St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

February 6 - 22 at St. Stephen's

2012-02-05T19:44:00.000-08:00

Fr. Jamie’s vacation

Fr. Jamie will be on vacation February 6-20. Please contact Pastor Mark Strobel at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church (235-5591) if you have any pastoral concerns or emergencies.

Wednesday February 8 –
6:00 pm – Evening Prayer
Sandy Holbrook, officiant
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Sunday February 12– 6 Epiphany
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Pr. Mark Strobel, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel

Wednesday February 15 –
6:00 pm – Evening Prayer
Sandy Holbrook, officiant
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Sunday February 19– Last Epiphany
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Charles Cherry, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel

Tuesday February 21
5:30 - Shrove Tuesday supper

Wednesday February 22 – Ash Wednesday
7:00 pm – Holy Eucharist/Imposition of ashes
at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Fargo

Eve of the Presentation

2012-02-01T08:29:00.000-08:00

Join us

at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church

this evening

February 1, 2012

The Eve of the Feast of the Presentation

Holy Eucharist

6:00 pm

with Blessing of Candles and procession

Incense will be offered at this Mass.

Supper afterward at a local restaurant.

Please bring any candles you would like blessed.

Candles will also be provided for you to take home.

The week of January 30

2012-01-30T12:50:00.000-08:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Wednesday February 1 – Eve of the Feast of the Presentation
6:00 pm – Mass
Blessing of Candles
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Friday February 3
6:00 pm – Young(er) Episcopalians – location: TBA

Sunday February 5– 5 Epiphany
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Baptism of Julia Marie Breth
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel

The week of Jan. 24

2012-01-24T04:24:00.000-08:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Tuesday January 24
6:30 pm – Healing Eucharist
Intercessory prayers/laying-on-of-hands/Sacrament of Holy Unction
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Jan Nelson, assisting
Michelle Gelinske, music

Wednesday January 25 –
6:00 pm – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Saturday January 28 –
1:00 pm – Annual Report Assembly

6:00 pm – Occupy-FM Chili feed (sponsored by FM Veg)

Sunday January 29– 4 Epiphany
11:00 am – Morning Prayer/Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel

1:00 pm Annual Meeting and potluck following

The week of Jan. 16 at St. Stephen's

2012-01-16T09:22:00.000-08:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Wednesday January 18 – Observing Martin Luther King, jr.
6:00 pm – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Saturday January 21 –
10:30 pm – Budget Committee

Sunday January 22– 3 Epiphany
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/Sandy Holbrook, preacher
Children’s Chapel

The week of Jan. 8

2012-01-09T09:00:00.000-08:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Wednesday January 11
6:00 pm – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Sunday January 15– 2 Epiphany
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/ preacher
Children’s Chapel

5:30 pm – Prasadam (hosted by FM Veg)

Epiphany Mass/Blessing of chalk/Epiphany cake

2012-01-03T20:29:00.000-08:00

Join us

Wednesday, January 4,

the observed Feast of the Epiphany,

during our 6:00 pm Holy Eucharist

We will once again have a traditional “Blessing of the Chalk” and “Blessing of the homes of the parish” as well as ceremoniously Proclaim the Date of Easter.

Since the Middle Ages there has been a tradition that on (or near) the feast of the Epiphany we pray for God’s blessing on our homes, marking the entrance with chalk (an incarnational image reminding us of the dust of the earth from which we were made). We mark the main door of our home with the initials of the Magi and the numerals of the new year, connected with crosses:

20 + C + M + B + 12

The initials remind us of the legendary names of the Magi – Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar – and also stand for the Latin motto: Christus mansionem benedicat, “May Christ bless this house.” In the Book of Exodus, the Israelites marked their doors with blood so that the Lord would pass over their homes; but in this ritual, we mark our doors with chalk as a sign that we have invited God’s presence and blessing into our homes.

It is traditional to write the inscription on the lintel, above the door, but it can be written anywhere near the entrance. The following prayer may be said while the entrance is marked:

The three Wise Men,
C Caspar,
M Melchior,
B and Balthasar followed the star of God’s Son who became human
20 two thousand
12 and twelve years ago.
++ May Christ bless our home
++ and remain with us throughout the new year. Amen.

The Proclamation of the Date of Easter

The Proclamation of the Date of Easter on Epiphany dates from a time when calendars were not readily available. It was necessary to make known the date of Easter in advance, since many celebrations of the liturgical year depend on its date. The number of Sundays that follow Epiphany, the date of Ash Wednesday, and the number of Sundays that follow Pentecost are all computed in relation to Easter.

Epiphany Cake

Following Mass, please join is for the traditional Epiphany cake. A nut is baked into the cake and whoever gets the nut in her or his piece of cake brings the cake the next year.

May this Epiphany Blessing be a reminder that Christ is incarnate in the love and care we manifest to each other in our ordinary daily lives together.

Even if you are unable to make it to the Epiphany Mass this year, the chalk will be available for anyone who would like to use it to bless their homes.

The week of Jan. 2

2012-01-03T17:57:00.000-08:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Wednesday January 4 – Observing the Feast of The Epiphany
6:00 pm – Mass
The blessing of Chalk*/The blessing of the homes of the parish
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be used at this Mass
Dessert first: Epiphany cake* will be served afterward
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Sunday January 8 – 1 Epiphany – Baptism of Our Lord
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel

12:45 pm – Vestry

Birth of Julia Marie Breth

2011-12-30T21:50:00.000-08:00

Julia Marie Breth

Daughter of Janie and Adam Breth

and brother of Justin Rudnick

was born

Friday, December 30, 2011

at 9:49 pm

weighing 7 lbs 11 oz.

O God, you have taught us through your blessed Son that whoever receives a little child in the name of Christ receives Christ himself: We give thanks for the blessing you have bestowed upon this family in giving them Julia. Confirm their joy by a lively sense of your presence with them, and give them calm strength and patient wisdom as they seek to bring Julia to love all that is true and noble, just and pure, lovable and gracious, excellent and admirable, following the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

St. Stephen's Day

2011-12-26T08:35:00.000-08:00

Join us

this evening

Monday, December 26

for the Feast of

our Patron saint,

St. Stephen the Martyr

The Holy Eucharist

6:00 pm

Fr. Jamie, celebrant

James Mackay, music

Our guest this evening will be Fr. Oliver Herbel

of Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church in Fargo.

Fr. Oliver will share some perspective about

St. Stephen from an Eastern Orthodox perspective

following the Mass

Join us as we celebrate our namesake

and our congregation.

Incense will be offered.

Fr. Oliver completed his doctorate degree in historical theology from Saint Louis University in May 2009. He has been married to his wife, Lorie, since 1996, and they have three children: Micah, Macrina, and Anastasia ("Tasha"). Fr. Oliver teaches "Ethics in the Information Age" as an adjunct at MSUM and serves as the faculty advisor to the MSUM fencing club.

The week of December 26

2011-12-26T07:04:00.000-08:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Monday December 26 – Feast of St. Stephen
6:00 pm – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
James Mackay, music
Incense will be offered at this Mass
Fr. Oliver Herbel of Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church in Fargo will talk after the Mass about St. Stephen from an Eastern Orthodox perspective.

Tuesday December 27 – St. John the Evangelist
6:30 pm – Healing Eucharist
Intercessory prayers/laying-on-of-hands/Sacrament of Holy Unction
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Michelle Gelinske, music

Wednesday December 28 – Holy Innocents
6:00 pm – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
Supper afterward at a local restaurant

Thursday, December 29
5:30 rehearsal for the Ellefson/LaGosh wedding

Friday December 30
5:30 – The Blessing of the Marriage of Jennifer Ellefson and Justin LaGosh
at Gethsemane Cathedral, Fargo
Fr. Jamie, officiating/preaching

Sunday January 1 – Holy Name of Jesus
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher

Christmas Eve-Christmas Day at St. Stephen's

2011-12-20T17:23:00.000-08:00

Wednesday December 21 –

6:00 pm – E.P./Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
Supper afterward at a local restaurant

Saturday December 24 – Christmas Eve
8:00 pm – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher

Sunday December 25–Christmas Day
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/ preacher

Young(er) Episcopalians

2011-12-13T12:38:00.001-08:00

Greetings all!

