Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church

Saint Stephen’s Weekly Prayers for the week of February 19, 2023 and Ash Wednesday

Good Morning, Saint Stephen’s Church,

Intercessions this Week

Sunday, February 19, 2023

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: Eglise Anglicane du Rwanda (The Anglican Church of Rwanda)

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

Our Church Leaders: Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury; Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop; Michael G. Smith and Carol Gallagher, Assisting Bishops; and Allison de Kanel, our lay reader

Those who are in need of strength and healing: Mary Ann Harrington, Marilyn Causey, Eunice Chouffi, Mary Frances Hatfield, Vincent Avila, June Russell, Bill Frank, Chris Holder, Sal Belardo, Marti Spang, Samantha Humphrey & the Humphrey Family, and Joe White

Those who celebrate birthdays this week: Mary, Christine, Teddy, Joan

Those who celebrate marriage anniversaries this week: Jamie and Kati; James and Lisa

Those who have died: Joan Campbell, Kay Deane, Helen Begley

This week’s Lessons and Prayers

Last Epiphany

The Collect and Scripture Readings for the last Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A

COLLECT

O God, who before the passion of your only-begotten Son

revealed his glory upon the holy mountain: Grant to us that we, beholding by faith the light of his countenance, may be

strengthened to bear our cross, and be changed into his likeness from glory to glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

FIRST LESSON

Exodus 24:12-18

The LORD said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain, and wait there; and I will give you the tablets of stone, with the law and the commandment, which I have written for their instruction.” So Moses set out with his assistant Joshua, and Moses went up into the mountain of God. To the elders he had said, “Wait here for us, until we come to you again; for Aaron and Hur are with you; whoever has a dispute may go to them.” Then Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain. The glory of the LORD settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it for six days; on the seventh day he called to Moses out of the cloud. Now the appearance of the glory of the LORD was like a devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the sight of the people of Israel. Moses entered the cloud, and went up on the mountain. Moses was on the mountain for forty days and forty nights.

PSALM 2

¹ Why are the nations in an uproar? *

Why do the peoples mutter empty threats?

² Why do the kings of the earth rise up in revolt,

and the princes plot together, *

against the LORD and against his Anointed?

³ “Let us break their yoke,” they say; *

“let us cast off their bonds from us.”

⁴ He whose throne is in heaven is laughing; *

the Lord has them in derision.

⁵ Then he speaks to them in his wrath, *

and his rage fills them with terror.

⁶ “I myself have set my king *

upon my holy hill of Zion.”

⁷ Let me announce the decree of the LORD: *

he said to me, “You are my Son;

this day have I begotten you.

⁸ Ask of me, and I will give you the nations for

your inheritance *

and the ends of the earth for your possession.

⁹ You shall crush them with an iron rod *

and shatter them like a piece of pottery.”

¹⁰ And now, you kings, be wise; *

be warned, you rulers of the earth.

¹¹ Submit to the LORD with fear, *

and with trembling bow before him;

¹² Lest he be angry and you perish; *

for his wrath is quickly kindled.

¹³ Happy are they all *

who take refuge in him!

SECOND LESSON

2 Peter 1:16-21

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice come from heaven, while we were with him on the holy mountain. So we have the prophetic message more fully confirmed. You will do well to be attentive to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by human will, but men and women moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

GOSPEL

Matthew 17:1-9

Six days after Peter said that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, “This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear. But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up and do not be afraid.” And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone. As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, “Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.”

News and Updates

Music Today

Prelude Reverie Still

Opening hymn: #135

Sequence hymn: #7

Baptism hymn: #296

Offertory Arioso Bach

Doxology #380

Closing hymn: #129

Postlude Trumpet Tune Wagner

Current Announcements

Ushers: Peter Nelson, Vicki Hoshko

Lectors: Readings: Joe Palko

Celebrant: Father Marshall Vang

Celebrant / Officiant Update:

2/22 @5:30 – Father Marshall Vang- Ash Wednesday

2/26 – Morning Prayer – Allison de Kanel + Street Soldiers lunch making

3/5 – Father Marshall Vang

3/12 – Mother Sally Heiligman

Today we celebrate the baptism of Benjamin.

Locking up the Church – We have started scheduling people to lock up the church after Sunday services. If you are interested in being on the list (detailed directions available) please see Erin Cohen. If you are the last person to leave the church, whether or not you’ve locked up, please double check that the door you leave from is shut and locked.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper – Don’t miss the traditional Pancake Supper from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21, in the Parish Hall, marking the last time for festivities before Lent begins on Wednesday. Menu includes pancakes (gluten free available with prior notice to Linda Emaelaf by Sunday, February 12), sausages, and beverages. Price is $7.00 – Adult; $4.00 – ages 5-12; $20.00 for a family. This includes all you can eat! Bring your family, your friends, and your appetite! Volunteers are needed to help set up, cook, serve, and clean up. Sign up sheet in the back of the church. And don’t forget to bring last year’s palms that evening so they can be burned to use for Ash Wednesday’s ashes.

We will be making lunches for Street Soldiers after morning prayer on 2/26. Please consider donating individually packaged food for the bags and / or staying to help make the lunches.

SiCM Pantry requests The Rev. Phil Pantry needs baby food and formula as well as diapers in sizes 4, 5 and 6. Requested personal items are toothbrushes & toothpaste and adult diapers in sizes L, XL and 3XL.

We collected $59 in the “Souper Bowl” Sunday collection last week. Thank you for your gifts to provide more food in the pantry! With the rise in prices over the past year, more families are running out of food each month.

Lenten Outreach- During Lent we will be raising money to help Episcopal Relief & Development provide critical relief to communities impacted by the February 6 earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Episcopal Relief & Development is already supporting local partners with life-saving supplies and resources, medicine and emergency support, to help communities rebuild and heal. Next Sunday is Episcopal Relief & Development Sunday, when the Prayers of the People will have a focus on their work and the people they serve.

Please join us in praying for Samantha Humphrey’s safe return and for the Humphrey family during this difficult time.

✠Ash Wednesday✠

Collect and Lessons for Ash Wednesday

COLLECT

Almighty and everlasting God, you hate nothing you have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent: Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of you, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

FIRST LESSON

Joel 2:1-2,12-17

Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming, it is near–a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and thick darkness! Like blackness spread upon the mountains a great and powerful army comes; their like has never been from of old, nor will be again after them in ages to come. Yet even now, says the LORD, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing. Who knows whether he will not turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind him, a grain offering and a drink offering for the LORD, your God? Blow the trumpet in Zion; sanctify a fast; call a solemn assembly; gather the people. Sanctify the congregation; assemble the aged; gather the children, even infants at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room, and the bride her canopy. Between the vestibule and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep. Let them say, “Spare your people, O LORD, and do not make your heritage a mockery, a byword among the nations. Why should it be said among the peoples, ‘Where is their God?'”

PSALM 103:8-14

⁸ The LORD is full of compassion and mercy, *

slow to anger and of great kindness.

⁹ He will not always accuse us, *

nor will he keep his anger for ever.

¹⁰ He has not dealt with us according to our sins, *

nor rewarded us according to our wickedness.

¹¹ For as the heavens are high above the earth, *

so is his mercy great upon those who fear him.

¹² As far as the east is from the west, *

so far has he removed our sins from us.

¹³ As a father cares for his children, *

so does the LORD care for those who fear him.

¹⁴ For he himself knows whereof we are made; *

he remembers that we are but dust.

SECOND LESSON

2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10

We entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. As we work together with him, we urge you also not to accept the grace of God in vain. For he says, “At an acceptable time I have listened to you, and on a day of salvation I have helped you.” See, now is the acceptable time; see, now is the day of salvation! We are putting no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we have commended ourselves in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, holiness of spirit, genuine love, truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; as unknown, and yet are well known; as dying, and see–we are alive; as punished, and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

GOSPEL

Matthew 6:1-6,16-21

Jesus said, “Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Lector: D Lohnas

Ash Wednesday Music

Sequence Hymn #142

Offertory Ave Verum Mozart

Closing Hymn #143

Postlude Wondrous Love Johnson

Bishop Search News A new Bishop Search Announcement has been posted on our website. To view it here visit: https://albanyepiscopaldiocese.org/episcopaltransition/
For a PDF version of the announcement click here.

