december 2017 guide - amazon simple storage...

Volume 73, Issue 12

Greening of the church Sunday, December 10 after 9:30 Mass

Feast of Lessons and Carols And Reception Sunday, December 17, 5:30 p.m.

Christmas Eve Worship Sunday, December 24, 9:30 a.m. Morning Prayer

10:00 p.m. Carol Sing 10:30 p.m. Solemn High Mass

The Guide December 2017

A Newsletter of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church

Lorem Ipsum

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number of people receiving rather numerous gifts which might be better suited for, well, “white elephants”. I think we feel compelled to give gifts to people in our culture in order to fulfill an expected obligation instead of meet a real need or heartfelt desire. A simple Christmas with fewer gifts given, but more intentional effort on the part of the giver is just a better practice.

I also suggest these simple ideas to keep a simpler Christmas more in keeping with the traditions of the Church.

1) Give children simple treats on St. Nicholas Day (December 5th). St. Nicholas was the bishop of the see of Myra in today’s Turkey. (The legend goes that he provided coins for a dowry of three young maidens, placed, you guessed it, in socks hung to dry at the hearth.)

2) Make it a point of Keeping a family Advent wreath to prepare for the Nativity. Four simple candles in

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purple or blue will do. (If you want to get complicated you can have a pink one on the third week) Each week a candle is lit and family can gather for prayer in expectation. Often our rush is to get to the celebration. Advent is just as important as wrapping your presents! You have to prepare for a proper feast.

3) Consider stretching the gift opening for all 12 days of Christmas. One family I know opens one gift per person each day. The 12 gifts to each vary from practical gifts like winter coats to fun surprises like games. Christmas isn’t over on December 26th, it continues until Epiphany on January 6th

(continued on page 7)

The Guide

Christmas –

Again! Can’t

We Do This a

Little Simpler???

Each year we se all sorts of calendars and notices reminding us of how many shopping days there was until Christmas. I admit that I let my eyes glaze over when I see these signs. When I worked in the retail world, I was constantly well aware that it is just a part of our capitalist obsession to create wealth. So each year, I would breathe a sigh of relief when the Christmas shopping season was only in the rear-view mirror.

So does that mean that I have a “Bah-Humbug” attitude toward Christmas? Not in the least. I do, however, think that it is entirely appropriate to return to the more traditional views concerning gift giving that have been part of our Christian heritage. It is important to note that at one time, Christmas had been outlawed and removed from the liturgical calendar in this country. The reason for that removal was abuse, and I daresay that for many of us who observe the wrong kind of Christmas, it is still a very real problem.

Perhaps simplicity is the name of the game. I know one person who always felt the need to give a gift to family in threes. This resulted in a

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December Birthdays

Sharon Ellston 12/1 Nolan Goodman 12/1 Sue Soden 12/1 Karen Mayer 12/3 Dennis Bjorkman 12/4 Samantha Eckhardt 12/4 Aksel Hansen 12/6 Dave Jepson 12/7 Betty Crittenden 12/8 Hadiya Butrus 12/10 Dorothy Stoddard 12/12 Mallie Kuku 12/13 Joan Hermes 12/14 Paxton Lagueux 12/16 Sam Rasmussen 12/16 Merlin Kluge 12/17 Jim Lewis 12/19 Terry Bjorkman 12/20 Tim Reisinger 12/23 Ryan Jepson 12/24 Fred Rauch, Sr. 12/25 Taylor McDonald 12/28 Ryan Hillman 12/29 Doris Seevers 12/30 Carol Castleberry 12/31 Adam Webb 12/31

Anniversaries Greg & Melissa Burke 12/2 Rich & Roxie Webb 12/6 Lloyd & Stacia Larson 12/15 John & Marilyn Albers 12/22 Dave & Kathy Stoddard 12/28 Byron & Jan Moore 12/30 Bob & Peg Templin 12/31

