! Welcome to Saint Stephen's. We are glad to have you worship with us. If you are visiting please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses.

This Sunday we welcome Adam Urrutia, our summer pastoral intern. Adam will be with us for ten weeks as part of the Field Education requirement for his M.Div. degree from Duke Divinity School. During his time with us, Adam will gain experience in all aspects of ministry, including worship, teaching, and pastoral care. Please extend Adam a warm welcome and remember him in your prayers as he begins this time as a part of our parish family.

Christian Education classes are in recess for the summer. However, an informal discussion group continues to meet between masses in the Parish Library for any who would like to join the clergy and fellow parishioners for a cup of coffee and some conversation.

The Flowers at the Altar are given to the glory of God by Frances Neidhardt in memory of Richard "Dick" Neidhardt.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary & the Paschal Candle are offered to the glory of God with funds from the Flower Guild.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by the Daughters of the King.

"Rogation-tide" refers to the days immediately preceding Ascension Day. The name comes from the Latin verb rogare, "to ask," and the Rogation Days are associated with the blessing of fields as they begin to spout after planting. In England the parish priest would "beat the bounds," processing around the boundaries of the parish reciting psalms and the Litany. Today we will have a Rogation procession following the 10 am Mass to bless the grounds and newly-planted gardens of Saint Stephen's.

Youth Group meet for a pool party at the home of Kay & Bill Vessels, 75 Panorama, Pottsboro, Texas at 5:00 pm. Younger children are welcome provided they are accompanied by a parent. Anyone wishing to car-pool may meet at the church at 4:30 pm.

The Parish Office will be closed Monday, May 31, for Memorial Day, a Federal Holiday. Mass will be celebrated at 9 am.

The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, May 31, is a Feast of our Lord. An additional Low Mass will be celebrated this Tuesday in All Saints’ Chapel at 6:30 pm following Evening Prayer.

The Rector’s Study Group meets Wednesday, June 1, at 10:45 am, following the 10 am Mass. We finish our discussion Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis.

Pentecost Novena—the days between the Ascension of our Lord and the Day of Pentecost marked the very first novena, a nine-day period of prayer. That first novena was kept at the express command of the Risen Christ by the Apostles with the Blessed Virgin Mary and the other disciples in the Upper Room after the Lord’s Ascension until Pentecost as they awaited the promised gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:12-14). A form for a Novena to the Holy Ghost from the Saint Augustine’s Prayer Book may be found at the back of the church and in the tract rack in the Parish Hall, or online here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, May 29th
Rogation-tide Procession, following the 10 am Mass
Youth Group Pool Party, home of Kay & Bill Vessels, 5 pm

Tuesday, May 31st
Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 6:30 pm, Low Mass, All Saints' Chapel

Wednesday, June 1st
Rector's Study Group, 10:45 am, Parish Library

Thursday, June 2nd
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's Restaurant, 129 W. Wall Street
Ascension Day, 10 am, Low Mass; 7 pm, Procession & Sung Mass

Kalendar for the Week of May 22nd

2011-05-21T18:18:00.000-05:00

Sunday, May 22nd
THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
10:00 am, Sung Mass
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Monday, May 23rd
Easter Weekday

12:15 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, May 24th
Jackson Kemper, First Missionary Bishop in the United States, 1870

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Wednesday, May 25th
Bede, the Venerable, Priest, and Monk of Jarrow, 735

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
10:45 am, Rector's Study Group
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Healing Service

Thursday, May 26th
Philip Neri, Priest, 1595

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, May 27th
Augustine, First Archbishop of Canterbury, 605

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, May 28th
Easter Weekday

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of the Sixth Sunday of Easter
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
Acts 17:22-31; Psalm 66:7-18; 1 Peter 3:13-22; John 14:15-21

Announcements for the Week of May 22nd

2011-05-20T15:59:00.007-05:00

Michael Pacher. The Stoning of Saint Stephen (detail of The Altarpiece of Saint Stephen). 1470. Musee d'Art et d'Archeologie, Moulins, France.

Alleluia! Christ is risen! Welcome to Saint Stephen's. We are glad to have you worship with us today. If you are visiting please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses and the Christian Education hour.

Christian Education for all ages is offered each Sunday at 9 am. Classes for the youth meet in the Garrard Education Wing. The adult class meets with Fr Yost in the Virginia Love Library where they continue the topic Mary, Virgin & Mother.

