Thursday, December 30, 2010
Thank you--and blessings for 2011
Dear friends at St. Stephen’s,
It was a glorious Christmas here at St. Stephen’s. Our Lessons and Carols and Christmas Eve services were full houses. And I am still hearing from people how wonderful the Christmas tableau of children at Christmas Eve Mass was, from our sweetly rogue shepherd to the attempted donkey ride to the tender placing of the infant Jesus at the Station at the Crèche.
I am grateful to all who you who made our Christmas Services a joyous and blessed time at St. Stephen’s. Thanks especially to our wonderful musicians – James and Michelle. The music, I think we all have to admit, was particularly beautiful. Special thanks to James for playing at all the Wednesday night Masses in Advent and Christmas.
Thank you to all of all the acolytes, worship leaders, lectors, greeters and ushers and everyone who worked hard behind the scenes. The Altar Guild did a wonderful job once again of making our Church beautiful. And the added touch of the Jesse Tree for Advent was very nice.
Thank you once again to Annette Morrow and the Morrow family for the donation of the absolutely lovely Nativity set, which is has been the source of much praise.
Thank you to Alice Hauan for preparing gifts for the children.
Thank you to Joy Coffey for coordinating Christmas flowers.
Thank you also to Dean Steve Sellers for preaching a very meaningful homily at our St. Stephen’s Day Mass (despite the fact that the heating wasn’t working that morning!)
I am deeply grateful to each and every one of you for being part of this wonderful family of St. Stephen’s.
My love, prayers and blessings be with each of you for a safe and prosperous 2011. And I ask your prayers as well as we look forward to a very bright future together at St. Stephen’s in 2011 and beyond.
- peace,
Fr. Jamie+
Monday, December 27, 2010
The week of December 27
Join us this week at St. Stephen's
Monday December 27 – The Feast of St. Stephen
11:00 am – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/The Very Rev’d Dr. Steven Sellers, preacher
Incense will be used at this Mass
Tuesday December 28 – St. John
10:00 am – Service at Riverview Place
Fr. Jamie, officiant/preacher
Wednesday December 29 – Holy Innocents
6:00 pm – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be used at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Sunday January 2, 2011– 2 Christmas
10:oo am – Fr. Jamie at Holy Eucharist at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel
Monday December 27 – The Feast of St. Stephen
11:00 am – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/The Very Rev’d Dr. Steven Sellers, preacher
Incense will be used at this Mass
Tuesday December 28 – St. John
10:00 am – Service at Riverview Place
Fr. Jamie, officiant/preacher
Wednesday December 29 – Holy Innocents
6:00 pm – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be used at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Sunday January 2, 2011– 2 Christmas
10:oo am – Fr. Jamie at Holy Eucharist at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Join us for the feast of St. Stephen
Join us on Monday, December 27 at 11:00 am as we celebrate the (transferred) Feast of our patron saint, St. Stephen the Martyr.
The Rev'd Dr. Steve Sellers, Dean of Gethsemane Cathedral in Fargo, will preach and concelebrate.
So, join us as we celebrate our patron saint and our congregation.
Monday December 27 – The Feast of St. Stephen
11:00 am – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/The Very Rev’d Dr. Steven Sellers, preacher
Incense will be used at this Mass
The Rev'd Dr. Steve Sellers, Dean of Gethsemane Cathedral in Fargo, will preach and concelebrate.
So, join us as we celebrate our patron saint and our congregation.
Monday December 27 – The Feast of St. Stephen
11:00 am – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/The Very Rev’d Dr. Steven Sellers, preacher
Incense will be used at this Mass
St. Stephen's on the FM Pride Collective website
St. Stephen's is now listed among the GLBT friendly churhces in the FM area on the Pride Collective website. Check it out:
http://www.pridecollective.com/fm-resources/religious-philosophical/
http://www.pridecollective.com/fm-resources/religious-philosophical/
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Join us Christmas Eve at St. Stephen’s as we celebrate the birth of the Christ Child.
Friday December 24
8:oo pm - Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
We will begin with the Station at the Christmas Creche to bless the beautiful new nativity set which has been donated to St. Stephen’s by Annette Morrow in memory of her parents.
We will also have a Liturgical Drama during our Reading of Gospel for children. There are no lines to memorize; no huge time commitment. We are still looking for Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels and a variety of animals. Please be at church at 7:00pm December 24, for costuming and instructions. It will be a beautiful and glorious evening. So please join us as we celebrate Jesus’ birth.
Monday, December 20, 2010
The week of December 20
What an amazing past weekend at St. Stephen’s! Both the Sunday morning Mass and the service of Advent Lessons and Carols were VERY well attended (with a good many people we’ve never seen before), and this after several weeks of truly stupendous attendance at both Sunday morning and Wednesday evening Masses. On Sunday morning, onr long-time parishioner exclaimed, “It is SO wonderful not being able to find a place to park!”
In addition, the poetry reading/publication party on Saturday evening at the Spirit Room for the launch of my new book, Fargo, 1957, was truly beautiful and was, again, well-attended, including many parishioners and friends of St. Stephen's. Thank you to everyone who showed up and who made the evening so special.
Please do join us for our Christmas Eve Mass at our new time 8:00 PM. And be sure to join us for the Mass for our patron saint, St. Stephen the Martyr on his (transferred) feast day, Monday, December 27th at 11:00 am, with the Very Rev’d Dr. Steve Sellers, Dean of Gethsemane Cathedral, preaching.
---------------------------
This week a St. Stephen’s
Monday December 20
5:00 pm – FM-Veg Potluck (rescheduled from last week)
Wednesday December 22 – Observing the Feast of Bl. Henry Budd
6:00 pm – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Friday December 24 – Christmas Eve
8:00 pm – Christmas Eve Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Children’s program (during the Gospel reading)
Sunday December 26– 1 Christmas
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
NO Children’s Chapel
Monday December 27 – The Feast of St. Stephen
11:00 am – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebran
The Very Rev’d Dr. Steven Sellers, preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
In addition, the poetry reading/publication party on Saturday evening at the Spirit Room for the launch of my new book, Fargo, 1957, was truly beautiful and was, again, well-attended, including many parishioners and friends of St. Stephen's. Thank you to everyone who showed up and who made the evening so special.
Please do join us for our Christmas Eve Mass at our new time 8:00 PM. And be sure to join us for the Mass for our patron saint, St. Stephen the Martyr on his (transferred) feast day, Monday, December 27th at 11:00 am, with the Very Rev’d Dr. Steve Sellers, Dean of Gethsemane Cathedral, preaching.
---------------------------
This week a St. Stephen’s
Monday December 20
5:00 pm – FM-Veg Potluck (rescheduled from last week)
Wednesday December 22 – Observing the Feast of Bl. Henry Budd
6:00 pm – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Friday December 24 – Christmas Eve
8:00 pm – Christmas Eve Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Children’s program (during the Gospel reading)
Sunday December 26– 1 Christmas
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
NO Children’s Chapel
Monday December 27 – The Feast of St. Stephen
11:00 am – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebran
The Very Rev’d Dr. Steven Sellers, preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Advent-Christmas 2010 Letter from Fr. Jamie+
December 13, 2010
St. Lucy
My Friends at St. Stephen’s,
As we near the birth of Jesus and as we look forward toward 2011, the future is looking bright for us at St. Stephen’s. Yesterday at church, we had the second week in a row of 50 people in church! Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to look out over the nave and see a church full of people worshipping and singing together, interspersed with the joyful sounds of children and young people.
To a large extent, this joy and excitement we feel is what Advent is all about. Those of us who waited in holy expectation and worked hard for the kind of growth we are now experiencing are truly rejoicing. The vision we saw for ourselves over the years is finally becoming a reality. And through it all, we see God’s life-giving Spirit at work among us and in us.
I can repeat what I wrote in my Advent-Christmas letter from last year: serving as St. Stephen’s continues to be one of the most fulfilling experiences of my priestly life. Our life together of worship, ministry, music and outreach has been a source of great personal joy for me and has helped me to see how gracious God is in showering blessings upon faithful, committed people who truly do seek after God.
As we move forward together into this future full of hope and potential growth, I ask for your continued prayers for St. Stephen’s and your continued presence on Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights and whenever else we gather together to worship and to do ministry.
