Saint Stephen’s Weekly Prayers for the week of April 23 , 2023

REMINDER: If you have not already done so, please fill out this form if you want to be included in our new directory!

Good Morning, Saint Stephen’s Church,

✠The Third Sunday of Easter✠

Collect and Lessons for the Third Sunday of Easter, Year A

COLLECT

O God, whose blessed Son made himself known to his disciples in the breaking of bread: Open the eyes of our faith, that we may behold him in all his redeeming work; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

FIRST LESSON

Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed the multitude, “Let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.

PSALM 116:1-3, 10-17

I love the LORD, because he has heard the voice of my supplication, *
because he has inclined his ear to me whenever I called upon him.

The cords of death entangled me;
the grip of the grave took hold of me; *
I came to grief and sorrow.

Then I called upon the Name of the LORD: *
“O LORD, I pray you, save my life.”

How shall I repay the LORD *
for all the good things he has done for me?

I will lift up the cup of salvation *
and call upon the Name of the LORD.

I will fulfill my vows to the LORD *
in the presence of all his people.

Precious in the sight of the LORD *
is the death of his servants.

O LORD, I am your servant; *
I am your servant and the child of your handmaid;
you have freed me from my bonds.

I will offer you the sacrifice of thanksgiving *
and call upon the Name of the LORD.

I will fulfill my vows to the LORD *
in the presence of all his people,

In the courts of the LORD’S house, *
in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.
Hallelujah!

SECOND LESSON

1 Peter 1:17-23

If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God.

Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart. You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.

GOSPEL

Luke 24:13-35

On the first day of the week, two of Jesus’ followers were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures. As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Intercessions this Week

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Church of the Province of Uganda

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; Marshall Vang and Sally Heiligman, our supply priests; and Allison de Kanel, our lay reader

Those who are in need of strength and healing: Mary Ann, Marilyn, Vincent, June, Bill, Chris, the Humphrey Family, Marshall, Pat, Budd, Peter and Joe

Those who celebrate birthdays this week: Veronica

Those who celebrate baptismal anniversaries this week: Shirley

Those who celebrate wedding anniversaries this week: Budd & Carole

Those who have died: George Hamm, Ronald Marotta Jr., Sarah Wylie, Margaret Law, Nancy Burnham, Caroline Ottaviano, Jeanette Ackner, George Lauder

News and Updates

Music Today

Prelude When I Survey the Wondrous Cross Parker

Opening hymn: #180

Sequence hymn: #306

Offertory Anthem Anthem for Communion Kinner/Lowry/Althouse

Closing hymn: #296

Postlude Thine Is the Glory Handel/Hughes

Current Announcements

Ushers: W. Olsen, G. Woodzell

Lectors: R. Woodzell, G. Woodzell

Celebrant: Mother Sally Heiligman

Celebrant / Officiant Update:

4/30 – Morning Prayer -Allison de Kanel

5/7 – Father Marshall Vang

5/14 – Mother Sally Heiligman

5/21 – Father Marshall Vang

5/28 – Mother Sally Heiligman

New Parish Directory – If you haven’t submitted a contact form for our new directory and would like to be included please do so ASAP. Paper copies are available in the back of the church or see the online form in the weekly emails.

Street Soldiers Lunch Making will be on April 30th following the 9:30 service. We depleted our whole stash of snacks and “extras” last month. If you are able to please consider bringing individually wrapped items to share. We typically make about 30 lunches. There is a wicker type basket under the center island in the kitchen where they can be left so they aren’t confused with snacks for coffee hour! Thanks!

St. Stephen’s is in need of a deputy (and deputy alternates) for the 2023 Albany Diocesan Convention to be held virtually on June 10th. Those deputies who attend this year’s convention in June will also represent St. Stephen’s in the fall for a special convention to elect the next Bishop of Albany. In order to be a deputy, you must be a confirmed Episcopalian in good standing at St. Stephen’s. A new bylaw as of last year states you must have been a member of St. Stephen’s as of January 2022 (last year’s annual meeting). If you are interested or have any questions, please contact Susie Olsen at susieolsen01@gmail.com

All middle school, high school and beyond up to age 20, are invited to St. Stephen’s Youth Group immediately following 9:30 Morning Prayer on April 30th. We will meet in the designated Teen Room- last door on the left (across from the Ladies restroom) and discuss/brainstorm the vision for the group and potential activities. All teens are most welcome along with any adults who would like to assist. For questions, contact Susie Olsen at susieolsen01@gmail.com

Announcing a new fund drive… We have decided to purchase an AED (automated external defibrillator) unit for St Stephens. The fund drive, to cover these expenses, will aim to bring in $2000. In addition to purchasing the defibrillator machine and its accompanying case and equipment, we will need to train volunteers from the congregation in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED use. We hope to train 20 volunteers. Perhaps there are already CPR certified members in the congregation and this is always a benefit. There will be a sign-up list in the narthex extension in the coming weeks for those interested in CPR training.

