The beacon is a monthly publication of church-related topics and news. If you have newsworthy or spiritual material you wish to contribute please contact the editor, The Beacon
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September 2010
July - August 2010
June 2010
May 2010
April 2010
March 2010
February 2010
January 2010
December 2009
November 2009
October 2009
The Beacon, September 2010
September 2010 Church Calendar
Fr. Simon's Message
From The Stevenette Family
We have been overwhelmed by the kindness and love shown to us during our stay in America and especially during our exchange visit at St. Stephen's, Westborough.
We have been enormously blessed by all we have received from God and all of you; we leave greatly uplifted and inspired. Thank-you so much.
Our prayer in coming was that we would embrace American culture and learn many new things. This has been answered time and time again.
We have loved visiting the local area, Chauncey Lake, Hopkinton State Park, Concord and Walden's Pond, the sights of Boston, JFK Library and Museum, the Children's Museum, the Museum of Science, Harvard University in Cambridge, Purgatory Chasm, Old Sturbridge Village, the Armoury Museum, Worcester and the baseball match at the Worcester Tornadoes, Cape Cod, Hyannis and Yarmouth, Newport, Rhode Island, Hammonnassett State Park Beach in Connecticut and New York! You can see we have made the most of every day!!! There have been so many highlights. But one which will stand out is the warmth of your welcome expressed in the gifts of flowers, cookies, home-baked cakes, and tangible gifts made for us and given to us at the Pot Luck supper on 15th August. It has been wonderful to share the services with you and be part of the worship in such a special community as St. Stephen's. As a family we love sport and we leave much wiser about Basketball, American football, Ice Hockey and especially Baseball. The Boston Red Sox and the Worcester Tornadoes have 6 new English fans in Swindon, and we will follow their results with interest as we hope you will follow Swindon Town in Division 1 in the football league, playing in red and white at the county ground in Swindon.
We loved the Westborough community, the library, playing tennis at the high school, the Willows concerts, the ecumenical links with the Methodist church, the RC church and Jewish Synagogue. It was terrific to speak at the Rotary Club and to bless their first Triathlon.
As a church you have so much potential and we enjoyed worshipping and praying with you and sharing many conversations. The Celtic communion was especially moving and will long stay in our minds.
We have been so fortunate to have such good neighbours either side of us at the Rectory; to the left Madge gave us wonderful Dunkin Donuts and to the right Dick, Joan and Maria and their wonderful grandchildren, and Barbara Kimball, the oldest Episcopalian at St Stephen’s have been so kind. They gave us a key to their swimming pool; let us play in their family den, taken us out for ice cream and invited us to a cookout there, meant we have felt loved and nurtured and part of a family from the very minute we arrived.
We thank God for these special 5 weeks and especially to Rev. Ray and Joan Low from Marshfield in the neighbouring diocese for their hospitality at the beginning and end of our trip. Also to Bill and Gail Martin who sadly we shan't meet physically for suggesting this exchange via the internet and for their generosity to us for making their home and car so freely available. We pray you will have a wonderful retirement. Our boys have loved your garden and wonderful DVD's to watch.
As we return to Swindon we are excited about our reunion with Thomas on 1st September and being together for a month before he leaves to read History at Durham University in October. Our boys continue their education at New College, Swindon, the Commonweal School and Lethbridge Primary. Please be assured of our continued interest and especially our prayers for the future development of St. Stephen’s and your outreach into the community of Westborough.
You have much to look forward to. Our contact details are as follows:
The Vicarage
26 Cricklade Street
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN13HG
UK
Tel:01793 529177
Email: simon.stevenette@tiscali.co.uk
web: www.christchurchswindon.co.uk
email: parishoffice@christchurchswindon.co.uk
Can we close with the words of the Celtic blessing which I used at the end of the Celtic communion on the 15th and sums up our partnership together.
May the road rise to meet you
the wind be always at your back
the sun shine warm upon your face
the rainfall soft upon your fields.
Until we meet again
May God hold you in the palm of His hand
May God hold you and us and all those who we love, pray for and serve in Westborough, US and Swindon UK in the hollow of His hand, today, tomorrow and always
Amen
With love and grateful appreciation to you all.
