Weekly Update, Week of 12.2.19
Sunday, December 8
8am Holy Eucharist Rite I, The Rev. Sam Dessórdi Leite presides and Seminarian Joshua Paget preaches.
9:15am Forum: The Rev. Sam Dessórdi Leite will discuss “The tradition of Las Posadas Navideñas: the history and the contemporary message for this Advent season.”
10:10am Sharing the Gospel with Loaves and Fishes.
10:30am Holy Eucharist Rite II, The Rev. Sam Dessórdi Leite presides and Seminarian Joshua Paget preaches.
5:30pm Misa Alegría (Spanish language liturgy). The Rev. Sam Dessórdi Leite preaches and presides.
Tuesday, December 10
7pm Finance Committee Meeting in the Godly Play Room.
Wednesday, December 11
10am Spirituality of Aging Sightline Series.
Thursday, December 12
7:30pm Choir Rehearsal in the Auditorium.
Sunday, December 15 – The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
8am Holy Eucharist Rite I, The Rev. Sam Dessórdi Leite presides and preaches.
9:15am Forum: Discussion on the theme of the third Sunday of Advent.
10:10am Sharing the Gospel with Loaves and Fishes.
10:30am Holy Eucharist Rite II, The Rev. Sam Dessórdi Leite presides and preaches.
12noon Pastoral Care Team Meeting in the Missionary Conference Room.
12noon Vestry Meeting in the Choir Room.
5:30pm Misa Alegría (Spanish language liturgy) will celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe in a bilingual service. The Rev. Sam Dessórdi Leite preaches and presides.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Passing of Vivian McFarland
Vivian McFarland, 87, devoted member of St Stephen's since the 1960s, died December 3, 2019 in Bowie Maryland, where she had moved to be near her family. Professionally, Vivian was an analytical chemist at the National Institutes of Health. At St. Stephen's she was a leader in the area of liturgy. Together with her late husband Marion ("Mac") she was a driving force behind the development of Urban Village. Information about funeral arrangements will follow when available. Condolences may be sent to the McFarland family at 2916 Needlewood Lane Bowie, MD 20716 Father of all, we pray to you for Vivian, and for all those whom we love but see no longer. Grant to them eternal rest. Let light perpetual shine upon them. May Vivian's soul, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
In Our Prayers
We pray for the repose of the soul of Michael Bernard Saverson, brother of Ester Saverson, member of St. Stephen's. "O, God, whose mercies cannot be numbered: accept our prayers on behalf of your servant, Michael, and grant him an entrance into the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen."
Advent Season Theme
As a community, the church of St. Stephen and the Incarnation seeks to create an inclusive, welcoming, and safe place for all people seeking a spiritual home. Sadly, at this time, people may need more, as the larger community of which we are a part is increasingly less welcoming—for the immigrants among us, for people of color, of non-Christian faith traditions, different gender identities, sexual orientation…the list goes on. As the community of St. Stephen prepares for the coming of Christ at Christmas, we choose to reflect upon our church, our faith, our God as a place of refuge, safety, shelter, and rest, with open doors for all who seek to enter. Over the four weeks of advent, we want to “peel the onion,” peeling away the layers of the theme of refuge and safe place, starting with the idea of the Church as the House of the Lord and as a model for a new Jerusalem, whatever that means. We move then (Advent 2) to society—our American/US society and how we as Christians can help maintain/rebuild the idea of a society that welcomes people/the other. For Advent 3, we shift the focus to our shared Earth and to Mary, exploring the concept(s) of Earth and Mary as “mothers”—sources of life, nourishment, and symbols of God as creator and God’s creation(s). Finally, with Advent 4, we seek to focus on the internal, personal preparation with the heart the symbol of the opening up to God—the final preparation for the coming of Christ.
Help Needed for Church Maintenance Projects
Do you have skills in flooring, painting, gardening, drywall/carpentry, plaster repair, or general handyman skills? Would you be willing to contribute 2+ hours to do maintenance around the church? If so, contact Colette (English-speaking) 202-904-848 or Melanie (Spanish-speaking) (202) 747-4832 . We appreciate your service in time and skills to assist with projects at the parish.
Holiday Sing-Along, December 14 at Reliable Tavern
St. Stephen and the Incarnation is taking over the basement of Reliable Tavern (3655 Georgia Ave NW) on Saturday, December 14 from 5-7 pm for a spirited holiday sing-along! Send your favorite Christmas carols, Advent hymns, and apocalyptic canticles to Adam Smith <adamsmith3@gmail.com> and Brede Eschliman <b.eschliman@gmail.com> if you want to make sure they make it into the song book.
Young Adult Advent Potluck
We are reviving the St. Stephen's tradition of young adult potlucks on Sunday evenings during Advent! We'll gather at 6pm to share a meal and say compline each Sunday of Advent. Michael Sherrard and Brede Eschliman will host the second one on Dec 8. Please contact Brede at <b.eschliman@gmail.com> to RSVP.
Needed: Thurifers, Candlebearers, Crucifers and Greeters for 10:30am Service
Each Sunday there is a worship team that serves the parish in the 10:30 morning liturgy as thurifer, candle bearers, crucifer and greeter. In the past few months many of our worship team members have left the parish and we have openings for new liturgical participants. If you take on a liturgical role- you commit to one Sunday a month of service. In the coming weeks Elizabeth Finley and Mary Alcuin Kelly will be inviting folks to become part of a Sunday worship team; you can also volunteer. See either of us and let us know of your interest. Training for these liturgical roles will begin on Sunday, December 8th after the 10:30am service. Serving on a worship team is a wonderful way to participate in the liturgy and to serve our community. Please consider being a member of Sunday worship team-you will be glad you did.
