Saint Stephen’s Weekly Prayers for the week of January 29, 2023
Good Morning, Saint Stephen’s Church,
Intercessions this Week
Sunday, January 29, 2023
Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Church of Pakistan (United)
Our Leaders: Joseph Biden, President of the United States; Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York State; Gary McCarthy, Mayor of Schenectady
Our Church Leaders: Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury; Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop; Michael G. Smith and Carol Gallagher, Assisting Bishops; and Allison de Kanel, our lay reader
Those who are in need of strength and healing: Mary Ann Harrington, Marilyn Causey, Eunice Chouffi, Mary Frances Hatfield, Vincent Avila, June Russell, Bill Frank, Chris Holder, Sal Belardo, Samantha Humphrey & the Humphrey Family, and Joe White
Those who celebrate birthdays this week: Dan Schuldt
Those who celebrate baptisms this week: Christine Nelson
Those who celebrate anniversaries this week: Mary & Harvey Alexander
Those who have died: Edwin Tolan, Lee Doolittle, Olive Maloy, Donald Humphrey
This week’s Lessons and Prayers
4 Epiphany
The Collect and Scripture Readings for the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A
COLLECT
Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
FIRST LESSON
Micah 6:1-8
Hear what the LORD says: Rise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice. Hear, you mountains, the controversy of the LORD, and you enduring foundations of the earth; for the LORD has a controversy with his people, and he will contend with Israel. “O my people, what have I done to you? In what have I wearied you? Answer me! For I brought you up from the land of Egypt, and redeemed you from the house of slavery; and I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. O my people, remember now what King Balak of Moab devised, what Balaam son of Beor answered him, and what happened from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the saving acts of the LORD.”
“With what shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.
THE PSALM
Psalm 15
1 Lord, who may dwell in your tabernacle? *
who may abide upon your holy hill?
2 Whoever leads a blameless life and does what is right, *
who speaks the truth from his heart.
3 There is no guile upon his tongue;
he does no evil to his friend; *
he does not heap contempt upon his neighbor.
4 In his sight the wicked is rejected, *
but he honors those who fear the Lord.
5 He has sworn to do no wrong *
and does not take back his word.
6 He does not give his money in hope of gain, *
nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.
7 Whoever does these things *
shall never be overthrown.
SECOND LESSON
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
The message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength. Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
GOSPEL
Matthew 5:1-12
When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
News and Updates
Music Today
Prelude Prière à Notre-Dame Boëllmann
Opening Hymn #440
Sequence hymn #441
Offertory Anthem Offertory Beck
Closing Hymn #556
Postlude Toccata in A minor Sweelinck
Current Announcements
Ushers: Dorreen May and William Olsen
Lectors: Sammy and Dan Schuldt
Celebrant: Mother Sally Heiligman
Celebrant / Officiant Update:
2/5-Father Marshall Vang + lector training following the service
2/12-Mother Sally Heiligman + lector training following the service
2/19-Father Marshall Vang
2/22 @5:30 -Father Marshall Vang- Ash Wednesday
The St. Stephen’s congregation is invited to a Candlemas service at St. George’s, 30 N Ferry St, Schenectady, on Thursday, February 2nd at 7:00PM. Candlemas commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the Temple of Jerusalem, referring to him as the light of the people of Israel. Fr. Vang will be the celebrant. A combined St. Stephen’s / St. George’s choir will sing. This is a wonderful way to join our neighbors in the Stockade for this holy day celebration.
SICM – During January we will be collecting soup for the Rev. Phil Pantry. The pantry is also in need of disposable diapers (e.g. Pampers) in sizes 3, 4 and 5.
Ongoing Covid and the addition of flu and RSV have us feeling as if pandemic precautions will never end. Due to change in the seasons and longer indoor exposures we invite you to consider masking at church if you feel vulnerable. Masks are available from the ushers if anyone would like to use one. Let’s keep strong and healthy.
Please join us in praying for Samantha Humphrey’s safe return and for the Humphrey family during this difficult time.
