The Voice of St. Stephen s

Transcription

1 The Voice of St. Stephen s Location: 2177 First St. Baker City, OR Mailing address: PO Box 1146 Baker City, OR st-stephens@qwestoffice.net Charlene Chase, Editor February 2016 The Voice of St. Stephen s The Easter Season begins early this year with our annual Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper on February 9 followed by Ash Wednesday service at noon on the 10th. Please mark your calendars for all the events that happen during this special time of year. Inside this issue Celebration and Passage into Lent Our traditional pancake supper feast for the Parish and the Baker Community will be held on Shrove Tuesday, February 9, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. We will have the same delicious ham from Russell s meats, served with all you can eat pancakes with butter and syrup and applesauce, coffee and tea and milk. This is a terrific outreach ministry to the community that we have been doing for over 60 years. It is also a big deal for our own fellowship because we all participate and have a blast. Prices will stay the same: adults $5.00; children $1.50; or family $ Sign up sheet is in the Parish Hall or call Aletha at Still needed are cashier, table setter, cooks, pancake mixer, ham slicer, 2nd shift dishwashers, syrup, kitchen help with plate set-up. A separate donation jar will be set up this year so people who want to help send children from the community to camp can contribute without our raising the break-even price of the pancake feast. The Vicar s Moment 2 Annual Meeting Reports 2-5 February Worship Schedule Announcements and Celebrations February Schedule Lenten Service and Soup Supper We will continue the close fellowship throughout Lent with a short Wednesday evening prayer service in the Chapel starting at 6:30 p.m. on February 17th followed by soup supper downstairs in the Parish Hall offered by different families each week. Everyone is encouraged to join in and to bring a friend if you like. It is an informal and very loving experience. Coffee hour volunteers and altar flower donors are still needed for March and April. Please see Maryanne Lovell at church or give her a call (541/ ) to sign up. Thank you and God bless!

2 The Vicar s Moment By Rev. Aletha Bonebrake 2 There s a long, long trail a-winding into the land of my dreams, Where the nightingale is singing, and a white moon beams There s a long, long night of waiting, until my dreams all come true, Until the day I m going down that long, long trail with you. Written in 1915 this song was popular among America's newly-departed Doughboys in WW I. It probably reminded them of home and the loved ones left behind. I have always felt a sense of fulfillment expressed in the ballads that have stood the test of time, a commitment to a love that is so much deeper than ephemeral gratification. So many of the old ballads that we played on the Victrola when I was a child evoke that same faithfulness to one soul-deep love. Some may think this is a song of loss, the loved one left behind. But to me it is a song of hope, a song of faith. This is a ballad of human longing, a love story in song. Our longing as human beings is to love and be loved. And the greatest gift to mankind is that we are loved, unconditionally, by our God. That is the love we need to fill our hearts, to know its source and to nurture its experience as an expression of life. It is the kind of love that we seek in our husbands and wives, from our mothers and fathers, the love that we in turn give to our children and our fellow man. We learn love by being loved. That is why scripture opens the path for us to follow; the story of God s love that has created a lasting home for us, with God at the end of a long, long trail. It describes a place of peace and beauty, a place worth waiting for and a love worth believing in. If you re an optimist, this song will warm the cockles of your heart. It is a beckoning always forward, always to our best achievements, our greatest patience and our fondest hopes. To me it is a lovely metaphor for the journey of Lent, a time to take stock of our journey with Christ, our joy in God s creation, our gratitude for his companionship and reflection on our shortcomings in all he has asked us to do in this life. Do we love as we ought? Lent is a time of patience to receive understanding a long, long night of waiting. A time to reflect on belonging to one another in Christ until we come together in that final feast, until our dreams all come true. There s a long, long trail a winding, and it is one we travel together as brothers and sisters in Christ. Every step of the way is an affirmation of faith in our strength to make the journey and the worth of our destination. Let us look for God in songs of love, for such songs are God s gifts to teach the human heart. If you are interested in the budget, please contact Aletha Annual Meeting Reports Vicar s Report by The Rev. Aletha Bonebrake This has been a very busy year, with my involvement from the end of March through December 13 as a member of the Bishop Search Committee for the Diocese. There were eight of us, four clergy and four lay persons representing every corner of our Diocese. We reviewed many, many applications and followed a rigorous process to select the final three candidates to present to the Diocese for election. We were blessed with superb candidates and are grateful for their loving presence. The delegates to Election Convention elected Pat Bell from Coeur d Alene, who served in Ontario for 13 years before moving to Idaho. He will be consecrated in April by Presiding Bishop Michael.

