The week of October 27

 THIS WEEK AT ST. STEPHEN’S

 

Monday, October 27

Fr. Jamie day off

 Ambassador deadline

 

Wednesday, October 29

6:00 p.m. – Holy Eucharist

Fr. Jamie, celebrant / preacher

Deacon John, assisting

Incense will be offered at this Mass

COMMITTAL OF ASHES afterward in the memorial garden.

Supper following at a local restaurant

 

Friday, October 31

Fr. Jamie’s day off

*please refrain from sending Fr. Jamie emails, text messages, Facebook messages or phone calls on his day off unless it is a pastoral emergency.

 

Sunday, November 2 – All Saints Sunday

11:00 am – Holy Eucharist

Fr. Jamie, celebrant / preacher

James Mackay, organist

Coffee Hour following Mass

 

We would love to see you in person but if you are unable to attend please join us for Mass livestreamed at: https://www.youtube.com/@st.stephensfargo

 

DONATE

To donate to St. Stephen’s, please click this link: Donate or, send a check to

St. Stephen’s, 120 21^st Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102.

 

 

All Saints Octave

Once again this year at St. Stephen’s we will devote an entire week to celebrate the saints in our lives. In preparation for the Feast of All Saints (which is one of the most important feast days in our Church year), we will be remembering all of the saints in our lives (those whom we have loved and who have shown us something of who God is). We will be offering several opportunities at St. Stephen’s to honor those who have passed on before us to the larger Communion of Saints.

+ Beginning before the week of October 26th, a list will be placed in the Narthex for you to write the names of your deceased loved ones so they may be remembered at the special Requiem Mass we will celebrate on Wednesday November 5. You can also send any names to Fr. Jamie at frjamieparsley@gmail.com and he will make sure that their names placed on the altar on All Saints Sunday and that they are remembered by name at the Requiem Eucharist.

+ Attend the Requiem Eucharist the All Saints Sunday Eucharist on November 2 and
at 6:00 pm Wednesday November 5.

Sunday, November 2- All Saints Sunday
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist

Wednesday, November 5- 6:00 pm – Requiem Eucharist for all our deceased loved ones
The names of all those buried from St. Stephen’s throughout the years as well as those written on the list in the Narthex will be read.
Incense will be offered at this Eucharist.

At the end of the service, we will process to the Memorial Garden for the Blessing of graves.

Fun Fact:

Over a quarter of U.S. presidents have been Episcopalians, including some of the nation's earliest leaders like George Washington, James Madison, and James Monroe.

 

From the Green Team:

The amount of plastic produced by the world has risen from two million tons in 1950 to 475 million tons in 2022. The number is projected to triple by 2060, yet currently less than 10% of all plastic is recycled. Source: CBS News report from 8/5/25.

St. Stephen's was well represented at Diocesan Convention this weekend

 

 The Very Reverend Shay Craig has been elected 12th Bishop of North Dakota

The week of October 20

 Wednesday, October 22

6:00 p.m. – Requiem Eucharist for Baby Matthew (d. 12/14/1986)

Fr. Jamie, celebrant / preacher

Deacon John, assisting

Incense will be offered at this Mass

Burial in the memorial garden following Mass

Supper afterward at a local restaurant

 

 

Friday, October 24-Saturday October 25

Diocesan Convention and Bishop’s Election

Prairie Knights

Sunday, October 26 – 20 Pentecost

 11:00 am – Holy Eucharist

Fr. Jamie, celebrant / preacher

Deacon John, assisting

James Mackay, organist

Coffee Hour following Mass

 

Class with Steve Bolduc following coffee hour

 

Livestream:

We would love to see you in person but if you are unable to attend please join us for Mass livestreamed at: https://www.youtube.com/@st.stephensfargo

To donate to St. Stephen’s, please click this link: Donate or, send a check to

St. Stephen’s, 120 21^st Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102.

 

Requiem Mass for Matthew Retterath

On October 22, we will have a Requiem Mass and bury the ashes of Matthew, an unclaimed baby who was born November 17, 1986 and died on December 14, 1986. His ashes (along with a stuffed teddy bear donated by a parishioner) will be buried in the memorial garden following Mass.

 

Diocesan Convention

Diocesan Convention will meet on Friday October 24 when business will be conducted and Saturday October for the election of a new Bishop.