This is the the last week for Sunday School. Thanks to all those who helped teach this year: Penelope Fields, Josh Muchnikoff, John Donor, Patricia Gispanski, Stephen Thomas, and Kristi Neal.

The Flowers on the Altar are given to the glory of God by Leon & Elizabeth Bennett

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary & the Paschal Candle are offered to the glory of God by with funds from the Flower Guild.

Flowers at the Paschal Candle are available for donation as a memorial or thanksgiving during the Easter Season. The recommended gift is $25.00. In addition, there are dates available for flowers throughout the year at the Altar and at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Please contact the Parish Office for more information.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Elizabeth Bennett.

Youth Group does not meet this week. Next Sunday there will be a pool party at the home of Kay & Bill Vessels. Younger children are welcome provided they are accompanied by a parent.

The Rector’s Study Group meets Wednesday, May 25, at 10:45 am, following the 10 am Mass. We continue discussion of our Lenten selection, Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. All are welcome!

Healing Service, Wednesday, May 25, at 6:30 pm. This service takes place on the fourth Wednesday of each month as a ministry of the Brotherhood of Saint Stephen's.

The Men's Breakfast & Spiritual Growth Group meets for Bible study each Thursday morning at 6:30 am at Lupe's Restaurant, 129 W. Wall Street. The study focuses on the readings for the upcoming Sunday using three questions: What phrase or idea catches your attention? How does the phrase or idea touch your life? How do I believe God wants me to react to this? Come and go as your schedule requires. For more information, please contact Jerry Fillebrown.

Summer Pastoral Intern—Adam Urrutia, a student from Duke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina, will be with us for a ten-week period beginning May 29 as part of the Field Education requirement for his M.Div. degree. Adam is a native of Gainesville and attended Baylor University as an undergraduate. During his time with us, Adam will gain experience in all aspects of ministry, including worship, teaching, and pastoral care. Please remember Adam in your prayers as we prepare to welcome him into our parish family.

“Rogation-tide” refers to the days immediately preceding Ascension Day. The name comes from the Latin verb rogare, “to ask,” and the Rogation Days are associated with the blessing of fields as they begin to sprout after planting. In England the parish priest would "beat the bounds," processing around the boundaries of the parish reciting psalms and the Litany. Next Sunday we shall have a Rogation procession following the 10 am Mass to bless the grounds and newly-planted gardens of Saint Stephen's.

The Saint Michael's Conference is a week-long youth conference where an intentional community of prayer, support, and education helps to form young Christians to be witnesses to the world of the saving power of Jesus Christ. Young people ages 12-19 are invited to take part. The next conference will be held beginning June 5 at Camp Crucis, about 35 miles southwest of Fort Worth. If you have a child, grandchild, or godchild 12-19 years old, please go to www.stmichaelsw.org or speak to Fr Yost for more information. Scholarships are available.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Wednesday, May 25th
Rector's Study Group, 10:45 am, Parish Library
Healing Service, 6:30 pm

Thursday, May 26th
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's Restaurant, 129 W. Wall Street

Sunday, May 29th
Rogation-tide Procession, following the 10 am Mass
Youth Group Pool Party, home of Kay & Bill Vessels

Kalendar for the Week of May 15th

2011-05-14T18:38:00.006-05:00

Sunday, May 15th
THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
10:00 am, Sung Mass
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Monday, May 16th
Easter Weekday

12:15 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, May 17th
Easter Weekday

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass
12:15 pm, SOS
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Vestry

Wednesday, May 18th
Easter Weekday

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
10:45 am, Rector's Study Group
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Ladies' Night Out

Thursday, May 19th
Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury, 988

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, May 20th
Alcuin, Deacon, and Abbot of Tours, 804

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, May 21st
Easter Weekday

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of the Fifth Sunday of Easter
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15–5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
Acts 7:55-60; 1 Peter 2:2-10; John 14:1-14; Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16

Announcements for the Week of May 15th

2011-05-13T16:22:00.004-05:00

Studio of J. Le Breton. Christ the Good Shepherd. 1933. Amiens Cathedral, France.

Alleluia! Christ is risen! Welcome to Saint Stephen's. We are glad to have you worship with us. If you are visiting please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses and the Christian Education hour.

Christian Education for all ages is offered each Sunday at 9 am. Classes for the youth meet in the Garrard Education Wing. The adult class meets with Fr Yost in the Virginia Love Library where they continue the topic Mary, Virgin & Mother.

The Flowers on the Altar are given to the glory of God by Ed & Pam Colvin in loving memory of Sylvia Gailey.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are given to the glory of God by Pam Colvin in thanksgiving for Ed's birthday.