I will be hosting

Young(er) Episcopalians

Thursday Dec. 15 at 7:00-ish

at my home,

The St. Stephen’s Rectory

(117 20 Ave. N.—just behind the church)

I’ll have some snacks & drinks

& we’ll have a great time for fellowship.

I hope to see you there!

Special memorial Eucharist for Bishop Elliott Sorge

2011-12-13T12:37:00.000-08:00

Please join us

Tuesday, December 13

at 6:00 pm

at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church

Fargo

for a special memorial Requiem Eucharist of the Resurrection

for the Rt. Reverend Elliott Lorenz Sorge

Bishop Sorge was Priest-in-Charge of St. Stephen’s

from 1960-1964

and was a deeply loved by many parishioners at St. Stephen’s.

We will gather to celebrate the Eucharist

sing hymns

and remember a wonderful servant of God

The week of Dec. 12

2011-12-13T12:35:00.000-08:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Tuesday December 13 –
11:00 am – Fr. Jamie reading at Barnes & Noble in Fargo

6:00 pm - Requiem Eucharist in thanksgiving for the ministry of Bishop Elliott Sorge (+ Dec. 6, 2011)
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/James Mackay, music

Wednesday December 14 –
6:00 pm – E.P./Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass

Thursday December 15
7:00 pm – Young(er) Episcopalians at the Rectory

Friday December 16
6:30 pm - Caroling

Sunday December 18–4 Advent
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/Sandy Holbrook, preacher
Children’s Chapel

6:00 pm – Lessons and Carols

The week of Dec. 5

2011-12-05T16:50:00.000-08:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Tuesday December 6 – St. Nicholas
10:00 am – Worship at Riverview Place, Fargo
Fr. Jamie, officiating/preaching.

Wednesday December 7 –
6:00 pm – E.P./Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass

Sunday December 11–3 Advent/Gaudate
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel

12:45 - Vestry

Celebrate St. Nicholas this Sunday at St. Stephen's

2011-12-01T08:17:00.001-08:00

Join us this Sunday, December 4 at St. Stephen's as we celebrate St. Nicholas, a truly special patron saint for children.

Special gifts will be given to the children following the service.

And come also to celebrate the Baptism of Madisyn de la Garza.

So, join us this Sunday at St. Stephen’s.

Wednesday Evening Prayer/Holy Eucharist during Advent

2011-11-29T05:04:00.000-08:00

As we prepare during this Advent season for the coming of the Christ Child, we will be praying Evening Prayer as our Liturgy of the Word during our regular Wednesday evening celebration of the Holy Eucharist. This service, which is a bit more contemplative in nature, will include lighting of the altar candles and the candles of the Advent wreath, and will include, as usual, offerings of incense and the use of bells.

And as we usually do on Wednesday nights, we will be utilizing inclusive (non-gender-specific language) regarding God from Enriching Our Worship.

Fr. Jamie will, as usual, share a short homily often culled from Fr. John-Julian’s always entertaining Stars in a Dark World.

And, of course, we will gather at a local restaurant for supper afterward.

So, join us this Advent season for Evening Prayer and holy Eucharist as we prepare for the birth of the Christ Child at St. Stephen’s every Wednesday night beginning at 6:00 pm.

The week of Nov. 28

2011-11-28T06:08:00.000-08:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Wednesday November 30 –
6:00 pm – E.P./Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass

Sunday December 4–2 Advent
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher
Baptism of Madisyn de la Garza
Children’s Chapel – St. Nicholas Day celebration

Prayers for the repose of the soul of Fid Sailor

2011-11-25T23:20:00.000-08:00

The prayers of St. Stephen’s are requested for the repose of the soul of the Rev. Hobart “Fid” Sailor, 80, brother-in-law of our own Alice Hauan, who died on Thursday, November 24. Prayers are also requested for his wife, Leah and their family.

The memorial service and celebration of Fid’s life will take place at First United Methodist Church, 203 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, WI at 2:00 pm on Friday, December 9 with a time of fellowship and refreshment to follow.

Prayers for the repose of Fid's soul will be offered at Mass on Sunday, November 27 at St. Stephen's.

Prayers for the repose of the soul of Jerry Micheletti

2011-11-21T08:44:00.001-08:00

The prayers of St. Stephen’s are requested for the repose of the soul of our own Mark Meister’s uncle, Jerry Micheletti, who died Thursday Nov. 17 at age 55. The funeral is today (Monday) at Holy Family Catholic Church in Anaconda, MT. Please also remember Mark, Ann and their entire family in your prayers at this time.

Prayers will be offering for the repose of Jerry's soul at St. Stephen's at the Healing Mass on Tues. Nov. 22.

The week of Nov. 21

2011-11-21T07:19:00.000-08:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Tuesday November 22
6:30 pm – Healing Eucharist
Intercessory prayers/laying-on-of-hands/Sacrament of Holy Unction
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Jan Nelson, assisting
Michelle Gelinske, music

Wednesday November 23
7:00 pm – Thanksgiving Eve Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, officiating
Pr. Sue Koesterman, preacher
Pr. Mark Strobel, celebrant
James Mackay, music

Sunday November 27 – 1 Advent
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel

Transgender Remebrance Day at St. Stephen's

2011-11-20T12:13:00.000-08:00

November 20, 2011

Stewardship Letter from Fr. Jamie

2011-11-16T08:30:00.000-08:00

November 7, 2011

Dear St. Stephen’s friends,

“The fundamental reason for all acts of stewardship—gratitude for the abundance we have been given.”
- Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church

I love that definition of Stewardship and I think it captures our own understanding of Stewardship here at St. Stephen’s.

Certainly, we experencing God’s abundance at St. Stephen’s: Yesterday—All Saints Sunday—we had almost 80 people in church as we welcoming four new members and fellow ministers into our midst and celebrated a baptism. In all, 24 new members joined our congregation in 2011, which as put our membership over 100 members—the first time our membership has reached triple digits since the early 1980s.

So, how do we respond to this abundance?

First, we should take a few moments and reflect on our place at St. Stephen’s. In a congregation that is steadily growing, it might often be hard to find our place. But there are ways we can help and participate in this wonderful growth.

Second, we can (and should) pledge. All Episcopalians are asked to make a financial pledge based upon a percent of their income. This kind of giving is, of course, based on the Scriptural and Episcopal Church standard of what is called the tithe (or ten percent of one’s income). In the Hebrew Scriptures, the practice of tithing was simply a way of returning to God ten percent of all that had been received from God. The early Jews believed that by giving a portion of something away, the remaining part was made holy. This kind of sacrifice was, and is, a very practical way of dedicating all of life to God.

Third, we are faithful stewards by giving of our talents. Each of us has been blessed by God with various talents. These talents are what make us unique. Some of us have a gift for music, others for the physical upkeep of buildings, others for their artistic vision, others for their gift to make things beautiful, others for teaching. Each of us has something special that we can share with others here at St. Stephen’s.

Fourth, we are good stewards by being faithful ministers. Each of us as baptized Christians is called by God to serve—to serve God and to serve others in love. Ministry here at St. Stephen’s takes many forms—liturgically (in the worship service), musically, in outreach and in sharing God’s goodness and love with others in whatever small ways

Finally, we are good stewards in our over-all gratitude. We should give thanks to God and to each other regularly for the graces we have been granted to us as a congregation.