Ongoing adult education opportunities Foundations of Benedictine SpiritualityFor New and Returning Retreatants at Christ the King Center Retreat leaders are The Rt. Rev. Michael Smith and Pat Stone Additional presenters include The Rev. Meaghan Keegan, The Very Rev. Tom Malionek and The Rev. Marian Sive Two sessions for you to choose the one that fits your schedule Weekday: Wednesday, February 1-3, 2023 Weekend: Friday – Sunday, February 3-5, 2023 More info here  Tree of Life Seminar with The Rev. Dr. Ellen Neufeld February 7, 14, 21, and 28 | 12:00 PM Wisdom…is a Tree of Life for those who grasp Her~Proverbs 3:18 This seminar is for anyone who desires to grow in their relationship with God by growing into a deeper experience of prayer. The Heart is the deep place within us where we find the presence of God and our true selves in Him. We will explore together the simple ways in which this encounter becomes real. God wants this relationship with all His people – you do not need to be a special “mystic” or have unusual experiences. The Holy Spirit will teach us as we listen to Him.Each session will include: Presentation of material, Discussion, Presentation, direction and practice of prayer of the heart, Opportunity for healing of the heart, Time for personal prayer of the Heart 4-week class includes lunch and program – $100 RegiRegister Here: https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001e_1Gt8rS5JOnp3IUtGwSQZeKU8B8JVR-_q1M9yKuN6xIS-u5s75gthj55D92ruTPbioMn8gKhD9GTViBuX4riS6RgSgADqvZ8Ge_bfHT69HR2W5p3FGrDEkuqOyZWW6ojqm8X-1LNxlHTDnsjx5RnR9TcoPb25sYMh95M0ywqwWS5VKqTg0AB8ZUOQWhIJExXzLlaCupQGc=&c=U-sQEaYHEbI5RSxZvRAPwyLsA12OgzBp6qv5FijzKQTaIbRFZ41ovA==&ch=-uhJkqIAJn13sqjhb1sOLX-l4MpS5BbxbIDmy6kVh6cB-UlQZV0lfA==  A Day of Quiet and Healing February 11, 2023 | 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM Join us for a peaceful day of soaking prayer in the Healing Center. This ministry is free of charge although donations are certainly appreciated. Lunch is available for purchase at $16 per person. You may make a reservation when you register. Pay at the door. Register Here: https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001e_1Gt8rS5JOnp3IUtGwSQZeKU8B8JVR-_q1M9yKuN6xIS-u5s75gthj55D92ruTPyhOymV3IjGFgLs9dr0jYiFkJHBLasTjzHH4h6You_HObXNZ5ePtiPH43I7u4MOS_IYgXNahOQrP_MW-72U62WAVDq7Zjh-MSWGReXqeAixpoA0Bg0tLbycWJbwrDsv9xalt4oC0wnlymXzcsl2r8qw==&c=U-sQEaYHEbI5RSxZvRAPwyLsA12OgzBp6qv5FijzKQTaIbRFZ41ovA==&ch=-uhJkqIAJn13sqjhb1sOLX-l4MpS5BbxbIDmy6kVh6cB-UlQZV0lfA== The Chalice of Repose Project Lenten Retreat Tuesdays beginning Feb 28 | 7:00-8:30 PM An exploration of beauty through the Gospels, pastoral care and liturgical arts with artist-in-residence Therese Schroeder-Sheker. Therese is a Benedictine oblate, educator and writer on music-in medicine, contemplative musicianship, and the theology of women mystics. She is also founder of The Chalice of Repose Project which “lovingly cares for the physical and spiritual needs of the dying with prescriptive music.” The class meets for six 1 1/2 hour sessions on Tuesdays at 7PM on Zoom. Begins February 28.Please register early as the class is limited to ten participants.Partial scholarships are available. Email arts@cathedralofallsaints.org with questions.Register here: https://www.cathedralofallsaints.org/events/chalice-of-repose-project  Beaver Cross Camp meets the winter in our SonShine Retreats! These retreats will be running over school winter break, middle school and high school students, will be playing epic games, having inspiring worship, prayer, and engaging with teachings. All of this to have fun, build community in Christ, and draw closer to Jesus!Jr. Sonshine: 3rd – 7th Grade | Sr. Sonshine: 8th – 12th Grade Register here:https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CA9z8Jf1bKfIpk0cCzEYmB9v0OJ2YhMU-4Fch9gcbyDzvBUkauNorJiDo7bP61qqYRygqun330hyZOGNU4WVqCbKg5Xr0pTkaBgnu4X3JFN2iLLHWvQc6PBRK9bXl-gd3D7DAD5S7yF30TGn9BZmuZ3p27NZZjhvikNdjYdG_PAx5cnImYSPcA==&c=KwMg3Z8LdOVCzsPRhkiOdD_EPmSm65gpiOieGMtkLenQVfOYQ4oyjA==&ch=j0G7MYUwVO9ILPor1zVeuu8lpHnvxqRIWgFrSDNjE4jbUnlVZvWs7w== |
Reminders
Prayerbook Morning Prayer in Zoom – each morning – contact Becky Holder for the link: becky.holder@gmail.com.
Our office email is: office@st-stephens.church.
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.