 

St Stephen’s Delegates are:

 

Lay Delegates:

Jessica Anderson,

Steve Bolduc,

Janice Chief,

Leroy Chief,

Sandy Holbrook,

James Mackay,

Gin Templeton,

Dan Rice,

Kristine Shafer.

 

Clergy Delegates:

Fr Jamie Parsley

Deacon John Anderson.

 

Additionally:

Leo Wilking, Chancellor Leo Wilking.

John Baird, Standing Committee

Amy Phillips, Diocesan Council.

 

O God, creator of the world and sustainer of our lives. We thank you for bringing together the members of the Diocese of North Dakota, a diverse and faithful people. Help us to listen to your Spirit as we discern our choice for a bishop that will live with us, work beside us, and know and understand us as we grow together to serve your people. Amen.

 

A Citizen’s Guide

The curse has been fulfilled: We live in interesting times. Our politics is polarized. Steve Bolduc will provide a framework for looking at the evolving political landscape in an adult education opportunity: “Policy, Politics, and Party Identity: A Citizen’s Guide.” Sunday October 26 following Coffee Hour. Open to all; we will gather following the liturgy, fortified with coffee and snacks.

 

All Saints Octave

Once again this year at St. Stephen’s we will devote an entire week to celebrate the saints in our lives. In preparation for the Feast of All Saints (which is one of the most important feast days in our Church year), we will be remembering all of the saints in our lives (those whom we have loved and who have shown us something of who God is). We will be offering several opportunities at St. Stephen’s to honor those who have passed on before us to the larger Communion of Saints.

+ Beginning before the week of October 26th, a list will be placed in the Narthex for you to write the names of your deceased loved ones so they may be remembered at the special Requiem Mass we will celebrate on Wednesday November 5. You can also send any names to Fr. Jamie at frjamieparsley@gmail.com and he will make sure that their names placed on the altar on All Saints Sunday and that they are remembered by name at the Requiem Eucharist.

+ Attend the Requiem Eucharist the All Saints Sunday Eucharist on November 2 and
at 6:00 pm Wednesday November 5.

Sunday, November 2- All Saints Sunday
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist

Wednesday, November 5- 6:00 pm – Requiem Eucharist for all our deceased loved ones
The names of all those buried from St. Stephen’s throughout the years as well as those written on the list in the Narthex will be read.
Incense will be offered at this Eucharist.

At the end of the service, we will process to the Memorial Garden for the Blessing of graves.

Supper afterward at a local restaurant

 

 

Words of Wisdom:

“Once you choose hope, anything’s possible.” ~Christopher Reeve

 

From the Green Team:

These takeout containers can't be recycled

Polystyrene foam containers: These foam containers, often referred to as "Styrofoam," are widely used for takeout and delivery, so it's likely you've seen them. Unfortunately, they aren't recyclable and must be thrown out.
Black plastic containers: These are another popular choice for restaurants and while they are often made from recycled materials -- making them at least somewhat eco-friendly -- they can't be recycled and must be tossed. According to Walters, recycling plant sorting technology just hasn't caught up to these materials yet.
Chinese containers and clamshells: This is another type of container that in theory could be recycled, but because oil often seeps into the cardboard, you're better off throwing them away. Also, many are coated with a sealant that makes them leak-proof and difficult to recycle.
Oil-stained pizza boxes: In theory, corrugated cardboard can be recycled but not when it's soaked in oil or caked with cheese. Happy medium: Take the top portion of the box if it's free from oil and recycle that with your cardboard. The bottom half will likely need to be trashed.
Plastic bags: Your food is often delivered in plastic bags, but they aren't recyclable and can cause serious harm to your local recycling facilities. To dispose of plastic bags, return them to the store where you got them or reuse them. Better yet, don't use them at all and request a paper bag instead.
Plastic utensils: Not everything made from plastic is recyclable and recycling plastic utensils is usually dependent on your local facility so check with your service provider. Even better, when you place your order let the restaurant know you don't need any plastic utensils.
Soiled paper plates and napkins: These are not recyclable when soiled with food and liquid, so look for reusable, biodegradable or true disposable products instead. Source: CNET. For more information visit  https://www.cnet.com/home/kitchen-and-household/not-all-takeout-containers-are-recyclable-here-are-7-that-dont-go-in-the-blue-bin/