In all these ways, we show our gratitude for the abundance that God has granted to us here at St. Stephen’s. In addition, we also share in the on-going and vital ministry of our congregation.

On Sunday, November 20, the celebration of gratitude will continue. Stewardship Sunday is the time in which we celebrate the exciting ministries at St. Stephen’s and consider how we may show our gratitude for the abundance we have been given.

On Stewardship Sunday November 20, please plan on attending the 11:00 celebration of Holy Eucharist, and please plan to stay for the lunch following the Eucharist, which will be hosted once again by the Vestry.

As we near Stewardship Sunday, please consider tithing from your monetary income. But just as seriously consider the ways in which you serve God and God’s People through the ministry each of us has been called to do here.

Finally, THANK YOU. Thank you to all of you who have worked so hard and so patiently to make St. Stephen’s what it is. I am personally so grateful for each and every one of you as I pray for you by name through the course of the week in my daily prayers. I sometimes almost cannot believe that God has been so good to call me to a place where I can serve alongside a community of people who are committed to God’s love, justice and service to others. Thank you again and again!

-peace,
Fr. Jamie+

The week of Nov. 14

2011-11-14T05:26:00.000-08:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Wednesday November 16 –
6:00 pm – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
Supper afterward at a local restaurant

Sunday November 20–Last Pentecost/Christ the King
Stewardship Sunday
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel
Transgender Remembrance Sunday

1:00 pm - Stewardship Dinner

6:00 pm – Gentle Thanksgiving

The week of Nov. 7

2011-11-07T09:37:00.000-08:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Wednesday November 9 –
6:00 pm – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass

Thursday November 10
6:00 pm – Young(er) Episcopalians at Taste of Italy 2nd floor of the Avalon Events Center (613 1st Avenue North)

Sunday November 13–22 Pentecost
UTO In-Gathering
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/Sandy Holbrook, preacher
Children’s Chapel

12:45 – Altar Guild training

Welcome to our new members

2011-11-06T19:55:00.000-08:00

A very cordial welcome to our four new members who were welcomed to St. Stephen’s on All Saints Sunday:

Annie Lindley
Catherine & Michael McMullen
and Dan Nygard

And for newly baptized Braxton Marshall Haugen

It was a glorious day for everyone, with almost 80 people packing our nave!

We have so much to be thankful this past year at St Stephen’s, with a total of 24 new members joining our congregation in 2011, which has pushed our membership at St. Stephen’s to over 100 members. Although this is, of course, something to rejoice about and be grateful to God for, we must always remember and give full credit to the Holy Spirit, who is at work among us, and it is this fact that we should rejoice in.

(thank you to William Weightman for the photos)

All Saints/New Member Sunday...and a Baptism!

2011-11-04T05:23:00.000-07:00

Join us this Sunday, November 6, for All Saints Sunday/New Member Sunday. During our 11:00 celebration of Holy Eucharist we will commemorate all of our departed loved ones who have been entered in the Book of Remembrance by placing the book on the altar during the liturgy.

We will also be welcoming at least four new members during the service!

And…we will celebrate the baptism of Braxton Marshall Haugen.

After the service, we will have a reception (with cake).

It will be a glorious morning, so please come and commemorate the Saints in our lives, welcome our new members and celebrate the Sacrament of New Birth this Sunday at St. Stephen’s.

All Souls Requiem Eucharist

2011-11-02T06:26:00.001-07:00

Join us Wednesday evening, November 2, at 6:00 pm for the All Souls Requiem Eucharist at St. Stephen’s. We will remember by name all our loved ones who have passed on the greater glory of God, pray for the repose of their souls and give thanks for their presence in our lives.

The week of Oct. 30 at St. Stephen's

2011-10-31T13:35:00.000-07:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Tuesday November 1
The Feast of All Saints

Wednesday, November 2- The Feast of All Faithful Departed (All Souls)
6:00 pm – Requiem Mass for all our deceased loved ones
Fr. Jamie – celebrant/preacher
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 Mass.
Supper afterward at a local restaurant

Thursday, November 3
6:00 pm – Episcopal 101 class

Sunday November 6 – All Saints Sunday
New Member Sunday
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie – celebrant/preacher
Baptism of Braxton Haugen
NO Children’s Chapel

All Saints celerbations at St. Stephen's

2011-10-28T07:09:00.000-07:00

Octave of All Saints/All Souls at St. Stephen’s

This year at St. Stephen’s we will once again have 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.

+ A few weeks before the Octave, a list will 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 2. You can also send me any names to Fr. Jamie at apium@aol.com and he will make sure they are remembered at the Requiem Mass and their names placed on the altar on All Saints Sunday.

+ A special altar will once again be placed in the Narthex. Please bring a photograph or other memento of your loved one to be displayed there from October 30 through November 6.

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

The week of Oct. 24

2011-10-24T08:32:00.000-07:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Tuesday October 25
6:30 pm – Healing Eucharist
Intercessory prayers/laying-on-of-hands/anointing
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Jan Nelson, assisting
Michelle Gelinske, music

Wednesday October 26 –
6:00 pm – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass

Supper afterward at Jade Dragon (1015 Main Avenue Fargo) to say good-bye to Joanne Droppers before her move on Thursday.

Thursday October 27
6:00 pm – Episcopal 101

Friday October 29-Saturday October 29
Diocesan Convention in Bismarck, ND

Sunday October 30–20 Pentecost
11:00 am – Morning Prayer/Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel

Last night of celebration of Moravian-Episcopal Full Communion

2011-10-20T06:07:00.000-07:00

Join us this evening at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church (120 21 Avenue North in Fargo) as we celebrate the last evening of our four night celebration 0f Full Communion between the Episcopal Church and the Moravian Church.

We celebrate tonight, October 20, at 6:00 pm with Holy Eucharist. Fr. Jamie will preach and celebrate and Pastor Eric Renner of Shepherd of the Prairie Moravian Church will concelebrate. James Mackay will lead us in music.

After the service, there will be refreshments and a time to share in the Undercroft.

Most of all, we look forward to a bright future of common ministry with the Moravian Church.

The week of Oct. 17

2011-10-17T08:31:00.000-07:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Wednesday October 19 –
6:00 pm – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Thursday October 20
2:00 pm – Evangelism

6:00 pm – Holy Eucharist at St. Stephen’s (as part of the Episcopal-Moravian Full Communion Celebration). Fr. Jamie, celebrant/ Pastor Eric Renner, concelebrant

Sunday October 23– 19 Pentecost
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher

12:45 pm – Usher training/refresher

6:00 pm – FM Veg at St. Stephen’s

The week of Oct. 10

2011-10-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Monday October 10
7:30 pm – Theology Pub at Usher’s -- Fr. Jamie a guest at the Guru Edition

Tuesday October 11
2:00 – 3:00 pm Fr. Jamie on panel discussion for Coming Out week at NDSU

Wednesday October 12 –
6:00 pm – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Thursday October 13
6:00 pm – Worship at Shepherd of the Prairie (as part of the Episcopal-Moravian Full Communion Celebration). Pastor Eric Renner, officiating/Fr. Jamie, co-officiating

Saturday October 15
Pre-Convention meeting at Grace Church, Jamestown.

2:00 pm – “Next Fall” at Theatre B (716 Main Avenue, Fargo)

Sunday October 16– 18 Pentecost
Jubilee Sunday
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel

12:45 – Vestry

5:00 – 8:00 – United Campus Ministry Gala at Calvary United Methodist Church, Fargo

Fr. Jamie at Theology Pub Monday night

2011-10-09T22:37:00.000-07:00

THEOLOGY PUB

Monday, October 10 • 7:30pm - 9:00pm

Usher's House
700 1st Ave N
Moorhead, Minnesota

Enjoy drinks and conversation?
Spiritual but not religious?
Open to questions of being, belief, and belonging?

Then you'll probably LOVE...Theology Pub!

