WEEKLY UPDATE WEEK OF 09.02.19
Wednesday, September 4
7:30pm Taizé Service.
Thursday, September 5
7:30pm Choir rehearsal (Choir room).
Sunday September 8
8am Holy Eucharist Rite I, the Rev. Frank Dunn preaches and presides.
9:15 Forum: Discussion about Luke 14:25-33, by Joe Casazza.
10:10am Sharing the Gospel with Loaves and Fishes.
10:30am Holy Eucharistic Rite II, the Rev. Frank Dunn preaches and presides.
5:30pm Misa Alegría (Spanish language liturgy). The Rev. Sam Dessórdi Leite preaches and presides
Summary of August Vestry meeting
The diocese has approved Sally Ethelston to become a postulant for the vocational diaconate and Savannah Ponder has been approved for ordination to the transitional diaconate. The vestry signed a letter to the diocese endorsing Savannah for ordination. Loaves & Fishes’ Ed Grandi reported on the L&F “Fund for the Future,” which has already raised approximately $50,000 to secure the program. The Finance Committee reported that the parish finances are in good shape; we are continuing some belt-tightening measures, especially around maintenance. We discussed a variety of ways to increase use of our space for events. Father Sam presented information on a diocesan initiative for church growth and we had a discussion about various aspects of church growth. We are considering creating a discernment team to work on this.
Parish financial picture update
Parishioner giving through the end of July this year is ahead of plan. Thank you for your generous support of the Church and it’s Mission!
Choir Rehearsals Begin
Everyone is welcome to join the regular 10:30 service choir. The first weekday rehearsal of the fall is Thursday, September 5 at 7:30 in the auditorium. Rehearsal includes a brief time for refreshment and fellowship and ends at 9:15 with Compline. We also gather to rehearse on Sundays at 9:30am. If you are interested in joining us, please speak to Michael Salmon, musician, ˂oriolefish@gmail.com˃ or any choir member.
Search Engine Optimization writer wanted
Hello, the church needs to increase the natural ranking of our web sites through key word density and managing our header information and our meta data, plus.
Whether you are an expert or a novice in this area, or a good writer looking to learn something new while helping the church, we need your help. If you are interested please email Mike in the office at <Mike@SaintStephensDC.org>
Liturgy Retreat, Saturday, September 28, 10am – 3pm - Theme: Be known to us Lord Jesus, in the Breaking of the Bread
Come and see, Jesus, said. Come and spend a Saturday morning in communal prayer, Bible study, and reflection as we explore the meaning of the Eucharist and the theology of the Sacrament in our personal and communal lives. There will be an opportunity in the afternoon to sign up for a seasonal planning team for the upcoming liturgical year beginning in Advent. We will also invite those gathered who feel drawn to participate in a Sunday liturgical team as thurifer, candle bearers, crucifers, manager of ceremonies, readers and worship leaders to come forward. Training will take place at a later date. For planning purposes, let us know if you are able to attend by e-mailing Fr. Sam at ˂samdessordi@yahoo.co.uk˃, Mary Alcuin Kelly at ˂marykelly9748@yahoo.com˃ or add your name to the “I am Coming to the Retreat” poster on the bulletin board in the parish hall.
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.
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˃.
Silence weekend retreat
Come join the Rev. Martin Smith and the EDOW Diocesan Retreat Committee for a silent weekend retreat Nov. 1-3, 2019 at The Claggett Retreat Center to pray, explore, and reflect upon "Living in the Communion of Saints." For more information, contact Lesley Krauland at ˂edowsilentretreat@gmail.com˃. To register, visit https://bit.ly/2Ug3dxe
Unity Walk 2019
Join the Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington for Unity Walk 2019 on Sunday, September 8 from 12:30-6:30 p.m. as they walk from Washington Hebrew Congregation (3935 Macomb St NW, Washington, DC 20016) down Massachusetts Avenue in NW, Washington, D.C and visit houses of worship and other religious centers in a public celebration of diverse faiths and cultures within our community. You can learn more and register at https://bit.ly/2NIaIM0
Welcoming Evensong for Bishop Chilton, October 6
Since February 2019, Bishop Chilton Knudsen has been offering her many gifts throughout the Diocese of Washington, serving as part-time Assisting Bishop. In her short time, Bishop Chilton has won our affection, admiration and gratitude. Please join us as we officially welcome Bishop Chilton among us at a Washington National Cathedral Evensong on Sunday, October 6 at 4p.m. at Washington National Cathedral. Bishop Chilton will preach. Reception to follow!
