Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church

Saint Stephen’s Weekly Prayers for the week of May 21, 2023

Good Morning, Saint Stephen’s Church,

✠The Seventh Sunday of Easter✠

The Collect and Scripture Readings for the Seventh Sunday of Easter, Year A

COLLECT

O God, the King of glory, you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven. Do not leave us comfortless, but send us your Holy Spirit to strengthen us, and exalt us to that place where our Savior Christ has gone before; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

FIRST LESSON

Acts 1:6-14

So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, is this the time when you will restore the kingdom to Israel?” He replied, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. While he was going and they were gazing up toward heaven, suddenly two men in white robes stood by them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up toward heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.

PSALM 68:1-10, 33-36

Let God arise, and let his enemies be scattered; *
let those who hate him flee before him.

Let them vanish like smoke when the wind drives it away; *
as the wax melts at the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.

But let the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; *
let them also be merry and joyful.

Sing to God, sing praises to his Name;
exalt him who rides upon the heavens; *
YAHWEH is his Name, rejoice before him!

Father of orphans, defender of widows, *
God in his holy habitation!

God gives the solitary a home and brings forth prisoners into freedom; *
but the rebels shall live in dry places.

O God, when you went forth before your people, *
when you marched through the wilderness,

The earth shook, and the skies poured down rain,
at the presence of God, the God of Sinai, *
at the presence of God, the God of Israel.

You sent a gracious rain, O God, upon your inheritance; *
you refreshed the land when it was weary.

Your people found their home in it; *
in your goodness, O God, you have made provision for the poor.

Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth; *
sing praises to the Lord.

He rides in the heavens, the ancient heavens; *
he sends forth his voice, his mighty voice.

Ascribe power to God; *
his majesty is over Israel;
his strength is in the skies.

How wonderful is God in his holy places! *
the God of Israel giving strength and power to his people! Blessed be God!

SECOND LESSON

1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking

place among you to test you, as though something strange were

happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you are sharing Christ’s

sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.

GOSPEL

John 17:1-11

After Jesus had spoken these words, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do. So now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had in your presence before the world existed. “I have made your name known to those whom you gave me from the world. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have kept your word. Now they know that everything you have given me is from you; for the words that you gave to me I have given to them, and they have received them and know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me. I am asking on their behalf; I am not asking on behalf of the world, but on behalf of those whom you gave me, because they are yours. All mine are yours, and yours are mine; and I have been glorified in them. And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one.

Intercessions this Week

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Church in the Province of the West Indies

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, Peter and Joe

Those who celebrate birthdays this week: Ron, Allison, Marilyn

Those who celebrate baptismal anniversaries this week: Diane

Those who celebrate marriage anniversaries this week: Don & Joan, Dave & Denise, Brian & Kate

Those who have died: Ellen Stokes, Elwood Welsh, Olive Carter Luczka

News and Updates

Music Today

Prelude Meditation on “Diademata” Callahan

Opening hymn: #214

Sequence hymn: #483

Offertory Anthem Look Away to the Skies Thornhill/Raney

Closing hymn: #215

Postlude A Hymn of Glory Let Us Sing! Hobby

Current Announcements

Celebrant / Officiant Update:

5/28 – Mother Sally Heiligman

6/4 – Father Marshall Vang

6/11 – Mother Sally Heiligman

6/18 – Father Marshall Vang

6/25 – Mother Sally Heiligman

Ushers: P. Nelson, D. Crates

Lectors: G. Woodzell, D. Csaposs

Celebrant: Father Marshall Vang

If you need a new picture for the directory please plan to stay after the service on Sunday, May 28 or Sunday, June 4. Meet Bethany in Begley Hall following the service.

Mark your calendars – We are having an end of program year picnic and volunteer recognition celebration on Sunday, June 11, immediately following the service. There is a sign-up sheet in the back of the church for help with set-up, barbecuing, and clean-up. We are also asking everyone to sign up to bring a dish to share. Hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, buns, chips, condiments, and beverages will be provided by the church.

Street Soldiers Lunch Making will be on May 28 following the church service. Please consider joining us to make sandwiches and package lunches for those in need in our community. Thanks to all who volunteered last month and all who brought snacks to stuff the bags! We have plenty to share this month.

Schenectady Community Ministries (SiCM) Today we welcome Tom Schofield, Food Justice Initiatives manager at SiCM, who will speak about the food program during coffee hour. Come hear how SiCM is addressing hunger needs in our community. We will continue to collect spices and seasonings for the food pantry through May and June – thanks for your donations!

Donations needed for lunches for St. Joseph’s Place – Once a month a small but dedicated group of volunteers from St. Stephen’s gather at St. Joseph’s Place next door to the SiCM Food Pantry to prepare 30 bagged lunches for the visitors to the drop-in center. St. Joseph’s provides a place where people from the community can gather for conversation, friendship, and spiritual support in a comfortable and safe environment. We are once again asking for donations towards the cost of the lunches. If you would like to contribute, please make checks payable to St. Stephen’s Church with St. Joseph’s on the memo line and give them to Denise Crates or drop them in the collection plate. Thank you!

AED status – We, unfortunately, fell significantly short of our $2000 goal for the AED and were declined on the grant application via Walmart. The timing may just be too much with all the other issues we are experiencing at St Stephens. In light of this, we will table the purchase of an AED at this time. Any donors who wish a refund or to designate their funds elsewhere within the church please see or communicate Denise Crates at treasurer@st-stephens.church.Thank you all for your support for this endeavor. Hopefully we will attempt again in more settled times. Doreen May and Sara Palko

Office Phone – Update! We have a new office (cell!) phone! The number is the same as the old office phone – (518)346-6241. Please call or text this number for any church business. Missed calls and messages will be returned at the earliest convenience.

Initial Nominees for Tenth Bishop of AlbanyTuesday, May 2, 2023

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ:
The Profile and Search Committee for the Tenth Bishop of Albany has reported to the Secretary of Convention with an initial list of candidates to be placed in nomination for the Tenth Bishop of Albany.The initial list of nominees comprises:

The Reverend Geoffrey WardRector of Saint Christopher’s Episcopal Church,River Hills, Wisconsin (Diocese of Milwaukee)
The Reverend Jeremiah WilliamsonRector of Grace and Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado (Diocese of Colorado)
The Very Reverend Neal LongeRector of Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church,Amsterdam, New York (Diocese of Albany)
The Reverend Scott GarnoRector of Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church,Delmar, New York (Diocese of Albany)

A 30-day Independent Nomination Period, in which further nominees may be brought forward, opens on Monday, May 8, 2023. Independent nominees must meet the same requirements as the nominees identified by the Profile & Search Committee. Nomination forms, procedures, and requirements will be available at https://albanyepiscopaldiocese.org/nominations/ starting on Thursday, May 4, 2023. The link will become active on that date. The Independent Nomination Period closes on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

Basic information on the current nominees can be viewed at https://albanyepiscopaldiocese.org/bishop-candidates/. More extensive information will be posted after the Independent Nominees have been identified and have met the nomination requirements.

