Upcoming Congregational Activities
Wednesday, July 13: 6:30pm Book Club at the home of Louise Bishop
Sunday, July 17: 12 noon to 4:00pm: Olentangy River Bike Ride and Family Fun Day
Sunday, July 24 – Aug 14: MAKE for children during the 10:30am service
Pastoral Care Coverage
Deacon Pam Elwell has graciously agreed to be the coordinator for pastoral care calls. Several clergy will be available for pastoral care: The Rev. Bruce Smith, the Rev Deacon Sherm Everett, the Rev. Karl Stevens, and the Rev. Deacon Pam Elwell. Please call Pam first—she will know who is on call at any particular time.
Transition News
Some people have been wondering why we have not been talking much about the search in recent newsletters. The truth is that the search is moving along, but we are in a stage that involves serious confidentiality. To quote a favorite line of mine from the movie “Animal House” we are in super-secret double probation right now. We expect to have big news for you soon. We ask you to be patient with us.
Meanwhile we continue to bring in supply priests on Sundays. The upcoming schedule is as follows:
June 26 Karl Stevens, Preacher and Celebrant
July 3 Michael Jupin, Preacher and Celebrant
July 10 Sherm Everett, Preacher; Hanci Newberry, Celebrant
July 17 Pam Elwell, Preacher; Hanci Newberry, Celebrant
July 24 Michael Jupin, Celebrant and Preacher
August 7 Marjorie Menual, Celebrant and Preacher
I am currently working with the local Lutheran Synod to bring in a guest preacher and celebrant on August 14. As you probably already know the Episcopal Church and the ELCA have an agreement that allow pulpit exchanges. I hope that this will be an interesting experience for the congregation.
In coming weeks we will update you on the building projects that are progressing, although slower than we had hoped.
Sunday, June 26
This Sunday, June 26 we welcome The Rev. Karl Stevens to preach and celebrate at both services.
Traffic and Parking
The Special Olympics State Summer Games will take place Friday (6/24) – Sunday (6/26). Motorists should anticipate increased parking demand, heavier than normal traffic on highways and streets, and heavy pedestrian traffic when traveling on campus, particularly near the Coffey Road fields as well as 11th and 12th Avenues (east of Neil Avenue). Please note that on Saturday and Sunday Coffey Road will be open to one-way northbound traffic only. This is unlikely to affect St. Stephen’s parking, but should be noted by anyone travelling in the campus area.
BREAD Updates
Several members of the St. Stephen’s BREAD team attended the annual celebration on Monday June 20; BREAD is celebrating 20 years of working for justice in Columbus! It has never been a smooth path, but the BREAD organization is persistent! We heard updates on several of the ongoing projects, and celebrated our victories. Most importantly, this celebration was an opportunity to kick off the annual investment drive so that we can OWN the organization. Your own Investment in BREAD may be made by check, payable to BREAD, and placed in the collection basket.
AWAKE and AWARE
Although AWAKE and AWARE are on summer hiatus, we have begun planning for the return of classes in September. We are looking toward a more intentional approach to teaching and planning for the 2016/2017 year, which will require a core group of teachers who can commit to leading 1 to 2 Sundays a month as part of a teaching team. Ultimately we would like to have 4 to 6 teams (8-12 teachers). If you are interested in teaching AWAKE or AWARE classes this September, please contact Jeff Watters or Rachael Smith.
NSI Donations for June
The item for NSI for June is SOUP!
Book Club News
All are invited to the July Book Club meeting. The book being discussed is Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. We meet on Wednesday, July 13 starting at 6:30 PM at Louise Bishop’s home. Please let Louise know as far in advance as possible if you plan to attend. We’ll share a potluck super followed by the book discussion. Please bring something to share (main dish, side dish, dessert, beverage). Everyone is welcome! For those who you wish to read, the book for the August 10 discussion is The Little Paris Book Shop by Nina George.
Saint Stephen’s Gratitude Project
Olentangy River Bike Ride and Family Fun Day
Sunday, July 17, 2016 12 noon to 4 p.m.
What are we doing?
- Riding bikes (@ 4 miles) on the Olentangy River Trail
- Listening to stories about the efforts to restore the natural flow of the river.
- Learning about the natural environment of the watershed and the benefits of caring for its preservation.
- Exploring ways that stewardship of the natural world can be a spiritual practice.
- Celebrating at the Annual Chadwick Arboretum Open House.
Who are we doing it with?
- Our friends and neighbors in the greater campus and North Columbus communities.
Where do you find more information?
- Visit the River Ride 2016 webpage at: http://olentangyriverride.weebly.com/
- Send an email to: river_ride@ststephens-columbus.org
Reminder: If you’re mailing something to the church, especially time-sensitive materials, we recommend using the PO Box! St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, PO Box 82263
Columbus, OH 43202
