The Severn Light St. Stephen s Episcopal Church Severn Parish Crownsville, Maryland

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1 The Severn Light St. Stephen s Episcopal Church Severn Parish Crownsville, Maryland August 2017 Contents A Word from Father Vic Page 1 Senior Warden Sums Up Page 1 Crab Feast Page 2 Upcoming Events Page 4 Musical Notes Page 5 ASP Page 5 Sunday School Page 6 School Registration Page 7 Educational Opportunities Page 8 *This newsletter is either ed to those who have online capabilities or sent through the postal system for those who don t. If you have a delivery preference, please let the church secretary know: st_stephens@verizon.net A WORD FROM FATHER VIC ABOUT CONFIRMATION Dear All, I hope that you all have had a good summer. It's just a few more weeks until school starts again! Our confirmation classes will begin on September 10 th at 9:00 in Woodward Hall. Just a few notes about Confirmation and class: The Book of Common Prayer says of confirmation: In the course of their Christian development, those baptized at an early age are expected, when they are ready and have been duly prepared, to make a mature public affirmation of their faith and commitment to the responsibilities of their baptism and to receive the laying on of hands by the bishop. (BCP 412) The rite of confirmation is connected to baptism it is not the completion of ABOUT ADULT EDUCATION Episcopalians 101: Who are we? Episcopalians 101 is a much more. Newcomers series of six classes for and anyone are invited to anyone interested in move more deeply into exploring their faith more relationship with Christ by deeply or joining the taking this course, and it Episcopal Church. Topics serves as preparation for covered include Bible and adults wishing to be Scripture Reading, The baptized, confirmed, or Nicene Creed, the Polity of the Episcopal Church, and received into the Episcopal Church. SENIOR WARDEN SUMS IT UP The middle of September will be the one year anniversary of Father Hailey and his family being with us as our priest-incharge. I think I can safely speak on behalf of the congregation when I say thank you, Father Victor, for all you have done. A note on the light side - I think Father Hailey is the first turkey-baking priest we have ever had. Thanks for your help. I am sure everyone has noticed that F a t h e r H a i l e y h e l p s where ever he sees a need. He baptism but an affirmation of the vows made on behalf of our confirmands, when they were infants, by their parents and godparents. While confirmation doesn t make a person any more of a Christian, it is a rite of Christian commitment, and an important part of living out one s life in Christ. Continued on page 3 Classes will begin at 11:30 a.m. following the 10:00 a.m. Eucharist on the designated Sunday. Each session will last for about an hour. Session 1 Our Scriptures, The Old and New Testaments The Bible: we hear passages from the Continued on page 3 has even helped the ladies make a sleeping bag. I feel we are very blessed to have him. On a more serious note, Father Hailey has put a few things back in place, one of which is visiting members of our church, past and Continued on page 4

2 PAGE 2 AUGUST 2017 THE SEVERN LIGHT St. Stephens Episcopal Church Crab Feast! Saturday September 30, :00-6:00 pm All You Can Eat! Maryland Crabs, Corn on the Cob, Hot Dogs, Potato Salad, Crab Soup. Ice Tea & Water Provided [BYOB] for anything else. DJ and Music! Adults - $40 Kids - [5-12] $15 Under 5 are Free. Tickets available In Church Office Monday thru Friday 10-4 pm and after Sunday Services Location - St Stephens Parish Hall, 1110 St Stephens Church Road, Crownsville MD 21032