Before the Electing Convention, the Diocese will schedule a number of opportunities at which members of the Electing Convention and other members of the diocese can meet and get to know all of the nominees. News and information regarding opportunities to get to know the candidates will be posted on the Episcopal Transition page of the diocesan web site (https://albanyepiscopaldiocese.org/episcopaltransition/).

The Electing Convention is scheduled to open on Friday, September 8, at the Cathedral of All Saints in Albany. A formal Call to Convention will be issued soon.

The Profile & Search Committee consists of one lay member and one clergy member (priests or deacons) elected from each of the eight regional deaneries of the Diocese, plus six at-large members elected by the Standing Committee. The Standing Committee is serving as the Ecclesiastical Authority of the Diocese until a bishop is elected, confirmed, consecrated, and assumes jurisdiction.

The process of selecting the initial list of candidates began with a call for recommendations. After reviewing the eligibility and qualifications of those recommended and conducting two rounds of interviews, the Profile & Search Committee identified semi-finalists who attended an intensive discernment retreat. Based on the results of that retreat, the Committee prayed to be guided by the Holy Spirit in submitting the present list of names in its report for nomination. Because of the intensely personal nature of the process, out of respect for the participants and their families, no information on anyone other than the nominees will be disclosed. This is a standard best practice in the election of a bishop.

The Episcopal Diocese of Albany is grateful to all who submitted recommendations, all who were recommended, all who participated in and assisted the screening and discernment process, and all who will continue to support the process of discerning our next bishop. We ask your prayers for all of us, for our Diocese, and for this process.

Ongoing adult education opportunities and activities

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 han

Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church

Saint Stephen’s Weekly Prayers for the week of May 14, 2023

May Messenger

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

MoonCatcher MoonBee this Saturday at 2:00! Since 2011, The MoonCatcher Project has been making reusable, washable menstrual management kits called MoonCatcher Kits for distribution to girls around the world. This Saturday, May 13, St. Stephen’s will host a MoonBee in the parish hall, 2-4 pm, to help make MoonCatcher kits to help girls stay in school. Join us for a fun and informative event! If you sew, please bring your machine. In addition, we are collecting for girls and women right here in our area. So please bring disposable menstrual supplies for LOCAL girls and women (the lives of whom are affected by the inability to afford these expensive items), and put them in the collection area. Thank you! Questions? Contact Richey Woodzell at erwoodzell@gmail.com.

Good Morning, Saint Stephen’s Church,

✠The Sixth Sunday of Easter✠

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

COLLECT

O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding. Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

FIRST LESSON

Acts 17:22-31

Then Paul stood in front of the Areopagus and said, “Athenians, I see how extremely religious you are in every way. For as I went through the city and looked carefully at the objects of your worship, I found among them an altar with the inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things. From one ancestor he made all nations to inhabit the whole earth, and he allotted the times of their existence and the boundaries of the places where they would live, so that they would search for God and perhaps grope for him and find him–though indeed he is not far from each one of us. For ‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we too are his offspring.’ Since we are God’s offspring, we

ought not to think that the deity is like gold, or silver, or stone, an image formed by the art and imagination of mortals. While God has overlooked the times of human ignorance, now he commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will have the world judged in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he

has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”

Psalm 66:7-18

7 Bless our God, you peoples; *

make the voice of his praise to be heard;

8 Who holds our souls in life, *

and will not allow our feet to slip.

9 For you, O God, have proved us; *

you have tried us just as silver is tried.

10 You brought us into the snare; *

you laid heavy burdens upon our backs.

11 You let enemies ride over our heads;

we went through fire and water; *

but you brought us out into a place of refreshment.

12 I will enter your house with burnt-offerings

and will pay you my vows, *

which I promised with my lips

and spoke with my mouth when I was in trouble.

13 I will offer you sacrifices of fat beasts

with the smoke of rams; *

I will give you oxen and goats.

14 Come and listen, all you who fear God, *

and I will tell you what he has done for me.

15 I called out to him with my mouth, *

and his praise was on my tongue.

16 If I had found evil in my heart, *

the Lord would not have heard me;

17 But in truth God has heard me; *

he has attended to the voice of my prayer.

18 Blessed be God, who has not rejected my prayer, *

nor withheld his love from me.

SECOND LESSON

1 Peter 3:13-22

Now who will harm you if you are eager to do what is good? But even if you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear what they fear, and do not be intimidated, but in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and reverence. Keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are maligned, those who abuse you for your good conduct in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if suffering should be God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil. For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit, in which also he went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison, who in former times did not obey, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. And baptism, which this prefigured, now saves you–not as a removal of dirt from the body, but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him.

GOSPEL

John 14:15-21

Jesus said to his disciples,”If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you. I will not leave you orphaned; I am coming to you. In a little while the world will no longer see me, but you will see me; because I live, you also will live. On that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. They who have my commandments and keep them are those who love me; and those who love me will be loved by my Father, and I will love them and reveal myself to them.”

Intercessions this Week

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Church of the Province of West Africa

Our Leaders: Joseph Biden, President of the United States; Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York State; Gary McCarthy, Mayor of Schenectady

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

Those who celebrate birthdays this week: Charline, Maggie

Those who celebrate baptismal anniversaries this week: Thomas

Those who have died: Donald Atkinson, John Peatling, David Smith, Myrtle Baker, Belle Beck, Mildred Leeser, Della Hewlett

Special Prayers of the People

For the President and other political leaders, and for our church leaders, that they continue to do a good job leading us this year; let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For Schenectady and Niskayuna, for every city and community, and for those who live in them; let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For mothers and mother figures that they know happiness and love from their families; let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For those who miss their mothers or are sad on this day that they may find peace and comfort; let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For children everywhere that they feel taken care of and live happily ever after; let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For all of the wild animals that we care for them and protect their environments so they may thrive; let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For all pets that are in the pound that they will find a happy home, and for those who already have a happy home that they have loving owners; let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For the poor, the unemployed and all who are in pain or feel sad, and for all who remember and care for them; let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For the elderly and ill, for the widowed and orphans, and for the sick and the suffering; let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For people who have passed away that we hold in our hearts, may they rest with Jesus in peace; let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

Written and Compiled by Sammy & Maddie

News and Updates

Music Today

Prelude Meditation from “Thais” Massanet

Opening hymn: #191

Sequence hymn: #455

Offertory Music Sing of Mary Arr. by Roland F. Palmer

Closing hymn: #490

Postlude Toccata – Sortie Larriu

Current Announcements

Celebrant / Officiant Update:

5/21 – Father Marshall Vang

5/28 – Mother Sally Heiligman

6/4 – Father Marshall Vang

6/11 – Mother Sally Heiligman

6/18 – Father Marshall Vang

6/25 – Mother Sally Heiligman

Ushers: M. Cohen, H. Ruscitto

Lectors: F. Ruscitto, S. Schuldt, P. Olsen, K. Olsen

Acolytes: V. Cohen, F. Ruscitto, S. Schuldt

Celebrant: Mother Sally Heiligman

If you need a new picture for the directory please plan to stay after the service on Sunday, May 28 or Sunday, June 4. Meet Bethany in Begley Hall following the service.

