The week of November 27

 Monday, November 27

Ambassador (newsletter) deadline

 

Wednesday, November 29

6:00 p.m. – Holy Eucharist

Fr. Jamie, celebrant

Deacon John, assisting

Incense will be offered at this mass

Supper afterward at a local restaurant

 

Friday, December 1

Fr. Jamie’s day off*

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

 

Sunday, December 3

11:00 a.m. – Holy Eucharist

Fr. Jamie, celebrant, preacher

James Mackay, music

Children’s Chapel

Dedication of new Bike Rack

Coffee Hour

 

Fr. Jamie’s Office Hours

Monday-Thursday – 1:00-3:00 (Or anytime by appointment.)

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

 

Upcoming Events:

Fr. Jamie in Bismarck Dec. 5-6

Pledge Ingathering, December 10

Fr. Jamie mini-vacation, December 11-15

Gaudete Sunday, December 17

Christmas Eve Mass, 7:00 am, December 24

Christmas Day Mass, 11:00 am, December 25

Mass of the New Year /St. Stephen, 6:00 pm, December 27

 

Words of Wisdom: 

“Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can’t help them, at least don’t hurt them.” – Dalai Lama

 

From the Green Team:

For the workplace

·         Switch to LED lights and cut the phantom energy.

·         Go paperless.

·         Purchase recycled paper or seed paper.

·         Talk to your company about greener solutions around the office such as recycling or composting.

 

Happy Thanksgiving

 A very happy and blessed Thanksgiving from Fr. Jamie, Deacon John, Deacon Suzanne, and James Mackay.

Thanksgiving Eve Eucharist

 

The week of November 19

 Wednesday, November 22

7:00 p.m. – Thanksgiving Eve Holy Eucharist

Fr. Jamie, celebrant

Deacon John, assisting/preaching

 

Thursday, November 23

Office closed

 

Friday, November 24

Fr. Jamie’s day off*

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

Sunday, November 26

11:00 a.m. – Holy Eucharist

Fr. Jamie, celebrant, preacher

Deacon John, assisting

James Mackay, music

Children’s Chapel

Coffee Hour

 

Fr. Jamie’s Office Hours

Monday-Thursday – 1:00-3:00 (Or anytime by appointment.)

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

 

Upcoming Events:

Pledge Ingathering, December 10

Fr. Jamie mini-vacation, December 11-15

Gaudete Sunday, December 17

 

Questions about Pledging

What if I’m financially unable to support St. Stephen’s with a pledge?
As Christians we are called to be good stewards using our time, talents and treasure. If you can only give of your time and talents this year instead of a financial pledge, that is your personal situation and we respect you for that. We encourage everyone to enter into the life of our parish as much as possible through the sharing of their time and talents. If you are looking for ideas on how to get more involved, please reach out to the clergy.

Am I expected to give a portion of my pledge every week?
Some give a portion every week, while others give monthly, quarterly or even annually. The preference is to evenly distribute your giving throughout the year as much as possible to mirror how we pay our expenses.

How much should I give?
Giving is a spiritual practice that should be prayerfully considered. Scripture encourages proportionate giving (giving a percentage of one’s income as an act of worship). Many of our pledges start their pledge journey by committing to a percentage level that seems doable, and then gradually moving up. There is a Biblical tithe – ten percent of what you make. If you can’t give ten percent and still meet your basic needs, give what you can. But do think about giving in proportion to your income as an offering in thanksgiving for how you have been blessed. Start with one or two percent if that is what you can do, and let it grow year by year

Words of Wisdom: 

“Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.” – Mother Teresa

 

From the Green Team:

For the kids

·         Try out DIY projects out of things you have at home.

·         Cut phantom energy from your home. Have the kids help shut off lights and unplug electronics that could be taking energy when not in use.

·         Get your family outside to learn about their local Nature Hood.

·         Build a backyard habitat for local animals, like bird houses.

·         Create cloth bees wax paper to use in lunches.

·         Use old crayon’s wax in crafts such as making candles.

 

New Bike Rack

 A big thank you to Bryan Gelinske for installing our brand new bike rack this evening before Wednesday evening Mass. This one replaces a bike rack we originally dedicated way back on June 18, 2010 in memory of parishioner Ron Richard (1950-2009). That bike rack was stolen during Clean-Up Week about 8 years ago and no doubt sold for scrap metal. A new rack was one of the first initiatives of our newly formed Creation Care Committee, the Green Team, headed by Amy Phillips. We will dedicate the new bike rack (again in memory of Ron Richard), weather-permitting, on Dec. 3rd after the Eucharist. (Also pictured here is Dan Rice) 

The week of November 13/ Q & A about Pledging

 Wednesday, November 15

6:00 p.m. – Holy Eucharist

Fr. Jamie, celebrant

Deacon John, assisting

Incense will be offered at this mass

Supper afterward at a local restaurant

 

Friday, November 17

Fr. Jamie’s day off*

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

Sunday, November 19 – 25 Pentecost

11:00 a.m. – Holy Eucharist

Fr. Jamie, celebrant, preacher

Deacon John, assisting

James Mackay, music

Children’s Chapel

Coffee Hour

 

Fr. Jamie’s Office Hours

Monday-Thursday – 1:00-3:00 (Or anytime by appointment.)

