Last modified on 3/13/2010 10:55:19 PM by Norm Woods

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Sunday, March 14, 2010

St. Stephen’s welcomes all visitors. We invite you to return often and become an active member of our parish family.

 

_________   THIS WEEK AT ST. STEPHEN’S  _________

The Ministry of Healing:  Each Sunday at the 10:30 a.m. service, you are invited to receive prayers for healing for yourself or others during communion.  Those seeking healing may come to the narthex after they receive communion for private prayer with the healing team.  Healing prayers express the hope that we will be brought to wholeness in mind, body and spirit.  They remind us that God is with us in our brokenness as well as in our joy.  We are not alone, but are part of a caring community that is bound together in the love of God.  Prayers for healing include the ancient practice of laying on of hands and anointing.  A kneeler will be provided for those who wish to kneel; it is also appropriate to stand as you are prayed over.  All concerns and requests for prayers will be held in strict confidence among the pastoral team.

Children's Instructional Communion Class continues today!  Deacon Frey will meet with families of children ages 4 and up who would like to begin receiving communion and those who would like a refresher course on Holy Communion. This organizational meeting will take place in the activity room next to her office at 9:45 a.m.  If you have any questions, please contact Deacon Louane after the service today or call 651-0339.

Ecumenical Lenten Worship and Lunch Services:  During the season of Lent, there will be a series of ecumenical worship and lunch services in local churches. St. Stephen’s will be host on Wednesday, March 17.  We will begin with service in the church at Noon followed by a simple lunch in the Parish Hall.  Call Martina Gardner Woods to volunteer or RSVP for lunch (794-4180).  The remaining date and church host is:  March 24-Epworth United Methodist.

Our Lenten Series continues on Thursday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m. We will have a potluck supper in the Parish Hall followed by our Lenten series discussions with The Rev. Franklin Golden - “Baptism & Eucharist in the Early Church”.  Join us for this interactive lecture and discussion as we explore the season of Lent!

The Knitting Group will meet on March 21 at 3:00 p.m. at Bobbie Nielsen’s home.  Call 767-9774 for more information or directions.

The Durham CROP HUNGER WALK  2010, sponsored by Durham Congregations in Action, will be held on Sunday, March 21 at 2:30 p.m.  Registration begins at 1:30 p.m.  Visit durhamcropwalk.org to register or sponsor this worthy cause.

The Prayer Network will meet next on March 22 at 3:00 p.m. in the Davis Room.

__________  PARISH LIFE  _________

Volunteer to host coffee hour - it’s easy!  Light snacks are acceptable and original ideas are welcome.  Host with a friend or spouse; sign up sheets are in the narthex.  See Robin McGrath if you have questions.  Thank you!

Sunday School is in Session - The holidays are over and Sunday School at St. Stephen's is back in full swing.  Please plan for your child to attend Sunday School each week.  We are so lucky to have wonderful volunteers from our Parish contributing their time and talents.  Sunday School is offered for two age groups, Pre-K -1st Grade & 2nd-4th Grades.  Sunday School takes place each week in the Christian Education Building from 10:30 a.m. until 11:10 a.m..  Children return to the church in time for communion.  Sunday School will be offered on the following upcoming Sundays: 3/14/, 3/21, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16 and 5/23.  If you have any questions, please contact Robin McGrath.

Receipts to date for Haiti Disaster Relief total $4,858.50. The funds have been forwarded to Episcopal Relief and Development. We continue to receive funds weekly and they will be forwarded at the end of March.

__________ CARING _________

Eucharistic Visits can be arranged for parishioners who are unable to attend church but would like to be part of our corporate worship.  If you or a family member would like to be on our list to regularly receive Eucharistic Visits, please contact Bob Frey at bobafrey@aol.com or call 651-0339, or call one of the clergy at 493-5451.  Bob Frey will also now be the person to contact regarding Eucharistic Ministers schedule.

Ministry of Intercessory Prayer - St. Stephen's has an active and committed prayer team that offers prayer support for parishioners and family members who are sick or experiencing any kind of crisis. If you would like to have the prayer team pray for you or a family member or would like to learn more about becoming a member of the prayer team, please contact Sally Markham at skbmarkam@mindspring.com.

__________  WORSHIP and STUDY  _________

We invite you to join us each week just prior to the 10:30 a.m. service as we enjoy the opening prelude and prepare our hearts for worship.  This is a time which may be used for private prayer and meditation. 

Mid-Week Eucharist -  St. Stephen's celebrates the Eucharist every Thursday at 11:30 a.m. in the Chapel. After the service, all are welcome to join in a pot-luck luncheon. Those who are able are invited to bring a dish to share.

Bible Study meets Wednesdays  at 2:30 p.m. in the Davis Room.  During Lent we are studying the traditions of  “deeds of loving-kindness” in Judaism and Christianity with our colleague David Winer.

The Rev. Claire Wimbush is our preacher this morning. Claire was a seminarian at St. Stephen’s nearly four years ago.  Please come and welcome Claire back over coffee following the service.