Schenectady Community Ministries (SiCM) During May and June we will collect spices and seasonings for the SiCM pantry. Save the date! On Sunday May 21 Tom Schofield, Food Justice Initiatives manager at SiCM, is planning to speak about the food program during coffee hour. Come hear how our contributions to SiCM are being used and find out about their plans for the future!

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.

Altar Flowers given by the Taylor and Montorio families in memory of Gwen Robbins.

Initial Nominees for Tenth Bishop of AlbanyTuesday, May 2, 2023

The Electing Convention is scheduled to open on Friday, September 8, at the Cathedral of All Saints in Albany. A formal Call to Convention will be issued soon.

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.

Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church

Saint Stephen’s Weekly Prayers for the week of May 7, 2023

May Messenger

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 Fifth Sunday of Easter✠

The Collect and Scripture Readings for the Fifth Sunday of Easter

COLLECT

Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

FIRST LESSON

Acts 7:55-60

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Stephen gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look” he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together against him. Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he died.

PSALM 31:1-5,15-16

1 In you, O Lord, have I taken refuge;

let me never be put to shame; *

deliver me in your righteousness.

2 Incline your ear to me; *

make haste to deliver me.

3 Be my strong rock, a castle to keep me safe,

for you are my crag and my stronghold; *

for the sake of your Name, lead me and guide me.

4 Take me out of the net that they have secretly set for me, *

for you are my tower of strength.

5 Into your hands I commend my spirit, *

for you have redeemed me,

O Lord, O God of truth.

15 My times are in your hand; *

rescue me from the hand of my enemies,

and from those who persecute me.

16 Make your face to shine upon your servant, *

and in your loving-kindness save me.”

SECOND LESSON

1 Peter 2:2-10

Like newborn infants, long for the pure, spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow into salvation– if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. Come to him, a living stone, though rejected by mortals yet chosen and precious in God’s sight, and like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in scripture: “See, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” To you then who believe, he is precious; but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the very head of the corner,” and “A stone that makes them stumble, and a rock that makes them fall.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

GOSPEL

John 14:1-14

Jesus said “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.

Intercessions this Week

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Church in Wales

Our Leaders: Joseph Biden, President of the United States; Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York State; Gary McCarthy, Mayor of Schenectady

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

Those who celebrate birthdays this week: Jean

Those who have died: Alice Burrows, Shirley Tinney, Melanie Kidder, Harry Wemple, Gwendolyn Robbins, Grant Towne

News and Updates

Music Today

Prelude Adagio Mendelssohn

Opening hymn: #525

Sequence hymn: #243

Offertory Ave Maria Bach/Gounod

Marina (Boschi) Pero, violin Susan Lohnas, organ

Closing hymn: #457

Postlude Toccata in F Buxtehude

Current Announcements

Celebrant / Officiant Update:

5/14 – Mother Sally Heiligman – Children’s Service

5/21 – Father Marshall Vang

5/28 – Mother Sally Heiligman

Ushers: M. Humphrey, R. Stefanski

Lectors: J. Palko, D. Schuldt

Celebrant: Father Marshall Vang

New Parish Directory – If you haven’t submitted a contact form for our new directory and would like to be included please do so by 5/12. Paper copies are available in the back of the church or see the online form in the weekly emails.

The next Children’s Service will be on Mother’s Day, May 14. We are hoping to have a special coffee hour to celebrate mom’s and their kids following the service. If you are willing to bring a snack to share at coffee hour, make the coffee, bring drinks, or help set up/clean up, please sign up in the back of the church. Thanks!

The CROP Walk for the Hungry is scheduled for today, Sunday, May 7^th, beginning at 1:00 pm at the Trinity Community Center 705 Curry Rd, 12306. St. Stephen’s has not organized a team this year, but you can still participate by registering or donating online at https://www.sicm.us/cropwalk2023/.

MoonCatcher Project- Since 2011, The MoonCatcher Project has been making reusable, washable menstrual management kits called MoonCatcher Kits for distribution to girls around the world. On Saturday May 13 we will host a MoonBee in the parish hall, 2-4 pm. Join us for a fun and informative event. Help make MoonCatcher kits to help girls stay in school. If you sew, please bring your machine. If you don’t sew, we have plenty of jobs for you as well.

Initial Nominees for Tenth Bishop of Albany Tuesday, May 2, 2023

The Reverend Geoffrey Ward Rector of Saint Christopher’s Episcopal Church, River Hills, Wisconsin (Diocese of Milwaukee)
The Reverend Jeremiah Williamson Rector of Grace and Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado (Diocese of Colorado)
The Very Reverend Neal Longe Rector of Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church ,Amsterdam, New York (Diocese of Albany)
The Reverend Scott Garno Rector of Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Delmar, New York (Diocese of Albany)

The Electing Convention is scheduled to open on Friday, September 8, at the Cathedral of All Saints in Albany. A formal Call to Convention will be issued soon.

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.

Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church

Saint Stephen’s Weekly Prayers for the week of April 30, 2023

Good Morning, Saint Stephen’s Church,

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

Fourth Sunday of Easter

The Collect and Scripture Readings for the fourth Sunday of Easter, Year A

PSALM 23

¹ The Lord is my shepherd; *
I shall not be in want.

² He makes me lie down in green pastures *
and leads me beside still waters.

³ He revives my soul *
and guides me along right pathways for his Name’s sake.

⁴ Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I shall fear no evil; *
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

⁵ You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; *
you have anointed my head with oil,
and my cup is running over.

⁶ Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, *
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

FIRST LESSON

Acts 2:42-47

Those who had been baptized devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

SECOND LESSON

1 Peter 2: 19-25

It is a credit to you if, being aware of God, you endure pain while suffering unjustly. If you endure when you are beaten for doing wrong, what credit is that? But if you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that, free from sins, we might live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed. For you were going astray like sheep, but now you have returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.

THIRD LESSON

John 10: 1-10

Jesus said, “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.” Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.

So again Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

COLLECT

Oh God whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd to your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Intercessions this Week

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Episcopal Church

Our Leaders: Joseph Biden, President of the United States; Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York State; Gary McCarthy, Mayor of Schenectady

Those who are in need of strength and healing: Mary Ann Harrington, Marilyn Causey, Vincent Avila, June Russell, Bill Frank, Chris Holder, the Humphrey Family, Marshall Cohen, Pat Jones, Budd Mazurek, Peter Bent and Joe White

Those who celebrate birthdays this week: Belachew Emaelaf

Those who celebrate baptismal anniversaries this week: Liz Varno

Those who have died: Clinton Williams, Anne Jenny, Katherine Huston, Richard Petter, Taylor Trawick

News and Updates

Music Today

Prelude The King of Love My Shepherd Is Martin

Processional hymn: #448

Musical Offering

Shepherd of My Heart Davis / Purifoy

Office hymn: LEV #104

Recessional hymn: #334

Postlude Postlude Rawsthorne

Current Announcements

Usher: V. Hoshko

Lectors: L. Emaelaf, P. Nelson

Officiant: Allison de Kanel

Celebrant / Officiant Update:

5/7 – Father Marshall Vang

5/14 – Mother Sally Heiligman – Children’s Service

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 take place today following the morning prayer service. Please join us in Begley Hall to help!