Please know that I pray, as always, for each of you individually by name over the course of each week in my daily observance of the Daily Office (Morning and Evening Prayer) . Also know that I also remember all of you at the altar during celebration of the Mass. Above all, know that I give God thanks every day for the opportunity to serve such a wonderful, caring and loving congregation of people who are committed to growth and radical hospitality.
In return, I ask for your prayers for me in my ministry. I depend on your prayers and blessings in my life and certainly can feel the full effect of those good works in lifting me up and sustaining me during those inevitable low times.
My sincerest blessings to you and to all those you love during this season of joy, hope and love.
PEACE always,
Fr. Jamie Parsley+
St. Lucy
My Friends at St. Stephen’s,
As we near the birth of Jesus and as we look forward toward 2011, the future is looking bright for us at St. Stephen’s. Yesterday at church, we had the second week in a row of 50 people in church! Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to look out over the nave and see a church full of people worshipping and singing together, interspersed with the joyful sounds of children and young people.
To a large extent, this joy and excitement we feel is what Advent is all about. Those of us who waited in holy expectation and worked hard for the kind of growth we are now experiencing are truly rejoicing. The vision we saw for ourselves over the years is finally becoming a reality. And through it all, we see God’s life-giving Spirit at work among us and in us.
I can repeat what I wrote in my Advent-Christmas letter from last year: serving as St. Stephen’s continues to be one of the most fulfilling experiences of my priestly life. Our life together of worship, ministry, music and outreach has been a source of great personal joy for me and has helped me to see how gracious God is in showering blessings upon faithful, committed people who truly do seek after God.
As we move forward together into this future full of hope and potential growth, I ask for your continued prayers for St. Stephen’s and your continued presence on Sunday mornings, Wednesday nights and whenever else we gather together to worship and to do ministry.
Please know that I pray, as always, for each of you individually by name over the course of each week in my daily observance of the Daily Office (Morning and Evening Prayer) . Also know that I also remember all of you at the altar during celebration of the Mass. Above all, know that I give God thanks every day for the opportunity to serve such a wonderful, caring and loving congregation of people who are committed to growth and radical hospitality.
In return, I ask for your prayers for me in my ministry. I depend on your prayers and blessings in my life and certainly can feel the full effect of those good works in lifting me up and sustaining me during those inevitable low times.
My sincerest blessings to you and to all those you love during this season of joy, hope and love.
PEACE always,
Fr. Jamie Parsley+
ALSO in today's Fargo FORUM
St. Stephen’s celebrates lessons and carols
A service of Advent lessons and carols will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 120 21st Ave. N. in Fargo.
A service of Advent lessons and carols will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 120 21st Ave. N. in Fargo.
The lessons and carols service is a traditional Anglican service of scripture readings, prayers and hymns.
For more information, call (701) 232-2076
A service of Advent lessons and carols will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 120 21st Ave. N. in Fargo.
A service of Advent lessons and carols will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 120 21st Ave. N. in Fargo.
The lessons and carols service is a traditional Anglican service of scripture readings, prayers and hymns.
For more information, call (701) 232-2076
From today's Fargo FORUM
Fargo priest, poet celebrates new book
A reading and publication party for the Rev. Jamie Parsley’s “Fargo, 1957: An Elegy” begins at 4 p.m. today in the Spirit Room, 111 Broadway, Fargo.
In this evocative and moving elegy of the devastating 1957 Fargo tornado and its victims, Parsley weaves a story of loss, poetry, pain, faith and ultimately renewal and gives voice to those victims who, before now, were unable to speak for themselves. “Fargo, 1957” is the story of the resilience and fortitude of the people who survived the storm and those who did not.
Parsley has been associate poet laureate of North Dakota since 2004. He serves as priest in charge of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in north Fargo and as executive assistant to the bishop for the Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota.
The publication party follows at 5 p.m. Call (701) 237-0230 for more information.
A reading and publication party for the Rev. Jamie Parsley’s “Fargo, 1957: An Elegy” begins at 4 p.m. today in the Spirit Room, 111 Broadway, Fargo.
In this evocative and moving elegy of the devastating 1957 Fargo tornado and its victims, Parsley weaves a story of loss, poetry, pain, faith and ultimately renewal and gives voice to those victims who, before now, were unable to speak for themselves. “Fargo, 1957” is the story of the resilience and fortitude of the people who survived the storm and those who did not.
Parsley has been associate poet laureate of North Dakota since 2004. He serves as priest in charge of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in north Fargo and as executive assistant to the bishop for the Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota.
The publication party follows at 5 p.m. Call (701) 237-0230 for more information.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Advent Lessons and Carols December 19th
Join us this Sunday, December 19, as St. Stephen’s celebrates A Service of Advent Lessons and Carols. The service begins at 6:00 pm .
Greening of the church for Christmas will follow the service.
The Lessons and Carols service is a beautiful and traditional Anglican service of scripture readings, prayers and hymns.
Join us for this time of quiet reflection and to celebrate, in joyful expectation, the coming of the Christ Child.
Greening of the church for Christmas will follow the service.
The Lessons and Carols service is a beautiful and traditional Anglican service of scripture readings, prayers and hymns.
Join us for this time of quiet reflection and to celebrate, in joyful expectation, the coming of the Christ Child.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
New Integrity Province 6 Coordinator named
Integrity has recently announced the New Province 6 Coordinator for Integrity, the Revd Scott Monson, from St. Paul, MN. More information about Fr. Monson follows.
As you know, St. Stephen’s is a partner congregation of Integrity, a group of Episcopalians whose mission is “to be the witness of the lesbian and gay community in the Episcopal Church and of the Episcopal Church in the lesbian and gay community.”
http://www.integrityusa.org/
From Integrity:
Dear friends:It is my great pleasure and honor to introduce and appoint the Rev. Scott Monson as the Province 6 Coordinator for Integrity USA. Scott has been in leadership positions for Integrity for a number of years. He is already at work preparing for Integrity's presence and hospitality at Creating Change/Practice Spirit, Do Justice Conference in Minneapolis this February. Please welcome Scott!
As you know, St. Stephen’s is a partner congregation of Integrity, a group of Episcopalians whose mission is “to be the witness of the lesbian and gay community in the Episcopal Church and of the Episcopal Church in the lesbian and gay community.”
http://www.integrityusa.org/
From Integrity:
Dear friends:It is my great pleasure and honor to introduce and appoint the Rev. Scott Monson as the Province 6 Coordinator for Integrity USA. Scott has been in leadership positions for Integrity for a number of years. He is already at work preparing for Integrity's presence and hospitality at Creating Change/Practice Spirit, Do Justice Conference in Minneapolis this February. Please welcome Scott!
More About Scott
A Minnesotan by birth and inclination, Scott has a wide-ranging employment history, no doubt owing to his life-long academic pursuit of the liberal arts with degree work in history, literature, theater and communication. Scott is privileged to have served as special assistant to Archbishop Desmond Tutu and as a past president of Integrity Minnesota. An alumnus of Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, he has been as a parish rector, currently assists at St. Paul’s on-the-Hill, St. Paul, is a member of Seabury’s board of trustees and is studying the interplay of religion and culture at the University of Minnesota. He is an avid reader and armchair historian, and wishes he were a better musician. Scott lives in Lilydale, MN, on the banks of the Mississippi River.
Contact info:
The Rev. Scott Monson
1015 Sibley Memorial Hwy. #310
St. Paul, MN 55118-3684
651-785-5103 (mobile)
Advent blessings,
Neil Houghton
Vice President for Local Affairs
Neil Houghton
Vice President for Local Affairs
Monday, December 13, 2010
The week of December 13
Wednesday December 15 – Observing the Feast of St. John of the Cross
6:00 pm – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be used at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Thursday December 16
6:30 pm – Young(er) Episcopalians at Old Broadway (22 Broadway)
Saturday December 18
4:00 pm – Reading
5:00 pm - Publication party for Fr. Jamie’s new book of poems, Fargo, 1957
The Spirit Room
111 Broadway
Fargo
5:00 pm – FM-Veg Christmas potluck at St. Stephen’s
Sunday December 19– 4 Advent
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant,
Sandy Holbrook, preacher
Children’s Chapel
6pm – Advent service of Lessons and Carols
Greening of St. Stephen’s following
Friday, December 10, 2010
Fr. Jamie's book Fargo, 1957 reading Dec. 18th
Fr. Jamie Parsley will be reading from his newly published book, Fargo, 1957: An Elegy at The Spirit Room, 111 Broadway, Fargo, on Sat. Dec, 18 at 4:00 pm. A publication party will follow at 5:00 pm.