Ongoing adult education opportunities

The Chalice of Repose Project Lenten RetreatTuesdays beginning Feb 28 | 7:00-8:30 PM
An exploration of beauty through the Gospels, pastoral care and liturgical arts with artist-in-residence Therese Schroeder-Sheker. Therese is a Benedictine oblate, educator and writer on music-in medicine, contemplative musicianship, and the theology of women mystics. She is also founder of The Chalice of Repose Project which “lovingly cares for the physical and spiritual needs of the dying with prescriptive music.” The class meets for six 1 1/2 hour sessions on Tuesdays at 7PM on Zoom. Begins February 28.Please register early as the class is limited to ten participants.Partial scholarships are available.
Email arts@cathedralofallsaints.org with questions.Register here: https://www.cathedralofallsaints.org/events/chalice-of-repose-project

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

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

February Messenger

Saint Stephen’s Weekly Prayers for the week of February 12, 2023

Good Morning, Saint Stephen’s Church,

Intercessions this Week

Sunday, February 12, 2023

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Episcopal Church in the

Philippines

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

Our Church Leaders: Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury; Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop; Michael G. Smith and Carol Gallagher, Assisting Bishops; and Allison de Kanel, our lay reader

Those who celebrate birthdays this week: Don, Marilyn, James

Those who celebrate baptismal anniversaries this week: Leah Christian, Matilda Cooke

Those who have died: Elizabeth Dipley, Charlotte Sawyer, Judith Fitzgerald

This week’s Lessons and Prayers

Epiphany 6

The Collect and Scripture Readings for the Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany,

Year A

COLLECT

O God, the strength of all who put their trust in you: Mercifully accept our prayers; and because in our weakness we can do nothing good without you, give us the help of your grace, that in keeping your commandments we may please you both in will and deed; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

FIRST LESSON

Deuteronomy 30:15-20

Moses said to all Israel the words which the Lord commanded him, “See, I have set before you today life and prosperity, death and adversity. If you obey the commandments of the LORD your God that I am commanding you today, by loving the LORD your God, walking in his ways, and observing his commandments, decrees, and ordinances, then you shall live and become numerous, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land that you are entering to possess. But if your heart turns away and you do not hear, but are led astray to bow down to other gods and serve them, I declare to you today that you shall perish; you shall not live long in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to enter and possess. I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him; for that means life to you and length of days, so that you may live in the land that the LORD swore to give to your ancestors, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.”

PSALM 119: 1-8

Happy are they whose way is blameless, *
who walk in the law of the LORD!

Happy are they who observe his decrees *
and seek him with all their hearts!

Who never do any wrong, *
but always walk in his ways.

You laid down your commandments, *
that we should fully keep them.

Oh, that my ways were made so direct *
that I might keep your statutes!

Then I should not be put to shame, *
when I regard all your commandments.

I will thank you with an unfeigned heart, *
when I have learned your righteous judgments.

I will keep your statutes; *
do not utterly forsake me.

SECOND LESSON

1 Corinthians 3:1-9

Brothers and sisters, I could not speak to you as spiritual people, but rather as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for solid food. Even now you are still not ready, for you are still of the flesh. For as long as there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not of the flesh, and behaving according to human inclinations? For when one says, “I belong to Paul,” and another, “I belong to Apollos,” are you not merely human?

What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you came to believe, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. The one who plants and the one who waters have a common purpose, and each will receive wages according to the labor of each. For we are God’s servants, working together; you are God’s field, God’s building.

GOSPEL

Matthew 5:21-37

Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, `You shall not murder’; and `whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, `You fool,’ you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny.

“You have heard that it was said, `You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away; it is better for you to lose one of your members than for your whole body to go into hell.

“It was also said, `Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that anyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of unchastity, causes her to commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

“Again, you have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, `You shall not swear falsely, but carry out the vows you have made to the Lord.’ But I say to you, Do not swear at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. Let your word be `Yes, Yes’ or `No, No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.

News and Updates

Music Today

Prelude Adoration Price

Opening hymn: #372

Sequence hymn: #530

Offertory Anthem Be Still Marrolli

Closing hymn: #594

Postlude Flourish Rawsthorne

Current Announcements

Ushers: Doreen May, Dave Crates

Lectors: Doreen May, Dan Schuldt

Celebrant: Mother Sally Heiligman

Celebrant / Officiant Update:

2/19 – Father Marshall Vang

2/22 @5:30 – Father Marshall Vang- Ash Wednesday

2/26 – Morning Prayer – Allison de Kanel + Street Soldiers lunch making

There will be a short lector training following the service today. Please plan to attend if you did not last week and you will be a lector on the upcoming schedule.

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper — Don’t miss the traditional Pancake Supper from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21, in the Parish Hall, marking the last time for festivities before Lent begins on Wednesday. Menu includes pancakes (gluten free available with prior notice to Linda Emaelaf by Sunday, February 12), sausages, and beverages. Price is $7.00 – Adult; $4.00 – ages 5-12; $20.00 for a family. This includes all you can eat! Bring your family, your friends, and your appetite! Volunteers are needed to help set up, cook, serve, and clean up. Sign up sheet in the back of the church. And don’t forget to bring last year’s palms that evening so they can be burned to use for Ash Wednesday’s ashes.

We will be making lunches for Street Soldiers after morning prayer on 2/26. Please consider donating individually packaged food for the bags and / or staying to help make the lunches.

Today is Super Bowl Sunday! Celebrate by contributing to the Souper Bowl Sunday collection in the nave extension. All donations will benefit the SiCM pantry.

You are invited to attend an organ recital on Saturday, February 18^th, at 3:00PM at First Reformed Church of Scotia, 224 N. Ballston Ave, presented by the Eastern NY Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. The June Selke Memorial Organ will be played by St. Stephens’ organist Susan Lohnas, noted composer and organist Al Fedak, and six other local organists. Come and enjoy a wide variety of music, followed by a reception. Admission is free. A free will offering will be available to benefit the chapter’s organ scholarship fund.

Please join us in praying for Samantha Humphrey’s safe return and for the Humphrey family during this difficult time.

Altar Flowers given by Marilyn Humphrey given in honor of Don Humphrey.

Ongoing adult education opportunities

The Chalice of Repose Project Lenten Retreat
Tuesdays beginning Feb 28 | 7:00-8:30 PM
An exploration of beauty through the Gospels, pastoral care and liturgical arts with artist-in-residence Therese Schroeder-Sheker. Therese is a Benedictine oblate, educator and writer on music-in medicine, contemplative musicianship, and the theology of women mystics. She is also founder of The Chalice of Repose Project which “lovingly cares for the physical and spiritual needs of the dying with prescriptive music.” The class meets for six 1 1/2 hour sessions on Tuesdays at 7PM on Zoom. Begins February 28.Please register early as the class is limited to ten participants.Partial scholarships are available.
Email arts@cathedralofallsaints.org with questions. Register here: https://www.cathedralofallsaints.org/events/chalice-of-repose-project

Beaver Cross Camp meets the winter in our SonShine Retreats! These retreats will be running over school winter break, middle school and high school students, will be playing epic games, having inspiring worship, prayer, and engaging with teachings. All of this to have fun, build community in Christ, and draw closer to Jesus!Jr. Sonshine: 3rd – 7th Grade | Sr. Sonshine: 8th – 12th Grade
Register here:https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001CA9z8Jf1bKfIpk0cCzEYmB9v0OJ2YhMU-4Fch9gcbyDzvBUkauNorJiDo7bP61qqYRygqun330hyZOGNU4WVqCbKg5Xr0pTkaBgnu4X3JFN2iLLHWvQc6PBRK9bXl-gd3D7DAD5S7yF30TGn9BZmuZ3p27NZZjhvikNdjYdG_PAx5cnImYSPcA==&c=KwMg3Z8LdOVCzsPRhkiOdD_EPmSm65gpiOieGMtkLenQVfOYQ4oyjA==&ch=j0G7MYUwVO9ILPor1zVeuu8lpHnvxqRIWgFrSDNjE4jbUnlVZvWs7w==

Reminders

Prayerbook Morning Prayer in Zoom – each morning – contact Becky Holder for the link: becky.holder@gmail.com.

Our office email is: office@st-stephens.church.