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 today. 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. There is a sign up at the back of the church.

Schenectady Community Ministries– During May and June please bring in spices and seasonings for the SiCM pantry. You may leave them in the basket in the nave extension.

Altar Flowers are given by Millie Gittinger in memory of loved ones.

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.

Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church

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

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

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!

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

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.

Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church

Saint Stephen’s Weekly Prayers for Maundy Thursday and the week of April 9, 2023, and April Messenger

Good Morning, Saint Stephen’s Church,

Holy Week Schedule:

4/6 -@ 5:30, Maundy Thursday with Eucharist, Father Marshall Vang

4/7 – @12:00, Good Friday Liturgy at St. George’s, Father Marshall Vang

4/7-@ 5:30, Stations of the Cross: Allison de Kanel

4/8- @ 7:00, Easter Vigil at St.George’s, Father Marshall Vang

4/9-@ 8 a.m., Easter service, Father Marshall Vang

✠Maundy Thursday✠

COLLECT

Almighty Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

FIRST LESSON

Exodus 12:1-14

The LORD said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt: This month shall mark for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you. Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth of this month they are to take a lamb for each family, a lamb for each household. If a household is too small for a whole lamb, it shall join its closest neighbor in obtaining one; the lamb shall be divided in proportion to the number of people who eat of it. Your lamb shall be without blemish, a year-old male; you may take it from the sheep or from the goats. You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of this month; then the whole assembled congregation of Israel shall slaughter it at twilight. They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat it roasted over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted over the fire, with its head, legs, and inner organs. You shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly. It is the Passover of the LORD. For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the LORD. The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. This day shall be a day of remembrance for you. You shall celebrate it as a festival to the Lord; throughout your generations you shall observe it as a perpetual ordinance.

Psalm 116: 1, 10-17

¹ 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.

¹⁰ How shall I repay the LORD*

for all the good things he has done for me?

¹¹ I will lift up the cup of salvation*

and call upon the Name of the LORD.

¹² I will fulfill my vows to the LORD*

in the presence of all his people.

¹³ Precious in the sight of the LORD*

is the death of his servants.

¹⁴ O LORD, I am your servant;*

I am your servant and the child of your handmaid;

you have freed me from my bonds.

¹⁵ I will offer you the sacrifice of thanksgiving*

and call upon the Name of the LORD.

¹⁶ I will fulfill my vows to the LORD*

in the presence of all his people,

¹⁷ In the courts of the LORD’S house,*

in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.

SECOND LESSON

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

For I have received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way he took the cup also, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

GOSPEL

John 13:1-17, 31b-35

Before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.” After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has

been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Usher: V. Hoshko

Lectors: D. Lohnas, A. de Kanel

Music Today:

Prelude When Jesus Wept Billings/Martin

Sequence Hymn #439

Hymn LEV #74

The Offertory Anthem The Upper Room Besig

The Communion Music Christ lag in Todesbanden Bach

✠Easter Day✠

Collect and Lessons for Easter Day, Year A

COLLECT

Almighty God, who through your only-begotten Son Jesus Christ overcame death and opened to us the gate of everlasting life: Grant that we, who celebrate with joy the day of the Lord’s resurrection, may be raised from the death of sin by your life-giving Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

FIRST LESSON

Acts 10:34-43

Then Peter began to speak to them, “I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

¹ Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;*

his mercy endures for ever.

² Let Israel now proclaim,*

“His mercy endures for ever.”

¹⁴ The LORD is my strength and my song,*

and he has become my salvation.

¹⁵ There is a sound of exultation and victory*

in the tents of the righteous:

¹⁶ “The right hand of the LORD has triumphed!*

the right hand of the LORD is exalted!

the right hand of the LORD has triumphed!”

¹⁷ I shall not die, but live,*

and declare the works of the LORD.

¹⁸ The LORD has punished me sorely,*

but he did not hand me over to death.

¹⁹ Open for me the gates of righteousness;*

I will enter them

I will offer thanks to the LORD.

²⁰ “This is the gate of the LORD;*

he who is righteous may enter.”

²¹ I will give thanks to you, for you answered me*

and have become my salvation.

²² The same stone which the builders rejected*

has become the chief cornerstone.

²³ This is the LORD’S doing,*

and it is marvelous in our eyes.

²⁴ On this day the LORD has acted;*

we will rejoice and be glad in it.

SECOND LESSON

Colossians 3:1-4

If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory.

GOSPEL

John 20:1-18

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” Then Peter and the other disciple set out and went toward the tomb. The two were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent down to look in and saw the linen wrappings lying there, but he did not go in. Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb. He saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the cloth that had been on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen wrappings but rolled up in a place by itself. Then the other disciple, who reached the tomb first, also went in, and he saw and believed; for as yet they did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead. Then the disciples returned to their homes.

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying, one at the head and the other at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you looking for?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to him in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord”; and she told them that he had said these things to her.

Intercessions this Week

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: Province of the Episcopal Church of Sudan

Our Leaders: Joseph Biden, President of the United States; Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York State; Gary McCarthy, Mayor of Schenectady

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

Those who celebrate birthdays this week: Gerald

Those who have died: Charles Morrison, Charles Morrison, Adele Worcester, Irene Phillips, David Small, Frances Baumis, George Bentley, Howard Phillips, Dorothy Rigley, Hazel Carroll, William Scheiber

BLESSING & LIGHTING OF THE PASCHAL CANDLE

Celebrant This is the day when our Lord Jesus Christ was raised gloriously from the dead, crushing the power of sin and destroying the sting of death. Throughout the world Christians celebrate the mighty power of God as Christ calls us out of darkness to share his marvelous light. May we, and all Christian people, shine as light in the world to the glory of God the Father.

Christ, yesterday and today, the beginning and the end, Alpha, and Omega,

all things belong to him, and all ages; to him be glory and dominion, through every age and for ever. Amen.

The light of Christ: Thanks be to God.

The Prayers of the People

Celebrant: With joy and hope let us pray to the Father.

The Leader continues: That our risen Savior may fill us and the whole world with the joy of his glorious and life-giving resurrection, Lord, hear us.

People: Lord, graciously hear us.

That isolated and persecuted churches may find fresh strength in the good news of Easter, Lord, hear us.

People: Lord, graciously hear us.

That God may grant us humility to be subject to one another in Christian love,

Lord, hear us.

People: Lord, graciously hear us.

That he may provide for those who lack food, work, or shelter, Lord, hear us.

People: Lord, graciously hear us.

That by his power war and famine may cease through all the world, especially in the Ukraine, Lord, hear us.

People: Lord, graciously hear us.

That he may reveal the light of his presence to the sick, the weak, and the dying, to comfort and strengthen them, as we pray for Mary Ann Harrington, Marilyn Causey, Vincent Avila, June Russell, Bill Frank, Chris Holder, the Humphrey Family, Marshall Cohen, and Joe White ,Lord, hear us.

People: Lord, graciously hear us.

That, according to his promises, all who have died in the faith of the resurrection, especially Charles Morrison, Charles Morrison, Adele Worcester, Irene Phillips, David Small, Frances Baumis, George Bentley, Howard Phillips, Dorothy Rigley ,Hazel Carroll, William Scheiber, may be raised on the last day, Lord, hear us.

