Staying Safe and Staying Connected
Good Morning Saint Stephen’s Church,
We continue our life of daily prayer. The Lord be with you!
Today is Thursday in Easter Week
Alleluia. Christ is risen.
The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.
Today’s Prayer
Christ our Passover Pascha nostrum
1 Corinthians 5:7-8; Romans 6:9-11; 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
Alleluia.
Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us; *
therefore let us keep the feast,
Not with old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, *
but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Alleluia.
Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; *
death no longer has dominion over him.
The death that he died, he died to sin, once for all; *
but the life he lives, he lives to God.
So also consider yourselves dead to sin, *
and alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord. Alleluia.
Christ has been raised from the dead, *
the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
For since by a man came death, *
by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die, *
so in Christ shall all be made alive. Alleluia.
– Book of Common Prayer, p. 83
From Our Prayers of the People
For the special needs and concerns of our congregation.
For people throughout the world: in places of war and strife, and for all victims of violence and oppression.
For the Presidents of Russia and Ukraine, that wisdom and courage may prevail in the cause of peace.
For the people of Ukraine, the people of Russia, and for all who affected by violence and war;
For those who have taken up arms, whether aggressively or defensively, that a spirit of peace may reign in their hearts and in their lands.
For our allies around the world in harm’s way: for those who are still trying to leave Afghanistan and the Ukraine; may God be with them and their families.
For comfort and healing for all who are affected by the Coronavirus around the world: for physicians, nurses, and all others who minister to the sick and the suffering, and for those administering vaccinations, may God grant them wisdom and skill, sympathy and patience, and may God keep them healthy and safe.
For all historical acts of injustice and oppression: especially those perpetrated against native, Black, Hispanic and various Asian Americans in this abundant land, that we may recognize racism in ourselves, in our church, in our society, and recognize the times we have failed to take action.
For a reverence for the earth as God’s own creation: that we may use its resources rightly in the service of others and to God’s honor and glory, and for wisdom, guidance, and persistence as we face the challenges of climate change and work for the flourishing and health of all the earth.
For those on the Parish Prayer Chain Maria V., Liz, Kathy, Maggie, Reena, Jim, Bruce, Chris, Audrey, June, Caleb, Josh T, Pat J., Daniel, Doris, Camellia, Beverly.
For our Government Leaders: Joseph Biden, President of the United States; Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York State; Gary McCarthy, Mayor of Schenectady.
For our Church Leaders: Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop; Michael G. Smith and Carol Gallagher, Assisting Bishops; James and Dennie, our priests; Pat, our deacon emeritus and Allison, our Lay Reader.
For those who are imprisoned: those particularly vulnerable at this time, especially the women in the Schenectady County Jail.
For Members who request our prayers for strength and healing: Mary Ann, David, Kathy, Janet, Marilyn, Eunice, Ruth, Mary Frances, Vincent, Priscilla, Joe, and all their families.
For Abigail – today is her birthday!
For Sara and Joe – today is their wedding anniversary!
For all the blessings of this life.
For our dioceses in the Anglican Communion: The Diocese of Kyushu – The Nippon Sei Ko Kai.
For all who have died: Bruce Tatge, John Barber, Dorothy Jeffries, John Kennedy-Healey, Jennifer Reid, James Sherman, Lorraine Bryant, Chris Ettles, George Hamm, Ronald Marotta Jr.
For one another.
Something to share
Color of Easter
Easter, the glorious season, beautiful to behold, purples,
pinks, whites of decoration, easing our minds into depths
of sorrow, praying and crying, in the garden of Gethesme.
Touching upon the many sins of man, not dwelling long on
them, choosing instead, death, so that all would be forgiven
by God.
What a total sacrifice for such unworthy people as we are,
glory and forgiveness are the most important prerequisites
of His death.
As we live on, carrying the memories from one generation
to another through His most precious blood, spilled for the
sake of man’s sins.
Crucified for our sake, loving everyone totally without
reserve like we should all strive to be in our lives as we
live from day to day.
Instead of using force and violence we need to pray for the
peace God gave us on Easter Day, as He rose from the dead,
saving all of mankind from the brink of hell.
– RoseAnn V. Shawiak
News and Updates
Organ Concert – featuring Joey Fala celebrating the centennial of the American Guild of Organists in Eastern NY. Mr. Fala earned a master’s degree in organ performance from Yale, after completing degrees in architecture and lighting at RPI. He was organ scholar at Duke University and is currently the director of music at University Presbyterian Church, Chapel Hill. He will play works by Franck, Alain, Bach, Howells, Hindemith, and will premiere a piece by Alfred V. Fedak written for the occasion.
The Eastern NY chapter was founded in September, 1920, and currently consists of over 100 organists, choir directors, and organ enthusiasts. The chapter has brought world class musicians to the area for concerts and workshops, and has fostered organists through mutual support and scholarships.
Eastern NY Chapter, American Guild of Organists
Centennial Celebration Concert
Saturday, April 30, 2022, 3:00 PM
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 107 State Street, Albany
Free will offering
Special Coffee Hour Brunch – The pandemic precluded the kind of celebration of Don Humphrey’s life that his wife, Marilyn wished at the time of his memorial service. On April 24th after the Eucharist we will have that opportunity with a brunch in memory of Don. Marilyn invites everyone to join in the celebration.
Reminders
If you have an update/news, a prayer or poem or something inspirational you would like us to share with the congregation, please send it to us. Please also send us any prayer requests. We will incorporate these into the Daily Prayers as best we can: james.ross.mcd@gmail.com.
Prayerbook Morning Prayer in Zoom – each morning. Join Dennie and me for an inter-active service of Morning Prayer at 9 am. Time to bring your prayer concerns will be provided. (contact Becky for the link: becky.holder@gmail.com).
If you need a prayerbook, and are not in a position to purchase one, please contact me: james.ross.mcd@gmail.com. I will make sure you have your own Book of Common Prayer.
Masks are optional for all gatherings at the church.
Our office email is: office@st-stephens.church.
Our goal is for all of us to stay in touch and connected.
Irish Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be at your back,
May the sun shine upon your face,
he rains fall soft upon soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Be of good courage. We are in this together, and we will be together again soon. God bless you and may God be with us in the days ahead.