Every blessing,
Simon, Nicola, Robert, Edward, William and Hugo (our oldest son Thomas in his physical absence)
From the Editor's Desk
Hardly seems possible that summer is almost over. I know, not according to the calendar, but we usually think of Labor Day as the end of the summer season. Days are getting shorter; kids are back in school; school buses are once more out on the roads, fall sports are getting into full swing, and life resumes a more hectic pace.
It’s been an eventful summer for St. Stephen's. We honored Fr. Bill and Gail Martin with a celebration of Bill’s retirement; we welcomed Fr. Simon Stevenette and his family from England, and we spent the next three weeks listening to Fr. Simon’s very British accent as he presented a different form of service from what we have been used to. Fr. Simon and his family immediately became part of the St. Stephen's family. Fr. Simon let us know immediately that he was an avid Red Sox fan with an amazing array of knowledge of the team. But he was as conversant in many other subjects. I enjoyed the fact that that when he talked to you, he looked right at you. At that moment you were the only person in the room.
I was particularly impressed by the form of Fr. Simon’s last service with us. We did several things differently; we learned two new songs; and we sent the Stevenettes off with a gladsome celebration. It was a joy to see everyone in the family participate in the service; even Hugo was able to take part.
Theirs was a whirlwind visit; I don’t know how they did so much in a short period of time. They visited places that I haven’t been to, and I’ve lived in this area almost my whole life.
Anyway, I feel that my life has been enriched through getting to know the Stevenettes. I’ve experienced a new perspective on religion, and the church. I’ve come to a deeper appreciation of the universality of the Episcopal Church.
Thank you Stevenettes, and God bless.
Peace,
Frp
Prayerful Notes
The other morning, as I attempted to settle in for my devotional time, I couldn't seem to quiet my mind. Thoughts and plans for the day went around in my head like a merry-go-round.
I always begin by asking the Lord to calm the restless sea of my mind, help me to focus and direct my prayers and readings. This done, I then sat in silence for a while, just concentrating on my breathing. I then felt led to the reading for the day, in a small book entitled God Calling. It spoke of the gift of nature and how it can me a teacher, comforter and nurse for our tired bodies and souls.
With that thought in mind, I decided to begin my prayers with my thank you note to God, using nature as my focus. I first thought of a very unusual bird, that I had spotted in my driveway that morning. While I could not identify it by name or even offer an adequate description of it, it really caught my attention, as it was so different and unique. Perhaps God sent it to teach me of the specialness and uniqueness of every person. We are not a "cookie cutter people." God took great care in creating each one of us. We are all different in appearance and He has endowed each one of us with special gifts and abilities. I thanked God for the diversity in our world. I Cor. 12 : 20 & 27 - As it is, there are many parts but one body. Now you are the body of Christ and each one is a part of it.
Next, I thought of the thunderstorm the night before and thanked God for getting me safely home, just before it arrived. As I reflected on the power of that storm, I was reminded that I too have a great power within me, the power of the Holy Spirit. It has strengthened me to do far more with my life, than I ever could have imagined. I thanked God for His power working within me.
Gazing out my window, everything seemed so still but then there was a slight breeze and I watched the gentle sway of the branches of my "community of trees." Ever so slow, one might miss it, if rushing by. I have labeled it as the "morning waltz of the trees." I see it often, as I sit in the quiet of the early morning. Perhaps the lesson here is that I need to go gently through my day, being mindful of the people I will encounter. Each of us carry within us, unseen, emotional wounds from our past. I need to take care, so as not to inadvertently add to those wounds or pull off healing scabs. I gave thanks for the trees and their reminder to be gentle with others.
I noticed a few leaves had already changed color and some had even fallen to the ground. Like the ever changing landscape of our lives, I learn the lessons of hope through adversity and patience and trust in God's timing for all things.
The sun had just made its arrival, shining on the leaves and casting light on the pavement of the street. It gives warmth to all without exclusion. It is a warmth that comforts and teaches us how we are to treat others, to touch each person we encounter with the warmth of God's love, totally inclusive.
Nature does have many lessons to teach us. I pray for the openness to see and learn fromthe world around me.