People: Lord, graciously hear us.

That he may send the fire of his Holy Spirit upon his people so that we may bear faithful witness to his resurrection, Lord, hear us.

People: Lord, graciously hear us.

The Celebrant concludes the Intercessions as follows: O God, who by the resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light: Grant that we, who have been raised with him, may abide in his presence and rejoice in the hope of eternal glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

News and Updates

Music Today

Prelude March on “St. Theodulph” Teschner/Hughes

Opening hymn: #154

Sequence hymn: #158

Offertory Anthem Into Jerusalem Jesus Rode Daw/Fedak

Closing hymn: #474

Postlude Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs Handel

Current Announcements

Ushers: G. Woodzell, D. May

Lectors: D. May/P. Sprague, D. May

Celebrant: Father Marshall Vang

Celebrant / Officiant Update:

4/16 – Father Marshall Vang

4/23 – Mother Sally Heiligman

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

Acolyte Training – There will be a short training for anyone interested in becoming an acolyte on April 23 following the church service. Please meet Mother Sally at the front of the church.

Lenten Outreach- We will continue to accept donations through today for the ERD earthquake relief in Syria and Türkiye. Check out the press releases on the bulletin board opposite the library on the work being done through their partners and local agencies. As of 4/2, we have raised $3,985, which includes a matching donation from a St. Stephen’s family. Checks can be made out to St. Stephen’s or to ERD. Thank you so much!

Easter Brunch -In celebration of Christ’s resurrection, St. Stephen’s church family will be having a potluck Easter Breakfast immediately following the 8am Eucharist today.

Office Hours – Emails will be checked and responded to between 9am – 2pm Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. In person hours by appointment. Please contact Bethany at office@st-stephens.church as needed . Bethany will be out of town from 4/11-4/19. Emails will not be checked or returned until 4/20. In case of emergency please contact Erin Cohen at cohenerine@gmail.com.

Ongoing adult education opportunities

Services at St. Andrew’s, Albany
Stations of the CrossFridays during Lent | 11:30 AM

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.

https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001p6c2btl94sXRYwRzzVHJygxt0tb5xpy1zl89OCWY1H3pqd3GTaeL7uY2526vGneV934R2G2XBIzP1h7fx_J7bGTdD0LLFTlOTGPDa2Fvoj_oQWjk3UaMautSNqXlQJUvb2zhEYmeIMkSugWbgwSVNOO_xAdDGHN9G_CicNNfzwW9brhYvQdmNA==&c=WCsNs1rvtid96MCcdQ11PNd3zG66SpZs7FbhRGpNxO2CIJ_HSfbwyA==&ch=ZudOzFvJwUHV5CFausaDkUiZW8wgUrRmhm-bSOJzon5zkBlep20-Pw==

Reminders

Prayerbook Morning Prayer in Zoom – each morning – contact Becky 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.

Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church

Saint Stephen’s Weekly Prayers for the week of April 2, 2023

Good Morning, Saint Stephen’s Church,

Intercessions this Week

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: Province of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan

Our Leaders: Joseph Biden, President of the United States; Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York State; Gary McCarthy, Mayor of Schenectady

Those who are in need of strength and healing: Mary Ann Harrington, Marilyn Causey, Vincent Avila, June Russell, Bill Frank, Chris Holder, the Humphrey Family, Marshall Cohen, and Joe White

Those who celebrate birthdays this week: June, Jack

Those who celebrate baptismal anniversaries this week: Joanne, Diana

Those who have died: Emma Scheiber, Robert Malmros

The Prayers of the People

Let us pray to the Father, who loved the world so much that he sent his only Son to give us life.

Simon from Cyrene was forced to carry the cross for your Son. Give us grace to lift heavy loads from those we meet and to stand with those condemned to die.

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

Your Son watched the soldiers gamble to share his clothes. Transform the hearts of those who make a profit from their victims, and those whose hearts are hardened by their work.

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

The thief, who was crucified with Jesus, was promised a place in your kingdom. Give pardon and hope, healing and peace to all who look death in the face today.

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

From the cross Jesus entrusted Mary his mother and John his disciple to each other’s care. Help us also to care for one another and fill our homes with the spirit of your love.

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

In Mary and John your Son created a new family at the cross. Fill our relationships, and those of new families today, with mutual care and responsibility, and give us a secure hope for the future.

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

The centurion was astonished to see your glory in the crucified Messiah. Open the eyes of those who do not know you to see in your Son the meaning of life and death.

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

Joseph of Arimathaea came to take your Son’s body away. Give hope and faith to the dying and bereaved, and gentleness to those who minister to them.

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

Simon and Joseph, Mary and John became part of your Church in Jerusalem. Bring into your Church today a varied company of people, to walk with Christ in the way of his passion and to find their salvation in the victory of the cross.

Lord, hear us.

Lord, graciously hear us.

This week’s Lessons and Prayers

Palm Sunday Handout Yr A RCL.pdf

News and Updates

Music Today

Prelude March on “St. Theodulph” Teschner/Hughes

Opening hymn: #154

Sequence hymn: #158

Offertory Anthem Into Jerusalem Jesus Rode Daw/Fedak

Closing hymn: #474

Postlude Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs Handel

Current Announcements

Lectors: C. Merrill-Mazurek, L. Emaelaf

Passion: Narrator – J. Palko, Judas – D. Schuldt, Disciples- B. Schuldt,

Jesus – Father Vang, Accusers – J. Stefanski, High Priest – S. Palko,

Chief Priest – S. Patton, Servant Girl -S. Olsen,

Peter – R. Stefanski, Bystanders – C. Merrill-Mazurek,

Pilate – P. Nelson, Pilate’s Wife – L. Emaelaf, Soldiers – S. Schuldt,

Centurion – D. Bennett

Celebrant: Father Marshall Vang

Celebrant / Officiant Update:

4/6 -@ 5:30, Maundy Thursday with Eucharist, Father Marshall Vang

4/7 – @12:00, Good Friday Liturgy at St. George’s, Father Marshall Vang

4/7-@ 5:30, Stations of the Cross: Allison de Kanel

4/8- @ 7:00, Easter Vigil at St.George’s, Father Marshall Vang

4/9-@ 8 a.m., Easter service, Father Marshall Vang

4/16 – Father Marshall Vang

4/23 – Sally Heiligman

Foot Washing – Please sign up in the back of the church if you would like to participate in the washing of the feet on Maundy Thursday.

New Parish Directory – We are starting the process of making a new directory. Please fill out the electronic form emailed to you last week if able, or fill out a paper copy found at the back of the church by Wednesday, April 5 if you would like to be included.

Link here: https://forms.gle/UMB2Hm9717yYhnpP6

Families – join us today after the service for an Easter Egg hunt, special coffee hour, and activities for the kiddos! All are welcome!

Acolyte Training – There will be a short training for anyone interested in becoming an acolyte on April 23 following the church service. Please meet Mother Sally at the front of the church.