Irish Blessing

May the road rise up to meet you,

May the wind be at your back,

May the sun shine upon your face,

he rains fall soft upon soft upon your fields,

And until we meet again

May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church

February Messenger

Saint Stephen’s Weekly Prayers for the week of February 5, 2023

Good Morning, Saint Stephen’s Church,

Intercessions this Week

Sunday, February 5, 2023

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Anglican Church of Papua

New Guinea

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

Our Church Leaders: Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury; Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop; Michael G. Smith and Carol Gallagher, Assisting Bishops; and Allison de Kanel, our lay reader

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

Those who celebrate birthdays this week: Pat Jones

Those who celebrate anniversaries this week: Allison & Paul de Kanel; Keith & Christine Nelson

Those who have died: Helen Morris, Edna Philips, Alice Hurst

This week’s Lessons and Prayers

5 Epiphany

The Collect and Scripture Readings for the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany, Year A

COLLECT

Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

FIRST LESSON

Isaiah 58:1-9a

Shout out, do not hold back! Lift up your voice like a trumpet! Announce to my people their rebellion, to the house of Jacob their sins. Yet day after day they seek me and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that practiced righteousness and did not forsake the ordinance of their God;
they ask of me righteous judgments, they delight to draw near to God.

“Why do we fast, but you do not see? Why humble ourselves, but you do not notice?” Look, you serve your own interest on your fast day, and oppress all your workers. Look, you fast only to quarrel and to fight and to strike with a wicked fist. Such fasting as you do today will not make your voice heard on high. Is such the fast that I choose, a day to humble oneself? Is it to bow down the head like a bulrush, and to lie in sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast, a day acceptable to the LORD? Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin? Then your light shall break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up quickly; your vindicator shall go before you, the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry for help, and he will say, Here I am.

PSALM 112

¹ Hallelujah!
Happy are they who fear the Lord *
and have great delight in his commandments!

² Their descendants will be mighty in the land; *
the generation of the upright will be blessed.

³ Wealth and riches will be in their house, *
and their righteousness will last for ever.

⁴ Light shines in the darkness for the upright; *
the righteous are merciful and full of compassion.

⁵ It is good for them to be generous in lending *
and to manage their affairs with justice.

⁶ For they will never be shaken; *
the righteous will be kept in everlasting remembrance.

⁷ They will not be afraid of any evil rumors; *
their heart is right;
they put their trust in the Lord.

⁸ Their heart is established and will not shrink, *
until they see their desire upon their enemies.

⁹ They have given freely to the poor, *
and their righteousness stands fast for ever;
they will hold up their head with honor.

¹⁰ The wicked will see it and be angry;
they will gnash their teeth and pine away; *
the desires of the wicked will perish.

SECOND LESSON

1 Corinthians 2:1-12

When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.

Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. But we speak God’s wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this;for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him” — these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God’s except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God.

GOSPEL

Matthew 5:13-20

Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled underfoot.

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

News and Updates

Music Today

Prelude Thy Strong Word Behnke

Opening Hymn #381

Sequence Hymn #691

Offertory Anthem Shines the Light Dengler

Closing Hymn #632

Postlude Exultemus Rawsthorne

Current Announcements

Ushers: P. Nelson, R. Stefanski

Lectors: L. Emaelaf

Celebrant: Father Marshall Vang

Celebrant / Officiant Update:

2/12-Mother Sally Heiligman + lector training following the service

2/19-Father Marshall Vang

2/22 @5:30 -Father Marshall Vang- Ash Wednesday

2/26 – Morning Prayer – Allison de Kanel + Street Soldiers lunch making

There will be a short lector training following the service today, and another next week. Please plan on attending one of the two if you will be a lector on the upcoming schedule.

SiCM’s “Souper Bowl Sunday” is February 12! There will be a container in the nave extension for donations to the SiCM pantry.

Please join us in praying for Samantha Humphrey’s safe return and for the Humphrey family during this difficult time.

Choral Evensong
February 5 | 3:00 PM
The Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys sing Choral Evensong on Sunday, February 5 at 3:00 PM. The service is preceded by an organ recital at 2:30 PM.Choral Evensong is a form of worship enjoyed by Christians of all denominations and by anyone who enjoys traditional choral music. It has been one of the three principal liturgies of the Anglican/Episcopal tradition since 1549. The liturgy is alternately sung or chanted by the choir or clergy and the congregation sings appointed hymns. Psalms are said or sung, followed by readings from Old and New Testaments, punctuated by canticles.All are welcome. Please join us!

Ongoing adult education opportunities

A Retreat Opportunity in February

Foundations of Benedictine SpiritualityFor New and Returning Retreatants at Christ the King Center

Retreat leaders are The Rt. Rev. Michael Smith and Pat Stone
Additional presenters include The Rev. Meaghan Keegan,
The Very Rev. Tom Malionek and The Rev. Marian Sive

Two sessions for you to choose the one that fits your schedule
Weekday: Wednesday, February 1-3, 2023
Weekend: Friday – Sunday, February 3-5, 2023
More info here

Tree of Life Seminar with The Rev. Dr. Ellen Neufeld
February 7, 14, 21, and 28 | 12:00 PM
Wisdom…is a Tree of Life for those who grasp Her~Proverbs 3:18
This seminar is for anyone who desires to grow in their relationship with God by growing into a deeper experience of prayer. The Heart is the deep place within us where we find the presence of God and our true selves in Him. We will explore together the simple ways in which this encounter becomes real. God wants this relationship with all His people – you do not need to be a special “mystic” or have unusual experiences. The Holy Spirit will teach us as we listen to Him.Each session will include: Presentation of material, Discussion, Presentation, direction and practice of prayer of the heart, Opportunity for healing of the heart, Time for personal prayer of the Heart
4-week class includes lunch and program – $100
RegiRegister Here: https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001e_1Gt8rS5JOnp3IUtGwSQZeKU8B8JVR-_q1M9yKuN6xIS-u5s75gthj55D92ruTPbioMn8gKhD9GTViBuX4riS6RgSgADqvZ8Ge_bfHT69HR2W5p3FGrDEkuqOyZWW6ojqm8X-1LNxlHTDnsjx5RnR9TcoPb25sYMh95M0ywqwWS5VKqTg0AB8ZUOQWhIJExXzLlaCupQGc=&c=U-sQEaYHEbI5RSxZvRAPwyLsA12OgzBp6qv5FijzKQTaIbRFZ41ovA==&ch=-uhJkqIAJn13sqjhb1sOLX-l4MpS5BbxbIDmy6kVh6cB-UlQZV0lfA==

A Day of Quiet and Healing
February 11, 2023 | 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Join us for a peaceful day of soaking prayer in the Healing Center. This ministry is free of charge although donations are certainly appreciated.
Lunch is available for purchase at $16 per person. You may make a reservation when you register. Pay at the door.
Register Here: https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001e_1Gt8rS5JOnp3IUtGwSQZeKU8B8JVR-_q1M9yKuN6xIS-u5s75gthj55D92ruTPyhOymV3IjGFgLs9dr0jYiFkJHBLasTjzHH4h6You_HObXNZ5ePtiPH43I7u4MOS_IYgXNahOQrP_MW-72U62WAVDq7Zjh-MSWGReXqeAixpoA0Bg0tLbycWJbwrDsv9xalt4oC0wnlymXzcsl2r8qw==&c=U-sQEaYHEbI5RSxZvRAPwyLsA12OgzBp6qv5FijzKQTaIbRFZ41ovA==&ch=-uhJkqIAJn13sqjhb1sOLX-l4MpS5BbxbIDmy6kVh6cB-UlQZV0lfA==

The Chalice of Repose Project Lenten Retreat
Tuesdays beginning Feb 28 | 7:00-8:30 PM
An exploration of beauty through the Gospels, pastoral care and liturgical arts with artist-in-residence Therese Schroeder-Sheker. Therese is a Benedictine oblate, educator and writer on music-in medicine, contemplative musicianship, and the theology of women mystics. She is also founder of The Chalice of Repose Project which “lovingly cares for the physical and spiritual needs of the dying with prescriptive music.” The class meets for six 1 1/2 hour sessions on Tuesdays at 7PM on Zoom. Begins February 28.Please register early as the class is limited to ten participants.Partial scholarships are available.
Email arts@cathedralofallsaints.org with questions.Register here: https://www.cathedralofallsaints.org/events/chalice-of-repose-project

