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September 1, 2005 |
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Fall Highlights | Rector's Letter | Crop Walk | Vestry Highlights | Door Hanger Sunday | FISH facts | Youth Conference here | Deacon's Corner | Treasurer | Music Minister | TP Reality | Daughters of the King | Children's programs | Young Adults sell firewood | Whadda' ya know | Concert Series September 4
September 7
September 11
10:00 Worship
September 18
September 25 If you have ever been curious about the ins and outs of the Episcopal Church, here is your chance to finally learn more. We’re hosting a new and exciting program called Via Media that promises to shine light on everything you have felt you have been left in the dark about. Learn more about your faith with Via Media. Via Media is an educational tool meant to keep members of the Episcopal Church informed about their faith and give seekers the opportunity to learn about the Episcopal Church. With insightful videos featuring well-known theologians and open discussion, the Via Media approach is a unique way to get people passionate and excited about the Episcopal tradition. Meetings will begin: Registration through the office (423-5600)
September 30
October 9
October 16
November 2 Of course the big news this issue is that summer vacation is over and we all jump back into our communal thing after a season of being scattered to the four winds. Several big things are coming soon (and I mean soon). We are beginning to do some serious marketing (evangelizing) to get this little jewel we call “St. Stephen’s” on people’s minds in the community so they may consider checking us out. We will be doing some newspaper advertising to promote Welcoming Sunday on the 11 th , and Bring a Friend Sunday on October 9 th. On September 4 th, we will distribute doorknob hangers in the Old West Side (or you can take them to your own neighborhood if you don’t live near church). Secondly, we are initiating an adult educational program to shine some light into the ways and means of the Episcopal Church and how we developed to be who we are. We will be offering several time slots weekly for this exciting eight session program. It is the hottest thing going in the church today with over 700 parishes using this program which is only a year old. Sign up now to insure yourself a seat. Thirdly, a task force has assembled to begin the process leading to remodeling the parish hall. The emphasis is on light, space, and replacing long delayed items like flooring. More later as we adapt our long-range plan to more current realities. Though it may not be the beginning of the calendar year, September is certainly a time of new beginnings. It is a time to refocus after a time of Sabbath. Welcome back! Blessings,
Longview Crop Walk, October 16 You may well be asking, what is a “crop walk” ? Well, it is a fundraising effort in which walkers solicit donations from sponsors to support the develop efforts of Church World Service. Cropwalks are ecumenical, interfaith community events. In partnership with sectarian efforts like Episcopal Relief and Development, CWS supports self-help development, meets emergency needs, and helps address the root causes of poverty, hunger, and powerlessness. Our local Crop Walk will be one of about 2000 held nationally this year. At 1:30 pm, Sunday, October 16, walkers will gather at the parking lot of Emmanuel Lutheran for registration. At 2 pm, they will begin to walk one or two laps around Lake Sacajawea in solidarity with those in the Third World who walk an average of 6 miles daily just to haul water. Parish organizers, led by Barbara Swecker, will be approaching
parishioners to be walkers and sponsors. Do not hesitate – step
up and step out. The August Vestry meeting was informal as many of our members were vacationing. No official actions were taken as we lacked a quorum. Ann Long presented the Treasurer’s Report – and she was, again, complimented and thanked. Our budget is on target and we thank all of the pledging parishioners for their on-going support! Helen McKee, our Seminarian who is embarking on her third year at Virginia Theological Seminary, joined us and shared her spiritual journey toward ordination. Red, Gretchen and Jan will work on writing a letter supporting Helen in her calling which will be presented to the Vestry as a whole for action at the September meeting. Father Richard reported extensively upon upcoming programs and evangelism. Plans include a “Welcoming Sunday” on the 11 th of September at which it is planned that all parish ministries will share their