November 2017 Guides3.amazonaws.com/dfc_attachments/public/documents/... · I can’t wait to...
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Volume 73, Issue 11 A welcome Interruption (A Sermon Preached on October 22 nd ) I admit that I am not crazy about things that break my routine – the interrupting phone call, the plumbing problem that comes at the worst moment – but worst are overnight trips. Annual Council is no different. Each year, the entire batch of clergy and lay delegates from Nebraska travel somewhere. One key feature is a speaker. Most years, the talk leaves me cold – I can’t wait to resume my routine. This year was different. I came home with a word for all of us. Before we left for Council, Bishop Barker gave us a book to read. The Agile Church is about innovating – the average Epscopalian, however, is like me. Yes, I admit it. I hate change. And this world seems to be like a carnival ride out of control. Change is exponential. So it is no wonder that we either resist change or, if you are like me, like to retreat to an antiquarian world where time stands still. Our culture resonates with the idea that all change is loss. The older we get the more we lose, the more things change. Is it any wonder then that we hear so much talk about making America great again? But can we turn back the clock? No. Nor should we! I admit this book made my angry, but nothing prepared me for what happened on the floor of Council. The lecturer used a word to describe the associations of yesteryear. You know, the old ways are changing. It used to be that people associated in groups. You had churches, clubs, civic groups. That is all changing or as Dr. Zscheile said, unraveling. It was then that I began to feel electric. It wasn’t like being angry. I felt I needed to go to the microphone to reply. I had no words. Then I heard, “Prophesy to these dry bones. We are not unraveling It is falling into place according to God’s plan.” I went up to the microphone and had exactly the message – for you today, for them, even for me. (continued on page 2) inside this issue 4 Lots of special services this month. Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss even one! 7 Our community partners are hard at work improving the lives of those who live among us without enough resources. See how you can be involved. The Guide November 2017 A Newsletter of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
Transcript of November 2017 Guides3.amazonaws.com/dfc_attachments/public/documents/... · I can’t wait to...
Volume 73, Issue 11
A welcome Interruption (A Sermon Preached on October 22nd)
1
I admit that I am not crazy about things that break my routine – the interrupting phone call, the plumbing problem that comes at the worst moment – but worst are overnight trips. Annual Council is no different. Each year, the entire batch of clergy and lay delegates from Nebraska travel somewhere. One key feature is a speaker. Most years, the talk leaves me cold – I can’t wait to resume my routine. This year was different. I came home with a word for all of us. Before we left for Council, Bishop Barker gave us a book to read. The Agile Church is about innovating – the average Epscopalian, however, is like me. Yes, I admit it. I hate
2
change. And this world seems to be like a carnival ride out of control. Change is exponential. So it is no wonder that we either resist change or, if you are like me, like to retreat to an antiquarian world where time stands still. Our culture resonates with the idea that all change is loss. The older we get the more we lose, the more things change. Is it any wonder then that we hear so much talk about making America great again? But can we turn back the clock? No. Nor should we! I admit this book made my angry, but nothing prepared me for what happened on the floor of Council. The lecturer used a word to describe
3
the associations of yesteryear. You know, the old ways are changing. It used to be that people associated in groups. You had churches, clubs, civic groups. That is all changing or as Dr. Zscheile said, unraveling. It was then that I began to feel electric. It wasn’t like being angry. I felt I needed to go to the microphone to reply. I had no words. Then I heard, “Prophesy to these dry bones. We are not unraveling It is falling into place according to God’s plan.” I went up to the microphone and had exactly the message – for you today, for them, even for me.
(continued on page 2)
inside this issue 4 Lots of special services this month. Mark your calendars now so you don’t miss
even one!
7 Our community partners are hard at work improving the lives of those who live among us without enough resources. See how you can be involved.
The Guide November 2017
A Newsletter of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
Lorem Ipsum
(continued from page 1) We are so bent on looking to grow in old ways. We want to grow the church to “make St. Stephen’s great again.” News flash – It already is great! And we are the people God wants us to be. We turned a corner this year, but we are not unraveling. We are changing from cocoon to butterfly. This is my first sermon this Sunday. I will address the other half of St. Stephen’s at 1 p.m. You see, we are changing by God’s design to a multi-cultural church. Look even at the wider Anglican Communion. It is far more African, Asian, and even Hispanic than “Anglo”. A funny thing happens with change. We tend to not see God work at the time. But we see how He worked after the fact. Our first lesson called that out. “You will not see my face.” “You will see my back.” I have prayed for four plus years that God would give us children and young families. He has. This year’s parochial report will add 30 new members to St. Stephen’s rolls. It is coming in a different package than we expected. Our job, then, is to do the work of assimilation. So that is not unraveling. It is falling into place. But if we really look at the elephant in the room, we discover that even in a growing church, the dynamics of church finance are different. We don’t
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grow our church just to get help paying our bills. Newly planted churches aren’t even investing in real estate. It’s too much a financial burden. Also, young families bring life, but stale empty nesters are, and have always been, the backbone of parish finances. The change in our midst means we all must look at the double command of Jesus in the Gospel lesson. “Render to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God, what is God’s.” Actually, rendering to the IRS is rather easy. I hold that this lesson is today less about taxes and more about tithing. If you don’t pay the IRS, they sell your assets. But what about when you don’t render to God?
