ELECTRONIC EPISTLE ST. STEPHEN EPISCOPAL CHURCH November 6 November 18, 2014 Beloved of Jesus, I don t know about you but I have been profoundly moved by the Ministry Minute testimonies of our parishioners both this year and last year. This is the question that they have been asked to reflect on: Ministry Minutes are presented as part of the services during the campaign. These Ministry Minutes are personal testimonies of how the parish has helped them in their life and Christian walk. On the surface it seems like a simple thing. but what has been shared is so important and personal and precious. These stories of faith have strengthened my faith. They have encouraged me in my journey and they have reminded me of my story of faith. Our stories of our journey in faith though intimate and personal, need to be shared. Why? to fill the pews To fill the coffers To be important? NO, though all of that would be nice. They are important to share so that others may share in the riches of God s love, grace, forgiveness, and joy. They strengthen us when we face challenges and sorrow. They remind us of our common life in Jesus. What is your story? How will you share it? With whom will you share it? What stories will be shared with you in response to your openness? May God bless you in the sharing and may those who are recipients of your generosity be blessed in the hearing. Faithfully,
DATES TO NOTE (other than the usual regularly scheduled services and Stone Soup Suppers): Sat Nov 8 Sun Nov 9 Mon Nov 10 Wed Nov 12 Thu Nov 13 St. Luke s Fall into Winter dinner [see below] Ministry Minute presented by Tia Richman On the schedule*: Family Fun and Fellowship 4-7pm Ushers Bill Hoeflin and Carol McDowell Lectors Jorge Hernandez and Tia Richman Eucharistic Ministers Joyce Atchley and Joaquin Varo Offertory counters Carol McDowell and Bill Hoeflin Altar Guild Tia Richman Nursery? Coffee Rachael Bashor Liturgy Guild 10:30am Susan s home PFLAG 6pm Susan+ and our delegates (Allan Preece and Gavin Shumate) will be attending diocesan convention in Salem convening on November 13 and concluding about noon on Saturday, November 15; please keep them in your prayers as they participate in the business of our Diocese Sun Nov 16 On the schedule*: Ushers Jorge Hernandez and Sofia Bonilla-Rios Lectors Ethel Myers and Joyce Atchley Eucharistic Ministers Jan Sedlacek and Joyce Atchley Offertory counters Carol McDowell and Nicky Sampson Altar Guild Jan Sedlacek Nursery? Coffee Celebration of Stewardship Campaign Tue Nov 18 Read & Feed 4-7pm *NOTE: Information in Dates to Note may differ from and takes precedence over the monthly Ministries Schedule as there may have been trades or substitutions among the participants subsequent to the printing of the Ministries Schedule. If you do not print this Epistle you may wish to note on your copy of the Ministries Schedule any changes that affect you. ST. LUKE S FALL INTO WINTER DINNER St. Luke s is offering a gourmet dinner and silent auction on Saturday, November 8, at 5pm. Dinner will be prepared by chefs Anthony Velarde and Michelle Korgan from Ona Restaurant in Yachats with dessert by Pacific Sourdough. There is a poster on the bulletin board that gives full details on the menu. Please contact Dutch Fortmeyer if you would like a ticket: 541-270-3747. Ten percent of the evening s proceeds will be donated to the South Lincoln County Voucher Program. CHOWDER LUNCH AND CHRISTMAS SALE Calling for all hands on deck: there are sign-ups for various tasks to be undertaken and ingredients to be provided for the annual Chowder Lunch and Christmas Sale that will be held on Saturday, December 6. And cookies lots of cookies will be needed for the Cookies by the Pound feature of the day. This is a very popular feature one that people line up for before the doors are unlocked! You will surely want to have a part in this event. Questions? Contact Ethel Myers (541-574-9821; ethelmimi@yahoo.com. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY We have again started receiving update notices from Habitat for Humanity, which are posted on the bulletin board by the TV. The latest notice includes news of the Siletz Build Progresses.