Acolyte Training – There will be a short training for anyone interested in becoming an acolyte today following the church service. Please meet Mother Sally at the front of the church.

SiCM Pantry – It’s baby season, yay!!! We are looking for diapers size 5-6-7, formula and wipes. If you can help with those items for April it would serve as a great relief for us. A warm thank you to the congregation at St. Stephen’s. We could not do what we are doing without your support.

Altar Flower Donation Forms are available from an usher if you would like to provide flowers for an upcoming Sunday.

Ongoing adult education opportunities

Register here: https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00155pTYd0mjrXqUDqlSIozIkQ7l3hDahKvNr5mYb1YF8O5dkECdJskoqU-exM9ewgpCJUqBZ4xRP9o8HQE7VSCT6dPvhCtZa5IF5fAT4cRzmE116Gw2lHM8NtGwxQ1jck8HV9pGfwNBw7th2EH3y2edKF2A4iVlIUBlNPbN9yAyWu8edU1TAsmkzTUTR_p77sWARkOmZtzG6RK0agbCGI0wQ==&c=PAjkaBvIkwaYBA_glQaThHuJ28WnrJhAeyPRlFgXg0OofletwRtLqQ==&ch=5UNmDhliX75BW7jABFHZaqqUIOSKtuRPfycrcApqNLAxnFmpKNTtfA==

2023 Convention – June 10
Don’t forget to submit your Certificate of Election. The Call to Convention and other important documents can be found by using the link below.
https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001dndZ8CyE9XaX2wc-a6fHRIo3IswcYFgUHigErDV90XjVV22O_AZ_5dpxYrP8uxDi9Zas45nPMzeCeoa8dJtd9fwfNIdygLZ2uJgqUgOEyE3Zpyn9CxHhMF_Ag2K9dGaZrm6EJxM5smvzRG2pmYSkpFS2yLRGFo1cug760HCB9GlZhh6l6t4t7g==&c=9tV6qGBnBo0SKHvOMpovsa7Z_lKOjwyOEEQmFPGTee_u0V6ZjY46SA==&ch=CbOhcrrtLLuT2SrXP0FCr52jkh_ercMo2hByIKwV64ZZNJcojGX-oA==

June 23-25First Loved Ministries believes that to love people the way Jesus loves people, we have to be loved by Jesus first. So they offer teaching, training, and touchpoints that help people receive love, from God and people, so that we are all able to go out and love God and people, just like Jesus did. Join founder Mark Gordon Fee as he leads you to begin a life-changing journey of experiencing God personally love you on a daily basis.

August 25-26God cares about Holiness and He is always working to shape us into being more like His son. Like a potter, He leans into us and leans over us as He molds us into the shape He so desires. Like a patient artisan, He pinches, trims, and squeezes us into the shape He longs to see. Therefore, we must be willing to examine our hearts to name elements in our lives that resist His shaping of us. Attending to our soul is necessary as we seek God’s renewal and transformation in our lives. As we learn to pay attention to our soul we will become more aware of what lies underneath the energy that promotes sin, yet also awakens our longing and desire for more. Join us as we look into our own soul, not to self promote, but rather to promote spiritual formation that reflects more of the life of Christ in our lives.NOTE: While this is a continuation of last year’s retreat, it stands on its own. You do not have to have attended last year for this to be a fruitful retreat for you.

September 14-16This conference will explore Hope and Healing in the Name of Jesus, and unpack the wholeness Jesus desires for each of us in these main areas of Healing, Salvation and Deliverance. Join keynote speaker Judith MacNutt, President and Co-founder of Christian Healing Ministries, for this very special 3-day conference. Dive deeply into the love of Jesus and experience His healing, salvation and deliverance; and become equipped to bring that hope and healing to our world.

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.

✠The Third Sunday of Easter✠

PSALM 116:1-3, 10-17

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