The Flowers at the Paschal Candle are given to the glory of God by George Ray & Linda Adair in thanksgiving for their granddaughter, Josi on her induction into the National Honor Society and for their grandson, Jeff on his acceptance to the graduate program at the University of Kansas.

Flowers at the Paschal Candle are be available for donation as a memorial or thanksgiving during the Easter Season. The recommended gift is $25.00. In addition, there are dates available for flowers throughout the year at the Altar and at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Please contact the Parish Office for more information.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Pam & Ed Colvin.

The Minor Propers are texts, usually drawn from Scripture, that are said or sung at specific points in the liturgy—the Introit at the beginning; the Alleluia Verse before the Gospel (doubled in Eastertide); the Offertory Antiphon, and the Communion Antiphon. The Prayer Book provides that "a hymn, psalm, or anthem may be sung" at various points in the liturgy, allowing for the use of these traditional texts. The Minor Propers enrich the celebration of Mass by echoing and developing the day's principal themes and images found in the Collect and Lessons.

The Rector’s Study Group meets Wednesday, May 18, at 10:45 am, following the 10 am Mass. We will continue discussion of our Lenten selection, Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. All are welcome!

Ladies' Night Out meets Wednesday, May 18, at 6:30 pm for a Pot Luck Salad supper. All ladies of the parish are invited to attend. Bring a friend!

The Institution of the Very Rev’d Donald Perschall as Rector of Saint Luke’s, Denison, takes place Wednesday, May 18, at 7 pm. All are welcome to attend.

Summer Pastoral Intern—Adam Urrutia, a student from Duke Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina, will be with us for a ten-week period beginning May 29 as part of the Field Education requirement for his M.Div. degree. Adam is a native of Gainesville and attended Baylor University as an undergraduate. During his time with us, Adam will gain experience in all aspects of ministry, including worship, teaching, and pastoral care. Please remember Adam in your prayers as we prepare to welcome him into our parish family.

The Saint Michael's Conference is a week-long youth conference where an intentional community of prayer, support, and education helps to form young Christians to be witnesses to the world of the saving power of Jesus Christ. Young people ages 12-19 are invited to take part. The next conference will be held beginning June 5 at Camp Crucis, about 35 miles southwest of Fort Worth. If you have a child, grandchild, or godchild 12-19 years old, please go to www.stmichaelsw.org or speak to Fr Yost for more information. Scholarships are available.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Tuesday, May 17th
SOS, 12:15 pm
Vestry, 6:30 pm

Wednesday, May 18th
Rector's Study Group, 10:45 am, Parish Library
Ladies' Night Out, 6:30 pm

Thursday,May 19th
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's Restaurant, 129 W. Wall Street

Kalendar for the Week of May 8th

2011-05-07T18:03:00.001-05:00

Sunday, May 8th
THE THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
10:00 am, Sung Mass
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Monday, May 9th
Gregory of Nazianzus, Bishop of Constantinople, 389

7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, May 10th
Easter Weekday

Wednesday, May 11th
Easter Weekday

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
10:45, Rector's Study Group
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Brotherhood

Thursday, May 12th
Easter Weekday

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, May 13th
Easter Weekday

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, May 14th
Easter Weekday

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
11:00 am, Daughters of the King Mass & Luncheon Meeting

Eve of the Fourth Sunday of Easter
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:30 pm, Low Mass

Next Sunday's Readings:
Acts 2:42-47; 1 Peter 2:19-25; John 10:1-10; Psalm 23

Announcements for the Week of May 8th

2011-05-06T15:36:00.003-05:00

Jacopo Pontormo. The Supper at Emmaus. 1525. Galleria degli Uffizi, Florence.

Alleluia! Christ is risen! Welcome to Saint Stephen's. We are glad to have you worship with us. If you are visiting please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses and the Christian Education hour.

Christian Education for all ages is offered each Sunday at 9 am. Classes for the youth meet in the Garrard Education Wing. The adult class meets with Fr Yost in the Virginia Love Library where the topic is Mary, Virgin & Mother.

The Flowers on the Altar are given to the glory of God by Chuck & Faye Precopia in loving memory of their mothers' birthdays.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are given to the glory of God by Wanda Bush in loving memory of Robert Bush III.

The Flowers at the Paschal Candle are given to the glory of God with funds from the Flower Guild.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Trecia & Bob Gispanski.