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 January 29, 2023

Good Morning, Saint Stephen’s Church,

Intercessions this Week

Sunday, January 29, 2023

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Church of Pakistan (United)

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

Our Church Leaders: Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury; Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop; Michael G. Smith and Carol Gallagher, Assisting Bishops; and Allison de Kanel, our lay reader

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

Those who celebrate birthdays this week: Dan Schuldt

Those who celebrate baptisms this week: Christine Nelson

Those who celebrate anniversaries this week: Mary & Harvey Alexander

Those who have died: Edwin Tolan, Lee Doolittle, Olive Maloy, Donald Humphrey

This week’s Lessons and Prayers

4 Epiphany

The Collect and Scripture Readings for the Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A

COLLECT

Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

FIRST LESSON

Micah 6:1-8

Hear what the LORD says: Rise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice. Hear, you mountains, the controversy of the LORD, and you enduring foundations of the earth; for the LORD has a controversy with his people, and he will contend with Israel. “O my people, what have I done to you? In what have I wearied you? Answer me! For I brought you up from the land of Egypt, and redeemed you from the house of slavery; and I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. O my people, remember now what King Balak of Moab devised, what Balaam son of Beor answered him, and what happened from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the saving acts of the LORD.”

“With what shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.

THE PSALM

Psalm 15

¹ Lord, who may dwell in your tabernacle? *
who may abide upon your holy hill?

² Whoever leads a blameless life and does what is right, *
who speaks the truth from his heart.

³ There is no guile upon his tongue;
he does no evil to his friend; *
he does not heap contempt upon his neighbor.

⁴ In his sight the wicked is rejected, *
but he honors those who fear the Lord.

⁵ He has sworn to do no wrong *
and does not take back his word.

⁶ He does not give his money in hope of gain, *
nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.

⁷ Whoever does these things *
shall never be overthrown.

SECOND LESSON

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

The message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written, “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.” Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, God decided, through the foolishness of our proclamation, to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks desire wisdom, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength. Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, things that are not, to reduce to nothing things that are, so that no one might boast in the presence of God. He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, in order that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

GOSPEL

Matthew 5:1-12

When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up the mountain; and after he sat down, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and taught them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

News and Updates

Music Today

Prelude Prière à Notre-Dame Boëllmann

Opening Hymn #440

Sequence hymn #441

Offertory Anthem Offertory Beck

Closing Hymn #556

Postlude Toccata in A minor Sweelinck

Current Announcements

Ushers: Dorreen May and William Olsen

Lectors: Sammy and Dan Schuldt

Celebrant: Mother Sally Heiligman

Celebrant / Officiant Update:

2/5-Father Marshall Vang + lector training following the service

2/12-Mother Sally Heiligman + lector training following the service

2/19-Father Marshall Vang

2/22 @5:30 -Father Marshall Vang- Ash Wednesday

The St. Stephen’s congregation is invited to a Candlemas service at St. George’s, 30 N Ferry St, Schenectady, on Thursday, February 2^nd at 7:00PM. Candlemas commemorates the presentation of Jesus at the Temple of Jerusalem, referring to him as the light of the people of Israel. Fr. Vang will be the celebrant. A combined St. Stephen’s / St. George’s choir will sing. This is a wonderful way to join our neighbors in the Stockade for this holy day celebration.

SICM – During January we will be collecting soup for the Rev. Phil Pantry. The pantry is also in need of disposable diapers (e.g. Pampers) in sizes 3, 4 and 5.

Ongoing Covid and the addition of flu and RSV have us feeling as if pandemic precautions will never end. Due to change in the seasons and longer indoor exposures we invite you to consider masking at church if you feel vulnerable. Masks are available from the ushers if anyone would like to use one. Let’s keep strong and healthy.

Please join us in praying for Samantha Humphrey’s safe return and for the Humphrey family during this difficult time.

Ongoing adult education opportunities

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 January 22, 2023

Good Morning, Saint Stephen’s Church,

Intercessions this Week

Sunday, January 15, 2023

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Church of North India (United)

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

Our Church Leaders: Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury; Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop; Michael G. Smith and Carol Gallagher, Assisting Bishops; and Allison de Kanel, our lay reader

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

Those who celebrate birthdays this week: Marshall Cohen, Carolyn Morin

Those who celebrate baptisms this week: William Fronk

Those who have died: Pierre Bleecker, Jane Tatge, Emilie Voelker, Jesse Dipley, Gladys Wilcox, Josefina Nevius

This week’s Lessons and Prayers

3 Epiphany

The Collect and Scripture Readings for the Third Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A

Psalm 27:1, 5-13

¹ The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom then shall I fear? *
the Lord is the strength of my life;
of whom then shall I be afraid?

⁵ One thing have I asked of the Lord;
one thing I seek; *
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life;

⁶ To behold the fair beauty of the Lord *
and to seek him in his temple.

⁷ For in the day of trouble he shall keep me safe in his shelter; *
he shall hide me in the secrecy of his dwelling
and set me high upon a rock.

⁸ Even now he lifts up my head *
above my enemies round about me.

⁹ Therefore I will offer in his dwelling an oblation
with sounds of great gladness; *
I will sing and make music to the Lord.

¹⁰ Hearken to my voice, O Lord, when I call; *
have mercy on me and answer me.

¹¹ You speak in my heart and say, “Seek my face.” *
Your face, Lord, will I seek.

¹² Hide not your face from me, *
nor turn away your servant in displeasure.

¹³ You have been my helper;
cast me not away; *
do not forsake me, O God of my salvation.

FIRST LESSON

Isaiah 9:1-4

There will be no gloom for those who were in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he will make glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness– on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian.

SECOND LESSON

1 Corinthians 1:10-18

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you be in agreement and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same purpose. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there are quarrels among you, my brothers and sisters. What I mean is that each of you says, “I belong to Paul,” or “I belong to Apollos,” or “I belong to Cephas,” or “I belong to Christ.” Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one can say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to proclaim the gospel, and not with eloquent wisdom, so that the cross of Christ might not be emptied of its power. For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

THIRD LESSON

Matthew 4:12-23

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles– the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.”From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea– for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fish for people.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him.

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and curing every disease and every sickness among the people.

COLLECT

Give us grace, O Lord, to answer readily the call of our Savior Jesus Christ and proclaim to all people the Good News of his salvation, that we and the whole world may perceive the glory of his marvelous works; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

News and Updates

Music Today

Prelude Pastorale Haan

Opening Hymn #539

Musical Offering Come, Follow Me Kupferschmid Marina (Boschi) Pero, violin

Musical Offering Take My Yoke Upon You Williams/Nolan

Closing Hymn #550

Postlude March Pontificale Lemmens

Current Announcements

Ushers: V Hoshko, P Nelson

Lectors: R Woodzell, P Nelson

Celebrant / Officiant Update:

1/29-Mother Sally Heiligman

2/5-Father Marshall Vang + lector training following the service

2/12-Mother Sally Heiligman + lector training following the service

2/19-Father Marshall Vang

2/22 @5:30 -Father Marshall Vang- Ash Wednesday

2/26-Mother Sally Heiligman

Today we welcome Marina (Boschi) Pero as our guest violinist. Marina has played the violin since she was six years old. She has performed with the Skidmore College Symphony Orchestra and received a scholarship to play with the Marist College Symphony Orchestra. Marina lives in Niskayuna with her husband Kyle.

Street Soldiers Lunch Making – We will be making lunches for street soldiers after the service TODAY, 1/22. Please consider joining us in the Parish Hall after morning prayer to help!

SICM – During January we will be collecting soup for the Rev. Phil Pantry. The pantry is also in need of disposable diapers (e.g. Pampers) in sizes 3, 4 and 5.

Please join us in praying for Samantha Humphrey’s safe return and for the Humphrey family during this difficult time.