The book, which chronicles the June 20, 1957 tornado that struck Fargo, will be published Dec. 14 by The Institute for Regional Studies at NDSU.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Guadete Sunday/OL of Guadalupe
Sunday December 12 is, in addition to being the Third Sunday of Advent (and Gaudete Sunday, on which we light the rose-colored candle on the Advent wreath), the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. On that day in 1531, the Virgin appeared to a Mexican native by name of Juan Diego. She left him with her image imprinted on his “tilma” (cloak), which is venerated to this day and is celebrated each year on this day. It is the perfect story to celebrate on this Gaudete Sunday, in which we rejoice (“gaudete” means “rejoice”) Jesus’ coming among us, brought to us through the humble Virgin.
On Sunday, the children in Children’s Chapel will hear the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe and will decorate images of her to place on our Jesse Tree as we prepare for Jesus’ birth.
On Sunday, the children in Children’s Chapel will hear the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe and will decorate images of her to place on our Jesse Tree as we prepare for Jesus’ birth.
The week of Dec. 6
Join us this week at St. Stephen’s
Wednesday December 8 – The Conception BVM
6:00 pm – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be used at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant
(Fr. Jamie will be unable to join us for supper this week)
Sunday December 12– 3 Advent
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Pledge In-gathering
Children’s Chapel - celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe
12:45 pm – Vestry
Wednesday December 8 – The Conception BVM
6:00 pm – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be used at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant
(Fr. Jamie will be unable to join us for supper this week)
Sunday December 12– 3 Advent
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Pledge In-gathering
Children’s Chapel - celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe
12:45 pm – Vestry
Thursday, December 2, 2010
St. Nicholas Sunday at St. Stephen's
Join us this Sunday, December 5 at St. Stephen's as we celebrate St. Nicholas, a truly special patron saint for children.
In Children’s Chapel on Sunday, the children will learn about the true Father Christmas, and how he works to help needy children in the Holy Land. And maybe the rest of us will hear a little something in the sermon about him as well. Both the young and young at heart will no doubt enjoy learning about St. Nick.
And there will even be a special treat for all the children after the service.
So, join us this Sunday at St. Stephen’s.
Monday, November 29, 2010
The week of November 29
Tuesday November 30 – The Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle
1:30 – Instructed Eucharist at MSUM
Wednesday December 1 – Bl. Charles de Foucault/World AIDS Day
6:00 pm – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be used at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Sunday December 5 – 2 Advent
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel celebration of St. Nicholas
Special St. Nicholas Day surprise for children
World AIDS Day DVD presentation during coffee hour
1:30 – Instructed Eucharist at MSUM
Wednesday December 1 – Bl. Charles de Foucault/World AIDS Day
6:00 pm – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be used at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Sunday December 5 – 2 Advent
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel celebration of St. Nicholas
Special St. Nicholas Day surprise for children
World AIDS Day DVD presentation during coffee hour
Sunday, November 21, 2010
The week of November 22
Join us this week at St. Stephen’s
Wednesday November 24
7:00 pm – Thanksgiving Eve Eucharist
(with Elim Lutheran and St. Mark’s Lutheran)
at Elim Lutheran Church
321 9th Street North, Fargo
Pie Social afterward
Thursday November 25
Thanksgiving Day
Sunday November 28 – 1 Advent
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel
Wednesday November 24
7:00 pm – Thanksgiving Eve Eucharist
(with Elim Lutheran and St. Mark’s Lutheran)
at Elim Lutheran Church
321 9th Street North, Fargo
Pie Social afterward
Thursday November 25
Thanksgiving Day
Sunday November 28 – 1 Advent
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel
Sunday, November 14, 2010
The week of Nov. 15
Join us this week at St. Stephen’s
Wednesday, November 17
6:00 pm – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be used at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Thursday, November 18
6:30 pm- Young(er) Episcopalians at Monte’s (220 Broadway)
Sunday, November 21 – Christ the King Sunday/ Pledge Sunday
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel
Pledge Sunday program & meal (hosted by the Vestry)
6:00 pm - Gentle Thanksgiving at St. Stephen's (hosted by F-M Veg)
Wednesday, November 17
6:00 pm – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be used at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Thursday, November 18
6:30 pm- Young(er) Episcopalians at Monte’s (220 Broadway)
Sunday, November 21 – Christ the King Sunday/ Pledge Sunday
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel
Pledge Sunday program & meal (hosted by the Vestry)
6:00 pm - Gentle Thanksgiving at St. Stephen's (hosted by F-M Veg)
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Stewardship Letter from Fr. Jamie
November 8, 2010
Dear St. Stephen’s friends,
One of my favorite stories from Scripture is the story of Abraham and Sarah and the birth of Isaac. In the story (Genesis chapter 18), we find Sarah, the long-suffering wife of Abraham, long since resigned to the fact that she was barren and would never have children. Then one day, three visitors appear at the tent door while Abraham is resting from the heat of the sun. Despite the heat (and his age) he gets up and makes sure they are treated well. When the strangers announce to Sarah that she will bear a son, she is, to say the least, incredulous. In fact, she laughs at them and says, “After I become worn out with use and my husband is old, shall I have pleasure?” Lutheran writer, Heidi B. Neumark, translates Sarah rhetorical question as “Shall my barren life be changed to Paradise?”
In many ways the story of St. Stephen’s is reminiscent of the story of Abraham and Sarah. It is no secret to anyone who has been involved in the life of St. Stephen’s over the years that just a few years ago, many people had given up on St. Stephen’s. Years of steady decline had definitely taken its toll on our congregation. In fact, two years ago, in October of 2008, on my first Sunday at St. Stephen’s, I counted twenty people in church and no children that Sunday. The Average Sunday Attendance in 2008 was 21.
Like the story of Abraham and Sarah, the question was asked in the face of what seemed at times like overwhelming odds against us, “Is anything too wonderful for the LORD?” The answer to that question, obviously, has been, again and again, No.
But even in spite of the odds, St. Stephen’s did what it always did. Like Abraham, who was roasting in the heat of the day in his old age, radical hospitality was offered to anyone who entered the doors of St. Stephen’s and outreach was offered to those who were down-trodden and marginalized. I can say that I was one of those strangers who appeared in the St. Stephen’s doorway many years ago and was welcomed with open arms and hearts. Just as Sarah, in her barrenness and old age, gave birth to Isaac, so St. Stephen’s, in the face of the nay sayers and the doubters, has begun to flourish with new life.
Yesterday—All Saints Sunday—we had 41 people in church and five children as we celebrated 3 baptisms. The previous Wednesday night, at the All Saints/All Souls Mass, we had 20 people in attendance. We have young families and singles, as well as seekers from various walks of life, attending and being fulfilled. The sound of children fills the nave most Sundays. We have people “stepping up to the plate” and continuing the Kingdom of God to those in need of God’s love.
Our church is a busy, lively, loving, vibrant congregation, alive with fellowship. In the last two years, we have gained twenty new members, with at least another eight who are planning to join in the near future. Our Average Sunday Attendance has doubled and we are celebrating Baptisms and new members on a regular basis, as well as continuing our ministry of radical hospitality to visitors and those in need.
What some once predicted was fallow is now flourishing and alive. What some once declared hopeless is full of hope. What some once foresaw as a bleak and wasted future is now full of unlimited potential. These are reasons to rejoice. We are able to say, with Sarah to those nay sayers, “God has brought laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.”
On Sunday, November 21, we will all have an opportunity to celebrate and continue on in these blessings God has granted to us. Pledge Sunday is the time in which we take a good, long look at ourselves as a congregation and as individual members of this congregation, we look at what we are doing in our own lives to help St. Stephen’s grow even further into this abundance and life we are celebrating.
On Pledge Sunday November 21, 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 Pledge Sunday, please do consider, as always, tithing from your monetary income. But just as seriously consider the ways in which you serve God and the People of God through the ministry you have been called to do in many and various ways that have helped to make St. Stephen’s the flourishing and life-affirming congregation it is. As we continue our amazing journey together, let rejoice in the Paradise that has risen in our midst, and let us look forward in hope and joy to all that God continues to send to us at St. Stephen’s.