Flowers at the Paschal Candle are be available for donation as a memorial or thanksgiving during the Easter Season. The recommended gift is $25.00. In addition, there are dates available for flowers throughout the year at the Altar and at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Please contact the Parish Office for more information.

Youth Group meets today at 5:15 pm in the Parish Hall right after Evening Prayer. All youth in grades 7–12 are welcome. Join us for a meal and some fun. And bring a friend!

There will be no Mass or Daily Office on Monday and Tuesday this week as Fr Yost must be out of town.

The Rector’s Study Group meets Wednesday, May 11, at 10:45 am, following the 10 am Mass. We will continue discussion of our Lenten selection, Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. All are welcome!

The Brotherhood of Saint Stephen's meets Wednesday, May 11, at 6:30 pm. Hosts are David Stone and Naif Risk. All men of the parish and their guests are welcome. A sign up sheet is posted in the Parish Hall.

Daughters of the King meet on Saturday, May 14, at 11 am for Mass followed by a spring pot luck/dessert luncheon at 11:30 am. Fr Yost will present a program on prayer and the DOK rule. All ladies of the parish are welcome! For more information, please speak with Trecia Gispanski or Kay Vessels.

A Saturday Evening Vigil Mass will be celebrated March 14, at 5:30 pm as a convenience for those who are attending Austin College graduation Sunday morning, May 15. This will be a Low Mass of the Fourth Sunday of Easter.

The Eastertide blessing of homes is an ancient custom, and Fr Yost is available to visit the homes of parishioners for this purpose. The Easter blessing of homes is a simple blessing that may be done every year, not the full blessing of a new home. It is a wonderful time to gather friends and neighbors as we continue the Easter celebration. Please contact the Parish Office if you wish to schedule a visit.

The Saint Michael's Conference is a week-long youth conference where an intentional community of prayer, support, and education helps to form young Christians to be witnesses to the world of the saving power of Jesus Christ. Young people ages 12-19 are invited to take part. The next conference will be held beginning June 5 at Camp Crucis, about 35 miles southwest of Fort Worth. If you have a child, grandchild, or godchild 12-19 years old, please go to www.stmichaelsw.org or speak to Fr Yost for more information. Scholarships are available.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, May 8th
Youth Group, 5:15 pm

Wednesday, May 11th
Rector's Study Group, 10:45 am, Parish Library
Brotherhood, 6:30 pm

Thursday, May 12th
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's Restaurant, 129 W. Wall Street

Saturday, May 14th
DOK Mass & Luncheon, 11 am
Vigil Mass, 5:30 pm

Rector's Message for May

2011-05-01T11:09:00.001-05:00

The whole bright world rejoices now, Hilariter, hilariter!
The birds do sing on every bough, Alleluia, alleluia!—Hymnal 211

So often after the celebration of some important occasion for which one has been long preparing, there is a sense of let down, but the Church will not have it so. Easter Week is bright with the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ resurrection, as we reflect for an extended time on God’s amazing victory over the powers of death and hell. Throughout the Easter season, and especially on Sundays, the liturgy reminds us again and again that we “have been raised with Christ” (Colossians 3:1). Easter invites us to live this new life as a daily reality. A note accompanying the hymn quoted above tells us that Hilariter is Latin for “joyfully.” That is a fine sentiment—indeed, Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22); but Christians sometimes make it a rather serious business. Hilariter really means that we ought to be merry, to enjoy ourselves!

That sort of cheerfulness is something that I think has been very much in evidence at Saint Stephen’s. For all the solemnity of Holy Week, for all the hard work that goes in to making it all happen, in the end what comes through is the joy, the good cheer, of a community of Christians who love the Lord and love one another.

Blessings and peace in the risen Christ.

Kalendar for the Week of May 1st

2011-04-30T17:27:00.004-05:00

Sunday, May 1st
THE SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER

7:30 am, Morning Prayer
8:00 am, Low Mass
10:00 am, Sung Mass
11:00 am, DOK
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15 pm, Youth Group

Monday, May 2nd
Saint Mark the Evangelist (transferred)

6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Low Mass
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Tuesday, May 3rd
Saint Philip and Saint James, Apostles (transferred)

6:30 am, Morning Prayer
7:00 am, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Wednesday, May 4th
Monnica, Mother of Augustine of Hippo, 387

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
10:00 am, Low Mass
10:45, Rector's Study Group
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Thursday, May 5th
Easter Weekday