Make a Call, Send a Card, Say a Prayer

PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER

* Those in need of healing or other concerns: Amy, Anglo, Anne, Bill, Bob, Caroline, Corrine, Ellen, Jan, Jason, Jay, Jerre, Ken, Kyle, Leland, Les, Mary, Sarah, Shoukri, Stan, Steffanie, Tibb, Tim, Travis, Vera

* Those serving in the military: Cathleen, Dan, Jake, Lucas, Sean, Seth, Tim, Tyler

If you or a loved one needs prayer, please submit that information to

the church office at 308-382-4961 or to [email protected]

Names are printed in the bulletin

as well as in The Guide. Prayer Chain requests can be sent

to Mary Kvetensky at 308-382-4090 or to Donna Weaver-Smith at

[email protected]

If you would like to add a name (or remove a name) from the prayer list

or submit birthdays and anniversaries, please call the church office at 308 382 4961

or e-mail them to [email protected]

A Christmas Prayer by Max Lucado

Dear Jesus, It’s a good thing you were born at night. This world sure seems dark. I have a good eye for silver linings. But they seem dimmer lately. These killings, Lord. These children, Lord. Innocence violated. Raw evil demonstrated. The whole world seems on edge. Trigger-happy. Ticked off. We hear threats of chemical weapons and nuclear bombs. Are we one button-push away from annihilation? Your world seems a bit darker this Christmas. But you were born in the dark, right? You came at night. The shepherds were nightshift workers. The Wise Men followed a star. Your first cries were heard in the shadows. To see your face, Mary and Joseph needed a candle flame. It was dark. Dark with Herod’s jealousy. Dark with Roman oppression. Dark with poverty. Dark with violence. Herod went on a rampage, killing babies. Joseph took you and your mom into Egypt. You were an immigrant before you were a Nazarene. Oh, Lord Jesus, you entered the dark world of your day. Won’t you enter ours? We are weary of bloodshed. We, like the wise men, are looking for a star. We, like the shepherds, are kneeling at a manger. This Christmas, we ask you, heal us, help us, be born anew in us. Hopefully, Your Children

Lorem Ipsum The Guide

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

December 2017

1 3:30pm Good News Club at Dodge School 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting

2 8:00am Breakfast with Santa 12:00pm Sudanese Bible Study 4:00pm Sat. Supper

3 9:30am Holy Eucharist & Coffee Hour 11:30am Sandwich Sun 1:00pm Arabic Worship 2:30pm Holy Eucharist at Riverside Ldg

4 4:00pm Girl Scouts Mtg 6:45pm AA Study Group 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting

5 9:00am Holy Eucharist in Chapel 10:00am Office Staff Meeting

6 6:30pm Choir Rehearsal 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting

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9 12:00pm Sudanese Bible Study 4:00pm Sat. Supper at Messiah

10 9:30am Holy Eucharist, Greening of the Church 11:30am Sandwich Sun 1:00pm Arabic Worship 2:00pm Santa’s Workshop

11 6:45pm AA Study Group 7:00pm Financial Planning Mtg 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting


13 6:30pm Choir Rehearsal 7:00pm Confirmation 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting

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16 10:00am Polishing Party for Alta Guild 12:00pm Sudanese Bible Study 4:00pm Sat. Supper at Messiah

17 9:30am Holy Eucharist & Coffee Hour 11:30am Sandwich Sun 1:00pm Arabic Worship 5:30pm Lessons & Carols & Tea

18 4:00pm Girl Scouts Mtg 6:30pm Vestry 6:45pm AA Study Group 8:15pm Young Procrastinators


20 6:30pm Choir Rehearsal 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting

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22 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting

23 12:00pm Sudanese Bible Study 4:00pm Sat. Supper

24 9:30am A.M. Prayer 11:30am Sandwich Sun 1:00pm Arabic Worship 10:00pm Carol Sing & Solemn High Mass

