Weekly update week of 12.24.18
Monday December 24
5:30pm Holy Eucharist and Christmas pageant. The Revs. Linda Kaufman and Sam Dessórdi Leite preside.
9:30pm Carols for Joy. Christmas carols for congregation and choir.
10pm The Great Feast of Nativity. The Rev. Martin Smith preaches and presides.
Tuesday December 25 (Christmas Day)
10:30am Holy Eucharist with the meditation of the Blessing of the Créche. The Rev. Sam Dessórdi Leite presides.
Thursday December 27
7:30am Morning Prayer.
Sunday December 30
8am Holy Eucharist Rite I, the Rev. Rhondesia Jarret-Schell preaches and presides.
10:10am Sharing the Gospel with Loaves and Fishes.
10:30am Holy Eucharist Rite II, the Rev. Donald Schell presides, and the Rev. Rhondesia Jarret-Schell preaches.
5:30pm Misa Alegría (Spanish language liturgy). The Rev. Sam Dessórdi Leite preaches and presides.
Special thanks!
We thank all those who donated altar flowers, especially in memory of Osvalda and Natale Muzzatti, Fred Lewis, Wil Mefford, Louann Tronsberg Deihle, Ken Tronsberg, Joan and Bill Briggs, Pat and Paul Parks, Jean and Geoffrey Ethelston, Sunny Jackson, Barb Padre, Munn and Connie Myers, Joan Shelton, Teresita E. Kelly, Katie Finley, Lois Lenori, Anne Jorvis Bennett, Douglas and Mary Catherine Crockett, Ollie and on the occasion of Earl Cotton’s (veteran) foot amputation.
Sunday Forums
Sunday Forums will take a break the Sundays of Christmas and the Feast of the Epiphany (December 30 and January 6). Join us on January 13 from 9:15-10:15am when Mary Alcuin Kelly will lead, “The Accidental Pilgrim: My Walk on the Camino”. Walking the Camino, The Way of St. James, was not something Mary expected to do in 2018. With pictures, commentary, and your questions, she will share what she learned as the accidental pilgrim!
Sunday forums are about sharing your interests, your work, your passions with the parish. Forums are a means for building community as we get to know one another and learn and grow in our faith. Please consider how you might offer a Sunday forum in the new year. Contact Susan Walker at ˂susankwalker2@gmail.com˃ or speak to her on a Sunday. Currently, the dates open are: January 20 and 27, February 10, 17, and 24. On February 3, Doris Collie will make a presentation in commemoration of Black History month on “The Life of Justice Thurgood Marshall and his appointment to the Supreme Court”.
Reminder: Pay your 2018 pledge by December 31
Just a friendly reminder to pay your 2018 pledge! St. Stephen's depends on gifts from parishioners like you to pay for our ministries, staff, and building. If you made a pledge commitment for 2018, please pay the remainder of your balance by December 31 to have it counted toward this year. If you aren't sure of your balance, please contact Mike Ritonia at ˂mike@saintstephensdc.org˃. You can make your payment by check or online at http://tinyurl.com/ssi-give.
If you didn't pledge this year but want to give, all donations are gratefully accepted!
Festive Coffee Hour After 10pm Christmas Eve Service
Please help celebrate the Feast of Christmas by bringing food and drink to share. The coffee hour will take place in the parish hall after the service. Finger foods, pastries, and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are needed. Many thanks in advance for your generosity.
Your Help Needed for the Sweetness of Christmas
By longstanding custom, Loaves and Fishes guests end their Christmas dinner with a slice of cake. Where does the cake come from? You. Please bring a cake, homemade or store-bought, to the church office on Monday, or to one of the Christmas Eve services or Monday night, or to the Loaves and Fishes kitchen Christmas morning before 11am. And thank you!
Vestry Meeting Notes
Our Vestry meetings was December 16, 2018 and these is a summary of the issues in debate:
The vestry approved the 2019 budget after adopting several measures to close the budget gap.
The vestry will be setting up nominating committees for members and officers for the next vestry beginning in April.
The vestry shared their approval for a resolution for the care of creation to be presented at the 124th Diocesan Convention by Rev. Betsy Hague.
The vestry was introduced to a reserve policy proposal from the finance committee and plans to vote on approval in January.
The vestry discussed the financials of the parish and how to ensure financial sustainability for Loaves and Fishes.
Christmas caroling
Parish Caroling will be led by the choir, and we will meet at 5:30 pm at church on Thursday, December 27. We will carol to several homebound members of SSI and make a stop at Columbia Heights Metro before heading out for some refreshments.
Pastoral visits during the holidays
As we enter the season of Advent and with Christmas approaching, St. Stephen's Pastoral Care Ministry Team is available for home visits and bringing communion if you or someone you know is unable to make it to a church service. Please contact us by emailing the Rev. Susan Walker at
˂susankwalker2@gmail.com˃.