This week we'll have the first of a new occasional series of gurus--folks who are supposed to know what they're speaking about! Jamie Parsley will be with us, priest at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. He'll speak for just a few minutes on a topic of his choice (perhaps: "Why I go to church.") We'll then throw the conversation open for all.

Come hungry, if you like, and order off of Usher's pub fare menu provided exclusively for Theology Pub. Free appetizers also provided.

+ + +

The Project F-M and friends gather bi-weekly at Usher’s House (downstairs @ the Hunt Club) for scintillating conversation and delicious beverages.

http://theprojectfm.org/

The week of Oct. 3

2011-10-03T09:58:00.000-07:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Wednesday October 5 –
6:00 pm – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Sunday October 9– 17 Pentecost
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/Sandy Holbrook, preacher
Children’s Chapel

12:45 pm – Altar Guild training/refresher

Thank you from Fr. Jamie

2011-10-03T09:57:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who participated in the wonderful surprise celebration of the anniversary of my third year as priest at St. Stephen’s. I was especially moved by many well-wishes I received. It was a wonderful day yesterday.

These past three years have been an incredible time in my life. I am grateful every day to God for being at St. Stephen’s and for being in ministry with people who are so open to God’s calling and direction.

Thank you again for three wonderful years. My hope is that there will be many more productive years ahead.

- peace,
Fr. Jamie+

Blessing of animals & pets This Sunday

2011-09-27T14:38:00.000-07:00

Join us

for

THE BLESSING OF PETS & ANIMALS

in honor of

St. Francis of Assisi

this Sunday, October 2

at 1:00 pm

at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church

120 21 Avenue North

Fargo

Any and all pets and animals

of any size

are welcome to receive a blessing!

Medals of St. Francis will also be distributed.

We will also be celebrating

the 10th anniversary

of the Dedication of our Labyrinth

(dedicated on October 14, 2001)

Join us for a celebration of

our animal companions and friends

and of ten years of ministry

through the Labyrinth.

The week of Sept. 26

2011-09-26T05:43:00.000-07:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Tuesday September 27
6:30 – Healing Eucharist
Intercessory prayers/laying-on-of-hands/anointing
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Jan Nelson, assisting
Michelle Gelinske, music

Wednesday September 28 – Eve of St. Michael & All Angels
6:00 pm – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Thursday September 29
6:00 pm – Potluck at St. Stephen’s with informal class on the Episcopal Church following.

Saturday October 1
T.J. Lindsey/Jess Wessels wedding at Governor’s Inn, Casselton, ND,
Fr. Jamie officiating.

Sunday October 2– 16 Pentecost
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel

1:00 pm – Blessing of the animals/Celebration of the 10th anniversary of the labyrinth.

NEW Healing Eucharist at St. Stephen's TUESDAY SEPT. 27

2011-09-23T18:36:00.000-07:00

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church & HeartSprings of Fargo

invites you to join us

this Tuesday, Sept. 27

at 6:30 pm

for the new Monthly

Healing Service and Holy Eucharist

This service will be an opportunity to share prayer requests, support each other as a loving and caring Christian Community, and pray for the needs of the Church, each other, and any acquaintances and loved ones.

Healing prayer, laying-on of hands and anointing with blessed oil will be offered by Fr. Jamie Parsley (priest-in-charge of St. Stephen’s) and Jan Nelson (HeartSprings director).

Following the prayers for healing, we will continue the service with a joyful and informal Eucharist (utilizing a liturgy with inclusive--non-gender-specific--language regarding God) as we gather at the Altar to share in the Sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood. The service will also including music and singing led by Michelle Gelinske.

Please join us at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church (120 21 Ave. N. Fargo) as we seek the wholeness of Christ within our lives and the life of the world, for yourself or for those in your life in need of healing.

NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE, ALL ARE WELCOME!

The Healing Eucharist will be held at St. Stephen’s every 4 Tuesday.

In next Healing Eucharist will be held at St. Stephen’s on Tuesday October 25, 2011 at 6:30 pm

Episcopal-Moravian celebration at Shepherd of the Prairie this Thursday

2011-09-20T04:26:00.001-07:00

All are welcome as we join Shepherd of the Prairie Moravian Church at 6:00 pm this Thursday, September 22, as they host a potluck at their church at 6151 25th St. South, Fargo.

Following the meal, Pastor Eric Renner will lead an informal class on the Moravian Church, with a period for questions and answers afterward.

This week’s potluck and class are part of a month-long celebration of the Episcopal-Moravian Full Communion Celebration.

Next Thursday, September 29 at 6:00 pm, St. Stephen’s, Fargo, will host the Moravians at a potluck and an informal class at our church.

The week of Sept. 19 at St. Stephen's

2011-09-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Monday September 19
Ambassador (newsletter) deadline

6:00 pm Young(er) Episcopalians at Rhombus Guys Pizza

Wednesday September 21 –
6:00 pm – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Thursday September 22
6:00 pm - Meal at Shepherd of the Prairie Moravian Church, with informal class on Moravianism following.

Friday September 23
1:30 pm - UND Medical School interment at Memorial Park Cemetery, Grand Forks (The ashes of Dr. John Spur (+ November 16, 2008), husband of Elizabeth Spur, will be interred in this service)

Sunday September 25– 15 Pentecost
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel

12: 45 - Acolyte training

Celebrate the Feast of the Holy Cross

2011-09-14T12:16:00.000-07:00

Join us

TONIGHT

Wednesday, September 14

at 6:00 pm

for a celebration of the Holy Eucharist

on the Feast of

THE HOLY CROSS

Fr. Jamie will celebrate & preach.

James Mckay will be playing.

Incense will be offered.

Come and celebrate this feast great and ancient feast with us

And, as usual, we will gather for supper at a local restaurant

following Mass.

The week of Sept. 12 at St. Stephen's

2011-09-12T09:15:00.000-07:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Wednesday September 14 – Holy Cross
6:00 pm – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Thursday September 15
2:oo pm - Evangelism committee meeting

Friday September 16 – Saturday September 17
Brats at Northport Hornbacher’s (if you are interested in helping plase contact Joanne Droppers Joanne@thedroppers.com)

Sunday September 18– 14 Pentecost
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel

12:45 pm – Vestry

Dedication Sunday/Potluck this Sunday

2011-09-07T05:59:00.001-07:00

Join us this Sunday, September 11 for Dedication Sunday, as we celebrate the beginning of St. Stephen’s 55th year.

Children’s Chapel also resumes (a brief, special service will be held before the children are dismissed for Children’s Chapel).

A potluck will follow the service.

The week of Sept. 5

2011-09-05T09:21:00.000-07:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Wednesday September 7 – Eve of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
6:00 pm – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Sunday September 11– 13 Pentecost
DEDICATION SUNDAY
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel resumes

Upcoming Events

Sunday Sept, 11 – Dedication Sunday - 11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Children’s Chapel resumes.
Potluck – if you are interested in helping set up or clean up for the potluck, please contact Laura Nylander (lnyles@aol.com)

Sept. 16-17 (Friday & Saturday) – Brats at Hornbacher’s. Please contact Joanne Droppers if you are interested in helping (701 235-5293, Joanne@thedroppers.com)

Thursday Sept. 22 – 6:00 pm – Supper and class at Shepherd of the Prairie Moravian Church (6151 25th St. South, Fargo) as part of the Episcopal-Moravian Full Communion Celebration.

Tuesday Sept. 27 – 6:30 pm – Healing Eucharist at St. Stephen’s as part of HeartSprings

Thursday Sept. 29 – 6:00 pm – Supper and class at St. Stephen’s as part of the Episcopal-Moravian Full Communion Celebration.

