St. Stephen`s Weekly - St. Stephen`s Episcopal Church

St. Stephen’s Weekly
PENTECOST
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Wilkinsburg, PA
The Rev. Nancy (Nano) Chalfant-Walker, Rector
FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER
PENTECOST
September 21, 2014
Parish Services
Parish Administrator
General Office Hours
8:00—12pm MON-THUR
Dear Friends,
What a wonderful picnic celebration, we had last Sunday. Many
thanks to Lori Stebler and the picnic planning committee as well as to
all who had a hand in the deliciousness and in the fun.
Our gospel reading today is a parable that makes many (if not most) of
us uncomfortable. We all have such an ingrained sense of fairness – or
at least we have an ingrained sense of “it’s NOT FAIR.” We look
around and think that “it’s not fair” that Julie got the bigger half of the
cookie, that George got an A on the paper when he barely worked on
it, that the boss is promoting Susie though she has been working here
only half the time I have. God’s economy is so different from ours.
We resent the idea of death bed conversions (it just doesn’t seem quite
fair); God is thrilled with the returning sheep. We want to measure
ourselves on the good things we do to earn our way into God’s graces;
God shows up before we even begin. Our job is to stop comparing
ourselves with each other and instead to look to God to see how much
God loves us and how much God is daily, even moment by moment,
giving us – life, breath, friends, family, strength, endurance, love – just
to start the list. Think about what God is giving you this very minute,
this very day. And enjoy God’s love.
God’s peace be with you,
Nancy+
Mission of the Month: Wilkinsburg Middle School Science Dept.
Food of the Month: Something Yummy
NURSERY SERVICES
10:30 a.m. Service
Each Sunday, Downstairs
in the Parish House.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Lessons and communion at
11:20am
BIBLE STUDIES
Sundays in the Parish
House Library
led by Don Block
9:15 AM - 10:00 AM
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PARISH STAFF
In Our Prayers
Pray for the Church —
CLERGY
In the Anglican Communion:
Rector
The Rev. Nancy
Chalfant-Walker
412-243-6100
The Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby; The Revd Stanley Ntagali
Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Uganda. The Episcopal Church & the
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori.
Our sister churches:
Our brothers and sisters in the ACNA Diocese of Pittsburgh; The Christians of
The Middle East.
In the Diocese:
NYOP OFFICE
412-243-6101
Program Dir. Tony Jackson
Retired clergy, including the Rev. Dr. Canon Harold Lewis, the Very
Canon John Park, the Rev. Richard Pocalyko, the Rev. Sandra Ritchie,
the Rev. Diane Shephard, the Rev. Dr. Richard Stinson, the Rev. Mary
W eatherwax, and the Rev. Agustin Zubieta; St. James, Penn Hills and
the Rev. Eric McIntosh; The Rt. Rev. Dorsey McConnell, our Bishop.
PARISH STAFF
Music Ministry,
Soon Choi
Financial Admin.,
Pat Woodley
Administrator,
Minister LaNita Butler
Sexton, Greg Gent
In St. Stephen’s:
Davvid, Melanie Bella, Charlie, John, Gregory and Maria Sprenkel; Lauren
Saunders; The Sanctuary Project; The Neighborhood Youth Outreach Program,
Teens and Greens Community Garden, The Sanctuary Project.
Pray for the nation and the world –
President Barack Obama; Congress; the Men and Women serving in
the Armed Forces; Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Libya; and Ukraine; for the
stewardship of the earth’s resources and a wise response to climate change.
ARCHIVIST
Archivist & Historian,
Edgar Taylor
Pray for the local community -
Wilkinsburg Community Ministry; Mayor and The Borough Council of Wilkinsburg; the end to violent crime; all students and teachers
Pray for those who suffer or are in any kind of
trouble -
Anne Etienne
Bill Garver
Liz Mikszan
Judy
Alexander Murph
Mason
Johnny Cowan
Terry Hunt
John Hasiley
Janet Haston
Sherry
Joel Brown
Pat Woodley
Jill
Allene Newland
David Murdoch
Sloan and Janet
Bill Kozub
John Booker
Shirley
Fran
Nick
Betsy Frey
Michael Romey
John Hodge
Myrna Antonio Hall
Marquesha
Arlene
Amy Baker
Dick Morris
Nancy Bielicki
Walter Scott
Joe Dixon
Alice & David B.
Prayers for the sick can be found in the Prayer Book on p.458. You are welcome to
call Allene Newland (412-371-7417) to have the Prayer Chain pray with you.