25 10:00am Holy Eucharist in Central City 6:45pm AA Study Group 8:15pm Young Procrastinators AA Meeting

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30 12:00pm Sudanese Bible Study 4:00pm Sat. Supper

31 9:30am Holy Eucharist & Coffee Hour 11:30am Sandwich Sun 1:00pm Arabic Worship

C h u r c h O f f i c e C l o s e d , D e c e m b e r 2 5 - 2 8

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Join in

the special

opportunities

December offers

St. Stephen’s annual Giving Tree – Take a tag, shop for the item, and return your wrapped package by December 17 so gifts for a family in need can be delivered before Christmas. Poinsettia orders received through Sunday, December 17. Use the form at the back of the sanctuary or call the office to honor or remember a loved one. Plants are $25 each. Breakfast with Santa at Messiah Lutheran Church – All tots are invited for breakfast, crafts, and a photo to remember the day. Messiah is located at 122 W. 7th Street. Habitat for Humanity’s Cookie Walk, hosted by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church – holiday baking the easy way while benefiting a great cause! Shop through thousands of cookies from 1 – 2:30 p.m. Greening of the Church – Please stay after mass to help transform the sanctuary for the Advent/Christmas season. Santa’s Workshop – Messiah Lutheran Church will create mini shopping centers for kids to Christmas shop and wrap gifts for their families. Rooms will be designated for mom, dad, siblings, caregivers and the family pet! A flyer of the bulletin board has all the details. Polishing Party led by St. Stephen’s Altar Guild – No experience required to help make the altar rails shine again. Supplies provided. All that’s lacking is elbow grease. Feast of Lessons and Carols and Holiday Tea – You’ll feel like you’re celebrating at Westminster Abbey as music and scripture combine to tell the story of the coming of the Savior. Plan to invite several friends to come with you and then stay for the holiday tea afterwards. Carol Sing and Solemn High Mass – Singing of beloved Christmas hymns to usher in the beautiful Christmas Eve Service St. Stephen’s is known for. Holy Eucharist celebrating our own Saint Stephen – the amazing story of what can happen when God gets a hold of a life!

Dec. 1 – Dec. 17 Dec. 1 – Dec. 17 December 2 December 3 December 10 December 16 December 17 December 24 December 31

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room

Lorem Ipsum The Guide

December Worship Assistants

December 3 1st Sunday of Advent

Youth Sunday

December 10

2nd Sunday of Advent

December 17

3rd Sunday of Advent

December 17

5:30 pm Lessons &

Carols Service

December 24

9:30 am 4th Sunday of Advent

December 24

10:00 pm Christmas Eve

Service

Celebrant & Preacher

Fr. Robert Greg Burke

Fr. Robert Fr. Robert Fr. Robert Fr. Robert Fr. Robert

Musician Surprise Surprise Surprise Surprise Surprise Surprise

Verger Edwin Lewis Dave Jepson Rich Webb

Acolyte Naleah Baier Rhonda &

Raegen Hillman

Ryan Jepson & Xavier Briseno

Collin Jepson & Bennett

Korensky

Edwin Lewis

Naleah Baier & Ryan Hillman

Altar Guild Sandy Fowler Sue Cameron Christy Jepson None Needed Volunteer Rhonda

Hillman

Lector RaegenHillman Cathi Swift Sue Clement Sue Cameron Tracy Babcock

Prayers of the People

Bennett Korensky

Kaeleigh Post Kiley Keck None Needed Kaeleigh Post Terry Babcock

Subdeacon Ryan Jepson Don Young Sue Clement None Needed Kiley Keck Rod Clement

Ushers Xavier Briseno & Colton Berg

Bob Allison & Volunteer

Mike Timmerman &

Volunteer

Roxie Webb & Volunteer

Raynette Martin & Kathy Patton

Counters Sam & Joan

Barton Dennis

Bjorkman Rod & Sue

Clement None Needed Raynette Martin None Needed

Vestry Member of the Day

TBD TBD TBD None Needed TBD None Needed

Coffee Hour St. Stephen’s

Youth Volunteers

Needed Volunteers

Needed Reception

None Needed None Needed

Altar Flowers Greg & Melissa

Burke Volunteers

Needed Volunteers

Needed Volunteers

Needed Poinsettias Poinsettias

Vestry members needed! Please talk with Fr. Robert to find out what a term

entails and if this would be a good fit for you.

