Congregational News & Events – Week of January 20, 2019
The Feast of the Epiphany
Service Times
8:30 am and 10:30am
The Rev. John Johanssen Celebrant and Preacher
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Choir Rehearsal – 8:30 am in the Chapel
Adult Bible Discussion Group 9:15am in Hobson Hall
Thrive! Children, Youth & Families Ministry Meet in Outer Office during 10:30am serivce, then upstairs in Hobson Hall
Campus Ministry Tuesday Night Oasis will resume January 8, 2019
Mid-Week Prayer and Luncheon – Wednesdays, 12:30pm
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From The Rev. John R. Johanssen
Office Hours
My office hours while serving as Priest in Charge at St. Stephen’s will be Tuesdays through Fridays, 9:00am to 3:00pm. Meetings need to be arranged by appointment.
Once I get settled into a rhythm with out of office meetings and pastoral care visits, we may be able to list a drop in time in the near future. In the meantime people are encouraged to email or call the parish office to arrange an appointment.
In case of emergencies, please contact me at my cell phone at 614-286-4736.
St. Stephen’s “Town Meeting” Sunday, February 3, 2019 – Following the 10:30 service in the Sanctuary
You are all invited to attend our first “Town Meeting” to be held February 3, 2019 immediately after the 10:30 service in the sanctuary. This will be an informal time to get to know each other and discuss our life and ministry at St. Stephen’s. Please bring your questions and topics and join us. We hope to offer these informal information sessions on the first Sunday of each month as appropriate.
I look forward to seeing you there,
+John
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2019 Vestry and Convention Delegate Elections
At the December meeting the Vestry scheduled the 2019 Annual Meeting for Sunday February 24th.
Please refer to the following dates regarding 2019 Vestry and Convention Delegates:
Sunday, January 20th: Nominations for Vestry candidates and Convention Delegates will be received by the Wardens and Vestry members through Sunday, February 3rd.
Monday, February 4th: Candidate bios and photos are due in to the Parish Office by 5:00pm in order that ballots can be prepared for distribution beginning Sunday, February 10th. Candidate bios and photos can be sent to the Parish Office via email at parishoffice@ststephens-columbus.org.
Vestry and Convention Delegate elections will be on the following Sundays: February 10, February 17th, and February 24th (before the Annual Meeting.)
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any Vestry member.
The St. Stephen’s Vestry
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Sunday Morning Adult Bible Discussion for January 20, 2019
On Sunday, January 6th, we will be discussing Luke, Chapters 14, 15 and 16
The Sunday, January 6th, the Adult Discussion Group will focus on Chapters 14, 15 and 16 of Luke’s Gospel, which we have been reading as part of the DSO Big Read. If you can, read these chapters in the Collegeville Commentary book, or any study Bible. Bring your comments and questions, take a seat at the table, and join the conversation. Everyone is invited! Oh, yes, coffee and donuts are available, too!
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Everyone is invited to join us on Sunday mornings at 9:15am in Hobson Hall for the discussion! The new “Big Read” of the Diocese of Southern Ohio has begun, and we are studying the Gospel of Luke using the book The Gospel According to Luke by Michael F. Patella, from the New Collegeville Bible Commentary series. For information and resources about “The Big Read” go to http://dsobeloved.org/big-read-home/.
http://dsobeloved.org/big-read-home/.
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DSO Big Read – Luke & Acts and the Beloved Community
We will explore the story of Jesus and the creation of the early church, as we deepen our discipleship and reflect on how the church can bear witness to Jesus’ love that overcomes all that divides us. We encourage churches to be creative about how they will study and explore Luke, Acts, and Beloved Community in their context.
The Luke & Acts bookmarks are to help us and other Episcopalians in our Diocese read the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts together between now and next Easter. Our Sunday morning Adult Discussion at 9:15 will be following this schedule. You are welcome to join it! Or, you can read the chapters of the Bible at home on your own. You can also go to the website http://dsobeloved.org/big-read-home/ for resources and help in understanding what you read.
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Thrive!
Our children’s spiritual formation classes (Thrive) is meeting this Sunday during the 10:30am service. Look for Rachael Smith and Daniel Buey in the “meeting room”.
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The Tuesday Evening Oasis Campus Ministry
Join us on Tuesday evenings to pray, sing, and meditate in the St. Stephen’s sanctuary. If you have any questions, contact Jared Talbot (itsjaredcoffintalbot@gmail.com).