programs. This Sunday will be publicized to the community and parishioners are encouraged to bring their friends, families and neighbors to experience the varied ministries of St. Stephen’s. The Adult Education Committee has selected a video-based program called “Via Media” for the adult Fall education programs. Mary Lyons and Bill Norvell are attending the Diocesan training as a beginning to our parish’s entry into this exciting spiritual and educational exploration. October 9 will be our annual “Bring a Friend to Church” Sunday – although your friends are welcome here every day!!! Plans are also afoot for celebrating the lives of the many parishioners who have died or left us in the last several years during the week of All Saints Day. This will provide a foundation for exploration of grief issues. The Advent Program will begin on December 7 with a return to Narnia, through the Wardrobe, with a visit from Father Christmas to the Winterland of the White Witch. More special Advent activities will follow on each Wednesday of Advent as we prepare our hearts, home and church for Christ’s birth. Sunflower Preschool is struggling to make its’ target, required baseline enrollment. The registration deadline is in early September. Please encourage anyone with Preschoolers to consider the Sunflower alternative!! The development of the upcoming Mutual Ministry Review, lead by Dick Woods, continues. Not just staff but all areas of St. Stephen’s varied ministries will be evaluated. Dick will report in more detail at the September meeting. As most of you are aware, Margaret Lapic, Dick Benson and Sue Piper successfully completed the sales of our rental homes, netting approximately $312,000! The Finance Committee is preparing recommendations in regard to the investment of these funds for the long term future of St. Stephen’s. It is also time to start thinking about the budget for 2006 and in September the Vestry will discuss Expected Outcomes that may impact the budget and prepare a request to the Finance Committee that they start working on the proposed 2006 budget with those Outcomes in their hearts and minds. The meeting closed with Richard leading the Vestry in Compline and
the Vestry went on its’ way rejoicing!
Speaking the Word with Scott Webster, M.F.A. He will present "Speaking the Word" and "Fundamentals of Text Analysis." Both classes will be taught on September 11 following the 12 noon lunch. Class starts at 12:30 p.m. Since a light lunch will be provided, please let the office know if you are going to attend.
While there is no charge for the classes, I am urging all readers and any others interested, to come and take the class. Scott Webster keeps it very interesting and keeps you involved. Please put this on your calendar. John Ackermann Door Hanger Sunday, September 4 Also, watch for our ad in the paper the week of September
-10. St. Stephen's FISH had distribution of food boxes on
July 19th through 22nd. One hundred-forty three families were helped.
We fed 518 people...a new record for us. Our next distribution is September 20-23. We are restocking our food supply in the next few weeks and any donations will be appreciated. Marlys Halliday
On September 30, St. Stephen's is once again hosting the diocesan JYC (High School Youth Conference). Youth from all over the diocese come to Longview to participate in the program and we are the place to be! Diocesan leaders provide the program and provide the housing and food for kids and staff. If past numbers are any indication, we will need lots of help to house them. This means picking them up on Friday night, giving them a place to sleep (they bring their own sleeping bags and towels), providing breakfast and having them back to the church at a specified time. Saturday is a repeat of this routine, bringing them to church with you on Sunday. CONTACT LISA SUDAR, PLEASE! We are also looking for people to help prepare meals
at the church and to help with other tasks associated with hosting a
group like this. This is our chance to shine as hosts. Mark the weekend,
September 30 through October 1 and 2. Prepare for some energy when the