Lenten Outreach- We will continue to accept donations through Easter Sunday for the ERD earthquake relief in Syria and Türkiye. Check out the press releases on the bulletin board opposite the library on the work being done through their partners and local agencies. As of 3/26, we have raised $4,020, which includes a matching donation from a St. Stephen’s family. checks can be made out to St. Stephen’s or to ERD. Thank you so much!

Easter Brunch -In celebration of Christ’s resurrection, St. Stephen’s church family will be having a potluck Easter Breakfast immediately following the 8am Eucharist on April 9th.Please add your name to the sign-up sheet located in the back of church if you will be attending. Please bring a dish to share. Please indicate if you can help set up on Saturday or help clean up following breakfast. Questions? Please email Susie Olsen at susieolsen01@gmail.com

Office Hours – Emails will be checked and responded to between 9am – 2pm Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. In person hours by appointment. Please contact Bethany at office@st-stephens.church as needed . Bethay will be out of town from 4/11-4/19. Emails will not be checked or returned until 4/20. In case of emergency please contact Erin Cohen at cohenerine@gmail.com.

Easter Flowers – Easter Sunday is April 9. If you would like to contribute to the altar flowers for that day’s service please return an offering slip by today!

✠Maundy Thursday✠

COLLECT

FIRST LESSON

Exodus 12:1-14a

Psalm 116: 1, 10-17

¹ 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.

¹⁰ How shall I repay the LORD*

for all the good things he has done for me?

¹¹ I will lift up the cup of salvation*

and call upon the Name of the LORD.

¹² I will fulfill my vows to the LORD*

in the presence of all his people.

¹³ Precious in the sight of the LORD*

is the death of his servants.

¹⁴ O LORD, I am your servant;*

I am your servant and the child of your handmaid;

you have freed me from my bonds.

¹⁵ I will offer you the sacrifice of thanksgiving*

and call upon the Name of the LORD.

¹⁶ I will fulfill my vows to the LORD*

in the presence of all his people,

¹⁷ In the courts of the LORD’S house,*

in the midst of you, O Jerusalem.

Hallelujah!

SECOND LESSON

1 Corinthians 11:23-26

GOSPEL

John 13:1-17, 31-35

Now before the festival of the Passover, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. The devil had already put it into the heart of Judas son of Simon Iscariot to betray him. And during supper Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going to God, got up from the table, took off his outer robe, and tied a towel around himself. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was tied around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus answered, “You do not know now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no share with me.” Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, One who has bathed does not need to wash, except for the feet, but is entirely clean. And you are clean, though not all of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; for this reason he said, “Not all of you are clean.” After he had washed their feet, had put on his robe, and had returned to the table, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once. Little children, I am with you only a little longer. You will look for me; and as I said to the Jews so now I say to you, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Music:

Prelude When Jesus Wept Billings/Martin

Sequence hymn: #439

Foot Washing hymn: LEV #74

Offertory Anthem The Upper Room Besig

Communion music Christ lag in Todesbanden Bach

Usher: V. Hoshko

Lectors: D. Lohnas, A. de Kanel

Ongoing adult education opportunities

Services at St. Andrew’s, Albany
Stations of the CrossFridays during Lent | 11:30 AM

Meditation on the Passion of Christ – The Cathedral of all Saints
Sunday, April 2 | 3:00 PMPreceded by organ recital at 2:30PM

Lenten Offerings at St. John’s, Troy, 146 First Street, Troy 12180

Stations of the Cross
Fridays at 12:00 Noon

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.

Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church

Saint Stephen’s Weekly Prayers for the week of March 26, 2023

Good Morning, Saint Stephen’s Church,

Intercessions this Week

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Anglican Church of South America

Our Leaders: Joseph Biden, President of the United States; Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York State; Gary McCarthy, Mayor of Schenectady

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

Those who celebrate birthdays this week: Madison, Linda, Harper

Those who celebrate baptismal anniversaries this week: Liz, Dan, Lisa, Vicki, Pat, Joan

Those who have died: Irwin Blanchard, Eleanor Green, Norman Gittinger, Sara Smith, William Schlansker

This week’s Lessons and Prayers

Fifth Lent

The Collect and Scripture Readings for the fifth Sunday in Lent, Year A

COLLECT

Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

FIRST LESSON

Ezekiel 37:1-14

The hand of the LORD came upon me, and he brought me out by the

spirit of the LORD and set me down in the middle of a valley; it

was full of bones. He led me all around them; there were very many lying in the valley, and they were very dry. He said to me, “Mortal, can these bones live?” I answered, “O Lord GOD, you know.” Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them: O dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live. I will lay sinews on you, and will cause flesh to come upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am the LORD.” So I prophesied as I had been commanded; and as I prophesied, suddenly there was a noise, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone. I looked, and there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them; but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, mortal, and say to the breath: Thus says the Lord GOD: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.” I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood on their feet, a vast multitude. Then he said to me, “Mortal, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are cut off completely.’ Therefore prophesy, and say to them, Thus says the Lord GOD: I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you back to the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people. I will put my spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you on your own soil; then you shall know that I, the LORD, have spoken and will act,” says the LORD.

PSALM 130

¹ Out of the depths have I called to you, O LORD;

LORD, hear my voice; *

let your ears consider well the voice of my supplication.

² If you, LORD, were to note what is done amiss, *

O Lord, who could stand?

³ For there is forgiveness with you; *

therefore you shall be feared.

⁴ I wait for the LORD; my soul waits for him; *

in his word is my hope.

⁵ My soul waits for the LORD,

more than watchmen for the morning, *

more than watchmen for the morning.

⁶ O Israel, wait for the LORD, *

for with the LORD there is mercy;

⁷ With him there is plenteous redemption, *

and he shall redeem Israel from all their sins.

SECOND LESSON

Romans 8:6-11

To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the

Spirit is life and peace. For this reason the mind that is set on

the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law–indeed it cannot, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will give life to your mortal bodies also through his Spirit that dwells in you.

GOSPEL

John 11:1-45

Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped his feet with her hair; her brother Lazarus was ill. So the sisters sent a message to Jesus, “Lord, he whom you love is ill.” But when Jesus heard it, he said, “This illness does not lead to death; rather it is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Accordingly, though Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus, after having heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was. Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now trying to stone you, and are you going there again?” Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Those who walk during the day do not stumble, because they see the light of this world. But those who walk at night stumble, because the light is not in them.” After saying this, he told them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to awaken him.” The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will be all right.” Jesus, however, had been speaking about his death, but they thought that he was referring merely to sleep. Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. For your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” Thomas, who was called the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.” Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” Martha said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” She said to him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.” When she had said this, she went back and called her sister Mary, and told her privately, “The Teacher is here and is calling for you.” And when she heard it, she got up quickly and went to him. Now Jesus had not yet come to the village, but was still at the place where Martha had met him. The Jews who were with her in the house, consoling her, saw Mary get up quickly and go out. They followed her because they thought that she was going to the tomb to weep there. When Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she knelt at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, he was greatly disturbed in spirit and deeply moved. He said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus began to weep. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!” But some of them said, “Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?” Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, already there is a stench because he has been dead four days.” Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. And Jesus looked upward and said, “Father, I thank you for having heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I have said this for the sake of the crowd standing here, so that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet bound with strips of cloth, and his face wrapped in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him.