-peace,
Fr. Jamie+
Dear St. Stephen’s friends,
One of my favorite stories from Scripture is the story of Abraham and Sarah and the birth of Isaac. In the story (Genesis chapter 18), we find Sarah, the long-suffering wife of Abraham, long since resigned to the fact that she was barren and would never have children. Then one day, three visitors appear at the tent door while Abraham is resting from the heat of the sun. Despite the heat (and his age) he gets up and makes sure they are treated well. When the strangers announce to Sarah that she will bear a son, she is, to say the least, incredulous. In fact, she laughs at them and says, “After I become worn out with use and my husband is old, shall I have pleasure?” Lutheran writer, Heidi B. Neumark, translates Sarah rhetorical question as “Shall my barren life be changed to Paradise?”
In many ways the story of St. Stephen’s is reminiscent of the story of Abraham and Sarah. It is no secret to anyone who has been involved in the life of St. Stephen’s over the years that just a few years ago, many people had given up on St. Stephen’s. Years of steady decline had definitely taken its toll on our congregation. In fact, two years ago, in October of 2008, on my first Sunday at St. Stephen’s, I counted twenty people in church and no children that Sunday. The Average Sunday Attendance in 2008 was 21.
Like the story of Abraham and Sarah, the question was asked in the face of what seemed at times like overwhelming odds against us, “Is anything too wonderful for the LORD?” The answer to that question, obviously, has been, again and again, No.
But even in spite of the odds, St. Stephen’s did what it always did. Like Abraham, who was roasting in the heat of the day in his old age, radical hospitality was offered to anyone who entered the doors of St. Stephen’s and outreach was offered to those who were down-trodden and marginalized. I can say that I was one of those strangers who appeared in the St. Stephen’s doorway many years ago and was welcomed with open arms and hearts. Just as Sarah, in her barrenness and old age, gave birth to Isaac, so St. Stephen’s, in the face of the nay sayers and the doubters, has begun to flourish with new life.
Yesterday—All Saints Sunday—we had 41 people in church and five children as we celebrated 3 baptisms. The previous Wednesday night, at the All Saints/All Souls Mass, we had 20 people in attendance. We have young families and singles, as well as seekers from various walks of life, attending and being fulfilled. The sound of children fills the nave most Sundays. We have people “stepping up to the plate” and continuing the Kingdom of God to those in need of God’s love.
Our church is a busy, lively, loving, vibrant congregation, alive with fellowship. In the last two years, we have gained twenty new members, with at least another eight who are planning to join in the near future. Our Average Sunday Attendance has doubled and we are celebrating Baptisms and new members on a regular basis, as well as continuing our ministry of radical hospitality to visitors and those in need.
What some once predicted was fallow is now flourishing and alive. What some once declared hopeless is full of hope. What some once foresaw as a bleak and wasted future is now full of unlimited potential. These are reasons to rejoice. We are able to say, with Sarah to those nay sayers, “God has brought laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.”
On Sunday, November 21, we will all have an opportunity to celebrate and continue on in these blessings God has granted to us. Pledge Sunday is the time in which we take a good, long look at ourselves as a congregation and as individual members of this congregation, we look at what we are doing in our own lives to help St. Stephen’s grow even further into this abundance and life we are celebrating.
On Pledge Sunday November 21, 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 Pledge Sunday, please do consider, as always, tithing from your monetary income. But just as seriously consider the ways in which you serve God and the People of God through the ministry you have been called to do in many and various ways that have helped to make St. Stephen’s the flourishing and life-affirming congregation it is. As we continue our amazing journey together, let rejoice in the Paradise that has risen in our midst, and let us look forward in hope and joy to all that God continues to send to us at St. Stephen’s.
-peace,
Fr. Jamie+
Monday, November 8, 2010
Join us the week of Nov. 8
Join us this week at St. Stephen’s
Wednesday November 10
6:00 pm – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be used at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Thursday November 11
2:00 pm - Evangelism
Sunday November 14 – 25 Pentecost
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/Sandy Holbrook, preacher
Children’s Chapel
Congratulations and blessings to the Newly Baptized
Congratulations and blessings to Brian, Faye and Rianna who were baptized at St. Stephen’s on All Saints Sunday, Nov. 7. It was a glorious day!
Wednesday November 10
6:00 pm – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be used at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Thursday November 11
2:00 pm - Evangelism
Sunday November 14 – 25 Pentecost
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/Sandy Holbrook, preacher
Children’s Chapel
Congratulations and blessings to the Newly Baptized
Congratulations and blessings to Brian, Faye and Rianna who were baptized at St. Stephen’s on All Saints Sunday, Nov. 7. It was a glorious day!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
New Altar Rail
A new altar rail will be set up at the end of November. It is being given in memory of Albert Parsley (+September 14, 2010) by Fr. Jamie and his mother, Joyce. Gin Templeton made a computer rendition of what the altar rail is going to look like, which is now being displayed in the Narthex.
All Saints/All Souls at St. Stephen's
This year we set up an an altar to remember "All of Our Saints" in the Narthex at St. Stephen's. Parishioners and friends were invited to bring in phtoos of loved, as well as list their names in our "Book of Remembrance." 20 people showed up for our All Saints/All Souls Requiem Mass on Wednesday November 3, at which all of the people listed were remembered by name.
Monday, November 1, 2010
The week of November 1
Join us this week at St. Stephen’s
Monday November 1
The Feast of All Saints
Tuesday November 2
The Feast of All Faithful Departed (All Souls)
Wednesday November 3
6:00 pm – Requiem Mass for all our deceased loved ones
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be used at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Friday November 5
5:00-7:00 pm - Churches United
Sunday November 7 – All Saints Sunday
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist/Holy Baptism
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel
12:45 pm – Vestry
Names for the Octave of All Saints
Don’t forget to send Fr. Jamie any names of departed loved ones to be included in the Prayers for the Deceased at the Wednesday Requiem Mass or to be placed on the altar on All Saints Sunday.
Monday November 1
The Feast of All Saints
Tuesday November 2
The Feast of All Faithful Departed (All Souls)
Wednesday November 3
6:00 pm – Requiem Mass for all our deceased loved ones
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be used at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Friday November 5
5:00-7:00 pm - Churches United
Sunday November 7 – All Saints Sunday
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist/Holy Baptism
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel
12:45 pm – Vestry
Names for the Octave of All Saints
Don’t forget to send Fr. Jamie any names of departed loved ones to be included in the Prayers for the Deceased at the Wednesday Requiem Mass or to be placed on the altar on All Saints Sunday.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Young(er) Episcopalians
Recently it has become clear that we have a good number of young(er) people either here at St. Stephen’s or exploring our congregation who are interested in spending time together socially and discussing different issues that are specific to being young(er). It is also a great opportunity to explore the “fascinating” world of the Episcopal Church and Anglican spirituality.
As a result, Fr. Jamie is starting up a Young(er) Episcopalians group at St. Stephen’s. Fr. Jamie started a similar group years ago when he served at Gethsemane Cathedral in Fargo, and it was a great success.
Young(er) Episcopalians are:
+ people in their 20s and 30s (give or take a few years on those limits).
+ not necessarily “official” Episcopalians nor regular church “attendees,” just young(er) people interested in the Episcopal Church and its ministries, or just spiritual matters in general.
+ married, committed or single, straight or gay, parents or not, shy or outgoing, students or hard-working professionals.
+ non-judgmental about where a person is on their personal or spiritual journey. It doesn’t matter if you’re a doubter or a firmly committed Christian. All young(er) seekers are welcome.
We will get together with Fr. Jamie once a month or so, possibly at a local pub or drinking establishment for some informal, laid-back discussions and, most importantly, time together. And of course there will always be the opportunity to “stump Fr. Jamie.”
If you are interested or you know someone who is, please let Fr. Jamie know. We are hoping to have our first outing the middle part of November.
As a result, Fr. Jamie is starting up a Young(er) Episcopalians group at St. Stephen’s. Fr. Jamie started a similar group years ago when he served at Gethsemane Cathedral in Fargo, and it was a great success.