Pray for the departed -
WORSHIP SERVICES
SUNDAY
8:00 am & 10:30 am
St. Stephen’s Episcopal
600 Pitt Street
Wilkinsburg, PA
Church E-mail:
[email protected]
Tel: 412-243-6100
Fax: 412-243-6105
Website:
www.ststephenswilkinsburg.org
September Birthdays & Anniversaries
The Rev. Bill & Joann Rau
Diane Shepherd 9.9
John Sprenkel 9.27
9.2
Kevin & Cathie Sunderman 9.3
Ted Sovich 9.23
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Our Rector’s contact Information:
Rev. Nancy (Nano) Chalfant-Walker, 1017 Milton St. Pittsburgh, PA 15218
Home: 412-741-1281 Cell: 412-716-7364 E-mail: [email protected]
DO YOU WANT TO SPONSOR FLOWERS FOR THE ALTARS?
It’s easy, we are providing several methods to be a sponsor for your convenience.
There is a calendar hanging in sanctuary-near Franklin Street door-for you to place
the date on the month that you want to sponsor the flowers.
You can also make your order by calling or e-mailing the office. After you have made
your notification, you would indicate your reason or dedication of the flowers. The
high altar flowers are $30.00 and the chapel altar flowers are $20.00. Envelopes are available beneath
the calendar to place your payment and your reason or dedication for the flowers. The envelopes can
be placed in the offering plate and are due in the office 2 weeks in advance of the service you want
the flowers presented. You may take the flowers with you following that particular service.
Do you want to grow closer to God?
Do you want to learn more about your faith?
What does it mean to be a disciple – to follow Jesus?
Come be a part of a Disciple group.
***
Disciple FAQs:
Disciple is meant to be a transforming experience.
We will study the Bible from Genesis to Revelation to place
ourselves
under the power of God’s Word in order to grow closer to Jesus.
 34 weekly group meetings of approximately 2 hours
 About 30 minutes of daily preparation (2 ½ - 3 hours/week)
 Time to be determined, based on participants’ schedules
 Beginning in September, ending in May
Our Shut Ins
Dick Morris
Willows of Presbyterian Senior Care
1215 Hulton Rd
Oakmont, PA 15139
Betsy Frey
Schenley Gardens Rehab Center
3890 Bigelow Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Anne Bump
1708 Jamestown Pl
Pittsburgh, PA 15235
Anne Etienne
Country Meadows
3570 Washington Pike
Bridgeville, PA 15017
Althea Miller
4931 Nettleton Apt. 2316
Medina, OH 44256
WEEKLY GROUPS MEETING AT ST. STEPHEN’S
MONDAY—FRIDAY 2:30 TO 6:00 PM NYOP (During the school year)
EVERY THIRD TUESDAY—5:30 TO 7:00 PM Pittsburgh Housing Development Associates
EVERY WEDNESDAY 7:00 PM Choir Practice in Choir Room
EVERY WEDNESDAY: 7:30 P.M. Alcoholic Anonymous (AA)
EVERY THURSDAY 7:30 to 8:30 PM Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
EVERY SATURDAY: 10:00 A.M Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
PENTECOST
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HELP US SPREAD THE NEWS
Reading God’s Word
Seeing the Face of God
in Each Other
We grow best when we are nourished by a steady diet of
God’s word. Reading the Bible daily is an important habit
to develop. Scripture is best when it is well chewed over
and digested, so one good way to get into the habit of
reading the Bible is to take time to read the Sunday readings
several times during the week.
Diocesan Anti-Racism Workshop
Friday afternoon, October 3 –
Saturday afternoon, October 4
Exodus 16:2-15
Psalm 105:1-6, 37-45
Philippians 1:21-30
Matthew 20:1-16
Register online at: www.episcopalpgh.org/arw
Readings for next Sunday:
Location: Church of the Redeemer
Cost: Free
Nancy Travis Bolden: 412.683.8888 or
Email: [email protected]
Let’s Adopt A Science Class…
Our September mission of the month will be a partnership with PACES (Pittsburgh Assistance Center
for Educators and Students) in their STOCK THE SCHOOL program.
Wilkinsburg Middle School Science Department Wish List
In addition to all normal school supplies, the science teacher(s) have requested the following specific items:
Notebook Paper - 10 Reams (lined, three holes)
Assorted Color Markers - 12 packs
Pencils – 100
Poster Board (various colors)
Binders - 1.5" White with inside pockets (40)
Partnering with PACES shows teachers the community does indeed appreciate their contributions
to education. Students will be impacted by this example of community support and realize the community values their education. We believe a fresh supply stock will help students not only complete
their coursework, but raise student motivation, as well.
Mission: Enrich Students. Support Teachers. Foster Community
SERVING YOU TODAY
LAYREADERS: Rege Hickman Lessons: Chalice 1: Kar en Teulle Psalm/Prayers/Chalice 2: Beth Har die
COUNTERS: John Booker, Karen Teulle
COFFEE HOUR:
ALTAR FLOWERS:
HELP US SPREAD THE NEWS
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Food for Thought
Lost in the news about Michael Brown, who was shot in Ferguson, MO, on Saturday, August
9, was the news about a young man named John Crawford, III, who was shot and killed on
Tuesday, August 5, by police officers in a Walmart in Beavercreek, OHIO, with a BB gun that
he had picked up off the store shelves in his hand.