News and Updates

Music Today

Prelude Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley Page

Opening hymn: #567

Sequence hymn: #510

Offertory Anthem Wonderous Love Pooler

Closing hymn: #610

Postlude Out of the Depths I Cry to You Lasky

Current Announcements

Ushers: D. May, R. Stefanski

Lectors: J. Palko, D. Csaposs

Celebrant: Mother Sally Heiligman

Celebrant / Officiant Update:

4/2 -Palm Sunday, Father Marshall Vang

4/6 -@ 5:30, Maundy Thursday with Eucharist, Father Marshall Vang

4/7 – @12:00, Good Friday Liturgy at St. George’s, Father Marshall Vang

4/7-@ 5:30, Stations of the Cross: Allison de Kanel

4/8- @ 7:00, Easter Vigil at St.George’s, Father Marshall Vang

4/9-@ 8 a.m., Easter service, Father Marshall Vang

Street Soldiers Lunch Making – Please join us today after the service to make bagged lunches for Street Soldiers Schenectady.

New Parish Directory – We are starting the process of making a new directory. Please fill out the electronic form emailed to you this week if able, or fill out a paper copy found at the back of the church by Wednesday, April 5 if you would like to be included.

Families – join us after the Palm Sunday service for an Easter Egg hunt, special coffee hour, and activities for the kiddos! Looking for older kids to help hide the eggs after the service. Anyone interested, email office@st-stephens.church or talk to Bethany.

Lenten Outreach- During Lent we are raising money for Episcopal Relief & Development for earthquake relief in Syria and Türkiye. Check out the press releases on the bulletin board opposite the library on the work being done through their partners and local agencies. As of March 19, we have raised $4,020, which includes a matching donation from a St. Stephen’s family. We will continue to accept donations through Easter Sunday; checks can be made out to St. Stephen’s or to Episcopal Relief & Development. Thank you so much!

Easter Brunch – We are trying to gauge interest in a pot luck Easter Brunch after the 8:00 am Easter service on April 9. We will need volunteers to set up and clean up, as well as bring a dish to share. We are aiming to do the bulk of the set up on Saturday, April 8. If you would like to participate, there is a sign-up sheet in the back of the church.

Please join us in Begley Hall on Saturday, April 1st at 10 a.m. to make Palm crosses in preparation for Palm Sunday. Everyone is invited to lend a hand.

SiCM Pantry – For March, please donate feminine hygiene products to SiCM.

Easter Flowers – Easter Sunday is April 9. If you would like to contribute to the altar flowers for that day’s service please return an offering slip by Sunday, April 2. They are available in the weekly prayer e-mail or from an Usher.

Ongoing adult education opportunities

Services at St. Andrew’s, Albany
Stations of the CrossFridays during Lent | 11:30 AM

Meditation on the Passion of Christ – The Cathedral of all Saints
Sunday, April 2 | 3:00 PMPreceded by organ recital at 2:30PM

Lenten Offerings at St. John’s, Troy, 146 First Street, Troy 12180

Stations of the Cross
Fridays at 12:00 Noon

Candlelight Meditations
Fridays at 5:00 – 6:00 PM

We will enjoy our candlelight meditations, where we are invited into the beauty of our candlelit sanctuary in silence, with music playing intermittently.
Musicians this year will include:
March 24th, Fr. Darius Mojallali, violin
March 31st, Lauren Hunn, piano

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.

Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church

Saint Stephen’s Weekly Prayers for the week of March 19, 2023

Good Morning, Saint Stephen’s Church,

Intercessions this Week

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Anglican Church of Southern Africa

Our Leaders: Joseph Biden, President of the United States; Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York State; Gary McCarthy, Mayor of Schenectady

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

Those who celebrate birthdays this week: Kathy, Amanda, Joanne, Marti

Those who celebrate baptismal anniversaries this week: Marshall, Bessie, Travis

Those who have died: Edmund Tatge, Frieda Wyman, Charles Daly, Ward Mason, Glenn Kaler, Virginia Malmros, Louise Gray, Theodore Schlansker

This week’s Lessons and Prayers

Fourth Lent

The Collect and Scripture Readings for the fourth Sunday in Lent,

Year A

COLLECT

Gracious Father, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ came down from heaven to be the true bread which gives life to the world: Evermore give us this bread, that he may live in us, and we in him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

FIRST LESSON

1 Samuel 16:1-13

The LORD said to Samuel, “How long will you grieve over Saul? I

have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons.” Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me. ” And the LORD said, “Take a heifer with you, and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you.” Samuel did what the LORD commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, “Do you come peaceably?” He said, “Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is now before the LORD.” But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.” Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, “Neither has the LORD chosen this one.” Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, “The LORD has not chosen any of these.” Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here.” He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The LORD said, “Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah

PSALM 23

¹ The LORD is my shepherd; *

I shall not be in want.

² He makes me lie down in green pastures *

and leads me beside still waters.

³ He revives my soul *

and guides me along right pathways for his Name’s sake.

⁴ Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I shall fear no evil; *

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

⁵ You spread a table before me in the presence of those

who trouble me; *

you have anointed my head with oil,

and my cup is running over.

⁶ Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days

of my life, *

and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

SECOND LESSON

Ephesians 5:8-14

For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light– for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true. Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

GOSPEL

John 9:1-41

As he walked along, Jesus saw a man blind from birth. His disciples

asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see.

The neighbors and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, “Is this not the man who used to sit and beg?” Some were saying, “It is he.” Others were saying, “No, but it is someone like him.” He kept saying, “I am the man.” But they kept asking him, “Then how were your eyes opened?” He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash.’ Then I went and washed and received my sight.” They said to him, “Where is he?” He said, “I do not know.”

They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been blind. Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put mud on my eyes. Then I washed, and now I see.” Some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath.” But others said, “How can a man who is a sinner perform such signs?” And they were divided. So they said again to the blind man, “What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened.” He said, “He is a prophet.” The Jews did not believe that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of the man who had received his sight and asked them, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” His parents answered, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; but we do not know how it is that now he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of age. He will speak for himself.” His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be put out of the synagogue. Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.” So for the second time they called the man who had been blind, and they said to him, “Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner.” He answered, “I do not know whether he is a sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” He answered them, “I have told you already, and you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you also want to become his disciples?” Then they reviled him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.” The man answered, “Here is an astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and yet he opened my eyes. We know that God does not listen to sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his will. Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” They answered him, “You were born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?” And they drove him out.

Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and when he found him, he said, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” He answered, “And who is he, sir?Tell me, so that I may believe in him.” Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and the one speaking with you is he.” He said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshiped him.

Jesus said, “I came into this world for judgment so that those who do not see may see, and those who do see may become blind.” Some of the Pharisees near him heard this and said to him, “Surely we are not blind, are we?” Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would not have sin. But now that you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.”