The week of August 29

2011-08-29T07:55:00.001-07:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Wednesday August 31 – Sts Aiden & Cuthbert
6:00 pm – Celtic Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Thursday, September 1
2:00 pm – Memorial service for Paul Brown (+Aug. 27, 2011) at Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo, Fr. Jamie, officiating.

Sunday September 4– 12 Pentecost
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher

The Feast of St. Mary the Virgin

2011-08-16T09:10:00.000-07:00

Join us on

Wednesday, August 17

at 6:00 pm

for a celebration of the Holy Eucharist

on the (Transferred) Feast of

ST. MARY THE VIRGIN

Fr. Jamie will celebrate & preach.

James Mckay will be playing.

Incense will be offered.

Bells will be rung.

Come and celebrate this festival of Honor for

Our Savior’s Holy Mother

And, as usual, we will gather for supper at a local restaurant

following Mass.

FM Pride Parade 2011

2011-08-15T20:59:00.000-07:00

Pride Parade through Downtown Fargo, August 14, 2011

The week of August 15

2011-08-15T08:53:00.000-07:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Wednesday August 17 – St. Mary the Virgin (transferred)
6:00 pm – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
James Mckay, organist
Incense will be offered at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Friday August 19
Fr. Jamie officiating at the funeral liturgy of Henry Tomasek (+ August 12, 2011) at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Grand Forks.

Sunday August 21– 10 Pentecost
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher

THANK YOU for PRIDE PARADE success

2011-08-14T19:10:00.000-07:00

A HUGE thank you to EVERYONE who made the FM Pride Parade today (Aug. 14th) such a success. We had ten people from St. Stephen’s march in the parade.

AND…the best news of all: our float won as BEST FLOAT Judge’s Choice of the parade, thanks to William Weightman and Gin Templeton!!!!

In the hours since I have been amazed by the wonderful messages and feedback I have received from people who were at the parade and saw St. Stephen’s priest and parishioners marching.

It was a wonderful afternoon and I, for one, am VERY proud of St. Stephen’s and what we represented today.

Photos will be posted soon on our blog, www.ststepensfargo.blogspot.com

Thank you again for those who were there in body, and those who there in spirit.

- peace,
Fr. Jamie+

2011-08-09T20:16:00.000-07:00

Join St. Stephen’s for the PRIDE PARADE this Sunday.

Join us THIS SUNDAY, August 14, and help represent St. Stephen’s in the FM Pride parade.

The parade begins at 1:00 pm and will go through downtown Fargo from Island Park to the Fargo Civic Center lawn.

The Pride Rally begins at 2:00 pm at the Civic Center.

This year St. Stephen’s will have a float designed and built by our own William Weightman with the theme of Noah’s Ark.

Join us as we march for equality and as we proudly support and affirm our Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered family and friends.

For more information, please speak with William Weightman (weightmanw@gmail.com, 701 219-5715) or Fr. Jamie (Apium@aol.com)

For more information on FM Pride, please check out their website: http://www.fmpridecollective.com/

St. Stephen’s a proud Sponsor of the FM Pride and is a Proud Parish Partner of Integrity, which works for the full inclusion of GLBT in the Episcopal Church.

The week of August 8

2011-08-08T11:47:00.001-07:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Wednesday August 10 –
6:00 pm – Celtic Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Sunday August 14– 9 Pentecost
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher

1 pm - Pride Parade (St. Stephen’s will be having a float this year in the parade--see announcement below) Downtown Fargo.

New Healing Eucharist at St. Stephen's

2011-08-04T08:08:00.000-07:00

Healing Service and Holy Eucharist at St. Stephen’s

(Fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.)

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and HeartSprings of Fargo, will be offering a Healing Service and Holy Eucharist every fourth Tuesday at 6:30 pm at St. Stephens’ (120 20 Avenue North, Fargo). This will a gathering of people who will share prayer requests, support each other as a loving and caring Christian Community, and pray for the needs of the Church, each other, and acquaintances and loved ones. Healing prayer, laying-on of hands and anointing with blessed oil will be offered by Fr. Jamie Parsley (priest-in-charge of St. Stephen’s) and Jan Nelson (HeartSprings director).

Following the prayers for healing, we will continue the service with a joyful and informal Eucharist (utilizing a liturgy with inclusive--non-gender-specific--language regarding God) as we gather as the Body of Christ around the Altar to share in the Sacrament of Christ’s Body and Blood. Each service will also including music and singing.

You are most welcome to come and join us as we seek the wholeness of Christ within our lives and the life of the world, for yourself or for those in your life in need of healing.

In 2011-2012, the Healing Eucharist will be held at St. Stephen’s:

Tuesday September 27, 2011 at 6:30 pm

Tuesday October 25, 2011 at 6:30 pm

Tuesday November 22, 2011 at 6:30 pm

Tuesday December 27, 2011 at 6:30 pm

Tuesday January 24, 2012 at 6:30 pm

Tuesday February 28, 2012 at 6:30 pm

Tuesday March 27, 2012 at 6:30 pm

Tuesday April 24, 2012 at 6:30 pm

Tuesday May 22, 2012 at 6:30 pm

For more information:

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
120 20 Avenue North
Fargo, ND 58102
Phone: 701-232-2070
http://www.ststephensfargo.org/

HeartSprings

Located out of:
Messiah Lutheran Church
2010 N. Elm St.
Fargo, ND 58102
jnelson1409@yahoo.com

Phone: 701-261-3142
Fax: 701-237-4937
http://www.heartspringscenter.com/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/heartspringscenter

2011-08-02T18:38:00.000-07:00

Join us on Wednesday, August 3

at 6:00 pm

for a celebration of the Holy Eucharist

on the (Transferred) Feast of

the Transfiguration of Our Lord/

66th anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing

(on August 6, 1945)

Fr. Jamie will celebrate & preach.

James Mckay will be playing.

Incense will be offered.

Bells will be rung.

Come and celebrate this festival of

God’s Light and Revelation

And, as usual, we will gather for supper at a local restaurant

following Mass.

The week of August 1

2011-08-02T07:12:00.000-07:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Wednesday August 3 – The Feast of Transfiguration/Hiroshima Day (transferred)
6:00 pm – Holy Eucharist (Celtic Mass)
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Thursday, August 4
2:00 pm – Evangelism meeting

Sunday August 7– 8 Pentecost
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/Sandy Holbrook, preacher

Prayers for the repose of the soul of Laurie Blair

2011-07-29T19:11:00.000-07:00

The prayers of St. Stephen’s are requested for the repose of the soul of Laurie Blair, mother of Jan Stewart, who died today (Friday, July 29) in Exeter, NH.

Please also keep Jan, Mike, Sam and Carl and their family in your payers.

Rest eternal grant to her, O Lord;
and let light perpetual shine upon her.

Prayers for Ryan Howard Mousley

2011-07-29T19:10:00.001-07:00

The prayers of St. Stephen's are requested for William Weightman's new-born nephew, Ryan Howard Mousley (8 lb 15 oz), who was born this afternoon (July 28) at 2.18 p.m., following 42 hours of labor. His sister, Susan, is exhausted, as his brother-in-law, Steve.

However, new nephew Ryan is in neonatal ICU due to a lung infection caused by fecal material in utero/during delivery.