3 3 Annual Meeting Reports Continued... And most of us got to meet the new Presiding Bishop Michael Curry just after he was elected, because he had signed on as our leader for Adult Education Camp at Ascension this summer over a year ago. Those who went to the Sunday service experienced the incredible joy and energy he brings to our Church. Six members of St. Stephen s went to Convention in The Dalles, four delegates and two spouses. At convention I was also elected to Diocesan Council and will serve a three-year term. I am so grateful for the unselfish involvement in ministry of St. Stephen s parishioners, from the month-long strategic planning we engaged in just a year ago in January, which has given us a new start on Sunday School and inspired the welcoming of a new Pre-School Program, and has strengthened our commitment to twice-weekly Bible Study fellowships, to the willingness of members to stretch themselves into worship roles which involves us all in the life of the church indeed, the different gifts of the different members make the whole. We have two lay preachers who have greatly enriched our engagement with scripture, and we have been blessed all year with Richard Thew s presence at the first Eucharist of each month. He and I have shared the St. Stephen s/st. Brigid s Eucharist services. When you look at the other reports, you see we are still active in making music, caring for each other, teaching the children and giving to the community. We are truly living together as the Body of Christ. Senior Warden Report by Cammy Warner I would like to thank everyone who is attending this meeting. I would like to start this report by saying this congregation has a lot to be proud of and though there are few of us, we have and can accomplish much!!!! I have a lot of passion regarding St. Stephen s and what has happened this last year and of the goals for the future. Here is a brief list of those events and goals: Strengths: 1. When I assumed the role of Sr. Warden, the Diocese was in the middle of choosing a new Bishop and in December of 2015 we elected Reverend Patrick Bell. I am excited about this election and the future of our Diocese and St. Stephen s. 2. We have a very vibrant Women s Group that meets once a month at different restaurants in the community. We have a very strong showing at most of these meetings, sometimes as many as 25 women. This is a time where the women get together and plan all the fun events that this church puts on for the community and ourselves. We welcome all women to these lunches; they are a way for us to connect. 3. We have a quiet but mighty Men s Group. The men provide this church with the most wonderful breakfast after each Sunday on the first of the month. The breakfast is donated by the men and they only ask for a donation that goes into a fund to help send children to Cove Ascension Camp; the funds are down at this time so we ask that you think about that when you are eating the men s delicious breakfast. The Men s Group also supports the Women s Group in any way we need or ask. 4. We have a small but thriving and growing Sunday School thanks to Jessica Anderson and Beth Bigelow. As you all know, nothing brings enthusiasm and excitement to a church like a Sunday School. This has been a wish of all of the church and we thank Jessie and Beth for their tireless work. 5. We also have a Vacation Bible School that is offered during the summer thanks to the leadership of Althea with lots of help by other members of the church. 6. Lastly but certainly not least is the fact that St. Stephen s has a strong and magical Music Program. Hannah Violette is our fearless leader in this program and we are so grateful to her vision and energy. I am proud to say that St. Stephen s has beautiful music that rings out from these doors. Goals: As always in every Annual Meeting the discussion of finances comes up and it will again as you listen to the financial report. One of my main goals this year is for each of us to look inside our hearts and try to increase your pledge. This increase does not have to be much $5.00 a month or $ a month