STEWARDSHIP We have received notice from Fred Meyer that ten St. Stephen s households have registered for their Community Awards resulting in $46.28 being designated as our share of the Fred Meyer Community Awards for the period July 1 through September 30. Thanks to you who have registered your rewards cards for this program, and a note of encouragement for more of you to do so. STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION The best strategy for giving is a two-fold approach: a basic plan combined with a willingness to consider spontaneous giving when unique opportunities arise. [Andy Stanley (b. 1958), pastor, author and founder of North Point Ministries] Please God, bless all those who have been so hurt by their community of faith that they feel they can never return; bless those who have been so steadfast in their faith that we would call them saints; bless the doubters who are not sure they can commit to a belief; bless the activists who are so motivated by what they believe that they take risks in your holy name; bless those who have just stepped over the threshold of faith for the first time; bless the wise elders of our communities who keep wisdom alive; bless the musicians and the singers who grace our worship. Please God, bless all your people, wherever they may be along the Way. The Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston, Choctaw + + + + + + + Newport Christian Music Festival & All Star Dessert Challenge Date: Saturday, November 15 Place: Newport Church of the Nazarene Time: 6:00p.m. - 8:30p.m. Music Festival: Nazarene Sanctuary** **Music Rehearsal: Friday, November 14 Dessert Challenge: Fireside Room (possibly gym) Purpose: To bring together Newport's Christian community for a night of one body fellowship, musical talent and an awesome dessert competition. Churches: 13 member churches of Inter-Christian Outreach Each ICO member church to: (1) provide one musical presentation (solo, duo, quartet, choir, instrumental, traditional, classical, contemporary, etc.). (2) provide a dessert to be judged and samples to be given to the attending public. Admission: by donation proceeds to ICO
Thirteen Newport Christian churches have come together as one body to form a new community help mission called Inter-Christian Outreach. The main function of ICO is operating a referral center or HUB where people can come and get assistance finding the government agency, organization or church mission best suited to help them in their time of need. We also maintain a ministry fund to help with small emergencies. ICO helps relieve area churches and agencies through fielding inquiries and establishing a connection to the most appropriate agency. The Inter-Christian Outreach HUB, or centralized referral agency, is open year round to serve those in need find help and assistance. The HUB cares for everyone, without any regard to religious background. ICO mission also discerns where there are overlaps in community services and programs and where there are gaps that need to be addressed and filled. ICO also administers the Medical Teams International Dental Van which provides low or no cost dental care during the year in Newport. The HUB office is located at 324 N. Coast Highway, Newport behind Arctic Circle Restaurant. - Joyce Atchley St. Stephen s representative to ICO MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU AT ST STEPHEN S Our church honors and welcomes lay ministries. Here are some opportunities you may already be doing or for you to consider as ways you can contribute: Join the Read and Feed group (contact Joyce Atchley, 541-265-5222; masterjeans1@charter.net); Maintain neatness and welcoming appearance of Nursery/Sunday School/Music Room Be a behind the scenes welcomer by keeping visitor cards and sharpened pencils in the pews Serve as a Eucharistic Minister (talk with Susan+)
Usher on Sundays Larry and Donna Cox, coordinators (contact them on their cell phones: Donna, 541-992-1148 and Larry, 541-992-2615), or by email: donnacox1@centurytel.net) Teach Sunday school training and materials provided! (contact Joyce Atchley, 541-265-5222; masterjeans1@charter.net) Volunteer for the Christian Connection ministry to provide transportation to church a new coordinator is needed, might that be YOU? Work with the Stone Soup Supper team on Monday nights Join the ministry of the Altar Guild Be a reporter to interview church members to share via the Epistle as well as to update our timeline Sing in the choir during Lent and Advent Maintain the library and determine if new books should be added Bring food on Sundays for Food Share Sign up for coffee hour (join someone on the schedule or offer to substitute) Participate in the Liturgy Guild a shared ministry with members from both St. Stephen s and St. Luke s to plan services for both churches. ST. STEPHEN EPISCOPAL CHURCH, (414 SW 9 th Street; corner of 9 th and Hurbert Streets) PO Box 1014, Newport, OR 97365 541-265-5251 ststephen@peak.org www.centralcoastepiscopal.org SERVICE SCHEDULE Sundays Holy Eucharist 10:45am Wednesdays Holy Eucharist 12:10pm PARISH ADMINISTRATOR, JAN SEDLACEK Office hours: Mondays and Wednesdays 9am-noon (please call to confirm) MINISTERS OF THE CHURCH The people of St. Stephen s Eric Simpson Choir Director and Organist Mary Lee Scoville Organist The Rev. Susan C. Church Vicar The Rt. Rev. Michael J. Hanley Bishop of Oregon VICAR S HOURS Sundays and Wednesdays EPISTLE EDITOR Jan Sedlacek (home: 541-265-2189; jaycee.sed@gmail.com) DON T SUFFER IN SILENCE: Please call the church office (541-265-5251) when: * You are ill or a member of your family is in the hospital. * You learn of a death in the church family. KEEP US POSTED: Please call the church office (541-265-5251) when: * Your group plans to meet at the church. * Your address, phone number or email address is changed. * You learn of someone who may be interested in church membership.