The week of July 25

2011-07-25T04:57:00.000-07:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Wednesday July 27
6:00 pm – Holy Eucharist (Celtic Mass)
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Thursday, July 28
2:00 pm – Evangelism meeting

Sunday July 31– 7 Pentecost
11:00 am – Morning Prayer/Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher

The week of July 18

2011-07-18T08:02:00.000-07:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Wednesday July 20 – Bl. Bartholomew de las Casas
6:00 pm – Holy Eucharist (Celtic Mass)
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Sunday July 24– 6 Pentecost
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher

The week of July 11

2011-07-11T05:30:00.000-07:00

Tuesday July 12

10:00 am - Holy Eucharist at Riverview Place
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher

Wednesday July 13
6:00 pm – Holy Eucharist (Celtic Mass)
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Thursday July 14
Movie night at Ranney’s

Sunday July 17– 5 Pentecost
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher

12:45 - Vestry

Minot Flood Relief ingathering July 10

2011-07-06T05:33:00.000-07:00

On Sunday July 10, we will be having an ingathering to help flood victims in Minot, North Dakota. If you are interested in helping out, please write a check to St. Stephen’s with a designation in the memo line of “Minot Flood Relief” and either bring it to church on July 9, or send it to St. Stephen’s:

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
120 21 Avenue North
Fargo, ND 58102

The week of July 4

2011-07-05T13:52:00.000-07:00

This week at St. Stephen’s

Wednesday July 6
6:00 pm – Holy Eucharist (Celtic Mass)
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Saturday July 8
Ruby Brock/Adam Fugleberg wedding (at Gethsemane Cathedral)
Fr. Jamie, officiating.

Sunday July 10 - 4 Pentecost
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher

Wednesday night Eucharist this summer

2011-07-05T09:04:00.000-07:00

With the gorgeous weather now finally upon us, we are all aware of how short the summer season is in this part of the world. Weekends can be hectic and Sunday morning worship often becomes difficult.

For those who cannot make it to the regular celebration of the Eucharist on Sundays morning, just remember that we also offer our Wednesday night Eucharist at 6:00pm.

Our Wednesday liturgy is a little different than Sunday morning. This summer we are using a beautiful Celtic liturgy (with inclusive, i.e. non-gender specific language in reference to God). We also offer incense at the service and may even introduce the use of bells this summer. Fr. Jamie usually gives a short homily (often using the humorous reflections of Fr. John-Julian, OJN, who also manages to give a new insights into the saints and feast days of the Church).

For major feast days, James Mackay, our organist, will join us with music. On other Wednesdays the only music is the chanted Sursum Corda.

And, as always, several of us gather for supper at a different local restaurant following the service.

So, join us this summer either on Sunday mornings at 11:00 am or Wednesday evenings at 6:00 pm.

The week of June 27

2011-06-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen's

Monday June 27
1:30 pm – Committal of ashes of Robert Coons (+May 17,2011) at Riverside Cemetery, Fargo
Fr. Jamie, officiant

Wednesday June 29
6:00 pm – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Thursday June 30
2:00 pm – Evangelism

Sunday July 3 - 3 Pentecost
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/Sandy Holbrook, preacher

4:30 – Jacqueline WayneGuite/Travis Haughton wedding at Giddings Plaza, Chicago

Gin Templeton opening night reception for Big Country exhibit

2011-06-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

Please join our very own Gin Templeton tonight for the opening night reception of the “Big Country” Exhibit beginning at 5:30 pm at the Plains Arts Museum in Fargo. Her paintings will be featured along with several other local artists.

More information follows:

FARGO, N.D. – Sometimes, the best things come in big packages.

That’s the idea, anyway, behind a new exhibition at Plains Art Museum featuring the work of members of Fargo Moorhead Visual Artists (FMVA). The exhibition, entitled Big Country: FMVA Scale the Plains, opens on June 24 and will be comprised of large-scale work by 13 FMVA artists.

The exhibition was inspired by a particularly large piece of art. In October of last year, the Museum hung The North Dakota Mural by artist and North Dakota native James Rosenquist. Its sheer size (13 x 24 ft.) prompted a challenge from the Museum Director Colleen Sheehy to the FMVA to create large, ambitious works that will reflect the size and overall approach that Rosenquist is famous for.

The challenge was a perfect fit for the FMVA, a volunteer organization whose mission is to promote and support visual artists in the area. The FMVA organizes four exhibitions of its own over the course of the calendar year and is responsible for the Studio Crawl, an annual event that invites the public into artist studios. Through these types of activities, the FMVA has become a vehicle for visual artists to have their work displayed throughout the community and a way for opportunities to find their way to FMVA members.

The Big Country exhibition will feature work by Sandra Cress, Ellen Diederich, Sarah Dotzenrod, Kaylyn Gerenz, Jon Offutt, Carl Oltvedt, Timothy Ray, Meg Spielman Peldo, Michael Strand, David Swenson, Eric Syvertson, Gin Templeton, and Chris Walla. Big Country: FMVA Scale the Plains will run from June 24 to September 4 at Plains Art Museum. An opening reception for the exhibition will be held on June 23 at 5:30 p.m.

The week of June 20

2011-06-20T21:04:00.000-07:00

Join us this week

Wednesday June 22 - Eve of Corpus Christi
6:00 pm – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Thursday June 23 - Corpus Christi
5:30 pm - Gin Templeton opening night reception of the "Big Country" Exhibit at the Plains Art Museum

6:30 pm – Young(er) Episcopalians at Taste of Italy (a.k.a. Stella's) 608 1st Avenue North in Fargo.

Sunday June 26– 2 Pentecost (Corpus Christi Sunday)
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher

Prayers for the repose of the soul of Elizabeth DeVelbiss

2011-06-18T10:27:00.000-07:00

The prayers of the St. Stephen’s family are requested for the repose of the soul of Elizabeth DeVelbiss, sister of Joanne Droppers, who died today (June 18, 2011).

A memorial service will be held at her Unitarian Church in California in July. She will be cremated and her ashes scattered in the SF Bay by her grandsons.

Rest eternal grant to her, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon her.

The week of June 13

2011-06-14T09:29:00.000-07:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen's

Wednesday June 15 –
6:00 pm – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Saturday June 18
Kenner/Sauer wedding Mass at Gethsemane Cathedral – Fr. Jamie, celebrant, James Mackay, organist

Sunday June 19– Trinity Sunday
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher

The week of June 6 at St. Stephen's

2011-06-07T12:01:00.000-07:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen's

Wednesday June 8 –
6:00 pm – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Sunday June 12– Day of Pentecost/Whitsunday
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher
12:45 - Vestry

Bishop's visit June 5, 2011

2011-06-05T20:55:00.003-07:00

Bishop Michael Smith with the Peace Pole at St. Stephen's. One of the eight languages on the Peace Prayer Pole is Potawatomi, in honor of the Native American tribe that claims Bishop Smith as a member, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation of Oklahoma. "Let peace prevail on the Earth."

Confirmations 2011, (l to r) Bishop Smith, Blake Petersen, Jacqueline WayneGuite and Fr. Jamie

Rogation Sunday 2011

2011-06-02T12:03:00.000-07:00

Camilla Wilson blowing bubbles

Fr. Jamie preaching (obviously with great intensity)

Luci blowing bubbles

Peace Pole plaque in the Narthex

The blessing of seeds and garden implements

Seeds and bubbles

Chalked up front entrance

photos by William Weightman

Bishop Smith's visit this Sunday, June 5

2011-06-02T10:29:00.000-07:00

Join us

THIS SUNDAY

June 5, 2011

as Bishop Michael Smith

Bishop of North Dakota

makes his official annual visit to

St. Stephen’s

11:00 am Holy Eucharist

Bishop Smith, celebrant/preacher

Confirmation and Reception

The Blessing of our NEW Stations of the Cross

A potluck follows the service.

At present, we have 2 Confirmation and 2 receptions scheduled. If you are interested in being confirmed or received by Bishop Michael this Sunday, please let Fr. Jamie know by Friday.

The Week of May 30

2011-05-31T13:52:00.000-07:00

Join us at St. Stephen’s this week

Wednesday June 1 – The Eve of the Ascension
6:00 pm – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Thursday June 2
Ascension Day

Sunday June 5– 7 Easter/Sunday after Ascension
Visit from Bishop Michael Smith
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Confirmation/Receptions
Bishop Michael Smith, celebrant/preacher
Potluck following

The birth of Francis Dolence

2011-05-29T06:47:00.000-07:00

We rejoice in the birth of

Francis Dolence

son of Joan and Travis

and brother of Maggie and Esme

was born on his due date,

Thursday, May 26, 2011

at 8:01 am

weighing 6 lbs 9 oz.