3 THE SEVERN LIGHT AUGUST 2017 PAGE 3 CONFIRMATION continued from page 1 Classes meet as scheduled (see bottom of this letter) and the program has nine 1-hour sessions. Confirmation at St. Stephen s will take place on March 4 with Bishop Sutton celebrating. It is important to note that participation in this process does not obligate the student to be confirmed. A student may withdraw at any point, or even decide not to be confirmed at the end of a successfully completed program. Part of the process of becoming a mature Christian is being ready to make a commitment to Christ on one s own. There are certain expectations for t e e n a g e r s e n g ag e d i n t h e confirmation class. First, since participation is voluntary, a positive outlook and a willingness to engage the faith is the most important expectation. Second, each student is expected to be a part of the worshipping community and to attend every class. While there may be circumstances where this is not possible, full attendance is the norm. If you must miss a class, let me know and I will work with you to cover the material some other way. The role of the parents is vital to this process. First, each parent must support their child in this process while allowing them the freedom to delay or withdraw if they desire. Parental worship life and discussions about faith will also have an indelible effect on the inquiring process of their children. Help them to keep this process a priority in the busy schedule that is part of a student s life. If you have any questions, please don t hesitate to contact me. I m looking forward to this time together in the months ahead! Fr. Hailey+ (FatherHailey@gmail.com) CONFIRMATION CLASS SCHEDULE All Classes meet at 9:00 AM in Woodward Hall September 10 and 24 October 29 November 2 December 3 and 17 January 7 and 21 February 11 ADULT EDUCATION cont. from page 1 scriptures read in worship Sunday, and there are so many questions. Who wrote it? How do we read it? What s in it anyway? Who is it about? How does the whole story fit together? Join us for a discussion on the Good Book on September 17 th. Session 2 Nicene Creed What we believe - Every Sunday we stand in church and we recite the Creed We believe. It is our profession of faith, and we Christians have been saying it for 1600 years without a change. We manage to make constant changes in almost everything else the Bible, the Book of Common Prayer, even the Eucharist but never in the Creed! Join us for a discussion on the Nicene Creed on October 15 th. Session 3 Sacraments Outward and Visible Signs of an Inward and Spiritual Grace - Sacraments are central to the life of the Episcopal Church. We believe that they remind us that we are beloved, forgiven children of God who are called to live in right relationship with God, ourselves, and each other. Join us for a discussion on the Sacraments of our Church on November 19 th. Session 4 Church History While St. Stephen s may have been founded in 1838, the Church s roots go back much, much further. Join the discussion as we journey from the year 30 C.E. all the way to the present day in A Very Short History of the Church on December 10 th. Session 5 The Episcopal Church Polity - How we govern ourselves - The church is made up of people, and whenever two or more people join together, some sort of organization is essential. When Christians join together to be the body of Christ in the world, they require organization. Join us for a discussion on the ways the Episcopal Church governs itself on January 14 th. Session 6 Book of Common Prayer & Liturgy How does how what we pray shape what we believe? Why do we do the things we do on Sunday? Why does Fr. Hailey wear so many fancy clothes? Our discussion will follow an instructed Eucharist at the 10:00 liturgy on January 28 th.

4 PAGE 4 AUGUST 2017 THE SEVERN LIGHT UPCOMING... MY BROTHER S KEEPER The ladies of My Brother s Keeper have been meeting in the Parish Hall over the summer at 10:30 a.m. each Wednesday. They will continue making the quilted sleeping bags until October 25. Anyone who can thread a needle is welcome to join them instructions will be given. CCCC & QUILTS Speaking of quilts, St. P a u l s L u t h e r a n Church has donated a quilt to the Crofton Chr isti an Car ing Council to raffle off. The church secretary will have tickets in September if interested. You are welcome to attend St. Paul s Quilt Show, 1370 Defense Hwy, Gambrills, the first weekend of October. THE GUILD The Guild will have their first meeting of the program year on Sunday, September 3 at 9:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall. Feel free to join them and find out what is in store for ALTAR GUILD The Annual Meeting for the Altar Guild will take place on Saturday, September 9 at 9:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall. All members are highly encouraged to attend. Corporate Communion and a Re-dedication Rite will be held at the 10:00 a.m. service on Sunday, October 15. BIBLE STUDY St. Stephen s Women s Bible Study Group will begin Monday, September 25th. They meet on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month (October April) in the Parish Hall from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. The subject matter this year will be Characters of the Old Testament from The Life Guide Study Series. They share their personal experience and wisdom of years as it applies to faith, lives, and challenges. You are invited to join them for an interesting and comparative Bible study program. Contact persons are Joan Trisko ( ) and Jean Cox ( ). FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS St. Francis and his love of God s creation will be celebrated on Sunday, October 1 at the 10:00 a.m. service which will be held outside at the St. Francis altar area. You are invited to bring your pets for Father Hailey to bless during the service. The outdoor altar is located in the back of the Parish Hall. (There is no rain date.) TRUNK OR TREAT Another October event to look forward to is Trunk or Treat, which will be h e l d o n Saturday, October 14 from 5-7 p.m. in the Parish Hall. You ll find fun, food, games and crafts for kids of all ages. Plan to trim the trunk of your car with Halloween décor. The children will visit each car looking for goodies. Join in fellowship for a safe way to celebrate! OCTOBER 14 at ST. STEPHEN S!!! SENIOR WARDEN cont. from page 1 present. He makes visits to homes, hospitals, assisted living, where ever there is a need, he is there. I have been asked to join him on several occasions and have really enjoyed talking to the people. It is wonderful to see their eyes light up and the smiles on their face when they are talking about their church, Saint Stephen's. I have taken my post card from this year s ASP trip and talked about what the teams are doing and pointing out the children and grandchildren of our members, again, getting to seeing the smiles on their faces is very heart warming. Father Hailey has also set in place the Lay Eucharistic Visitors. We are lucky to have enough people in this group that everyone can receive a visit any time needed. I am part of a team with Melissa Bednarik, but have gone by myself on occasion. I enjoy these times of fellowship and Communion with our church members. Sometimes these visits include taking lunch to share, a bonus enjoyed by all. Please let me know if I can do anything to help or if you have any concerns. The vestry is here to help and members are always willing to listen. I think we have a very good group of vestry members, who work well together trying to keep Saint Stephens a safe, secure, friendly place to worship. Remember our meetings are always open: stop in anytime. I want to say a special Thank You to our young people and their adult leaders that were our 2017 ASP Team. Great job in sharing your time and talents in the name of Saint Stephen s and doing God's work for God's people. Thank you for all your help and support. Marsha Thompson Senior Warden