kids come to Longview! St. Stephen's Own TP Reality Show The contestants on the TP (Tackle the Property) Reality Show have been absolutely amazing! They have accomplished feats that no one has dared to even try in many years. Among other things, they have placed ladders in almost breathtaking positions, inhaled more fumes than previously considered humanly possible, and packed incredible loads to far distant places. Favorites for the show include Jim Dandy and Greg-arious, not to mention Sir John and Lady Carol, the Norpeople, the Dunloppers, and a team called JuBiChRoDa. ReKa have been quietly and steadily gaining on the main contestants. The garden variety team has worked so hard their thumbs have turned green. The biggest prizes so far have gone to a team capable of moving houses: Selly Sue, Dapper Dick, and Marvy Marg. And that is only the tip of the iceberg! The game has made for wonderful viewing. Tune in this fall for more action filled fun and games! Contestants are still welcome to audition by reading the fine print below. Contact Margaret Lapic (425-4922) if you want to help keep God’s house in good order. The prizes are awesome. Key to unlocking the names from above: Jim Dandy is Jim
Halliday, Greg-arious is Greg Lapic, Sir John is John Freeman,
Lady Carol is Carol Johnson, the Norpeople are Mark, Peg, and Alec
Norman, the Dunloppers are Skip and Barb. Please add a "JoFr" at the end of the team
name: code is Judy Swanson, Bill Norvell, Chad Olsen, Robert Sudar,
Dave Hanson, John Ackerman, and Frank Eigner. ReKa is Red
and Karen Rogers. The Order of the Daughters of the King The Order of the Daughters of the King was organized as a religious order in 1885for women who are communicants of the Episcopal Church of churches in the Historic Episcopate. Our Rule of Life requires a spiritual discipline of daily prayer, service and evangelism. Our cross, which we wear, says Magnanimiter Crucem Sustine which translated means "With heart, mind and spirit, uphold and bear the cross." St. Stephen's "All Saints' Chapter" was formed in 1995 following a 12 week study and commitment by fifteen women. The Service of Admission, with the blessing and sponsorship of Father Steve Wendfeldt, took place on All Saints Day. We meet the first Saturday of each month at 8:00 in the church library. The Daughters of the King is not a secret order and we welcome all women to join us for an hour of mediation, sharing, prayer, five minutes of busines, coffee and a breakfast treat. The Motto of the Order For His sake... All Saints chapter members are: Betty Anderson, Lynn Benson, Mickie Carver, Marilyn Hoehne, Jean Ivanoff, Helen McKee, Nancy Murphy, Diane Natt, Jo Petersen, Karen Rogers, Sandy Solbakken, Majorie Westman, and Leslie Woods. Our next gathering of Christian fellowship and spritual renewal will be Saturday morning, September 3rd at 8 a.m. in the church libarary. We would love to have you join us. Karen Rogers, President The celebration concert series is set to present its 11th season. The opening concert will be a duo-piano perforamance by Marjorie Westman and Carol McRae on Sunday, october 16th, at 3:00 p.m. On December 4th, Howard Meharg will conduct the Columbian Choral Ensemble in a concert of great choral music, including some great new Christmas music. The Kaleidoscope concert will return this year and will be presented on March 26, 2006. This is always a popular offering. Mark your calendar for each of these musical treats. This series has been supported generously by so many. That has enable us to entertain you with a great variety of top-notch musicians. As a result of our concerts and the free-will offerings taken, we have provided many thousands of dollars to local charities. Seems to me God is providing us with a "very good deal." Marjorie Westman Choir begins anew on September 11
If you have had a little experience in part singing, can match pitches pretty well…carry a tune, as they say…and would like to join us and give us a try, please do. You will be welcomed. Most often the choir sings only once a month. It gives us adequate time to prepare and, we hope, raise the standard of our presentation musically in this way. We’ll sing more often when we can. This is one of our goals. Sermons are online Since beginning the site we have sermons online (up to this writing) from April 10 to August 21, 2005. Unlike many speakers, Fr. Richard and Mo. Kathleen really don’t write out their sermons. What you’re hearing is some great content and delivery from a couple of superior public speakers. Karen does a fine job of transcribing what they’re said, allowing us to see a printed copy. What’s really fun though is to READ the material, even if you heard it live! Somehow, that’s when it begins to really make sense. That’s when you say, “Aha, that’s a superb concept…now I see it even more clearly.” In short, I urge you to take a look. The sermons are
usually reached by clicking on the “services” button at: www.sslv.org,
but now there is a link directly from the main page. Read, enjoy, and
learn. It only takes a few minutes to read a fifteen minute sermon.