O God, you have taught us through your blessed Son that whoever receives a little child in the name of Christ receives Christ himself: We give thanks for the blessing you have bestowed upon this family in giving them Francis. Confirm their joy by a lively sense of your presence with them, and give them calm strength and patient wisdom as they seek to bring Francis to love all that is true and noble, just and pure, lovable and gracious, excellent and admirable, following the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

St. Stephen's has a long tradition of offering a single rose on the altar for each new baby born into the congregation. Here is the rose offered for the birth of Francis.

Children's Chapel Recognition/Rogation Sunday Procession

2011-05-26T08:35:00.000-07:00

Join us this Sunday May 29 for our Rogation Sunday, beginning, as usual, at 11:00 am. During the Eucharist we will celebrate and give gifts to the children who have attended Children’s Chapel during this past year and will recognition and thank all our Children’s Chapel leaders and helpers who have so faithfully served throughout the year.

Children’s Chapel was a rousing success this year. 17 children attended Children’s Chapel throughout the year (though not on the same Sunday).

At the close of the service, we will process out to the labyrinth in the churchyard, where we will close our Eucharist with a blessing of seeds and gardening implements.

Please brings seeds, plants, garden tools or whatever else you would like to bring to church for a blessing. We will also have packets of seeds to give out and share especially with children, as well as bubbles for the children.

Coffee hour will be served on the lawn (weather permitting).

The week of May 23

2011-05-23T07:37:00.000-07:00

Join us at St. Stephen’s this week

Wednesday May 25 –
6:00 pm – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Thursday May 26
6:30 – Young(er) Episcopalians at the Fargo Gastro-Pub (3234 43rd Street South, Fargo)

Sunday May 29– 6 Easter/Rogation Sunday
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
LAST Children’s Chapel/Recognition of Children’s leaders & helpers
Rogation Procession/blessing of the seeds & gardening implements

Movie night May 18

2011-05-17T05:13:00.000-07:00

Please join us this Wednesday (May 18) for Movie Night

We will begin the evening as we always do on Wednesday nights with the celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 6:00 pm at St. Stephen’s (Incense will be used, as usual, at this Mass).

We will have supper afterward (around 7:00 pm) at Spicy Pie at 322 Broadway.

At 8:00 pm, we will catch a showing of OF GODS AND MEN, showing at the Fargo Theatre (314 Broadway), which was described in the Fargo Forum as "... a quietly compelling if not particularly emotional and sober-minded treatment of an infamous incident in the global clash of 'Islamo-fascism' and the West. In Algeria in the mid-'90s…”

The week of May 16

2011-05-17T05:07:00.000-07:00

Join us at St. Stephen’s this week

Wednesday May 18 –
6:00 pm – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be used at this Mass
supper afterward at Spicy Pie (322 North Broadway)

8:00 pm – Movie: Of Gods and Men at the Fargo Theatre (314 Broadway)

Saturday May 21
4:00 pm – Mikhel Schoenheit/Tasha Young wedding at St. Stephen's.

Sunday May 22– 5 Easter
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel
Church Periodical Club Ingathering

The week of May 8

2011-05-09T07:04:00.000-07:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Wednesday May 11
6:00 pm – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
***Incense will be used at this Mass***
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Saturday May 14
10:00 am – Spring clean-up at St. Stephen’s.
Lunch will be served
Please contact Senior Warden Gin Templeton (gin-su@hotmail.com) to sign up.

Sunday May 15– 4 Easter
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel

10 new members welcomed at St. Stephen's

2011-05-09T07:01:00.000-07:00

With great joy we welcomed 10 new members yesterday (May 8, 2011) who joined St. Stephen’s.

Janie Breth
Justin Rudnick
Beth DuFault
Kate DuFault
Bryan Gelinske
Tiffanie Gelinske
John Gelinske
Jason Gelinske
Stephanie Ness
Matthew Patnode

May God's blessings be upon them now and always.

The week of May 2

2011-05-03T19:45:00.000-07:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen's

Wednesday May 4 –

6:00 pm – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
***Incense will be used at this Mass***
supper afterward at a local restaurant

Sunday May 8– 3 Easter
New Members’ Sunday
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel

Bishop's Visiation/Confirmation June 5

2011-04-28T08:00:00.000-07:00

Please join Bishop Michael Smith, the Bishop of North Dakota, on Sunday, June 5 at our 11:00 am celebration of the Holy Eucharist. A potluck meal will follow the Eucharist that Sunday.

As part of the visitation, Bishop Smith will also celebrate Confirmations or receptions at that time.

If anyone (especially the new members we are welcoming on May 8) is interested in being confirmed or received by the Bishop on June 5, or have any questions, please let Fr. Jamie know.

So, join us June 5 for Bishop’s Smith visit to us and celebrate the ministry owe are doing together at St. Stephen’s.

New Member Sunday - May 8

2011-04-26T11:48:00.000-07:00

Join us on Sunday, May 8th at our 11:00 am celebration of the Holy Eucharist as we welcome 10 new Members to St. Stephen’s. (possibly a few more will be welcomed that day). Refreshments and cake will be held after the Eucharist that day.

Come celebrate the growth and renewal happening at St. Stephen’s.

If you, or someone you know, would like to be welcomed as a new member on St. Stephen’s please let Fr. Jamie know.

Because a few people cannot make it on May 8, another New Member’s Sunday will be held in the Fall.

The week of April 25

2011-04-25T14:55:00.000-07:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Tuesday, April 26
10:00 am – Service at Riverview Place Chapel
Fr. Jamie, officiating/preaching

Wednesday April 27 –
6:00 pm – Holy Eucharist –
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/ preacher
Supper afterward at a local restaurant

Thursday April 28
2:00 pm – Evangelism Committee at HorizonManor

Sunday May 1– 2 Easter
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/Sandy Holbrook, preacher
Children’s Chapel
12:45 pm - Vestry

Fr. Jamie's Easter Letter

2011-04-21T07:44:00.000-07:00

“Through the Paschal mystery…we are buried with Christ by Baptism into his death, and raised with him to newness of life.” —The Book of Common Prayer

April 15, 2011

Greetings! As we journey together through the darkness of Holy Week toward the glorious light of Easter morning, we do so with a sense of purpose and direction. Our eyes are set on the goal of the Light of Christ which shines in our hearts and gives us a hope that does not die.

We at St. Stephen’s have been acutely aware of this sense of purpose and direction as we have journeyed together these last few years together. We have seen the joy of renewal and growth, as well as the transformation that comes with these changes. It has been exciting and rewarding for me to travel with such a wonderful, focused and holy group of people through this journey of discovery.

As we near Holy Week and Easter I would like to invite each of you to join with me in commemorating Jesus’ last journey to the cross and celebrating the glorious Event of the Resurrection. There will be plenty of opportunities for worship during Holy Week and the Easter Season. A schedule of Holy Week/Easter events is included in this mailing. We will be worshipping once again with St. Mark’s Lutheran Church during Holy Week.

Please note that Bishop Michael Smith has once again invited us to participate in the Easter Vigil at Gethsemane Cathedral on Saturday, April 23 at 9:00 pm. I will be preaching at that service and our organist, James Mackay, will be playing organ.

Our Easter Day celebration at St. St. Stephen’s will once again be the most beautiful and glorious services we celebrate during the year and this year is no exception. We will have a truly special and meaningful service of liturgy and music that will be memorable for all of us. And we will, once again, have special opportunities for our children as well.

And again, please know of my deep gratitude and joy in being able to serve alongside you at St. Stephen’s.