Young(er) Episcopalians are:
+ people in their 20s and 30s (give or take a few years on those limits).
+ not necessarily “official” Episcopalians nor regular church “attendees,” just young(er) people interested in the Episcopal Church and its ministries, or just spiritual matters in general.
+ married, committed or single, straight or gay, parents or not, shy or outgoing, students or hard-working professionals.
+ non-judgmental about where a person is on their personal or spiritual journey. It doesn’t matter if you’re a doubter or a firmly committed Christian. All young(er) seekers are welcome.
We will get together with Fr. Jamie once a month or so, possibly at a local pub or drinking establishment for some informal, laid-back discussions and, most importantly, time together. And of course there will always be the opportunity to “stump Fr. Jamie.”
If you are interested or you know someone who is, please let Fr. Jamie know. We are hoping to have our first outing the middle part of November.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Celebrating All Saints at St. Stephen's
Octave of All Saints/All Souls at St. Stephen’s
This year at St. Stephen’s we will be have an entire week celebrating 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.
+ Please list the names of your deceased loved ones on the list in the Narthex so they may be remembered at the special Requiem Mass we will celebrate on Wednesday November 3. You can also send me any names at apium@aol.com and I will make sure they are remembered at the Requiem Mass and their names placed on the altar on All saints Sunday.
+ Bring a photograph or other memento of your loved one to be displayed on the special altar that will be in the Narthex at St. Stephen’s from October 31 through November 7.
+ Attend the Requiem Mass at 6:00 pm Wednesday Nov. 3 and the All Saints Sunday Mass on November 7.
All Saints Liturgies for 2010
Sunday, October 31 – 23 Pentecost
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie – celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel
Monday November 1
The Feast of All Saints
Tuesday, November 2
The Feast of All Faithful Departed (All Souls)
Wednesday November 3
6:00 pm – Requiem Mass for all our deceased loved ones
Fr. Jamie – celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass.
Supper afterward at a local restaurant
Sunday November 7 – All Saints Sunday
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie – celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel
This year at St. Stephen’s we will be have an entire week celebrating 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.
+ Please list the names of your deceased loved ones on the list in the Narthex so they may be remembered at the special Requiem Mass we will celebrate on Wednesday November 3. You can also send me any names at apium@aol.com and I will make sure they are remembered at the Requiem Mass and their names placed on the altar on All saints Sunday.
+ Bring a photograph or other memento of your loved one to be displayed on the special altar that will be in the Narthex at St. Stephen’s from October 31 through November 7.
+ Attend the Requiem Mass at 6:00 pm Wednesday Nov. 3 and the All Saints Sunday Mass on November 7.
All Saints Liturgies for 2010
Sunday, October 31 – 23 Pentecost
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie – celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel
Monday November 1
The Feast of All Saints
Tuesday, November 2
The Feast of All Faithful Departed (All Souls)
Wednesday November 3
6:00 pm – Requiem Mass for all our deceased loved ones
Fr. Jamie – celebrant/preacher
Incense will be offered at this Mass.
Supper afterward at a local restaurant
Sunday November 7 – All Saints Sunday
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie – celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel
Monday, October 25, 2010
The week of October 25
Join us this week at St. Stephen’s
Tuesday, October 26
6:30 pm – Healing Eucharist at HeartSprings
Messiah Lutheran Church
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Wednesday October 27
6:00 pm – Mass
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Incense will be used at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Saturday October 30
Diocesan Convention
Radisson Hotel, Bismarck, ND
St. Stephen’s delegates:
Joann Droppers
James Mackay
Gin Templeton Sunday October 31 – 23 Pentecost
11:00 am – Morning Prayer/Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel
Monday, October 18, 2010
The week of October 18
Join us this week at St. Stephen’s
Tuesday, October 19
6:00 pm – Evening Prayer with “Episcopal 101” class following
Wednesday October 20 -
6:00 pm – Mass
Incense will be used at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Sunday October 24 – 22 Pentecost
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Children’s Chapel
Tuesday, October 19
6:00 pm – Evening Prayer with “Episcopal 101” class following
Wednesday October 20 -
6:00 pm – Mass
Incense will be used at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Sunday October 24 – 22 Pentecost
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Children’s Chapel
Monday, October 11, 2010
The week of October 11
Join us this week at St. Stephen’s
Tuesday, October 12
6:00 pm – Evening Prayer
“Episcopal 101” class
Wednesday October 13 -
6:00 pm – Mass
Incense will be used at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Thursday October 14
11:00 am – The memorial service for Hale Laybourn (+September 16, 2010) at St. Stephen’s
Sunday October 17 – 21 Pentecost
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel
Tuesday, October 12
6:00 pm – Evening Prayer
“Episcopal 101” class
Wednesday October 13 -
6:00 pm – Mass
Incense will be used at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Thursday October 14
11:00 am – The memorial service for Hale Laybourn (+September 16, 2010) at St. Stephen’s
Sunday October 17 – 21 Pentecost
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel
Sunday, October 10, 2010
St. Stephen's new website
St. Stephen’s has a great-looking, brand-new website! Please check it out at
http://www.ststephensfargo.org/
(note: there is no hyphen between “stephens” and “fargo” as in the old website address).
It will now be much easier to access current information, past issues of the Ambassador and a calendar.
So, be sure to check out our new website.
http://www.ststephensfargo.org/
(note: there is no hyphen between “stephens” and “fargo” as in the old website address).
It will now be much easier to access current information, past issues of the Ambassador and a calendar.
So, be sure to check out our new website.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
The memorial service for Hale Laybourn
A Celebration of the Life of Hale Laybourn has been scheduled for 11:00 am Thursday, October 14 at St. Stephen’s.
Committal of ashes will be at a later date in the Columbarium of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Hale, a long-time member of St. Stephen's when he and his wife Barbara lived in Fargo, died September 16, 2010 in Fort Collins, CO. While in Fargo, he was President of Blue Cross Blue Shield from 1965-1986. He and Barbara were also instrumental in starting the Fargo-Moorhead Civic Opera Company.
Committal of ashes will be at a later date in the Columbarium of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Hale, a long-time member of St. Stephen's when he and his wife Barbara lived in Fargo, died September 16, 2010 in Fort Collins, CO. While in Fargo, he was President of Blue Cross Blue Shield from 1965-1986. He and Barbara were also instrumental in starting the Fargo-Moorhead Civic Opera Company.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
The week of October 4
Join us this week at St. Stephen’s
Tuesday, October 5
6:00 pm – Evening Prayer
“Episcopal 101” class
Wednesday October 6 - Observing the feast of Bls. William Bliss & Richard Ely
6:00 pm – Mass
Incense will be used at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Sunday October 10 – 20 Pentecost
- 11:00 am – Holy Eucharist -
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/Sandy Holbrook preacher
Children’s Chapel
- 12:45 pm – Vestry
Tuesday, October 5
6:00 pm – Evening Prayer
“Episcopal 101” class
Wednesday October 6 - Observing the feast of Bls. William Bliss & Richard Ely
6:00 pm – Mass
Incense will be used at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Sunday October 10 – 20 Pentecost
- 11:00 am – Holy Eucharist -
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/Sandy Holbrook preacher
Children’s Chapel
- 12:45 pm – Vestry
Saturday, October 2, 2010
In today's Fargo Forum
St. Stephen's to host animal blessing Sunday
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 120 21st Ave. N. in Fargo, will offer its annual blessing of animals and pets at 1 p.m. Sunday. Animals and pets of all sizes are welcome.
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 120 21st Ave. N. in Fargo, will offer its annual blessing of animals and pets at 1 p.m. Sunday. Animals and pets of all sizes are welcome.