I end by giving thanks for Fr. Simon Stevenette, who reminded us all of the message of Psalm 24: 1 The earth is the Lords and everything in it, the world and all who live in it.
May we be gentle caretakers of this beautiful world that God has entrusted to us.
Blessings Always,
Phyl Endicott
Announcements
The next Vestry Meeting will be held on Monday, August 31. All vestry meetings are open to the entire parish. Parishioners wishing to include items on the agenda are asked to contact one of the wardens or the rector no later than two (2) weeks before the meeting. Vestry meeting agendas and minutes will be regularly posted on the bulletin board between Fay Hall and the narthex.
On July 26-July 31, the St. Stephen's youth group traveled to Portland, Maine, for the mission trip from St. Stephen’s. The youth group hosted a summer camp for the children. Portland not only faces the challenges that many inner cities face, but they also have a large population of refugees from Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia. Many of these families consist of single mothers and their children who have come to America having lost not only husbands and fathers but their means of surviving. With the summer here we all look for activities for our children to be productive and most of all to remain safe. However, for these families it is a bit more difficult. Due to cultural, language differences, and lack of support it makes it difficult to find available resources. The Youth Group was able to minister to these people and make a difference in their lives
We started something new starting with the summer (July and August) Beacon. Only people who do not have access to the internet will be receiving hard copies of the Beacon by mail. The Beacon will be available to everyone else at www.ststeph.com/beacon.asp. Karen Catallozzi does an admirable job maintaining the web site and posts the Beacon as soon as it is finished. You should be able to easily find the Beacon as well as other interesting items and schedules. We are trying this to reduce the postage cost associated with mailing the Beacon.
The Altar Guild is in need of a few good people!!! Altar Guild finds itself short some worker bees due to some of our more experienced members moving on to other things. This leaves some holes in each team…holes that need to be filled. If anyone is interested in this valuable ministry please contact me, either at church or by phone. This ministry involves one weekend a month…Saturday morning for an hour or so to do cleaning and prepare for the Sunday services, then on Sunday to clean up from the services. There are plenty of experienced workers who will be happy to help you learn the ropes. Please give this some consideration so that we may start the fall season with full teams. Thanks so much. Diane Barrette, Altar Guild Directress
Time and Talent Opportunities: Several years ago, St. Stephen’s developed forms to invite members to offer up their time, talent and treasure to the parish. Recognizing that stewardship entails more than matters of finance, the Stewardship Committee has spent time during its monthly meetings this year reviewing these and has recast them as opportunities for parishioners to share their time and talents with the St. Stephen’s family. Each year’s Every Member Canvas addresses the opportunity to share one’s treasure.
Briefly, we have identified five areas of opportunity. These are:
Opportunities to Love God
Opportunities to Worship God
Opportunities to Learn of God
Opportunities to Proclaim God
Opportunities to Work and Serve in God’s Name
Each of these areas has several specific opportunities and a contact person associated with each one. An area in the church narthex is devoted to presenting more detailed information for each of these. Fellow parishioners who desire to find a way to share their time and talents with the St. Stephen’s family are encouraged to look at these and contact the appropriate person to explore that opportunity further. There will be printed information available to take home with you so you won’t have to write down or memorize who to contact about what. If you have a specific interest that doesn’t seem to match any of the areas listed please contact Tim Moss to discuss your interest further.
On July 25, The Rev. Dr. Will Bergmann, Dean of the South and East Worcester Deanery preached and officiated at a service for the Ending of a Pastoral Relationship and Leave-taking from a Congregation as the Martins prepared for their month’s exchange in Swindon, England, before retirement and relocation to Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania.
Gale McKenziehas volunteered to buy the Day by Day starting with the October-November-December issue. Many of our parishioners enjoy reading it so please give Gale a big thank you for her generosity.