It’s worth your time! Children and Youth -- Stained Glass People I love stained glass. The relationship between the color and the light is so subtle. It reminds me of God’s love, which is everywhere, manifests uniquely through each life. And each life, like a tiny piece of glass in a rose window, combines with others to create a blaze of beauty and meaning, in the Body of Christ. This fall our focus with the children will be “The Saints of God – Shining with the Light of Christ”. The elementary Sunday school classes will get a chance to explore God’s light through great saints of the past, and local saints of this parish. We’ll also look at how God’s light shines uniquely through us, as members of Christ’s body. Mo. Kathleen+ September 11 will feature previews of children’s program and fun activities for children at 9:00. Come meet teachers, and register for fall. Sunday school will begin September 18, at 9:00 this year, with classes for
There will be some changes in children’s program this fall. We’re taking a break from a formal chapel time, and from a regular “family Sunday” on the first Sunday of the month, and instead we will offer a variety of activities for young people at the 10:00 hour, including stories, music, and film. Elementary aged children will again join the adult worshippers at
the time of the peace/offertory, and our nursery aged children will
come up for communion, as before. Young A
Whadda'ya know?! Thanks to the the Internet, individuals and families now have an option to provide informational and personal support for folks experiencing chronic and/or long-term illnesses. The site is www.TheStatus.com At this site, the individual can establish a personl web page (accessible via password) that includes routine progress reports, informational links to various medical care options (traditional and naturopathic), photos, visitor sign-in logs and/or well-meaning message boards. Preferences like "Visitors welcome, but call first," can be posted for all to see and pass on as desired. The technologically skilled family member can host the site and act as webmaster and liaison for the patient. So check out this great website and pass it on to friends and family as needed. I learned about it from my friend, Deacon Marilyn Brandenburg, who's had a page since her cancer was diagnosed a couple of years ago. Marilyn's password is 123pray. (I love that password.) I encourage you to visit her page and see what I regard as "the Internet as a form of grace." Amen. Mary Lyons A Message from the Treasurer "The bucks stop here." Actually, they don't usually stop here for very long
as they speed towards their next destination, to exotic places like
the PUD, the City of Longview, the Diocese of Through the end of July, our pledge income received was $139,410.00...remarkably close to the budgeted amount of $140,000.00. As we prepared our properties for sales, rental income fell to $4,410.00, instead of the budgeted $12,540.00. Our expense are approximately $5,000.00 greater than expected, which is a mere 2.6%. Overall, we are in a deficit position of about $11,500.00 at the moment. I am hopeful that will be remedied by the end of the year as we offer our gifts to God and ask that he show us how to transform them into something wondrous. If you would like to have more information about the the parish finances, call, leave a note, or email me at Long51@adelphia.net Ann Long, Treasurer
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Dear Ones,
We will then be given an assignment to do at home. On
the 18th, we will make individual presentations and receive feedback
on how we are doing. It will also be at 12:00, following a light lunch.
The response to a plea for funds
or donations was great and our program is very appreciative. Our volunteers
in July were: Marjorie Syracuse, Pat Schauer, Karen Rogers, Marlene Norman,
Sara Hamilton, Jean Ivanoff, Sharon Hundley, Jackie Coon, May Lyons,
Carol Johnson and Barbara Dunlap.
First, we begin rehearsals with the choir on September 11. The choir
meets at 8:15 each Sunday morning. We’re usually through with
rehearsal by 9:30.
dults in Community is selling cords of firewood
for $125 per cord. This is a fund raiser for their Thailand trip. The
price includes having the wood delivered and stacked. Quantities are
limited so it is on a first come basis. For more information or to
request delivery, call the church office at 423-5600 or Paul Batzle
at 425-7264. 
Olympia, FISH, the staff,
piano and organ tuners, kathy's Flowers, Qwest, Office Max, etc. Miraculously,
the bucks that speed away from St. Stephen's are sanctified by the
loving spirit with which they are given, transformed into many types
of energies that provide the framework that supports our ministries
to the congregation, the community and the world.