Ongoing adult education opportunities

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

Annual Report:

Digital Copy of Annual Report 2022.pdf

Saint Stephen’s Weekly Prayers for the week of January 15, 2023

Good Morning, Saint Stephen’s Church,

Intercessions this Week

Sunday, January 15, 2023

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Church of Nigeria (Anglican

Communion)

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

Our Church Leaders: Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury; Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop; Michael G. Smith and Carol Gallagher, Assisting Bishops; and Allison de Kanel, our lay reader

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

Those who celebrate birthdays this week: Katre Riordon, Andrei Crates, Dan Ruscitto

Those who celebrate baptisms this week: Samuel Schuldt, Peter Nelson

Those who have died: George Horch, Donald Molino, Arnette Smith,

Frances L. Spain, David Humphrey

This week’s Lessons and Prayers

2 Epiphany

The Collect and Scripture Readings for the Second Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A

COLLECT

Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

FIRST LESSON

Isaiah 49:1-7

Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention, you peoples from far away! The LORD called me before I was born, while I was in my mother’s womb he named me. He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. And he said to me, “You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified.” But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the LORD, and my reward with my God.” And now the LORD says, who formed me in the womb to be his servant, to bring Jacob back to him, and that Israel might be gathered to him, for I am honored in the sight of the LORD, and my God has become my strength– he says, “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”

Thus says the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One, to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations, the slave of rulers, “Kings shall see and stand up, princes, and they shall prostrate themselves, because of the LORD, who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.”

PSALM 40:1-12

¹ I waited patiently upon the LORD; *

he stooped to me and heard my cry.

² He lifted me out of the desolate pit, out of the mire and clay;*

he set my feet upon a high cliff and made my footing sure.

³ He put a new song in my mouth,

a song of praise to our God; *

many shall see, and stand in awe,

and put their trust in the LORD.

⁴ Happy are they who trust in the LORD! *

they do not resort to evil spirits or turn to false gods.

⁵ Great things are they that you have done, O LORD my God!

how great your wonders and your plans for us! *

there is none who can be compared with you.

⁶ Oh, that I could make them known and tell them! *

but they are more than I can count.

⁷ In sacrifice and offering you take no pleasure *

(you have given me ears to hear you);

⁸ Burnt-offering and sin-offering you have not required, *

and so I said, “Behold, I come.

⁹ In the roll of the book it is written concerning me: *

‘I love to do your will, O my God;

your law is deep in my heart.”‘

¹⁰ I proclaimed righteousness in the great congregation; *

behold, I did not restrain my lips;

and that, O LORD, you know.

¹¹ Your righteousness have I not hidden in my heart;

I have spoken of your faithfulness and your deliverance; *

I have not concealed your love and faithfulness from the

great congregation.

¹²You are the Lord;
do not withhold your compassion from me; *
let your love and your faithfulness keep me safe for ever.

SECOND LESSON

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus, for in every way you have been enriched in him, in speech and knowledge of every kind– just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you– so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will also strengthen you to the end, so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

GOSPEL

John 1:29-42

The day after John had baptized Jesus, John saw Jesus coming toward him and declared,, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.” The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two

disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).

News and Updates

Music Today

Prelude Adagio Bach/Biggs

Opening Hymn #7

Sequence hymn: #124

Offertory Anthem Take My Yoke Upon You Williams/Nolan

Closing Hymn LEV #136

Postlude Father in Heaven Buxtehude

Current Announcements

Ushers: V Hoshko, D Crates

Lectors: J Palko, M Gittinger

Celebrant: Father Marshall Vang

Celebrant / Officiant Update:

1/22-Allison de Kanel – Morning Prayer – Street Soldiers Lunch Making

1/29-Mother Sally Heiligman

Annual Meeting – Please plan to join us for our annual meeting TODAY in the parish hall following the service.

Street Soldiers Lunch Making – We will be making lunches for street soldiers after the service next Sunday, 1/22. Please consider bringing a wrapped snack/dessert, or piece of fruit to put in the bags, or join us after the service to help make lunches, or both!

First Friends is holding an open house on Saturday, January 21 from 10-12. Please spread the word to anyone who may be interested.

SICM – During January we will be collecting soup for the Rev. Phil Pantry. The pantry is also in need of disposable diapers (e.g. Pampers) in sizes 3, 4 and 5.

Please join us in praying for Samantha Humphrey’s safe return and for the Humphrey family during this difficult time.

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

January Messenger:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iFnmpDQFCPSEejkmTY3Ch62baoTIPqFs/view?usp=sharing

Saint Stephen’s Weekly Prayers for the week of January 8, 2023

Good Morning, Saint Stephen’s Church,

Prayers of the People

For people who are sad this holiday season, that they may find comfort; let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For the people of Ukraine and Russia, that they find peace this holiday season; let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For the President, Joe Biden, 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 the good earth which God has given us, and for the wisdom and will to conserve it; let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For the people in our country and around the world who have had natural disasters, especially the people in Buffalo, may they receive the help they need to survive; let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For all of the animals who are in shelters or on the streets, that they may find a loving home; let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For those who travel on land, on water, in the air, and through outer space; let us pray to the Lord. Lord, have mercy.

For teachers and students, keep them safe from violence; let us pray to the lord. Lord, have mercy.

For the poor and the oppressed, for the unemployed and the destitute, for prisoners and captives, 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 / or compiled by Sammy & Maddie Schuldt, and Harry Ruscitto.

Additional Intercessions this Week

Sunday, January 8, 2023

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Church of the Province of Myanmar (Burma)

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

Our Church Leaders: Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury; Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop; Michael G. Smith and Carol Gallagher, Assisting Bishops; and Allison de Kanel, our lay reader

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

Those who celebrate birthdays this week: Peter Klepeis, Lisa McDonald, Laura Fronk, Jane Vinehout

Those who celebrate baptisms this week: Madeleine Schuldt, Richard Stefanski

Those who have died: Helen Oyer, Dave Stevens, Richard Causey

This week’s Lessons and Prayers

The Epiphany of Our Lord

The Collect and Scripture Readings for Epiphany Sunday,

Year A

COLLECT

O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

FIRST LESSON

Isaiah 60:1-6

Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you. For darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the LORD will arise upon you, and his glory will appear over you. Nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Lift up your eyes and look around; they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from far away, and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms. Then you shall see and be radiant; your heart shall thrill and rejoice, because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you. A multitude of camels shall cover you, the young camels of Midian and Ephah; all those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praise of the LORD.

PSALM 72:1-7,10-14

¹ Give the King your justice, O God, *

and your righteousness to the King’s Son;

² That he may rule your people righteously *

and the poor with justice;

³ That the mountains may bring prosperity to the people, *

and the little hills bring righteousness.

⁴ He shall defend the needy among the people; *

he shall rescue the poor and crush the oppressor.

⁵ He shall live as long as the sun and moon endure, *

from one generation to another.

⁶ He shall come down like rain upon the mown field, *

like showers that water the earth.

⁷ In his time shall the righteous flourish; *

there shall be abundance of peace till the moon shall

be no more.

¹⁰ The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall pay tribute, *

and the kings of Arabia and Saba offer gifts.

¹¹ All kings shall bow down before him, *

and all the nations do him service.

¹² For he shall deliver the poor who cries out in distress, *

and the oppressed who has no helper.

¹³ He shall have pity on the lowly and poor; *

he shall preserve the lives of the needy.

¹⁴ He shall redeem their lives from oppression and violence, *

and dear shall their blood be in his sight.

SECOND LESSON

Ephesians 3:1-12

This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles– for surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given me by the working of his power. Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him.

GOSPEL

Matthew 2:1-12

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel. ‘”Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.”When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

News and Updates

Music Today

Prelude Procession of the Magi Fish

Opening Hymn #119

Children’s Song Drummer Boy

Djembe-Tim Olsen, Percussion- William Olsen, Bass- Pierce Olsen

Offertory Hymn # 128

Closing Hymn #135

Postlude We are Marching in the Light of God S. African/Behnke

Current Announcements

Greeters: Maddie Schuldt and Harry Ruscitto

Ushers: Pierce and William Olsen

Acolyte: Frankie Ruscitto

Lectors: Teddy Ruscitto and Kiely Olsen

Celebrant: Mother Sally Heiligman

Celebrant / Officiant Update:

1/15-Father Marshall Vang – Annual Meeting following the service

1/22-Mother Sally Heiligman

1/29-Allison de Kanel – Morning Prayer

Annual Report and Annual Meeting – If you have an article for the annual report please email it to Bethany by today (office@st-stephens.church). Save the date – our annual meeting will take place on January 15, 2023 in the parish hall.