1. Your church is limited 2. Your community is limited 3. God really can’t get all of
you Tithing, or 10%, should be the goal of every Christian. We really do find joy in giving. It feels good. Also, the tithing church is the unstoppable church. Simply
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because through rendering to God what is God’s, we get a change of perspective and see our treasure where it rightly should be. It does not matter where you start, but if you don’t tithe, work toward it. So there you have it. Two ways to live into the prophecy. St. Stephen’s is on the move. It is changing, and that is good. No, it will never look like 1952 again. It will be filled with a tomorrow of beautiful black, white and brown faces. We may end up using drums with our organ. This thing I do know. We are not unraveling. We are becoming. We are becoming who God wants us to be for our tomorrow. Tomorrow is a word of promise, morning by morning new mercies I see. I see it in our growth and hope to see it in our tithing. We can, and I believe will, become the unstoppable church. I’m glad I went to Council. God spoke to me there. May He speak to you, too. For us, for this place, for God’s Kingdom. Amen.
The Guide
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Make a Call, Send a Card, Say a Prayer
Happy Anniversary
Fred & Kaila Roeser Nov. 2 Tom & Liz Baxter Nov. 6 Gene & Connie Van Wie Nov. 19 Jim & Pat Kirschbaum Nov. 29
Happy Birthday
Tom Baxter Nov. 1 Raynette Martin Nov. 2 Tyler Hooker Nov. 4 Rodney Fiedler Nov. 5 Alice Mahood Nov. 7 Susan Regier Nov. 7 Jim McElroy Nov. 9 Abbey Kutlas Nov. 10 Ellen Lewis Nov. 13 Joe Prickett Nov. 13 Bud Rasmussen Nov. 15 Pixie Foster Nov. 15 Amy Webb Nov. 18 Deborah White Nov. 19 Robert Lewis Nov. 20 Terry Winslow Nov. 20 Gene Van Wie Nov. 21 Eveta Gebraeil Nov. 23 Joe Kutlas Nov. 26 Hunter Cook Nov. 27 Sarah Hansen Nov. 30
If you would like to add a name to the birthday or anniversary list,
please call the church office (308-382-4961) or e-mail [email protected]
PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER
+ For Healing and Other Concern: Anglo, Anne, Bob, Caroline, Corinne, Ellen, Jan, Jason, Jerre, Ken, Kyle, Les, Mary, Sarah, Shoukri, Stan, Steffanie, Tibb, Tim, Vera
+ For Strength and Protection for Those Serving Our Country: Cathleen, Dan, Lucas, Sean, Seth, Tim and Tyler
If you or a loved one needs prayer, please submit that information to
the church office at 308-382-4961 or to [email protected]
Names are printed in the bulletin
as well as in The Guide. Prayer Chain requests can be sent
to Mary Kvetensky at 308-382-4090 or to Donna Weaver-Smith at
HELP ME THANKSGIVING
DAY PRAYER
O God, when I have food, help me to remember the
hungry; When I have work,
help me to remember the jobless; When I have a home,
help me to remember those who have no home at all;
When I am without pain, help me to remember those who
suffer, And remembering,
help me to destroy my complacency;
bestir my compassion, and be concerned enough to
help; By word and deed,
those who cry out for what we take for granted.