4 whatever your heart tells you to increase to keep this beautiful congregation alive and well in the future. I am also asking each member to invite a person or a family to experience our church service. There are many people out in our community that are unchurched and my be looking for US. We just need to invite them. Let s get out of our comfort zone and pledge more and invite more!!!!! We are small but we are mighty. Women s Group by Cammy Warner As stated in the Senior Warden s report, the Women s group meets once a month-the third Saturday of the month at different restaurants to discuss upcoming plans. All women are invited. Some things that occurred this last year: 1. Made and served gingerbread at the Annual Holiday Parlor Tour 2. Cleaned and organized the kitchen 3. Cleaned and organized the supply closet 4. Helped serve and supply food for funerals 5. Help organize monthly potlucks at member s homes for fun and fellowship. 6. Decorated the church for Christmas and the Bishop candidate s Walk-About Junior Warden report by Rob Palmer Joel Bigelow asked me to take over the title of Junior Warden in the middle of the year. All hats off to Joel for his continuing work at keeping the church in good shape. Nothing has changed in that regard. Joel is the man! I attended the diocesan convention in The Dalles and the election of our new bishop in Pendleton this fall as a voting delegate. 4 Altar Guild Report by Beth Bigelow Our Altar Guild membership continues to remain strong. We have a dedicated group of women who serve Saint Stephen's. They work quietly to prepare the altar in the church for every service. The altar gospel book, lectern Bible, linens and cloth, candles, credence table, win and bread, oils, vessels for the elements and the processional cross are just some of the responsibilities in the special care of the Altar Guild. During the fall Karen Zimmer and Beth Bigelow met several times to clean and organize the sacristy and to take an inventory of the needs for the altar. As a result of this, an old worn altar linen was replaced by a new beautiful cloth from Ireland. Candles, tapers, wine and wafers were also purchased. A training was held in November to review the responsibilities of the altar. A special thanks to Karen Zimmer for leading the discussion and answering any questions. Altar Guild Members: Betty Palmer, Karen Zimmer, Heather Palmer Johnson, Karen Foglesong, Sue Richard, Barbara Prowell, Shameron Skeels, and Beth Bigelow. Bountiful Baskets by Aletha Bonebrake We have completed our fourth year of bi-weekly deliveries of fresh fruits and vegetables to needy families with school children. The families we served were extremely poor, most living in subsidized housing, or struggling families of servicemen overseas. We have no way to measure the impact of the fresh produce on health and school performance, but we know anecdotally that the families relied on starchy and packaged foods, which are more affordable. In 2015, we served 9 families originally, dropping down to 7 families by September, comprising 18 children of school age, for a total of $2,579. The project in the past has attracted collaboration with another church program of bread distribution and the middle school snack program through supplemental bread donations, but except for the faithful Community 101 financial support from the Baker High School Leadership Class and our church s support, there have been no additional financial partners this year. We began the program with proceeds from two estate sales

5 and have sustained it with two large Bisbee Grants from our Diocese in two different years, Community 101 grants every year, as well as contributions from musical events the choir has put on, and individual gifts. When I reported to Vestry that there appeared to be no way to make up the shortfall going into 2016 and that it appeared the program needed to be curtailed, the thinking caps went on. The Sunday School has offered $1,000 from its pumpkin and gingerbread house auctions which it earns each year for the purpose of feeding the hungry, and the Vestry has authorized $500 from the annual Adler grant to the program. In addition, the $133 received from the Christmas Eve service was dedicated to this program. We begin the year, therefore, with $1,633, which will give us a strong in-kind match for a grant request. Also our parishioners and gifts from St. Brigid s continue to support this important outreach program. We hope to continue to serve at least 6 families in 2016, at a cost of $2,626. We change families as their needs change and the children graduate. The School District helps locate and approach families that need and welcome this support. St. Stephen s Bread Ministry by Michael Chase Eastern Oregon has a 70 percent poverty rate and therefore a serious hunger problem. Hunger is endemic especially for families with young children. Three years ago, St. Stephen s was invited by our local Safeway store to work thru the Oregon Food Bank to distribute bread on weekends to the Baker community. St Stephen s has identified and serves individual families who are in need. St. Stephen s also partners with a number of organizations such as: Salvation Army, Presbyterian church, Baker Middle School, Head Start and many other organizations to serve the whole community. The bulk of coordinating this effort continues to be accomplished by the tireless efforts of our good friend Jim Tomlinson. The hunger remains; the work continues with God s help. Men s Group 2015 by Joel Bigelow The Men's Group continues to raise money for young people from the Baker area to attend Ascension School. Joel Bigelow, Rob Palmer, Jim Tomlinson, Andy Rorick and Michael Chase prepare a delicious breakfast during the first Sunday of every month. The members of the men's group donate the food items used to prepare the breakfast. Contributions received for the breakfast are used for the Ascension School scholarship fund. We raised $600 last year and hope to raise a similar amount this year. Thanks to all of you who attend the breakfast and support Ascension School. Music report by Hannah Violette In 2015 the choir saw a dramatic reduction in membership...however, we remained committed to weekly practice and offering at least monthly contributions to our worship services. During Christmas and Advent we sang three times, starting at the Bishop candidates' visit and ending with Christmas Eve. Our number may be small, but we will continue to glorify God through song as we enter the Lenten, Easter, and Pentecost seasons. And remember, if you don't come to church, you'll miss us! New voices are ALWAYS welcome, regardless of perceived singing ability. St. Stephen s Preschool/PreK by Karen Zimmer St. Stephen's is sponsoring a preschool/prek program which meets three mornings a week from 8:30-11:00. It serves children who turn three by September 1st, four year olds, and young fives who are not kindergarten age. We currently have eight students enrolled (one is part-time). Although our tuition is very reasonable at $75.00 a month, we are willing to work with parents who are finding tuition an issue. We do, however, have a quota since there is only one teacher and not always a parent volunteer. We are a recorded program with the state CCD. Volunteers must have background checks. We comply with the Baker County Health Department immunization requirements. We are on Facebook and have a web site at 5