Please join us in praying for Samantha Humphrey’s safe return and for the Humphrey family during this difficult time.

Ongoing adult education opportunities

A weekly Healing Service in the Chapel of St. Michael and All Angels. After Communion, prayer teams locate throughout the chapel for ministry. Additional prayer ministry is offered by appointment.Lunches at Christ the King Center

Cathedral In Bloom January 13-15, 2023 Cathedral in Bloom, the area’s
premier flower show, is back! Enjoy the glory of the architecture of The
Cathedral of All Saints combined with the talents of the some of the Capital
Region’s and northeast’s floral artists. Regardless of the weather outside, it
will be Spring inside the Cathedral! Dozens of floral displays, workshops and
presentations will be offered by floral professionals. Guided and self- tours, a
cafe, and a flower market will welcome you, along with organ recitals with
music inspired by flowers. Special tickets for a Champagne Gala on Friday
Evening and a Saturday Afternoon Tea are available and must be purchased
days in advance. New in 2023 is a ticket for admission to all three days of the
event, and a raffle. General and Senior Admission tickets are good for only one
of any of the three days of the event and may be purchased at the door.
Children under ten will be admitted for free. Tickets are nonrefundable and
nontransferable. Questions: bloom@cathedralofallsaints.org

Tree of Life Seminar with The Rev. Dr. Ellen Neufeld
February 7, 14, 21, and 28 | 12:00 PM Wisdom…is a Tree of Life for those who
grasp Her~Proverbs 3:18 This seminar is for anyone who desires to grow in
their relationship with God by growing into a deeper experience of prayer.
The Heart is the deep place within us where we find the presence of God and
our true selves in Him. We will explore together the simple ways in which this encounter becomes real. God wants this relationship with all His people – you do not need to be a special “mystic” or
have unusual experiences. The Holy Spirit will teach us as we listen to Him.
Each session will include: Presentation of material, Discussion, Presentation, direction and practice of prayer of the heart, Opportunity for healing of the heart, Time for personal prayer of the Heart
4-week class includes lunch and program – $100 Register Here: https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001e_1Gt8rS5JOnp3IUtGwSQZeKU8B8JVR-_q1M9yKuN6xIS-u5s75gthj55D92ruTPbioMn8gKhD9GTViBuX4riS6RgSgADqvZ8Ge_bfHT69HR2W5p3FGrDEkuqOyZWW6ojqm8X-1LNxlHTDnsjx5RnR9TcoPb25sYMh95M0ywqwWS5VKqTg0AB8ZUOQWhIJExXzLlaCupQGc=&c=U-sQEaYHEbI5RSxZvRAPwyLsA12OgzBp6qv5FijzKQTaIbRFZ41ovA==&ch=-uhJkqIAJn13sqjhb1sOLX-l4MpS5BbxbIDmy6kVh6cB-UlQZV0lfA==

A Day of Quiet and Healing February 11, 2023 | 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM Join us for
a peaceful day of soaking prayer in the Healing Center. This ministry is free
of charge although donations are certainly appreciated. Lunch is available for purchase at $16 per person. You may make a reservation when you register. Pay at the door. Register Here: https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001e_1Gt8rS5JOnp3IUtGwSQZeKU8B8JVR-_q1M9yKuN6xIS-u5s75gthj55D92ruTPyhOymV3IjGFgLs9dr0jYiFkJHBLasTjzHH4h6You_HObXNZ5ePtiPH43I7u4MOS_IYgXNahOQrP_MW-72U62WAVDq7Zjh-MSWGReXqeAixpoA0Bg0tLbycWJbwrDsv9xalt4oC0wnlymXzcsl2r8qw==&c=U-sQEaYHEbI5RSxZvRAPwyLsA12OgzBp6qv5FijzKQTaIbRFZ41ovA==&ch=-uhJkqIAJn13sqjhb1sOLX-l4MpS5BbxbIDmy6kVh6cB-UlQZV0lfA==

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 December 24, 2022

DecemberMessenger: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tbpw-x3pd_xMFn7hSRpTFHt2Sz_xQmEX/view?usp=sharing

A note from our Senior Warden:

St. Stephens Family,

A quick update from the Vestry. We are officially interviewing a candidate for Interim Rector. We have had an initial phone interview and will be going forward with further interviews. For now, we need to keep his/her identity confidential but I’ll provide more details when I can pass them along.

I also wanted to give an update about the fire system. A couple Sundays ago we had quite the disruptive service and I want to assure you we are working on permanently fixing the problem. The original cause of the malfunction has been fixed by our plumbed. The fire system box needs to be replaced and we already have a quote and will be working with the vendor to get it fixed asap.

Thank you to Austin, Paul and Ron for working with our contractors and helping fix the issue

If you have any questions feel free to email me at: Daniel.Schuldt@gmail.com

Thanks,

Dan

Good Morning, Saint Stephen’s Church,

From Our Prayers of the People

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Anglican Church of Melanesia

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

Our Church Leaders: Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury; Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop; Michael G. Smith and Carol Gallagher, Assisting Bishops; and Allison de Kanel, our lay reader

Those who celebrate birthdays this week: Ron Michelson, Denise Crates

Those who celebrate baptisms this week: Suzanne Taylor, Louise Peake, Tammy Ruscitto, Robert Bailey, Salvatore Belardo, Thomas Bennett, Marilyn Causey, Stephanie Grimason, Marilyn Humphrey, Marguerite MacDougall, Sara Palko, Linda Perregaux, Paul Pratico, Marti Spang, Liz Stevens, Gillian Woodcock

Those who have died:Margaret Collins, Suzanne Fleischmann, Anna Kastensmith, Solon Duff, Helen Bradish, Lillian Peterson, Isabella Dewhurst, Burleigh Douglass, Ida Rossiter

This week’s Lessons and Prayers

Christmas Eve

The Collect and Scripture Readings for Christmas Eve

COLLECT

O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.

FIRST LESSON

Isaiah 9:2-7

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness– on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

PSALM 96

¹ Sing to the LORD a new song; *

sing to the LORD, all the whole earth.

² Sing to the LORD and bless his Name; *

proclaim the good news of his salvation from day to day.

³ Declare his glory among the nations *

and his wonders among all peoples.

⁴ For great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; *

he is more to be feared than all gods.

⁵ As for all the gods of the nations, they are but idols; *

but it is the LORD who made the heavens.

⁶ Oh, the majesty and magnificence of his presence! *

Oh, the power and the splendor of his sanctuary!

⁷ Ascribe to the LORD, you families of the peoples; *

ascribe to the LORD honor and power.

⁸ Ascribe to the LORD the honor due his Name; *

bring offerings and come into his courts.

⁹ Worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness; *

let the whole earth tremble before him.

¹⁰ Tell it out among the nations: “The LORD is King! *

he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved;

he will judge the peoples with equity.”

¹¹ Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad;

let the sea thunder and all that is in it; *

let the field be joyful and all that is therein.

¹² Then shall all the trees of the wood shout for joy

before the LORD when he comes, *

when he comes to judge the earth.

¹³ He will judge the world with righteousness *

and the peoples with his truth.

SECOND LESSON

Titus 2:11-14

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all,

training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds.

GOSPEL

Luke 2:1-20

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see–I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a

child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And

suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly

host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest

heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Blessing of the Creche:

Celebrant: Dear friends, as we meet to celebrate the birth of Christ, let us pray that God will bless this creche, that all who worship his Son, born of the Virgin Mary, may come to share his life in glory. God our Father, on this night your Son Jesus Christ was born of the Virgin Mary for is and for our salvation: Bless this creche, which we have prepared to celebrate that holy birth; may all who see it be strengthened in faith and receive the fullness of life he came to bring, who is alive and reigns for ever. Amen.

The Prayers of the People for Christmas Eve

Celebrant: In peace let us pray to the Lord.

Leader: Father, in this holy night your Son our Savior was born in human flesh. Renew your Church as the Body of Christ. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

There was no room for your Son in the inn. Protect with your love

those who have no home and all who live in poverty. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

Mary, in the pain of labor, brought your Son to birth. Hold in your hand all who are in pain or distress. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

Your Christ came as a light shining in the darkness. Bring comfort to all who suffer in the sadness of our world. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

The angels sang, “Peace to God’s people on earth.” Strengthen those who work for peace and justice. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

Shepherds in the field heard tidings of joy. Give us grace to preach the

Gospel of Christ’s redemption. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

Strangers found the Holy Family and saw the baby lying in the manger.