Monday, September 27, 2010
The week of September 27
Join us this week at St. Stephen’s
Wednesday September 29 - The Feast of St. Michael and All Angels
6:00 pm – Mass
Incense will be used at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Sunday October 3 – 19 Pentecost
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist - Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel
1:00 pm – Blessing of the Animals
4:00 pm Multi-Piano concert at the Fargo Theatre
Wednesday September 29 - The Feast of St. Michael and All Angels
6:00 pm – Mass
Incense will be used at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Sunday October 3 – 19 Pentecost
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist - Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preacher
Children’s Chapel
1:00 pm – Blessing of the Animals
4:00 pm Multi-Piano concert at the Fargo Theatre
Blessing of Animals and Pets
PLEASE JOIN US FOR
A Blessing of Animals and Pets
1:00 pm
Sunday, October 3, 2009
honoring St. Francis of Assisi
at the Labyrinth
of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
120 21 Avenue North
Fargo
Any and all animals and pets of any size may join us
A Blessing of Animals and Pets
1:00 pm
Sunday, October 3, 2009
honoring St. Francis of Assisi
at the Labyrinth
of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
120 21 Avenue North
Fargo
Any and all animals and pets of any size may join us
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Prayers for the repose of the soul of Tracy Ford
The prayers of St. Stephen’s are requested for the repose of the soul of Tracy A. Ford, who died at his home of natural causes on Monday, September 20, 2010. Please also keep in your prayers Tracy’s mother, Marlys Lundberg, and his stepfather, Lowell Lundberg.
The Burial Liturgy will be 10:30 Friday at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, with Fr. Jamie officiating. Burial of ashes will be in the Enderlin Cemetery, Enderlin, ND.
The Burial Liturgy will be 10:30 Friday at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, with Fr. Jamie officiating. Burial of ashes will be in the Enderlin Cemetery, Enderlin, ND.
Monday, September 20, 2010
The week of Sept. 20
Join us this week at St. Stephen’s
Wednesday September 22
6:00 pm – Mass
Incense will be used at this Mass
Friday, September 24
10:30 am - Burial Liturgy for Tracy Ford (+September 20) at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo.
Fr. Jamie - officiating
Burial of ashes will be in the Enderlin Cemetery, Enderlin, ND.
Saturday, September 25
- 11:00 am – The Requiem Eucharist for Ruth Stickney (+September 17) at Gethsemane Cathedral, Fargo.
Fr. Jamie – celebrant/preacher
Committal of ashes in the Columbarium of Gethsemane Cathedral, Fargo.
- 7:00 pm – Sarah Morris/Jeffrey Bernstrom wedding at Trollwood,
Trollwood, Moorhead, Minnesota
Fr. Jamie, officiating
Sunday September 26 – 18 Pentecost
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist - Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preaching
Children’s Chapel
Wednesday September 22
6:00 pm – Mass
Incense will be used at this Mass
Friday, September 24
10:30 am - Burial Liturgy for Tracy Ford (+September 20) at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo.
Fr. Jamie - officiating
Burial of ashes will be in the Enderlin Cemetery, Enderlin, ND.
Saturday, September 25
- 11:00 am – The Requiem Eucharist for Ruth Stickney (+September 17) at Gethsemane Cathedral, Fargo.
Fr. Jamie – celebrant/preacher
Committal of ashes in the Columbarium of Gethsemane Cathedral, Fargo.
- 7:00 pm – Sarah Morris/Jeffrey Bernstrom wedding at Trollwood,
Trollwood, Moorhead, Minnesota
Fr. Jamie, officiating
Sunday September 26 – 18 Pentecost
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist - Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preaching
Children’s Chapel
Requiem Eucharist for Ruth Stickey
The Requiem Eucharist for Ruth Stickney (+September 17) will be Saturday, September 25 at 11:00 am at Gethsemane Cathedral, Fargo.
Fr. Jamie – celebrant/preacher
Committal of ashes in the Columbarium of Gethsemane Cathedral, Fargo.
Fr. Jamie – celebrant/preacher
Committal of ashes in the Columbarium of Gethsemane Cathedral, Fargo.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Prayers for the repose of the soul of Ruth Stickney
The prayers of the St. Stephen’s congregation are requested for the repose of the soul of Ruth Stickney, 90, a longtime member of St. Stephen's, who died Friday afternoon, September 17, 2010.
Please remember her husband Tom and their family as they grieve.
May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
Details about the Requiem Eucharist will be posted as they are available.
Please remember her husband Tom and their family as they grieve.
May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
Details about the Requiem Eucharist will be posted as they are available.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Wednesday night Mass canceled this week
The Wednesday night Mass at Stephen's has been canceled this week due to the sudden and unexpected death of Fr. Jamie's father, Albert Parsley on Tuesday morning September 14. Your prayers are requested for the repose of his soul.
The memorial service for Albert Parsley will be Saturday, September 18 at 2:00 pm at Maple Sheyenne Lutheran Church, Harwood, North Dakota. Burial of ashes will be in the family plot in the church cemetery.
The memorial service for Albert Parsley will be Saturday, September 18 at 2:00 pm at Maple Sheyenne Lutheran Church, Harwood, North Dakota. Burial of ashes will be in the family plot in the church cemetery.
Monday, September 13, 2010
The week of Sept. 13
Join us this week at St. Stephen’s
Wednesday September 15 – Observing the Feast of the Holy Cross 6:00 pm – Mass
Incense will be used at this Mass
Supper afterward at a local restaurant.7:30 pm – Vigil service for Florence Anderson, Korsmo Funeral Home, Moorhead
Thursday, September 1610:00 am – The Funeral Mass for Florence Anderson at Gethsemane Cathedral, Fargo.
Fr. Jamie – celebrant/preacherCommittal at Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead.
Sunday September 19 – 17 Pentecost – Jubilee Sunday
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist - Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preaching
Children’s Chapel
12:45 – Vestry
Also please keep Ruth Stickney in your prayers as she continues her hospitalization.
Wednesday September 15 – Observing the Feast of the Holy Cross 6:00 pm – Mass
Incense will be used at this Mass
Supper afterward at a local restaurant.7:30 pm – Vigil service for Florence Anderson, Korsmo Funeral Home, Moorhead
Thursday, September 1610:00 am – The Funeral Mass for Florence Anderson at Gethsemane Cathedral, Fargo.
Fr. Jamie – celebrant/preacherCommittal at Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead.
Sunday September 19 – 17 Pentecost – Jubilee Sunday
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist - Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preaching
Children’s Chapel
12:45 – Vestry
Also please keep Ruth Stickney in your prayers as she continues her hospitalization.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Prayers for the repose of the soul of Florence Anderson
The prayers of the St. Stephen’s congregation are requested for the repose of the soul of Florence Anderson who died Sunday morning, September 12, 2010.
The Requiem Eucharist for Florence will be 10:00 am Thursday, September 16 at Gethsemane Cathedral, Fargo, with Fr. Jamie presiding.
Rest eternal grant to her, O Lord; and let ligth perpetual shine upon her. Amen.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
In Today's Fargo Forum
Published September 11 2010
St. Stephen’s marks 54th anniversary
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 120 21st Ave. N. in Fargo, will celebrate the 54th anniversary of its dedication during its 11 a.m. service Sunday. A potluck will follow.
The congregation held its first service on Sept. 9, 1956.
St. Stephen’s marks 54th anniversary
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 120 21st Ave. N. in Fargo, will celebrate the 54th anniversary of its dedication during its 11 a.m. service Sunday. A potluck will follow.
The congregation held its first service on Sept. 9, 1956.
Monday, September 6, 2010
The week of Sept. 6/prayer requests
Join us this week at St. Stephen’s
Wednesday September 8 - The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary/ Eve of the Feast of Bl. Constance and the “Martyrs of Memphis”
6:00 pm – Mass
Incense will be used at this Mass
Supper afterward at a local restaurant
Sunday September 2 – 16 Pentecost – DEDICATION SUNDAY
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist - Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preaching
Children’s Chapel resumes (a brief, special service will be held before the children are dismissed for Children’s Chapel).
Potluck following
Also...
-please keep Ruth Stickney and Joanne Droppers in your prayers. Ruth is hospitalized at Innovis with double pneumonia and other ailments and Joanne is at Sanford with casts on both her wrist and leg.
- please keep Florence Anderson and her family in your prayers as Florence nears the end of her earthly journey.
Wednesday September 8 - The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary/ Eve of the Feast of Bl. Constance and the “Martyrs of Memphis”
6:00 pm – Mass
Incense will be used at this Mass
Supper afterward at a local restaurant
Sunday September 2 – 16 Pentecost – DEDICATION SUNDAY
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist - Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preaching
Children’s Chapel resumes (a brief, special service will be held before the children are dismissed for Children’s Chapel).
Potluck following
Also...