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Christmas-Again! continued from page 2 Oh I know very few of you will consider changing your traditions. After all, it is a rather sacrosanct part of how we coexist in families. This I do know, I am far more enriched by simpler Christmases than complex, expensive ones. I also recall the initial meaning of Christmas was to welcome a newborn child who was himself the gift, with nothing else to give but himself. That is the real Christmas. It just can’t be bought or sold or even marketed at 50% off. It needs no costly presentation, just an open heart.

In Jesus, the reason for the season, Fr. Robert+

Youth News

Santa Claus is coming to Town! Invite family, friends and neighbors to Messiah for Breakfast with Santa and Mrs. Claus on December 2nd from 8-10 a.m. Enjoy hot cocoa, breakfast, crafts and fun! Don’t forget your camera for your photo op with St Nick!

Our youth are spreading holiday cheer by creating Santa’s Workshop. On December 10th from 2-4 p.m. the Sunday School rooms at Messiah will be transformed into little shopping centers where we invite kids to come shop for their families. Our youth will become shopping partners and help little ones pick out gifts for family members. We will have hot cocoa and cookies for parents to enjoy while the kids are shopping. If you would like to help spread the holiday spirit, please contact Courtney.

Upcoming Youth Events:

December 13th: Confirmation Class December 19th: Deadline for “Quake “ Registration January 13th & 14th: MSG in Omaha

Blessings,

Courtney Berg, Director of Youth Formation

“Does God

Keep His Promises”

Bible Study Opportunity

Tuesday evenings at 7 p.m.

Jan. 16, 23, 30 & Feb. 6, 13

at the Lewis home –

212 S. Washington St.

(a study of the covenants God made with people. Bring your Bibles, no

other book needed)

The Guide Volume 73, Issue 12

Welcoming…ALL People Serving…Those in Need Worshiping…God www.ststephengi.org (308) 382-4961 Like us on Facebook

How can YOU connect with St. Stephen’s?

Worship Services Holy Eucharist on Sundays at 9:30 am, in Arabic at 1:00 pm

Tuesdays at 9:00 am in the Chapel First Sunday of month at Riverside Lodge at 2:30 pm

Quarterly Solemn Evensong & Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament

Christian Education (September – May) IGNITE! for Middle/High Schoolers Second Sunday of Month at 6:30 pm

6th -8th Grade Confirmation Classes on 2nd Wednesdays, 7-8:30 pm

Contact Information: Phone: (308) 382-4961

e-mail: FrRobert @ststephengi.org Mail: P. O. Box 2317, Grand Island, NE 68802

Website: www.ststephengi.org Like us on Facebook – St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Grand Island

Church Office Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

THE GUIDE St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church P. O. Box 2317 422 W. 2nd Street Grand Island, NE 68802-2317 Address Service Requested

St. Stephen’s Leadership and Staff

Rector The Rev’d Dr. Robert Lewis [email protected]

2017 Rector’s (Sr.) Warden Dave Jepson

Evangelism & Church Growth [email protected]

2017 People’s (Jr.) Warden Kevin Hillman

Mission [email protected]

2019 Vestry Mike Timmerman

Building & Grounds [email protected]

Paul Fischer Spirituality & Community

Development [email protected]

Music Ministry Dan Korensky

[email protected]

Custodian Henry Mayer

Office Manager Lynne Nuss

[email protected]

Youth Director Courtney Berg

[email protected]

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