Ponder whether the second amendment is applied equally to whites and African Americans or
other minorities. Only 6 states in the US explicitly prohibit the open carrying of firearms, and
Ohio and Pennsylvania are not among those 6. In 29 states you can openly carry firearms
without a permit. There is an open carry movement among gun owners who proudly carry
guns into stores and bars and churches. Yet John Crawford couldn’t pick up a BB gun in a
store that was selling it without being perceived as a threat.
Talk about this with a friend.
For more information, see the article by Keith Boykin,
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/keith-boykin/does-the-secondamendment_b_5676447.html
Our Disciple studies will begin on Thursday,
October 2. Ther e will be two gr oups. The
Blessing of the Animals!
first will meet from 12:30 to 2:30 in the after10:30 am
noon (NOTE the time change). The second will
Bring your dog, cat or other pet to church on
meet at 6:30 to 8:30 pm (or 7-9 if the group preSunday, October 5 for a blessing at the 10:30
fers). Books will be on hand at the first meeting.
service as part of our celebration of St. Francis.
Stay for the afterwards with treats for all. All hu- If you are able, please contribute $25 toward the
mans and pets are welcome. Please ensure that cost.
Sunday, October 5 is a great day!
your pet is leashed or caged while attending the
service.
Dear neighbors & partners,
The Borough of Wilkinsburg and the Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation
(WCDC) recently commissioned a Traffic Circulation Study to examine options for improving
traffic flow, parking, and accessibility in and around Wilkinsburg’s Central Business District.
The study examined streets in and around the business district, including Penn, North,
Wallace, Ross, South, Franklin, Rebecca, and Swissvale Avenues.
We invite you to participate in a public presentation and meeting on September 30, 2014,
beginning at 6 p.m. at Hosanna House (807 Wallace Avenue).
This meeting will allow Wilkinsburg residents and other stakeholders to learn more about the
study and proposed changes as well as ask questions. Please feel free to contact the WCDC office at (412) 727-7855 should you have any questions or concerns prior to the meeting. We
look forward to seeing you on September 30.
HELP US SPREAD THE NEWS
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Allene Newland turns 100!
October 5, 2014
Bring your birthday wishes and blessings for Allene. What a blessing she is for us!
8000 Beacon Hill Drive
Apt. #203
Pittsburgh, PA 15221
Wilkinsburg House & Garden Tour Returns Next
Month
Tickets are on sale now!
Our second annual Wilkinsburg House & Garden Tour takes place on
Saturday, September 27, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. We will be touring several historic homes, churches, and gardens in the Regent Square area of Wilkinsburg. New this year, we
will also be sponsoring a Marketplace on South Trenton, featuring local artists and small businesses, food trucks, and lots more.
Don't miss it... get your
tickets today!
Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania have two upcoming programs
that you might be interested in attending.
Connect our Stars: Support for Veterans - a Community Effort
Friday, October 17 8:30 am - 4:00 pm at UPMC Passavant Hospital Foundation
Conference Center in Allison Park — FREE
It is intended for all who seek to support returning military veterans and their families.
Disaster Spiritual Care Training
Offered by the Pennsylvania Disaster Spiritual Care Network
Spiritual Care Providers may be lay or ordained, must be endorsed by their church, and
complete an interview, and assent to a code of ethics. They must complete four courses
(Disaster Spiritual Care Training, Psychological First Aid Course, FEMA Incident
Command System Training, and FEMA National Incident Management System Training)
that take in total approximately 27 hours. The Disaster Spiritual Care Training will take
place on October 21 and 22 at Dutihl United Methodist in Cranberry.
For more information about either of these opportunities, talk with Pastor Nano or check
out the Christian Associates newsletter on the parish hall bulletin board.
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HELP US SPREAD THE NEWS
Help the Moore Family
The Moores are friends of our St. Stephen’s
friend, Aneka Terry-Powe. They have two
young daughters, aged 3 and 4. Several
weeks ago their house caught on fire, and
they lost everything. The Red Cross has
placed them in a new home, but they are in
need of things to fill the home.
You can donate household cleaning items
and other supplies, toiletries, tableware and
kitchen ware, furniture, rugs, lamps, paper
products.
The girls are sized 3T-5T. They also need
little girl playthings.
Anything helps. If you wish to contribute
financially, you can write a check to St.
Stephen’s with Moore on the memo line –
or you can donate a gift card. You may
contribute anonymously, but if you would
like to be thanked, please leave your contact
information.
International Day of Peace Interfaith
Gathering Praying for Peace
Sunday, September 21, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Sullivan Hall,
St. Mary of the Mount Church,
115 Bigham Street
Peace Pole Celebration
Memorial to victims of violence
World Flag Ceremony - 195 World Flags
Social to follow
Peace demands the most heroic labor and the
most difficult sacrifice.
It demands greater heroism than war.
It demands greater fidelity to the truth and a
much more perfect purity of conscience.
~ Thomas Merton