 

 

 

The week of October 13

 Monday, October 13 - Indigenous Peoples Day

Office Closed

Wednesday, October 15

6:00 p.m. – Requiem Eucharist for Thomas Bray (died May 26, 1984)

Fr. Jamie, celebrant / preacher

Deacon John, assisting

Incense will be offered at this Mass

Committal of ashes following in the memorial garden

Supper afterward at a local restaurant

 

Friday, October 17

Fr. Jamie’s day off

*please refrain from sending Fr. Jamie emails, text messages, Facebook messages or phone calls on his day off unless it is a pastoral emergency.

 

Sunday, October 19 – 19 Pentecost

11:00 am – Holy Eucharist

Children’s Chapel

Fr. Jamie, celebrant / preacher

Deacon John, assisting

James Mackay, organist

Coffee Hour following Mass

 

We would love to see you in person but if you are unable to attend please join us for Mass livestreamed at: https://www.youtube.com/@st.stephensfargo

 

Donate:

To donate to St. Stephen’s, please click this link: Donate or, send a check to: 

St. Stephen’s, 120 21^st Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102.

Requiem for Thomas Bray

St. Stephen's will be conducted a Requiem Eucharist for Thomas Bray on Wednesday, October 15 at 6:00 p.m.

Thomas was a homeless man who died on May 26, 1984 whose ashes were stored at a local funeral home for the last 41 years.

We will remember Thomas during the Eucharist and following the liturgy will bury his ashes in our memorial garden. 

 Words of Wisdom:

"Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day." - Dalai Lama

 

From the Green Team:

How to avoid microplastics:                                             

1. Drinking tap water from a stainless steel or glass container can reduce your risk of ingesting plastic particles. 

2. Get rid of plastic kitchen utensils. A good rule of thumb is: Anything plastic that comes in contact with your food should be swapped out for ceramic, glass, stainless steel or wood. 

3. While you can't control how many microplastics your fish ate before it got to your plate, you can reduce the amount of filter feeders and bottom feeders you choose to eat (e.g., clams, mussels, oysters, catfish, halibut, flounder and cod). These types of seafood are exposed to higher amounts of microplastics. Also, opt for seafood at the store that uses sustainable packaging, not plastic wrap. 

4. To reduce your exposure to microplastics in your salt and sugar, you can buy them packaged in glass or cardboard. 

5. Wash your fruit thoroughly, peel when possible and opt for local or organic produce. 

6. Be careful how much shellfish you eat. Shellfish like mussels, oysters and scallops have higher levels of microplastics, so don't overdo it.

 

 

 

Happy Indigenous People's Day. The office will be closed today.

 

The week of October 6

 Monday, October 6-Thursday, October 9

Fr. Jamie out of town

 

Wednesday, October 8

6:00 p.m. – Holy Eucharist

Fr. Peter Ackemeier, celebrant

Deacon John, assisting/preaching

Supper afterward at a local restaurant

 

Friday, October 10

Fr. Jamie’s day off

*please refrain from sending Fr. Jamie emails, text messages, Facebook messages or phone calls on his day off unless it is a pastoral emergency.

 

Sunday, October 12 – 18 Pentecost

11:00 am – Holy Eucharist

Fr. Jamie, celebrant / preacher

Deacon John, assisting

James Mackay, organist

Children’s Chapel

Coffee Hour following Mass

 

We would love to see you in person but if you are unable to attend please join us for Mass livestreamed at: https://www.youtube.com/@st.stephensfargo

 

 

Donate:

To donate to St. Stephen’s, please click this link: Donate or, send a check to 

St. Stephen’s, 120 21^st Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102.

 

Words of Wisdom:

“Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.”—Abraham Lincoln

 

From the Green Team:

Maintaining a healthy yard doesn’t mean you have to waste the valuable resources those fallen leaves provide. You can still make good use of them by doing the following:

-Create a compost pile: Add the fallen leaves, along with other organic materials, to your compost bin. This will produce rich, nutrient-filled compost to feed your plants and lawn.

-Make leaf mold: Store the leaves in a container, wet them, and provide airflow by poking holes in the container. Flip the container after six months, and in 12-18 months, you will have a valuable organic amendment for your garden and lawn.