Peace,

Fr. Jamie Parsley, scp

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
120 21 Avenue North
Fargo, North Dakota
http://www.ststephensfargo.org/

No matter who you are or where you are on your faith journey, come join us in celebrating
the season of Resurrection & Renewal.

Sunday April 17 - Palm Sunday
11:00 am – Liturgy of the Palms/Holy Eucharist -- with Children’s Chapel

Thursday April 21 – Maundy Thursday
7:00 pm Maundy Thursday Holy Eucharist at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church (670 4 Ave. N., Fargo)

Friday April 22 – Good Friday
12:00 pm – Good Friday liturgy/Veneration of the Cross at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church

Saturday April 23 – Holy Saturday
10:00 am – Holy Saturday service at St. Stephen’s

9:00 pm – Easter Vigil at Gethsemane Cathedral (with Bishop Michael Smith) Fr. Jamie, preaching.

Sunday April 24 – Easter Day
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist -- with Children’s Chapel

HOLY WEEK & EASTER

2011-04-18T07:49:00.000-07:00

Thursday April 21 – Maundy Thursday

6:00 pm – Holy Eucharist at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
(670 4th Avenue North, Fargo)

Friday April 22 – Good Friday
12:00 pm – Good Friday Liturgy at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church

Saturday April 23 – Holy Saturday
10:00 am – Holy Saturday Liturgy at St. Stephen’s

9:00 pm – Easter Vigil at Gethsemane Cathedral (3600 25 St. S., Fargo)
Bishop Michael Smith, presiding/ Fr. Jamie, preaching
James Mackay, organist

Sunday April 24– Easter Day
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel

The week of April 11

2011-04-11T09:01:00.001-07:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Wednesday April 13 – Bl. Arthur Michael Ramsey
6:00 pm – Holy Eucharist –
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/Pr. Mark Strobel, preacher
Supper afterward

Saturday April 16
1:00 pm - Celebration of Life of Shirley Carbno (+April 11, 2011)
Salvation Army Chapel, Fargo
Fr Jamie, officiant/preacher

Sunday April 17– Sunday of the Passion/Palm Sunday
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel

The week of April 4

2011-04-03T11:30:00.000-07:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Monday April 4-Tuesday April 5 -
Fr. Jamie at Diocesan Clergy Conference in Richardton, ND

Wednesday April 6 – Bl. William Augustus Muhlenburg
6:00 pm – Holy Eucharist –
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/Pr. Mark Strobel, preacher
Supper afterward

Sunday April 10– 5 Lent
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel

The week of March 28

2011-03-28T08:02:00.000-07:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Wednesday March 30 – The eve of Bl. John Donne
6:00 pm – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, preacher/Pr. Mark Strobel, celebrant
Supper afterward

Thursday March 31
2:00 pm – Evangelism Committee at Horizon Manor

Sunday April 3– 4 Lent
(Laetare Sunday)
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel

The week of March 21

2011-03-21T12:25:00.000-07:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Wednesday March 23 – Bl. Oscar Romero
6:00 pm – Holy Eucharist –
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/Pr. Mark Strobel, preacher
Supper afterward

Thursday, March 24
6:30 pm – Young(er) Episcopalians
at Cork n’Cleaver, 3301 South University Drive, Fargo.

Sunday March 27– 3 Lent
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/Sandy Holbrook, preacher
Children’s Chapel

Collect for Third Sunday in Lent
Almighty God, you know that we have no power in ourselvesto help ourselves: Keep us both outwardly in our bodies andinwardly in our souls, that we may be defended from alladversities which may happen to the body, and from all evilthoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through JesusChrist our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the HolySpirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen

Prayers for the repose of the soul of Marcia Hertsgaard

2011-03-19T20:49:00.001-07:00

I ask the prayers of the St. Stephens family for the repose of the soul of Marcia Hertsgaard, a former member of St. Stephen’s, who died on Weds. March 16, 2011 in Denver, Colorado at age 79. Please also keep her family in your prayers as well.

I talked this evening with her daughter, Linda, who said her mother went very quickly of a heart attack. She said, “Please let everyone at St. Stephen’s know that she went with all her marbles. She definitely went very much in her own way.”

A graveside service will be held Thursday, March 24 in Denver.

Rest eternal grant to her, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon her.

- peace,
Fr. Jamie+

The week of March 14

2011-03-13T19:50:00.000-07:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen's

Wednesday March 16 – eve of St. Patrick
6:00 pm – Holy Eucharist –
Fr. Jamie, preacher/Pr. Mark Strobel, celebrant
Supper afterward

Friday March 18 – Saturday March 19
Fr. Jamie out of town

Sunday March 20– 2 Lent
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel
- 12:45 pm – Vestry

2011-03-08T08:46:00.000-08:00

Ash Wednesday
The Holy Eucharist
with Imposition of Ashes
7 pm March 9, 2011
at St. Stephen’s
St. Marks’ Lutheran Church will join us once again
Pastor Mark Strobel, preaching/Fr. Jamie, celebrant

Blow the trumpet in Zion;

sanctify a fast;

call a solemn assembly;

gather the people.

Sanctify the congregation;

assemble the aged;

gather the children,even infants at the breast.

Let the bridegroom leave his room,

and the bride her canopy.

Between the vestibule and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the LORD, weep.

Let them say, "Spare your people, O LORD, and do not make your heritage a mockery,
a byword among the nations.

Why should it be said among the peoples,
`Where is their God?'"
From the Prophecy of Joel

Shrove Tuesday Pankecake supper

2011-03-07T11:08:00.000-08:00

Join us
at St. Stephen’s
on Tuesday March 8
for our
Shrove Tuesday
Pancake Supper
5:30-7:00 pm

The week of March 7 at St. Stephen's

2011-03-06T19:45:00.000-08:00

Join us this week at St. Stephen’s

Tuesday March 8 – Shrove Tuesday
5:30-7:00 pm – Pancake supper

Wednesday March 9 – Ash Wednesday
7:00 pm – Holy Eucharist – distribution of ashes
at St. Stephen’s (with St. Mark’s Lutheran)
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/Pr. Mark Strobel, preacher

Thursday March 10
6:30 pm – Episcopal 101 class

Sunday March 13– 1 Lent
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel

Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS: March 6-12

2011-03-04T06:09:00.000-08:00

Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS March 6-12

Every Church, Synagogue, Mosque, Temple and Home is invited to join in prayer, education, advocacy and service for the healing of AIDS in the United States and the World.

The National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS is the coming together of all people of faith to unite with purpose, compassion and hope. Through the power of God's love we will educate every American about HIV prevention facts; encourage and support HIV testing; advocate for the availability of compassionate care and treatment for all those living with the disease in every community in America; and love unconditionally all persons living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

MORE INFORMATION

Join with St. Stephen's in praying for the healing of AIDS in the U.S. and in the world.

"Burying" the Alleluia this Sunday, March 6

2011-03-04T05:37:00.000-08:00

Join us this Sunday as we bid farewell to that joyful word “Alleluia.”

Because this is the last Sunday before Lent starts (Ash Wednesday is next Wednesday, March 9), we will retire the word for Lent, as we always do, and refrain from saying “Alleluia” during the season of Lent, before bringing it back in a very glorious way on Easter morning.

This Sunday, at the end of our Eucharist and as we sing a final hymn full of Alleluias, the children of the congregation will come forward and as Fr. Jamie takes down the Alleluia banner from the altar and places it in a box, they will take the alleluia banner out and “bury” it somewhere in the church until Easter Sunday.

So, join us this Sunday as we bid a temporary farewell to Alleluia and celebrate our last Sunday before Lent begins.

We will also be dedicating our beautiful new altar rail during the service.

And don’t forget to join us for our Ash Wednesday service on at 7:00 pm Wednesday, March 9 at St. Stephen's.

...and "after"!!!!

2011-03-02T14:20:00.000-08:00