WEEKLY UPDATE WEEK OF 08.19.19
Tuesday, August 20
6:30pm Family Movie night: The Lorax – Dr. Seuss (2012-PG) (Auditorium).
7pm Finance Committee Meeting (Godly Play Room).
Sunday August 25
8am Holy Eucharist Rite I, the Rev. Linda Kaufman preaches and presides.
9:15 Coffee in the Auditorium
10:10am Sharing the Gospel with Loaves and Fishes.
10:30am Holy Eucharistic Rite II, the Rev. Linda Kaufman preaches and presides.
5:30pm Misa Alegría (Spanish language liturgy). The Rev. Sam Dessórdi Leite preaches and presides.
Family Movie Night!
Through the summer everyone is invited to the Family Movie Night program. Every Tuesday during the month on August, starting at 6:30pm (movie starts at 7pm) we will meet in the church with popcorn and soft drinks. Feel free to bring snacks to share with the group. The movies will be shown in English with Spanish subtitles. We will be screening this week: “The Lorax – Dr. Seuss” (2012) (PG).
Dinner for late 30s / 40s / 50s - October 5
Come join fellow St. Stephen's folks in their late 30s, 40s and 50s for a dinner on October 5 at 6pm. Our hope is to build community among those of us in our middle years and see how we might continue to gather and get to know each other over the coming months. Partners are welcome and child care will be available upon request.
Dinner will be at Sandra Moore's (1317 1st St NW). Please RSVP to ˂sandraelizabethmoore@gmail.com˃.
Volunteers needed to pass credit card reader
Recently we added a new giving option during church services - a credit card reader. Thanks to all who tested it out and gave feedback!
We want to make the credit card reader a permanent addition to our church service, but need volunteers to pass the machines around during the offertory and put them away at the end of the service. It takes no more than 10 minutes and no special skills are required - if you've ever used a smartphone, you can do this!
Please email Sandra Moore at ˂sandraelizabethmoore@gmail.com˃ if you are interested in volunteering once a month.
A Sunday for Blessings, August 25, 10:30am
August 25 is a Sunday for blessings. We welcome students and teachers of ALL ages to bring their backpacks. We'll set them by the altar during the service and bless them at the end. But we don’t stop there: We'll also offer a blessing for bikes and scooters (and their riders!) in the church labyrinth area. Bring your wheels and invite your friends. Come and be part of this beautiful celebration.
Summer Choir continues through September 8
If you need more music in your life, please come and sing with the Summer Choir on any Sunday from now until September 8. We gather at 9:30 to practice the hymns, service music, psalm, and a simple anthem for the 10:30am service. Anyone is welcome to join us!
Name Badges or Name Tags Request Process
In mid June our name badge request form attached to a clip board disappeared from its spot on the back table. The request form has been replaced and if anyone who would like a name badge please add your name to the form. If you requested a name tag in the recent past and did not receive one, please add your name to the new form. Note to all: Name tags are really helpful so if you have a badge please wear it.
Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation
Confirmation is the sacrament of maturity. With the gesture of laying on of hands and unction with chrism by the bishop, the power of the Holy Spirit fills the newly confirmed to proclaim the Good News in Christ, to give strength in faith and to lead people into the world. For that reason, our church is offering a Confirmation Class during the fall for those interested in taking this new step as part of the journey of faith. The Sacrament of Confirmation will take place at Washington National Cathedral, on November 2, 10am. Those interested, please contact Fr. Sam Dessórdi Leite, our Senior Priest, at ˂samdessordi@yahoo.co.uk˃.
Action of Sanctuary with The Episcopal Public Policy Network
We are still accepting donations for this cause.
Information via Bishop Michael Hunn from the Episcopal Diocese of Rio Grande on the EPPN this week webinar: “Trump’s latest policy concerning migrants seeking asylum requires those who have presented themselves to U.S. border agents to return to Mexico until their U.S. court date. They have already passed their ‘credible fear’ interview and have been given a court date to have their asylum case heard. Prior to this latest policy, they could remain in the U.S. until their court dates, many of them staying in shelters provided by the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande until they were placed with family sponsors. But not now, they must return to Juarez, in Mexico. Currently, there are three Anglican churches and Father Hector has already outfitted one to be a shelter; however, the other two churches must also be open to house the asylum seekers because the court dates given to the seekers are for March/April 2020. They can’t work during this time, but they need to be fed, clothed, children must be educated. Bishop Michael Hunn has asked for financial assistance to get this process moving. While churches are creating funds and sending donations, you too can support with money that can be sent to: Episcopal Diocese of Rio Grande, 6400 Coors Blvd NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120. 505-881-0636. Thanks!
Sunday Forums
The Sunday Forums series is now on summer break, returning in September. We will continue to offer a time of fellowship with coffee and conversation with the morning's preacher at 9:15am in the auditorium. Please join us when you can!