News and Updates

Music Today

Prelude Jesus Walked This Lonesome Valley Page

Opening hymn: #493

Sequence hymn: #645

Offertory Anthem The Lenten Rose Hannibal

Closing hymn: #490

Postlude Fugue on the Kyrie Couperi

Current Announcements

Usher: P. Nelson

Lectors: R. & S. Abel, R. Woodzell

Celebrant: Father Marshall Vang

Celebrant / Officiant Update:

3/26 – Mother Sally Heiligman

4/2 -Palm Sunday, Father Marshall Vang

4/6 -@ 5:30, Maundy Thursday with Eucharist, Father Marshall Vang

4/7 – @12:00, Good Friday Liturgy at St. George’s, Father Marshall Vang

4/7-@ 5:30, Stations of the Cross: Allison de Kanel

4/8- @ 7:00, Easter Vigil at St.George’s, Father Marshall Vang

4/9-@ 8 a.m., Easter service, Father Marshall Vang

Palm Sunday – We will be reading the Gospel as a congregation on Palm Sunday again this year as we have in the past. If you would like to read a part, please sign up in the back of the church this week or next.

Lenten Outreach- During Lent we are raising money for Episcopal Relief & Development for earthquake relief in Syria and Türkiye. Check out the press releases on the bulletin board opposite the library on the work being done through their partners and local agencies. Our goal is to raise $2,000 by Easter Sunday, to be matched by a generous St. Stephen’s family. You can check our progress toward our goal on the t-shirt display – each shirt represents $25. As of March 12, we have already raised $2,020!! Thank you!

Please join us in Begley Hall on Saturday, April 1st at 10 a.m. to make Palm crosses in preparation for Palm Sunday. Everyone is invited to lend a hand. Come join us for some fun and fellowship and learn or relearn this special art! It takes just a few minutes to learn and a few tries to perfect.

SiCM Pantry – For March, please donate feminine hygiene products to SiCM.

Things of My Very Own donations – During the past two Sundays we collected $220.98. Thank you very much!

Ongoing adult education opportunities

Services at St. Andrew’s, Albany
Stations of the CrossFridays during Lent | 11:30 AM

Meditation on the Passion of Christ – The Cathedral of all Saints
Sunday, April 2 | 3:00 PMPreceded by organ recital at 2:30PM

Lenten Offerings at St. John’s, Troy, 146 First Street, Troy 12180

Stations of the Cross
Fridays at 12:00 Noon

Candlelight Meditations
Fridays at 5:00 – 6:00 PM

We will enjoy our candlelight meditations, where we are invited into the beauty of our candlelit sanctuary in silence, with music playing intermittently.
Musicians this year will include:
March 17th, Tiffany Dzembo, soprano
March 24th, Fr. Darius Mojallali, violin
March 31st, Lauren Hunn, piano

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.

Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church

Saint Stephen’s Weekly Prayers for the week of March 5, 2023 & March Messenger

Good Morning, Saint Stephen’s Church,

Intercessions this Week

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: Church of the Province of South

East Asia

Our Leaders: Joseph Biden, President of the United States; Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York State; Gary McCarthy, Mayor of Schenectady

Those who are in need of strength and healing: Mary Ann Harrington, Marilyn Causey, Vincent Avila, June Russell, Bill Frank, Chris Holder, Sal Belardo, the Humphrey Family, and Joe White

Those who celebrate birthdays this week: Paul Pratico, Thomas Cooke, Diane Bengtson Kilbourn

Those who celebrate baptismal anniversaries this week: Keith Nelson, Tim Olsen

Those who celebrate marriage anniversaries this week: Jean & Ron Stefanski

Those who have died: Samantha Humphrey, Mary Frances Hatfield, Raymond Hickcox, Armando Ottaviano, Jane Hallock, Galina Bayer, Mabel Stewart, Julia Hillman, Edna Whitbeck

This week’s Lessons and Prayers

Second Lent

The Collect and Scripture Readings for the second Sunday in Lent, Year A

COLLECT

O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

FIRST LESSON

Genesis 12:1-4a

The Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him.

PSALM 121

¹ I lift up my eyes to the hills; *

from where is my help to come?

² My help comes from the LORD, *

the maker of heaven and earth.

³ He will not let your foot be moved *

and he who watches over you will not fall asleep.

⁴ Behold, he who keeps watch over Israel *

shall neither slumber nor sleep;

⁵ The LORD himself watches over you; *

the LORD is your shade at your right hand,

⁶ So that the sun shall not strike you by day, *

nor the moon by night.

⁷ The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; *

it is he who shall keep you safe.

⁸ The LORD shall watch over your going out and

your coming in, *

from this time forth for evermore.

SECOND LESSON

Romans 4:1-5, 13-17

What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due. But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness.

For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith. If it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. For the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither is there violation.

For this reason it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (for he is the father of all of us, as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”) — in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.

GOSPEL

John 3:1-17

There was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God.” Jesus answered him, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a

second time into the mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, ‘You must be born from above.’ The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with

everyone who is born of the Spirit.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” Jesus answered him, “Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen;

yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son,

so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

News and Updates

Music Today

Prelude Prière Langlais

Processional Hymn #401

Sequence Hymn #508

Offertory Anthem God So Loved the World Stainer

Recessional Hymn #657

Postlude I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say Biery

Current Announcements

Ushers: V. Hoshko, D. May

Lectors: C. Merrill-Mazurek D. May

Celebrant: Father Marshall Vang

Celebrant / Officiant Update:

3/12 – Mother Sally Heiligman

3/19 – Father Marshal Vang

3/26 – Mother Sally Heiligman

4/2 -Palm Sunday, Father Marshall Vang

4/6 -@ 5:30, Maundy Thursday with Eucharist, Father Marshall Vang

4/7 – @12:00, Good Friday Liturgy at St. George’s, Father Marshall Vang

4/7-@ 5:30, Stations of the Cross: Allison de Kanel

4/8- @ 7:00, Easter Vigil at St.George’s, Father Marshall Vang

4/9-@ 8 a.m., Easter service, Father Marshall Vang

Lenten Outreach – Due to the recent earthquakes in Türkiye and Syria, we have decided to raise money for the earthquake relief efforts there. (Refer to the February 21 Press Release from Episcopal Relief & Development below.) Thank you very much to a St. Stephen’s family who has graciously offered to match every dollar donated up to $2,000! Please consider donating to help the people of Türkiye and Syria. We will collect money through April 9, Easter Sunday. As of February 26, we had raised $675.

Today, March 5, during coffee hour,a Things of My Very Own staff member will speak about this local organization which provides crisis intervention services to children impacted by extensive abuse and/or neglect. We will be collecting donations for their program.

Change Day, March 12 – When you change your clocks next week, bring your loose change to church for an additional contribution to Things of My Very Own.

SiCM Pantry – For March, please donate feminine hygiene products to SiCM.

Please join us in praying for the Humphrey family during this difficult time

Ongoing adult education opportunities

Services at St. Andrew’s, Albany
Stations of the CrossFridays during Lent | 11:30 AM
Taize Worship
March 18 | 4:30 PMSt. Andrew’s Church, Albany
Following the service there will be a light supper. All are welcome to join us.

Choral Evensong – Cathedral of All Saints
Sunday, March 5 | 3:00 PM
Preceded by organ recital at 2:30PM

Meditation on the Passion of Christ – The Cathedral of all Saints
Sunday, April 2 | 3:00 PMPreceded by organ recital at 2:30PM

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.