6:30 am, Men's Study Group
8:30 am, Morning Prayer
5:30 pm, Rosary
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer
6:30 pm, Monthly Requiem
7:00 pm, NA meeting

Friday, May 6th
Easter Weekday

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
12:15 pm, Low Mass
6:00 pm, Evening Prayer

Saturday, April 30th
Easter Weekday

8:30 am, Morning Prayer
9:00 am, Low Mass

Eve of the Second Sunday of Easter
5:00 pm, Evening Prayer
5:15-5:45 pm, Confessions

Next Sunday's Readings:
Acts 2:14a, 36-41; 1 Peter 1:17-23; Luke 24:13-35; Psalm 116:10-17

Announcements for the Week of May 1st

2011-04-29T11:15:00.004-05:00

Cima da Conegliano. The Incredulity of Saint Thomas with Saint Magno Vescovo. Ca 1505. Gallerie dell' Accademia, Venice.

Alleluia! Christ is risen! Welcome to Saint Stephen's. We are glad to have you worship with us today. If you are visiting please take a moment to fill out one of our Visitor Welcome cards in the pew or sign our guest book so that we can keep in touch. We hope that you will feel at home.

If you are new to Saint Stephen's and would like to learn about becoming a member, or have your membership transferred here from another parish, please indicate on a visitor card or call the Parish Office.

Childcare is provided during Sunday Masses and the Christian Education hour.

Christian Education for all ages is offered each Sunday at 9 am. Classes for the youth meet in the Garrard Education Wing. The adult class meets with Fr Yost in the Virginia Love Library where the topic is Reflections on Holy Week.

The Flowers at the Altar are given to the glory of God by Bill & Kay Vessels in thanksgiving for their son, Jesse on his birthday.

The Flowers at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary are given to the glory of God by George Ray & Linda Adair in thanksgiving for their grandson Jeff on his graduation from Austin College.

The Flowers at the Paschal Candle are given to the glory of God by Mike & Connie Mitchusson in memory of Alberta & Bolton Head and Jim & Bun Fitzpatrick.

Flowers at the Paschal Candle are be available for donation as a memorial or thanksgiving during the Easter Season. The recommended gift is $25.00. In addition, there are dates available for flowers throughout the year at the Altar and at the Shrine of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Please contact the Parish Office for more information.

Coffee Hour this week is hosted by Sue & Jerry Fillebrown.

The liturgies of Holy Week were, as always, stirring and powerful, and our celebration of Easter was glorious! My sincere thanks to the many who gave so much of their time and talent to make it possible—Choir, Altar Guild, Readers, Ushers, Acolytes, Vestry, and Flower Guild. I am deeply grateful to them, and to all in our parish family who took time to attend worship on the most important days of the Christian Year.—Fr Yost

The Order of the Daughters of the King meets today for study and prayer in the Parish Library following the 10 am Mass. Membership in the DOK is open to all women of the parish.

Youth Group meets today at 5:15 pm in the Parish Hall right after Evening Prayer. All youth in grades 7–12 are welcome. Join us for a meal and some fun. And bring a friend!

Mass this Monday, May 2, for the feast of Saint Mark, will be celebrated at 6:30 pm rather than at the regular time of 12:15 pm.

The Rector’s Study Group resumes Wednesday, May 4, at 10:45 am, following the 10 am Mass. We will continue discussion of our Lenten selection, Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis. All are welcome!

The Eastertide blessing of homes is an ancient custom, and Fr Yost is available to visit the homes of parishioners for this purpose. The Easter blessing of homes is a simple blessing that may be done every year, not the full blessing of a new home. It is a wonderful time to gather friends and neighbors as we continue the Easter celebration. Please contact the Parish Office if you wish to schedule a visit.

The Saint Michael's Conference is a week-long youth conference where an intentional community of prayer, support, and education helps to form young Christians to be witnesses to the world of the saving power of Jesus Christ. Young people ages 12-19 are invited to take part. The next conference will be held beginning June 5 at Camp Crucis, about 35 miles southwest of Fort Worth. If you have a child, grandchild, or godchild 12-19 years old, please go to www.stmichaelsw.org or speak to Fr Yost for more information. Scholarships are available.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Sunday, May 1st
DOK, 11 am, Parish Library
Youth Group, 5:15 pm

Wednesday, May 4th
Rector's Study Group, 10:45 am, Parish Library

Thursday, May 5th
Men's Study Group, 6:30 am, Lupe's Restaurant, 129 W. Wall Street
Monthly Requiem, 6:30 pm, All Saints' Chapel