Bless our homes and all those we love. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

Heaven is come down to earth and earth is raised to heaven. Hold in your

Hand all those who have passed through death in the hope of your coming kingdom. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

Christians the world over celebrate Christ’s birth. Open our hearts that he

may be born in us today. Lord, hear us. Lord, graciously hear us.

Celebrant: Father, angels and shepherds worshiped at the manger throne. Receive the worship we offer with Mary, Joseph, and all the saints through him who is your Word made flesh, our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

*Note Christmas Day Lessons are the same as Christmas Eve except for the Collect which follows:

COLLECT

O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

News and Updates

Music Today for Christmas Eve

Prelude Joyous Christmas Medley Smith

Tim Olsen, piano Susan Lohnas, organ

Opening Hymn #96

Choral Anthem Baby In a Manger Williams/Nolan

Offertory Hymn #111

Closing Hymn #100

Postlude Noel D’Aquin

Lectors: Ryan and Sam Abel

Celebrant: Father Marshall Vang

Time: 5:00

Music Today for Christmas Day

Prelude He Shall Feed His Flock Handel

Opening Hymn #83

Sequence Hymn # 84

Offertory Hymn # 101

Closing Hymn #107

Postlude In Dulci Jubilo Bach

Lector: D Lohnas

Celebrant: Mother Sally Heiligman

Time: 9:30

Current Announcements

Celebrant / Officiant Update:

1/1 – Father Marshall Vang

1/8 – Mother Sally Heiligman – Children’s service

1/15-Father Marshall Vang

1/22-Mother Sally Heiligman

1/29-Allison de Kanel – Morning Prayer

Advent Outreach – During Advent we collected money for UNICEF to support the children of Ukraine. Our goal was to raise $1,000 by Christmas. To date we have raised $1,280! You may make final contributions by check or cash in the offering plate or in the box in the nave extension. Make checks out to St. Stephen’s Church, marked for UNICEF. Your donation will help UNICEF ensure that Ukraine’s children have access to safe water, nutrition, health care, education and protection.

Please join us in praying for Samantha Humphrey’s safe return and for the Humphrey family during this difficult time.

Christmas Flowers and Greens

The greens and poinsettias that adorn our church are given to the Glory of God and in loving memory and in Thanksgiving for God’s blessings.

Given by

David & Suzanne Taylor

Marilyn Hymphrey – for Don & Samantha Humphrey

Millie Gittinger

Sal & Diana Belardo – in memory of Anthony & Mary

Belardo, William & Mary Buckley, and loved ones

Father Marshall Vang – as a thanks offering for the people

of St. Stephen’s

Sara & Joe Palko – as a thanks offering for their

grandchildren – Luke, Rece, Tate, Julia, Jamie &

Drew

Cathedral In Bloom January 13-15, 2023 Cathedral in Bloom, the area’s premier flower show, is back! Enjoy the glory of the architecture of The Cathedral of All Saints combined with the talents of the some of the Capital Region’s and northeast’s floral artists. Regardless of the weather outside, it will be Spring inside the Cathedral! Dozens of floral displays, workshops and presentations will be offered by floral professionals. Guided and self- tours, a cafe, and a flower market will welcome you, along with organ recitals with music inspired by flowers. Special tickets for a Champagne Gala on Friday Evening and a Saturday Afternoon Tea are available and must be purchased days in advance. New in 2023 is a ticket for admission to all three days of the event, and a raffle. General and Senior Admission tickets are good for only one of any of the three days of the event and may be purchased at the door. Children under ten will be admitted for free. Tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Questions: bloom@cathedralofallsaints.org

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 December 18, 2022

DecemberMessenger: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tbpw-x3pd_xMFn7hSRpTFHt2Sz_xQmEX/view?usp=sharing

Good Morning, Saint Stephen’s Church,

From Our Prayers of the People

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Anglican Church of Korea

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

Our Church Leaders: Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury; Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop; Michael G. Smith and Carol Gallagher, Assisting Bishops; and Allison de Kanel, our lay reader

Those who are in need of strength and healing: Mary Ann Harrington, David Humphrey, Marilyn Causey, Eunice Chouffi, Mary Frances Hatfield, Vincent Avila, June Russell, Bill Frank, Chris Holder,Sal Belardo, Samantha Humphrey & the Humphery Family, and Joe White

Those who celebrate birthdays this week: Shirley Gretz

Those who celebrate baptisms this week: George Woodzell

Those who celebrate wedding anniversaries this week: Linda & Gerald Perreguax

Those who have died: Gertrude Welter, Clifford Santer, Gladys Titterington, Jeffery Knight

Advent Wreath Candle Lighting

Celebrant: God our Father, the Angel Gabriel told the Virgin Mary that she was to be the mother of your Son. Though Mary was afraid, she responded to your call with joy. Help us, whom you call to serve you, to share like her in your work of bringing to our world your love and healing. We ask this through Jesus Christ, the light who is coming into the world.

People: Amen.

The Celebrant how lights the fourth candle in silence.

Officiant and People: Lord Jesus, light of the world, blessed is Gabriel, who brought good news; Blessed is Mary, your mother and ours. Bless your Church preparing for Christmas; and bless us your children, who long for your coming. Amen.

This week’s Lessons

4 Advent

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

COLLECT

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation, that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.

Amen.

FIRST LESSON

Isaiah 7:10-16

Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying, Ask a sign of the LORD your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test. Then Isaiah said: “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.”

PSALM 80:1-7, 16-18

¹ Hear, O Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock; *

shine forth, you that are enthroned upon the cherubim.

² In the presence of Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, *

stir up your strength and come to help us.

³ Restore us, O God of hosts; *

show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.

⁴ O LORD God of hosts, *

how long will you be angered

despite the prayers of your people?

⁵ You have fed them with the bread of tears; *

you have given them bowls of tears to drink.

⁶ You have made us the derision of our neighbors, *

and our enemies laugh us to scorn.

⁷ Restore us, O God of hosts; *

show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.

¹⁶

Let your hand be upon the man of your right hand, *
and son of man you have made so strong for yourself.

¹⁷ And so will we never turn away from you; *

give us life, that we may call upon your Name.

¹⁸ Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; *

show the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved.

SECOND LESSON

Romans 1:1-7

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set

apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, To all God’s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

GOSPEL

Matthew 1:18-25

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

News and Updates

Music Today

Prelude Creator of the Stars of Night Haan

Opening Hymn #72

Sequence Hymn # 67

Offertory Anthem Prophets Knew Larson

Closing Hymn #73

Postlude Magnificat Primi Toni Buxtehude

Current Announcements

Lectors: C Jones, D Csaposs Celebrant: Father Marshall Vang

Coffee Hour: The Schuldts

Celebrant / Officiant Update:

12/24- 5 pm Christmas Eve Service – Father Marshall Vang

12/25 -9:30 am Christmas Day – Mother Sally Heiligman

1/1 – Father Marshall Vang

1/8 – Mother Sally Heiligman

Christmas Eve –We will be continuing our tradition of having the children bring up pieces for the creche during the procession at the beginning of the service. If your child wants to participate please bring them to the back of the church before the service. Also, please join us after the Christmas Eve service in the Parish Hall for a light reception.

Christmas Pageant – CHANGE your calendars! This year’s Christmas Pageant will now be an Epiphany Pageant during the 9:30 service on January 8, 2023!

Advent Outreach – During Advent we will collect money for UNICEF to support the children of Ukraine. Our goal is to raise $1,000 by Christmas. To date we have raised $510! You may contribute by check or cash in the offering plate or in the box in the nave extension. Make checks out to St. Stephen’s Church, marked for UNICEF. Your donation will help UNICEF ensure that Ukraine’s children have access to safe water, nutrition, health care, education and protection.

Thank you for your generosity in supporting our outreach programs. As of last Sunday we have collected:

$125 for Street Soldiers Schenectady
$160.93 for Things of My Very Own
$500 for St. Joe’s sandwiches
Over $1,000 in cash, checks, and gift cards for the Grimasons

Please join us in praying for Samantha Humphrey’s safe return and for the Humphrey family during this difficult time.