5 THE SEVERN LIGHT AUGUST 2017 PAGE 5 Musical Notes Musical Notes, Severn Light, Aug. 22, 2017, by Don Chandler, Organist-choirmaster Welcome to a new season of singing and "making melody in our hearts" to the Lord, at St. Stephen's! Our hymns are our first vehicle: in my effort to choose "hymns we know," I ask you for suggestions; I may just compile and publish a "St. Stephen's collection"! Those wishing more musical outlet are invited to join 1) Senior Choir, 2) Celebration Choir, 3) Spirit Singers, 4) Praise Band! 1) Senior Choir, for anyone Grade 9 through age 99, performs weekly at the 10:00 a.m. service, with rehearsal on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and right before morning service (9:30 a.m.). 2) Celebration Choir, for Singers of all ages, especially families with small children, performs one Sunday per month at 10:00 a.m. after a one time rehearsal at 9:15. This enables those who cannot commit to weekly or evening rehearsals--and young children--to participate in choir. 3) Spirit Singers is our Junior Choir for all children grades 2 through 8. We perform once per month and Christmas Eve and rehearse at 9:00 a.m. Sundays in the Choir Room downstairs in the Church. We follow the Royal School of Church Music sight singing curriculum with colored ribbons indicating levels of achievement in music. Registration forms available in Narthex. 4) Praise Band! This group, with our brass quartet as a nucleus, performs at Christmas Eve and Easter Sunday services-and more as we are able. It is open to instrumentalists by invitation. Please let me know of your interest in this group. For more information and your questions, comments, offers of help and general encouragement of a musical tone, please contact me at ddpctuner@aol.com or or through the church office anytime. Blessings to all as we praise God together! Mr. Don Donald P. Chandler, ChM, MDiv It hasn t been that long since our Appalachia Service Project Team returned, tired but grateful for the opportunity to reach out to those who cannot meet their basic needs. But, it is time to think about ASP 2018! The first planning meeting will be held on Sunday, September 24 at 11:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall. St. Stephen s received the following thank you note: To the Crew from St. Stephen s, This card is too short to express how much we have enjoyed having you with us. To the dump boys & crash, thank you for going above & beyond the duties of normal volunteers by being flexible and willing to do what we needed. To the rest of the crew, thank you for going above & beyond with the families that you served. Brenda & Becky and her family could not speak more highly of you folks and neither can we. Thanks for pulling us out of a ditch when we needed it (metaphorically & literally) and thanks for teaching us to be still. You truly put love into action & we thank you immensely. ~With Love Aly, Will, Abby & Lindsey

6 PAGE 6 AUGUST 2017 THE SEVERN LIGHT St. Stephen s Church School begins September 10 for Pre-School thru High School Classes start at 10:00 a.m. Registration forms available in the Narthex, Parish Hall, Office, & on the next page of this newsletter. For questions, contact: Carolyn Younkin (carolyn2u@younkinhome.com) or Meredith Devereaux (coachdev1@icloud.com)

7 THE SEVERN LIGHT AUGUST 2017 PAGE ~ St. Stephen s Episcopal Church School REGISTRATION FORM STUDENT NAME and/or NICKNAME: PARENT(S) NAME: ADDRESS: HOME PHONE: WORK PHONE: (S): CHILD S BIRTH DATE: CURRENT SCHOOL GRADE: RECEIVE COMMUNION: Yes No VITAL KNOWN ALLERGIES AND/OR MEDICAL CONCERNS: IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO TELL US ABOUT YOUR CHILD? WOULD YOU BE AVAILABLE ON OCCASION TO: Assist with Nursery Care at the 10 a.m. Service? Assist with the Church School Program? Thank you for trusting us with the care and education of your child. ~ Church School Staff (Turn in completed form to church office)

8 PAGE St. 8 Stephen s Episcopal Church AUGUST 2017 THE SEVERN LIGHT Severn Parish 1110 St. Stephen s Church Road Crownsville, Maryland Phone: Fax: st_stephens@verizon.net Office Hours: MON-FRI 9:00 am to 4:00 pm The Rev. Victor Hailey, Priest-in-Charge PARTNERING IN EDUCATION St. Stephen s is home for several educational programs CROFTON NURSERY SCHOOL- Lauren Thompson, PTA President Programs for 3 and for 4 year olds SAVVY SOCIAL SKILLS- Karen Bisnett, Director Classes for children having difficulty in social situations MUSIC WITH MAR- Kelly O Brien-Evans, Facilitator Learning for Pre-Schoolers through music and movement