It's not too early to begin thinking about your congregation's stewardship formation activities in 2011. An ecumenical stewardship conference will be held in Marlboro, MA on March 18-19, 2011 that will feature plenary speaker Mike Slaughter, author of "Money Matters: Financial Freedom for All God's Children" and "Change the World: Recovering the Message and Mission of Jesus." There will be workshops as well as plenaries. Please plan to send a team of people to this exciting conference. If you have further questions, please contact Bruce Rockwell, diocesan stewardship missioner at brsteward@comcast.net
Many thanks to Chris Scheffel, Kristen Butt, Gretchen Pruden, and to everyone who attended the pot luck on August 22. What a great time!!! Special thanks to our music makers Cam, Yvette, Simon, Diane, and Meta and what a treat to see a hear Marla! We also had the great blessing to enjoy some more time with the Stevenettes, and to express our thankfulness to Fr. Simon and his family for all they have done for us in their short time here, helping us on our journey. Great job, great fun, and great people! Look forward to more.
SAVE THE DATE!!!
SEPTEMBER 25 is the day of our parish-wide rummage sale. More details to follow but start saving and sorting. We need someone to coordinate this event as this is one of our major fund raisers for the year. Please be willing to come forward to help.
Dick Cerasuolo is on vacation and will be back on Tuesday, September 7th. Would everyone please pitch in and keep the church clean, the trash emptied, the kitchen stocked with paper towels, and the rest rooms stocked with toilet tissue and paper towels. Thank you.
A Reconciliation Pilgrimage to the Holy Land is set for January 1-12, 2011. This pilgrimage is being offered to all members and friends of the Diocese. It will be led by the Very Rev. James Munroe, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral in Springfield, and the Rev. Len Cowan, Rector of the Church of the Nativity in Northborough. The pilgrimage has two purposes. First, it will be an exploration into the land where Jesus walked. We will visit all the places that framed his earthly life and ministry, from a cave in Bethlehem to an empty tomb in Jerusalem. We will be in Bethlehem on Christmas Day, as it is celebrated by many Orthodox churches. Second, the pilgrimage will be an exploration into the conflicts between Israelis and Palestinians today, with an emphasis on special individuals and groups that are working toward reconciliation and peace. We will meet living examples of Psalm 85:10 - "Righteousness and peace will kiss each other." Dean Munroe and Fr. Cowan have led this pilgrimage before, and they are excited to be able to offer it again. For further information and to register, please call Dean Munroe (413-736-2742) or email him at dean.javanet@rcn.com or call Fr. Cowan (508 393 3146) or email him at info@churchofthenativity.org
Memory Book for Father Bill and Gail!!! It’s not too late to add your photos or other mementos. Leave them in the “Memory Book” box at coffee hour or in the church office. If you prefer, you may e-mail one or two photos (no more than that, please) to Rev. Sylvia Doran at sdoran2@verizon.net and we’ll add them. The book is to be given to Fr. Bill and Gail when they return from England at the end of August. Thank you to all who brought items - our scrapbook experts, Kristen Butt and Yvette Kite, all who sent notes and photos, and Nancy Harris, whose help was invaluable at the last minute! If you have questions, please call Gretchen Pruden.
Our Father’s Table – August 30th. Find Basil today to sign up! As usual, Basil has planned a great meal but many hands are needed to feed the guests. Thank you.
I will be taking a week of vacation from Monday, September 6th through Friday, September 10th. Monday, September 6th, is a holiday so the office will be closed. Our faithful Bob Lewis takes care of the office on Tuesday and the Friday Friends will do Friday, September 10th. Would some people please volunteer to answer phones, sort mail, and keep the office open from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 8th and Thursday, September 9th. I would appreciate your help. Nancy Harris
If you have an interest in learning about the EFM program, please contact Faith Howarth. We will be starting classes in late September.
Join us on Facebook. Look for us! Friends of St. Stephen’s Church. See what’s happening and leave a note! Thanks to Melanie and Kristen for setting this up.
We would like to establish a DVD station for the downstairs similar to the one in Fay Hall. We already have a TV donated. If anyone has a DVD player that they can donate, please contact Don Shapleigh or Nancy Harris.
We are really in need of a few more people to serve as readers. If we have a few more then no one will have to read more than once a month!
We still need more people to come forward to serve as acolytes. You will receive free training, lots of support and encouragement and the gratitude of your parish family. Call the office or Bev Boyer to let someone know you are willing to serve.