-please keep Ruth Stickney and Joanne Droppers in your prayers. Ruth is hospitalized at Innovis with double pneumonia and other ailments and Joanne is at Sanford with casts on both her wrist and leg.
- please keep Florence Anderson and her family in your prayers as Florence nears the end of her earthly journey.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Prayers requested
The Prayers of the congregation are requested for the following parishioners
Florence Anderson, who continues to fail, and for her family
Ruth Stickney, who was taken to the hospital this morning, and for her husband Tom and their family.
And for Joanne Droppers, who fell and broke her wrist
Florence Anderson, who continues to fail, and for her family
Ruth Stickney, who was taken to the hospital this morning, and for her husband Tom and their family.
And for Joanne Droppers, who fell and broke her wrist
Friday, September 3, 2010
A Letter from Fr. Jamie+
September 1, 2010
Bl David Pendleton Oakerkater
Dear Friends,
On September 9, 1956, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church celebrated its first Eucharist. On Sunday, September 12, 2010 we will celebrate the 54th Anniversary of that first Eucharist with our annual Dedication Sunday. On that day we will utilize the Dedication of a Church propers found in the Book of Common Prayer, have a potluck lunch and, most importantly of all, we will celebrate all that St. Stephen’s has done in its 54 years, what it is doing at this time and what it will continue to do in the future. Dedication Sunday will also kick off a flurry of activity this fall at St. Stephen’s. A few activities are highlighted below:
Children’s Chapel
On Dedication Sunday, September 12 we will resume our second year of Children’s Chapel. On September 12, we will have a special ceremony for the children in the nave before we dismiss them to chapel. With the help of Junior Warden Gin Templeton, we now have a regular round of scheduled leaders and helpers to lead our Children’s Chapel throughout the year. It is exciting to see this wonderful ministry flower and flourish!
“Episcopal 101” class
Beginning Tuesday, October 5, I will be leading a month-long “Episcopal 101” class. This is geared specifically toward any new members and anyone who is wishing to join our church (but is open to anyone, of course). We will begin with Evening Prayer in the Nave at 6:00 PM followed by class afterward.
New members
In Narthex at church, you will find a new brochure entitled “How Do I Become a Member of St. Stephen’s?” for anyone interested in officially joining St. Stephen’s or who would like re-commit themselves as members. On March 6, 2011 Bishop Michael Smith, the Bishop of North Dakota, will be making his annual visit and, on that day, it would great to present to him people from St. Stephen’s who would like to be confirmed, received or who simply want to renew their Christian faith. Please read through the brochure and contact me if you are interested in joining us at St. Stephen’s.
Wednesday night Mass/”Nosh”
Also this Fall, we will continue our Wednesday night Eucharists. I believe everyone has to agree that these liturgies have been a rousing success! Each week we have an average of 8-15 people (some weeks more, some week a few less). Some of the people who attend on Wednesday Masses are people you might not see at Eucharist on Sundays mornings. Some belong to other churches (or who have no church) who come to find spiritual fulfillment and fellowship at these mid-week Eucharists.
This Fall, I will continue to utilize the Enriching Our Worship liturgies which use inclusive (i.e. non gender-specific) language in reference to God. We will also continue to celebrate the plethora of saints and special feast days offered in the Episcopal Church, using especially the new liturgical resource of Holy Women, Holy Men and also Stars in a Dark World by Fr. John-Julian of the Episcopal religious order, the Order of Julian of Norwich. We will also continue to use incense and other liturgical enhancements.
And on special “High” feast days, our organist extraordinaire, James Mackay, joins us with music.
The supper afterward (which is affectionately called “Nosh”), always at a different local restaurant, has been a wonderful opportunity for us to get together, to share and to bond. More than one person has said to me, “Without those suppers, I would eat alone on Wednesday nights. I really appreciate the fellowship time we have.”
Canon Carrie Boren, who visited St. Stephen’s and preached at our Wednesday night Eucharist in May, said that we, at St. Stephen’s, are truly doing the right thing by offering the Wednesday night Eucharist with supper afterward at a restaurant. It truly is, as she calls it, a “fresh expression.”
Music
Organist James Mackay has several wonderful ideas for music this year (which I will leave to him to explain—I simple won’t be able to do it justice). Suffice to say, the quality music at St. Stephen’s we have all come to enjoy will continue. And there may even be a musical surprise or two during Sunday morning Mass from your priest…
Service and outreach
St. Stephens’s will also continue to reach out to the community, the wider Church and the world through its many active ministries beyond the walls of the church building, including Salvation Army, Churches United for the Homeless, YWCA, ERD, UTO, Integrity, the Episcopal Peace Fellowship and many other opportunities for service.
Other events
Other events in the planning stages for St. Stephen’s includes a special opportunity to remember our deceased loved one at All Saints Day in November, Advent Lessons and Carol service in December, a St. Nicholas Day celebration for the children on Dec. 5, an earlier Christmas Eve Mass (this year at 8:00 pm instead of 11:00), with a special Christmas program for children during the service, several interactive artistic opportunities, just to name a very few.
I am so honored and blessed to be working alongside all of you. I find myself on occasion thanking God for this wonderful opportunity to be serving a congregation that truly does practice what it preaches. We truly are a congregation that is “called by Christ through the Holy Spirit
+ to live a life of common worship centered around grateful thanksgiving to God in the weekly celebration of the Holy Eucharist
+ to be faithful stewards of the gifts and resources entrusted to us
+ to be bearers of God's healing and reconciling love.”
I ask for your continued prayers for St. Stephen’s and its many ministries as we strive truly be a “vital, inclusive congregation committed to the ministry of all the baptized.” Please know that I pray for each of you in my daily prayers and at every Mass.
My blessings and deep affection to all of you, now and always.
Peace,
Jamie+
Bl David Pendleton Oakerkater
Dear Friends,
On September 9, 1956, St. Stephen's Episcopal Church celebrated its first Eucharist. On Sunday, September 12, 2010 we will celebrate the 54th Anniversary of that first Eucharist with our annual Dedication Sunday. On that day we will utilize the Dedication of a Church propers found in the Book of Common Prayer, have a potluck lunch and, most importantly of all, we will celebrate all that St. Stephen’s has done in its 54 years, what it is doing at this time and what it will continue to do in the future. Dedication Sunday will also kick off a flurry of activity this fall at St. Stephen’s. A few activities are highlighted below:
Children’s Chapel
On Dedication Sunday, September 12 we will resume our second year of Children’s Chapel. On September 12, we will have a special ceremony for the children in the nave before we dismiss them to chapel. With the help of Junior Warden Gin Templeton, we now have a regular round of scheduled leaders and helpers to lead our Children’s Chapel throughout the year. It is exciting to see this wonderful ministry flower and flourish!
“Episcopal 101” class
Beginning Tuesday, October 5, I will be leading a month-long “Episcopal 101” class. This is geared specifically toward any new members and anyone who is wishing to join our church (but is open to anyone, of course). We will begin with Evening Prayer in the Nave at 6:00 PM followed by class afterward.
New members
In Narthex at church, you will find a new brochure entitled “How Do I Become a Member of St. Stephen’s?” for anyone interested in officially joining St. Stephen’s or who would like re-commit themselves as members. On March 6, 2011 Bishop Michael Smith, the Bishop of North Dakota, will be making his annual visit and, on that day, it would great to present to him people from St. Stephen’s who would like to be confirmed, received or who simply want to renew their Christian faith. Please read through the brochure and contact me if you are interested in joining us at St. Stephen’s.
Wednesday night Mass/”Nosh”
Also this Fall, we will continue our Wednesday night Eucharists. I believe everyone has to agree that these liturgies have been a rousing success! Each week we have an average of 8-15 people (some weeks more, some week a few less). Some of the people who attend on Wednesday Masses are people you might not see at Eucharist on Sundays mornings. Some belong to other churches (or who have no church) who come to find spiritual fulfillment and fellowship at these mid-week Eucharists.
This Fall, I will continue to utilize the Enriching Our Worship liturgies which use inclusive (i.e. non gender-specific) language in reference to God. We will also continue to celebrate the plethora of saints and special feast days offered in the Episcopal Church, using especially the new liturgical resource of Holy Women, Holy Men and also Stars in a Dark World by Fr. John-Julian of the Episcopal religious order, the Order of Julian of Norwich. We will also continue to use incense and other liturgical enhancements.