Ongoing adult education opportunities

A weekly Healing Service in the Chapel of St. Michael and All Angels. After Communion, prayer teams locate throughout the chapel for ministry. Additional prayer ministry is offered by appointment.Lunches at Christ the King Center

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols December 20| 7:00-9:00 PM The Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys sing A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols with music for brass and organ beginning at 6:30 PM. Loved by millions, the Festival of Nine Lesson and Carols is a traditional part of the run-up to Christmas for many families. The original service was devised by E. W. Benson, the first Bishop of Truro and later Archbishop of Canterbury. According to his son A. C. Benson (who wrote the words to Elgar’s ‘Land of Hope and Glory’), his father “arranged from ancient sources a little service for Christmas Eve – nine carols and nine tiny lessons, which were read by various officers of the Church, beginning with a chorister, and ending, through the different grades, with the Bishop. “It was Eric Milner-White, Dean of King’s College Cambridge, who brought the service to the masses beginning in 1918. Deciding the Festival would be more uplifting than Evensong on Christmas Eve, he set up the Festival as an annual occurrence at King’s College Chapel and achieve instant popularity, spreading his new idea to schools, chapels and churches around the world. Please arrive early to ensure available seating.

Blue Christmas Service – A Celebration of Remembrance & Hope December 21| 6:30 PM St. George’s, Clifton Park On Wednesday, December 21st at 6:30pm, St. George’s Clifton Park will offer a gentle and contemplative service for those who are carrying grief and loss, whether the devastating loss of a loved one or the daily small losses we are all grieving during Advent. The service will be held in the large nave of the church. There will be a simple reception afterwards in our parish hall.

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 December 11, 2022

December Messenger: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tbpw-x3pd_xMFn7hSRpTFHt2Sz_xQmEX/view?usp=sharing

Good Morning, Saint Stephen’s Church,

From Our Prayers of the People

Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Anglican Church of Kenya

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

Our Church Leaders: Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury; Michael Curry, Presiding Bishop; Michael G. Smith and Carol Gallagher, Assisting Bishops; and Allison de Kanel, our lay reader

Those who are in need of strength and healing: Mary Ann Harrington, David Humphrey, Marilyn Causey, Eunice Chouffi, Mary Frances Hatfield, Vincent Avila, Priscilla Sprague, June Russell, Bill Frank, Susie Olsen, and Joe White

Those who celebrate birthdays this week: Evan Fronk

Those who have died: Vera Anker, Dora Gardner, Katherine Dorman, Hiola Henry

Advent Wreath Candle Lighting

Officiant: Blessed are you, Sovereign Lord, just and true: To you be praise and glory for ever.

Your prophet John the Baptist was witness to the truth as a burning and shining light.

May we your servants rejoice in his light, and so be led to witness to him who is the

Lord of your coming kingdom, Jesus our Savior and King of the ages.

People: Blessed be God for ever.

The Officiant now lights the third candle in silence.

Officiant and People: Lord Jesus, light of the world, John told the people to prepare,

for you were very near. As Christmas grows closer day by day, help us to be ready to welcome you now. Amen.

This week’s Lessons

3 Advent

The Collect and Scripture Readings for the third Sunday of Advent, Year A

PSALM 146:4-9

4 Happy are they who have the God of Jacob for their help! *

whose hope is in the Lord their God;

5 Who made heaven and earth, the seas, and all that is in them; *

who keeps his promise for ever;

6 Who gives justice to those who are oppressed, *

and food to those who hunger.

7 The Lord sets the prisoners free;

the Lord opens the eyes of the blind; *

the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down;

8 The Lord loves the righteous;

the Lord cares for the stranger; *

he sustains the orphan and widow,

but frustrates the way of the wicked.

9 The Lord shall reign for ever, *

your God, O Zion, throughout all generations.

Hallelujah!

FIRST LESSON

Isaiah 35:1-10

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God. He will come with vengeance, with terrible recompense. He will come and save you.” Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God’s people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

SECOND LESSON

James 5:7-10

Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

THIRD LESSON

Matthew 11:2-11

When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.” As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, ‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

COLLECT

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come

among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins,

let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver

us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and

the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

News and Updates

Music Today

Prelude Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus Broughton

Opening Hymn #66

Musical Offering Creation Will Be at Peace Williams/Page

Music Offering Long-Awaited One Elsey/Nolan

Closing Hymn #76

Postlude Carillon on ‘Comfort Ye My People’ Fedak

Current Announcements

Lectors: P Sprague, D May

Ushers: R Stefanski, D May

Celebrant / Officiant Update:

12/18- Father Marshall Vang

12/24- 5 pm Christmas Eve Service – Father Marshall Vang

12/25 -9:30 am Christmas Day – Mother Sally Heiligman

Christmas Pageant – Mark your calendars! This year’s Christmas Pageant will be during the 9:30 service on December 18, 2022!

Advent Outreach – During Advent we will collect money for UNICEF to support the children of Ukraine. Our goal is to raise $1,000 by Christmas. You may contribute by check or cash in the offering plate or in the box in the nave extension. Make checks out to St. Stephen’s Church, marked for UNICEF. Your donation will help UNICEF ensure that Ukraine’s children have access to safe water, nutrition, health care, education and protection.

If you indicated on your pledge card that you wanted pledge envelopes they can be found in the nave extension with your name on the box. If you were not able to make a pledge, but would like pledge envelopes, please email Denise Crates at treasurer@st-stephens.church

Requests from Street Soldiers Schenectady – drop off donations at Zion Lutheran Church parking lot, Sundays, 3-4 pm.

All Fall and Winter – Winter hats, gloves, mittens, scarves and socks

We are accepting new or gently used and freshly laundered items. Thank you!

*Parishioner in need of a ride – We have a request from a parishioner, Hellen Perkins, in need of a ride to church once a month or so. If you are interested and able to help please let Bethany know at office@st.stephens.church.

*Humphrey family asking for prayers – The Humphrey family has requested prayers from the congregation for the safe return of their missing child, Samantha (Marilyn’s great granddaughter).

Tuesday Lunch Menu

December 13

Christmas Party

Cheese & Cracker Board

Holiday Punch Bowl

Hand Carved Oven Roasted Ham

Au Gratin Potatoes

Butternut Squash

Green Beans

Salad Bar

Soup of the Day

Holiday Ice cream Brownie Sundaes

Advent Taize Service

December 9| 6:30 PMSt. Ann’s Church | 37 Division St. Amsterdam An Advent Taize service will be celebrated on Friday, 12/9 at 6:30 pm at St. Ann’s, Amsterdam. A Taizé worship service involves sung and chanted prayers, meditation, a period of silence, liturgical readings, and icons. There is no preaching. The style of prayer practiced at Taizé has attracted many worshipers from around the globe and from many different denominations The prayers consist of “short chants, repeated again and again,” according to an introduction in a Taizé songbook. “The words are sung over many times.”

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols December 20| 7:00-9:00 PM The Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys sing A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols with music for brass and organ beginning at 6:30 PM.Loved by millions, the Festival of Nine Lesson and Carols is a traditional part of the run-up to Christmas for many families.The original service was devised by E. W. Benson, the first Bishop of Truro and later Archbishop of Canterbury.According to his son A. C. Benson (who wrote the words to Elgar’s ‘Land of Hope and Glory’), his father “arranged from ancient sources a little service for Christmas Eve – nine carols and nine tiny lessons, which were read by various officers of the Church, beginning with a chorister, and ending, through the different grades, with the Bishop.”It was Eric Milner-White, Dean of King’s College Cambridge, who brought the service to the masses beginning in 1918. Deciding the Festival would be more uplifting than Evensong on Christmas Eve, he set up the Festival as an annual occurrence at King’s College Chapel and achieve instant popularity, spreading his new idea to schools, chapels and churches around the world. Please arrive early to ensure available seating.

  Blue Christmas Service – A Celebration of Remembrance & Hope December 21| 6:30 PM St. George’s, Clifton Park On Wednesday, December 21st at 6:30pm, St. George’s Clifton Park will offer a gentle and contemplative service for those who are carrying grief and loss, whether the devastating loss of a loved one or the daily small losses we are all grieving during Advent. The service will be held in the large nave of the church. There will be a simple reception afterwards in our parish hall.

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.