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Clinking Quarters
All quarters offered in the Sunday collection plates are used to support our outreach ministries, particularly to purchase the food for our twice yearly meal at St. John’s, Franklinton. Each time you donate a quarter, clink it on the side of the plate so we can be reminded of the needs of our community and the good works that your quarters help fund.
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BREAD Update
1.11.19 Columbus Dispatch Editorial
1.26.19 Concert for a Cause
Please click on the below link to read the editorial about B.R.E.A.D.’s 2019 focus on affordable housing that was published in The Columbus Dispatch on January 11, 2019.
Remember, when we all work for justice, BREAD rises!
With your help, BREAD rises!
From your B.R.E.A.D. team:
Rae Fellows, Kaethe Sandman, Norm Wernet, and Mignonne Whitlow
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NSI Collection for January: Canned Fruit (no pineapple, please)
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“Becoming Beloved Community” Ambassador Needed
“Becoming Beloved Community” is the Episcopal Church’s long-term commitment to racial healing, reconciliation and justice.
St. Stephen’s needs an Ambassador who would serve as a liaison between the congregation and the coordinator for our diocese. The Ambassador will facilitate communication about upcoming events and opportunities. The diocesan coordinator sends weekly emails detailing talks, meetings, exhibits, and other resources, and the Ambassador will bring those to the attention of the congregation. If you are willing to take on the role of Ambassador from St. Stephen’s, please contact the parish office for information.
Click on the below link for a description of the context and outlines of this program:
https://www.episcopalchurch.org/files/becoming_beloved_community_summary_0.pdf
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Book Club for February 2019
The February Book Club meeting will be on Wednesday, February 13 starting at 6:30 PM. We’ll begin with a potluck meal; please bring food and/or beverage to share. The meeting will be at St. Stephen’s in Hobson Hall, which is reserved for us that evening. There ought to be plenty of room in the parking lot next to the church. Cynthia Whitacre will be serving as host, so kindly let her know if you plan to attend (614-975-7814 or whitacrc@oclc.org). After dinner we’ll be discussing Uncommon Type by Tom Hanks, a book of short stories. Remember that voting for books for the rest of the year is due by the meeting date. Please send your votes to Cynthia. If you need the voting list, compiled from the January meeting, please let her know. Everyone is welcome!
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Calling St. Stephen’s Soul Sisters!
Hi “Soul Sisters” of St. Stephen’s!
You are invited to participate in fellowship with the women of St. Stephen’s in the Spirit of Friendship, Encouragement, Support, Gratitude, Hope, and Love as we share a moment in life’s journey together. It is a time out from daily doings to just BE in Friendship over a cup of tea with conversations to feed the soul.
We meet twice monthly: the first Thursday morning of the month will offer a “Coffee Klatch” from 9:30-11:30am for those available to meet during the day (kiddos welcome) the third Thursday evening offers a “Girls Night Out or In” from 7:00-9:00pm.
New for 2019: All morning gatherings on the 1st Thursday of each month will be held in the Chapel at St. Stephen’s. Centralized for all, no need to remember where to show up, and kid-friendly! Coffee and breakfast treats will be provided. If you need a ride, transportation can be arranged.
February 2019 Meeting Dates:
- February 7 @ St. Stephen’s Chapel, 9:30am – 11:30am
- February 21 – TBA soon!
(Always looking for monthly hosts and/or open to ideas for places to meet or excursion sites conducive to conversation and new experiences.)
Contact Kaitlin Raver, Coordinator, with any questions at kaitlinraver@gmail.com or (614) 956-8550 with any questions.
Looking forward to spending some time with St. Stephen’s wonderful “Soul Sisters”!
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Mount Carmel Church Partnerships Newsletters
Copies of the Mt. Carmel Church Partnerships Newsletter for January 2019, Weekly Scoop Newsletter for January 13-19, 2019, and Health Living Center Wellness Activities list for Winter 2019 can be found on the Community News table in Hobson Hall. Also available are the Mount Carmel Diabetes Prevetion Program Class Listings for January-March 2019 and a flyer for the Diabetes Prevention Program.
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As we prepare for Refresh Your Soul, we wanted to let you know that we have a small amount of scholarship funding available to those who may not be able to pay the full price. Please feel free to let others know. If you would like more information regarding this and to obtain an application, please contact Rose Lindeman at rlindeman@erslife.org.
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