Church Calendars

The 2012 Church Calendars are still available. You may pick yours up in Fay Hall.

The February Beacon

... is now posted on the Beacon Web Page.

Inclement Weather Protocol

At its December meeting, the Vestry adopted inclement weather protocol for announcing the cancellation of parish events and services. In the event of inclement weather or the forecast of impending severe weather, the Rector, in consultation with the Wardens, may cancel or delay services or events. Cancellations or delays will be announced through Boston’s Channel 5 (WCVB-TV) and Worcester-based radio station WSRS 96.1. When possible, we will update the parish website and answering machine greeting and will send out a parish-wide email, but be sure to check with the radio and TV stations for the official

20s/30s Group

Adults in their 20s and 30s here at St. Stephen’s would like to get together as a group for fun and fellowship, maybe going together to the movies or out to dinner. If you are interested in joining us, please see Amelia Brigandi or Fr. Jesse.

Hymnal Memorials Needed

There seems be a shortage of hymnals in the pews so we need to order a few more. Each hymnal is $22 and is a wonderful way in which to remember loved ones or give thanks for a special event in your life. We will add a nameplate on the front page with the name of the individual being remembered or the donor. If you would like to order a new hymnal simply write a check made out to St. Stephen’s for $22 and note “hymnal” in the memo portion of the check. I will then be in touch with you at the appropriate time to get the pertinent information for the nameplate.

Valentine Care Packages

...will be assembled on Saturday February 11 at 10:00 am for our college students and for parishioners no longer able to get to church. Please stop by in Fay Hall today and write a prayer, a note of encouragement or a personal greeting to be sent with the goodie packages. Anyone who would like to join the fun and help with the project is welcome to join us on Feb. 11. Donations of cookies and wrapped candy would be much appreciated. See Yvette Kite for more information

2012 Offering Envelopes

Offering Envelopes are now available in Fay Hall. If there are no envelopes designated for your household and you would like them, please speak to Sharyn Philcox or Peggy Yankee. Envelopes are available in weekly and monthly formats.

Fundraising Update

Some fundraising updates include:  First profits from the sale of Stop & Shop gift cards/shopping cards have netted the parish $85. (Should grow a lot as we streamline the program.)

-Continuing profits and gift cards from some restaurants for our patronage of them.
 -Sales of beautiful calendars to support Sunday school. Some still available: only $6!  
-Cookbook to be available soon.
-Planned fair with rummage sale. Please put aside items you no longer need.

EPISCOPAL 101

Are you new to St. Stephen’s or even to the Episcopal Church? Are you a longtime member who’d simply like to learn more about the Anglican/ Episcopal tradition, our history, and why we do things the way we do? Then this group is for you! Fr. Jesse would like to offer an Episcopal 101 discussion group in the new year. (This will be much like what has been called an “Inquirers’ Class” in the past). If you are interested, please speak with Fr. Jesse about what days and times would work best for you.

Coffee Hour Sponsors Needed

Thanks to those who have sponsored coffee hours recently and in the past! As many of you may know, it is a tradition of this denomination and our parish to have coffee hour after the service. It provides a great opportunity to strengthen our parish community, and to provide a hearty welcome to newer members and visitors. We are starting a new year and need to schedule sponsors for 2012 coffee hours. Sign-up sheets are on clipboards in Fay Hall. Sponsors are needed starting Sunday, January 8. Sponsors do not need to buy coffee, coffee sweeteners, cups, plates or napkins as we keep them on hand. All that is really needed are some simple baked goods for the adults, milk or half&half and something for the kids.   A guide sheet is available. If you do not find it posted in the kitchen, or have any questions, please feel free to contact me, Chris Scheffel, Parish Life Representative, at 508-269-2634 or at chrisschef@aol.com..

Email Address List Update

A parish Email address list update is underway. If you have not received an email about the past couple issues of the monthly Beacon, then we might not have your email address on file in the office. If you have a new email address, please email that information to the office at info@ststeph.com.

 

Westboro Food Pantry

As always, thanks to all who continue to donate to the food pantry.  Their needs are still high, with specific needs for breakfast cereal, cake and brownie mixes, snack food for children, canned vegetables, and personal care items.  Please, NO SOUP as they still have much more than they need.  When bringing an item, please be sure to check the expiration date.  The food pantry cannot, by regulation, give out any food that is past its expiration date.  They must discard any expired items.  If you have questions about what is needed, please see Don Shapleigh.

Clipping Coupons? 

Don't forget the young mothers with babies and young children at the Frances Perkins House in Worcester.  Include coupons for cleaning products for the home itself.  Give any that you have to Liz Moss who will get them to the people at Frances Perkins House.  Thanks.