And on special “High” feast days, our organist extraordinaire, James Mackay, joins us with music.
The supper afterward (which is affectionately called “Nosh”), always at a different local restaurant, has been a wonderful opportunity for us to get together, to share and to bond. More than one person has said to me, “Without those suppers, I would eat alone on Wednesday nights. I really appreciate the fellowship time we have.”
Canon Carrie Boren, who visited St. Stephen’s and preached at our Wednesday night Eucharist in May, said that we, at St. Stephen’s, are truly doing the right thing by offering the Wednesday night Eucharist with supper afterward at a restaurant. It truly is, as she calls it, a “fresh expression.”
Music
Organist James Mackay has several wonderful ideas for music this year (which I will leave to him to explain—I simple won’t be able to do it justice). Suffice to say, the quality music at St. Stephen’s we have all come to enjoy will continue. And there may even be a musical surprise or two during Sunday morning Mass from your priest…
Service and outreach
St. Stephens’s will also continue to reach out to the community, the wider Church and the world through its many active ministries beyond the walls of the church building, including Salvation Army, Churches United for the Homeless, YWCA, ERD, UTO, Integrity, the Episcopal Peace Fellowship and many other opportunities for service.
Other events
Other events in the planning stages for St. Stephen’s includes a special opportunity to remember our deceased loved one at All Saints Day in November, Advent Lessons and Carol service in December, a St. Nicholas Day celebration for the children on Dec. 5, an earlier Christmas Eve Mass (this year at 8:00 pm instead of 11:00), with a special Christmas program for children during the service, several interactive artistic opportunities, just to name a very few.
I am so honored and blessed to be working alongside all of you. I find myself on occasion thanking God for this wonderful opportunity to be serving a congregation that truly does practice what it preaches. We truly are a congregation that is “called by Christ through the Holy Spirit
+ to live a life of common worship centered around grateful thanksgiving to God in the weekly celebration of the Holy Eucharist
+ to be faithful stewards of the gifts and resources entrusted to us
+ to be bearers of God's healing and reconciling love.”
I ask for your continued prayers for St. Stephen’s and its many ministries as we strive truly be a “vital, inclusive congregation committed to the ministry of all the baptized.” Please know that I pray for each of you in my daily prayers and at every Mass.
My blessings and deep affection to all of you, now and always.
Peace,
Jamie+
Monday, August 23, 2010
The week of Aug. 23 at St. Stephen's
Join us this week at St. Stephen’s
Wednesday August 25 – Observing the Feast of St. Bartholomew
6:00 pm – Mass
Incense will be used at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Friday, August 27-Sat. August 28
Fr. Jamie at Commission on Ministry/Diocesan Council meeting in Minot
Sunday August 29 – 14 Pentecost
- 11:00 am – Morning Prayer & Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preaching
- 12:15 pm Children’s Chapel meeting (for all interested in helping out with Children's Chapel this Fall)
Wednesday August 25 – Observing the Feast of St. Bartholomew
6:00 pm – Mass
Incense will be used at this Mass
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Friday, August 27-Sat. August 28
Fr. Jamie at Commission on Ministry/Diocesan Council meeting in Minot
Sunday August 29 – 14 Pentecost
- 11:00 am – Morning Prayer & Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie Parsley, celebrant/preaching
- 12:15 pm Children’s Chapel meeting (for all interested in helping out with Children's Chapel this Fall)
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Children's Chapel meeting Aug. 29
All those interested in helping with Children's Chapel, including parents, are asked to attend a short meeting on Sunday, August 29th , after Mass.
Children's Chapel will begin on September 12th and we want to be prepared to offer a good experience for all involved.
For more info or if you are interested in helping out at Children's Chapel (which will be resuming September 12), please contact Gin Templeton: gin-su@hotmail.com
Children's Chapel will begin on September 12th and we want to be prepared to offer a good experience for all involved.
For more info or if you are interested in helping out at Children's Chapel (which will be resuming September 12), please contact Gin Templeton: gin-su@hotmail.com
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
The week of August 16 at St. Stephen's
Wednesday August 18 – Observing the Feast of Bls. Samuel Johnson, Timothy Cutler & Thomas Chandler
6:00 pm – Mass
***Incense will be used at this Mass***
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Thursday, August 19
4:00 pm - Baptism of Sadie Paloma Bravo
Sunday August 22 – 13 Pentecost
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Charles Cherry, celebrant/ preacher
6:00 pm – Mass
***Incense will be used at this Mass***
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Thursday, August 19
4:00 pm - Baptism of Sadie Paloma Bravo
Sunday August 22 – 13 Pentecost
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Charles Cherry, celebrant/ preacher
Monday, August 16, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
St. Stephen's in the F-M Pride Parade
The F-M Pride Parade will be next Sunday, August 15 at 2:00pm. St. Stephen’s will be walking in this year’s parade with our bannder. We will gather at the church at 1:00 pm and head downtown. We’ll assemble for the parade line-up at 1:30 pm at the intersection of Broadway and First Avenue South. The parade starts at 2:00 pm.
We want to have a good turn out from St. Stephen’s this year to show the LGBTQ community that they are truly welcome in and a vital part of our congregation, so please do plan on walking or simply showing your support by attending.
For more information about F-M Pride, check http://www.pridecollective.com/
For more information about Integrity, the organization for LGBTQ Episcopalians and their supporters, check http://www.integrityusa.org/
The week of August 9
Join us this week at St. Stephen’s
Wednesday August 11 – Observing the Feast of Bl. Jonathan Myrick Daniels
6:00 pm – Mass
***Incense will be used at this Mass***
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Thursday August 12
2:00 pm – Evangelism meeting
Sunday August 15 – 12 Pentecost (The Feast of St. Mary the Virgin)
- Fr. Jamie at 10:00 am Holy Eucharist at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
- 11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/ preacher
- 12:45pm- Vestry
- 1:00 pm - gather for F-M Pride Parade.
Wednesday August 11 – Observing the Feast of Bl. Jonathan Myrick Daniels
6:00 pm – Mass
***Incense will be used at this Mass***
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Thursday August 12
2:00 pm – Evangelism meeting
Sunday August 15 – 12 Pentecost (The Feast of St. Mary the Virgin)
- Fr. Jamie at 10:00 am Holy Eucharist at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
- 11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/ preacher
- 12:45pm- Vestry
- 1:00 pm - gather for F-M Pride Parade.
Monday, August 2, 2010
The week of Aug. 2 at St. Stephen's
Join us this week at St. Stephen’s
Tuesday August 3
10:00 am – Service at Riverview, Fargo - Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Wednesday August 4 – Observing the Feast of the Transfiguration
6:00 pm – Mass
***Incense will be used at this Mass***
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Friday August 6
5:00 – 7:00 pm – Churches United for the Homeless
Sunday August 8 – 11 Pentecost
Fr. Jamie at 10:00 am Holy Eucharist at St. Mark’s
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/ Sandy Holbrook – preacher
Tuesday August 3
10:00 am – Service at Riverview, Fargo - Fr. Jamie, celebrant/preacher
Wednesday August 4 – Observing the Feast of the Transfiguration
6:00 pm – Mass
***Incense will be used at this Mass***
supper afterward at a local restaurant
Friday August 6
5:00 – 7:00 pm – Churches United for the Homeless
Sunday August 8 – 11 Pentecost
Fr. Jamie at 10:00 am Holy Eucharist at St. Mark’s
11:00 am – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant/ Sandy Holbrook – preacher
Saying goodbye to Betsy Dreier
On Wednesday, July 28, a few of our Wednesday Night Mass group said goodbye to Betsy Drier, an intern at Olivet Lutheran Church in Fargo, who has been attending Wednesdya night Mass since May. She has now moved back to St. Paul where she will finish her seminary studies at Luther Seminary. Here is Gin Templeton, Deacon Barb Olson (from St. John's Episcopal Church in moorhead, MN), Betsy and Fr. Jamie at supper after Mass at Silver Moon in Fargo. Betsy writes:
"My last evening with St. Stephens Episcopalian friends at the Silver moon! St. Stephens was one of the huge blessings I had received my last few months on internship!"
"My last evening with St. Stephens Episcopalian friends at the Silver moon! St. Stephens was one of the huge blessings I had received my last few months on internship!"
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