Amen. https://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/1
0-great-thanksgiving-prayers/
Lorem Ipsum The Guide
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
November 2017
1 6:30pm Choir Rehearsal 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting
2 9:45am St. Mary’s Bible Study
3 3:30pm Good News Club at Dodge School 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting
4 12:00pm Sudanese Bible Study 4:00pm Sat. Supper at Messiah
5 All Saints Day Consecration & Youth Sun. 9:30am Holy Eucharist 10:30am Education Hr. & Breakfast 11:30am Sandwich Sun 1:00pm Arabic Worship 2:30pm Holy Eucharist at Riverside Ldg
6 4:00pm Girl Scouts Mtg 6:45pm AA Study Group 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting
7 All Souls Day 9:00am Requiem Mass for all Faithful Departed (in Chapel) 10:00am Office Staff Meeting
8 6:30pm Choir Rehearsal 7:00pm Confirmation 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting
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10 3:30pm Good News Club at Dodge School 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting
11 Veterans Day 12:00pm Sudanese Bible Study 4:00pm Sat. Supper at Messiah
12 9:30am Holy Eucharist 10:30am Education & Coffee Hour 11:30am Sandwich Sun 1:00pm Arabic Worship 6:30pm Ignite! Youth Forum
13 6:45pm AA Study Group 7:00pm Financial Planning Mtg 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting
14 9:00am Holy Eucharist in Chapel 10:00am Office Staff Meeting
15 6:30pm Choir Rehearsal 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting
16 9:45am St. Mary’s Bible Study
17 3:30pm Good News Club at Dodge School 6:00pm Youth Volunteer at Grand Theatre 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting
18 12:00pm Sudanese Bible Study 4:00pm Sat. Supper at Messiah
19 9:30am Holy Eucharist 10:30am Education & Coffee Hour 11:30am Sandwich Sun 1:00pm Arabic Worship
20 4:00pm Girl Scouts Mtg 6:30pm Vestry 6:45pm AA Study Group 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting
21 9:00am Holy Eucharist in Chapel 10:00am Office Staff Meeting
22 5:30pm Thanksgiving Service 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting
23
Thanksgiving Day
Church Office Closed
24 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting
25 12:00pm Sudanese Bible Study 4:00pm Sat. Supper 5:30pm Holy Eucharist at Christ Church,CC
26 9:30am M. P. with Communion 10:30am Education & Coffee Hour 11:30am Sandwich Sun 1:00pm Arabic Worship
27 6:45pm AA Study Group 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting
28 9:00am Holy Eucharist in Chapel 10:00am Office Staff Meeting
29 6:30pm Choir Rehearsal 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting
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November Worship
Volunteers
November 5 Pentecost 22
All Saints Day, Consecration & Youth Sunday
November 12 Pentecost 23
November 19 Pentecost 24
November 26
Christ the King Quiet Sunday
December 3
Advent 1 Youth Sunday
Celebrant & Preacher
Fr. Robert Fr. Robert Fr. Robert Fr. Robert Fr. Robert
Musician Ask Dan Ask Dan Ask Dan None Needed Ask Dan
Verger Edwin Lewis Dave Jepson Dave Jepson
Acolytes Xavier Briseno Bennett Korensky
& Edwin Lewis Ryan Hillman &
Ryan Jepson Collin Jepson & Raegen Hillman
Naleah Baier
Altar Guild Volunteer Sandy Fowler Rhonda Hillman Christy Jepson Susan Cameron
Lector Colton Berg Tracy Babcock Sue Clement Susan Cameron Raegen Hillman
Prayers of the People
Ryan Jepson Terry Babcock Cathi Swift Kaeleigh Post Bennett Korensky
Subdeacon Ryan Hillman Sue Clement Rod Clement Don Young Ryan Jepson
Ushers Raegen Hillman &
Naleah Baier Bob Allison &
Mike Timmerman Jim & Pat
Kirschbaum Raynette Martin &
Kathy Patton Xavier Briseno &
Colton Berg
Counters Sam & Joan
Barton Dennis
Bjorkman Rod & Sue
Clement Raynette Martin
Sam & Joan Barton
Vestry Member of the Day
Barbara Graves Dave Jepson Kevin Hillman Mike Timmerman TBD
Sandwich Sunday Crew
Youth E.C.W. Men of the
Church Volunteers Youth
Coffee Hour Hosts
Consecration Sunday Breakfast
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers Needed
Volunteers Needed
Altar Flowers Volunteers
Needed Volunteers
Needed Volunteers
Needed Volunteers
Needed Volunteers
Needed
Lorem Ipsum The Guide
Thank You to everyone who came out to Helgoth’s Pumpkin Patch for fellowship and fun. Make sure to check out Facebook for more photos of the event!
Do you like to bake? Habitat for Humanity is getting ready for their annual “Cookie Walk” and is in need of some decorated cookies. If you are interested in donating to the cookie walk please contact Megan at 385-5510 or let Courtney know! All cookies will need delivered to St Paul’s Lutheran Church on Dec. 2nd! Santa Claus is coming to town! December 2nd from 8-10 am, Santa will be at Messiah Lutheran Church for our annual Breakfast with Santa event! Invite family, friends and neighbors to come enjoy breakfast, crafts and get a picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus! ALL ages are welcome.