6 6 February St. Stephen s Worship Schedule February 2016 Date February 7 February 10 February 14 February21 February 28 Time 9 AM Noon 9 AM Noon 9 AM Sunday Last Epiphany Ash Wednesday Lent 1 Lent 2 Lent 3 Service Holy Eucharist II Imposition of Ashes Morning Prayer II Holy Eucharist II Morning Prayer II Celebrant Sermon Rev. Aletha Bonebrake Rev. Aletha Bonebrake Hannah Violette Rev. Aletha Bonebrake Betty Palmer Worship Leader Prayers People TBA Barbara Prowell Rev. Aletha Bonebrake Beth Bigelow Betty Palmer Michael Chase Lector/Greeter Acolyte Barbara Prowell Thomas Larsen Cammy Warner Betty Palmer Kaydin Palmer Rob Palmer Music Altar Guild Barbara Prowell TBA Heather Palmer- Betty Palmer Johnson Beth Bigelow St. Brigid s in the Pines Worship Schedule February 2016 Date Time February 7 11 AM February 10 February AM Sunday Last Epiphany Lent 2 Service Holy Eucharist II Holy Eucharist II Celebrant/Sermon Rev. Richard Thew Rev. Aletha Bonebrake Lay Leader Jay Phillips Jay Phillips

7 7 Coffee Hour Hosts Potluck at 6 PM Thursday, Feb. 11 NA Meeting Times Feb. 7 Feb. 14 Feb. 21 Feb. 28 Men s Breakfast Karen Zimmer Hazel & Maryanne Beth Bigelow Hosts: Jim & Mary Tomlinson Everyone is invited! Please RSVP Mondays Tuesdays Thursdays Fridays Saturday Prayer Corner Pray for one another. James 5:16 Fr. Ken & Sabra Crysler Marian Brown Women s Lunch Meadowbrook Noon February 27 RSVP to Aletha If you would like to have your name removed from or added to the prayer list, please call the church office at Prayer Chain Beth Bigelow Rev. Aletha Bonebrake Marian Brown Barbara Prowell Sue Richard Betty Palmer Celebrations February Birthdays 1 Barbara Phillips 19 Jacob Buehler 5 Jessica Anderson 28 John Shukle 5 Joel Anderson 7 Molly Larsen 9 Lynne Burroughs 11 Jim Tomlinson 12 Meredith Wilson 13 Mark Johnson 13 Robert Armstrong February Anniversaries 7 Nancy & Werner Buehler

8 8 St. Stephen s Episcopal Church st Street Mailing Address: PO Box 1146 Baker City, OR Phone: st-stephens@qwestoffice.net St. Stephen s is a welcoming community of faith. Please join us Sundays at 9 AM. We miss you when you are not here. Established 1873 by The Rev. Reuben Denton Nevius February Schedule 7 Holy 9 AM; Sunday School; Men s Breakfast; 11 AM 9 Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper 5 7 PM Bible study 7:30 AM & 4 Little Pig Choir practice Wednesdays 5:30 pm 10 Ash Wednesday Noon 11 Potluck at the Tomlinson 6 PM 14 Valentine s Day- Morning Prayer 9 AM; 7:30 AM 17 Compline & Soup 6:30 PM - Hosted by Bigelows 21 Holy 9 AM; 11 February Compline & Soup 6:30 PM - Hosted by Palmers 27 Women s Noon 28 Morning 9 AM