Upcoming Events:
Nov. 8th - Confirmation 7:00-8:30 pm Nov. 12th - Youth Forum at the Anderson 6:30-8:00 pm Nov. 17th - Volunteer at the Grand Theater Dec. 2nd - Breakfast with Santa Dec. 10th - Santa’s Workshop. Blessings, Courtney
Santa’s Workshop is coming
to Messiah Lutheran Church
On December 10th from 2-4 pm the Sunday School rooms will be transformed into mini shopping rooms for kids to come and Christmas shop for their families. We will have
rooms designated for mom, dad, siblings, caregivers and the family pet!
Sunday School has contacted organizations and is also working with GIPS to let the community know about this
event. We will be sending home flyers in about 170 backpacks in November, have an ad in the church event
section of the paper and personally speaking to Hope Harbor. On the day of the event we will supply
transportation at Lincoln School and Hope Harbor.
Sunday School needs your help in making this event happen. Here are some suggestions on ways you can help
make this event successful: *Decorate a room, hallway or staircase
*Donate wrapping paper, tissue, Christmas bags, tape or gift tags
*Donate items out of your closets. We are looking for unused items that you may have forgot you had
*Donate money. If you don’t have time to shop or go through closets that’s ok, we will shop for you
*Donate cookies, hot chocolate or any baked goodies for parents to enjoy while the little ones shop
*Sign Up for our wrapping station *Help serve in the Fellowship Hall
*Be a driver at one of our pick up locations *Be a personal shopping buddy with the youth that come to
the event
As you can see there are many ways everyone can help make this event special. If you have any questions or would like
to help please contact Teresa Mueller, Courtney Berg, Melissa Anderson, Abby Lopez, Erich Fruehling or Jim
Elrod.
Youth News
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Meals for Everyone! 2 Locations…2 different days!
Messiah Lutheran Church: Saturday Suppers! 4:30-5:30 p.m. Enter at the West side door. To-go boxes are available. 122 W 7th St.
St Stephen’s Church: Sandwich Sundays! 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Enter at the big red doors on the West side of the building. To-go bags are available. 422 W 2nd St.
The Heartland United Way is hosting a poverty summit on Friday, November 3rd. The goal of the poverty summit is to capture ideas from the community about the gaps in services that hold community members in a cycle of poverty. Our wish is to eliminate poverty, and we know that when we all work together, great things can happen. Churches are a safe
haven and support system for so many families and individuals in the community. We need your thoughts and your ideas, which will be funneled into a community plan. Please join us
November 3rd at Bosselman Enterprises from 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Mark your Calendar
for Sunday, December 3 for Habitat’s Annual
Christmas Cookie Walk.
It’s a great way to get your holiday baking done
in one fell swoop and benefit a great cause!
Invite your friends!
Making a difference for our community
The Guide Volume 73, Issue 11
Welcoming…ALL People Serving…Those in Need Worshiping…God www.ststephengi.org (308) 382-4961 Like us on Facebook
How can YOU connect with St. Stephen’s?
Worship Services Holy Eucharist on Sundays at 9:30 am, in Arabic at 1:00 pm
Tuesdays at 9:00 am in the Chapel First Sunday of month at Riverside Lodge at 2:30 pm
Quarterly Solemn Evensong & Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
Christian Education (September – May) IGNITE! for Middle/High Schoolers Second Sunday of Month at 6:30 pm
6th -8th Grade Confirmation Classes on 2nd Wednesdays, 7-8:30 pm
Contact Information: Phone: (308) 382-4961
e-mail: FrRobert @ststephengi.org Mail: P. O. Box 2317, Grand Island, NE 68802
Website: www.ststephengi.org Like us on Facebook – St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Grand Island
Church Office Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
THE GUIDE St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church P. O. Box 2317 422 W. 2nd Street Grand Island, NE 68802-2317 Address Service Requested
St. Stephen’s Leadership and Staff
Rector The Rev’d Dr. Robert Lewis [email protected]
2017 Rector’s (Sr.) Warden Dave Jepson
Evangelism & Church Growth [email protected]
2017 People’s (Jr.) Warden Kevin Hillman
Mission [email protected]
2018 Vestry Barbara Graves
Parish Life [email protected]
2019 Vestry Mike Timmerman
Building & Grounds [email protected]
Paul Fischer Spirituality & Community
Development [email protected]
Music Ministry Dan Korensky
Custodian Henry Mayer
Office Manager Lynne Nuss
Youth Director Courtney Berg