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

Upcoming Events:

Vestry meeting, November 19 

Thanksgiving Eve Mass, 7:00 pm November 22

Pledge Ingathering, December 10

Fr. Jamie mini-vacation, December 11-15

Gaudete Sunday, December 17

Words of Wisdom: 

“If you want peace, you don’t talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.” – Archbishop Desmond Tutu

 

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT PLEDGING

We recognize that many parishioners come to St. Stephen’s from either no church background or another church denomination. As every church does pledging a bit differently, we wanted to put out a question and answer guide to increase awareness and understanding of the Episcopal process of pledging. As always, if you ever have any questions, please ask the rector, a vestry member, or any other “long timer” sitting next to you on a Sunday or a Wednesday. 
 
What is a pledge according to The Episcopal Church?
It’s a commitment to give one's time, talents, and money as an expression of faith and a personal response to God's generosity. Parish members are encouraged to make an annual stewardship pledge. This pledge represents their specific Christian commitment to "work, pray, and give for the spread of the kingdom of God" (BCP, p. 856). Parish budgets are prepared in light of the pledges received from the members. A pledge is a statement of intent, not a legal obligation. It can be changed at any time.
 
Do I have to fill out a pledge card or can I just keep putting money in the plate each week?
We do understand that making a pledge commitment can be a bit uncomfortable for some depending upon personal and financial situations. It feels like a permanent commitment for the year. Our wish is that those who have been making weekly plate contributions to make a formal pledge in order to give us an idea of total expected income. Just like any business, we cannot plan for expenses unless we understand our income. This is necessary for our overall financial health and day-to-day operations.

What if I do make a formal pledge and then I lose my job or my finances take a turn for the worse, and I cannot fulfill my original pledge commitment?
No worries. Unexpected events happen all the time. This situation happens every year and we adjust. Losing a job and having to reduce a pledge or even put it on hold until you’re able to get your finances back can be an uncomfortable topic and even embarrassing to some. There is no disgrace in this, and your church family has your back. We want to help, especially in times of personal strife and challenge. This is when you need support the most. Please never hesitate to reach out to Fr. Jamie for help and support through dark times, whether it’s about a pledge adjustment or anything else.

 More Questions and Answer about Pledging will be shared next week 

 

From the Green Team:

For your home

·         Create a bee-friendly garden in your backyard or on your balcony.

·         Participate in a community garden.

·         Do your best to repair more things, whether it is a toaster or a piece of clothing.

·         Find sustainable alternatives for all your favorite items and brands.

·         Switch to reusable batteries in things like your remotes or cameras.

·         Cut the trash. Break down your garbage as best as you can.

·         Switch your home to greener energy.

·         Collect and use rainwater.

 

 

The week of November 5

 Wednesday, November 8

6:00 p.m. – Holy Eucharist

Fr. Jamie, celebrant

Deacon John, assisting

Incense will be offered at this mass

Supper afterward at a local restaurant

 

Friday, November 10

Fr. Jamie’s day off*

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

 

Sunday, November 12 – 24 Pentecost

Stewardship Sunday

11:00 a.m. – Holy Eucharist

Fr. Jamie, celebrant, preacher

Deacon John, assisting

James Mackay, music

Children’s Chapel

Stewardship Luncheon served by Vestry

 

Fr. Jamie’s Office Hours

Monday-Thursday – 1:00-3:00 (Or anytime by appointment.)

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

Upcoming Events:

Pledge Sunday & vestry potluck November 12

Vestry meeting, November 19

Thanksgiving Eve Mass, 7 pm November 22

Pledge Ingathering, December 3

 

Words of Wisdom: 

Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me
Let There Be Peace on Earth
The peace that was meant to be

With God as our Father
Brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brother
In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me
Let this be the moment now.

With every step I take
Let this be my solemn vow
To take each moment and live
Each moment in peace eternally
Let there be peace on earth
And let it begin with me.

~ Jill Jackson / Sy Miller

From the Green Team:

Ideas for your kitchen

·         Cook more from scratch.

·         Eat more organic food.

·         Skip the meat and have fun finding alternatives for protein.

·         Grow your own food.

·         Cut down on food waste and compost where you can.

·         Find fair trade products for the exotic types of food, such as coffee and tea (plus you can find bird-friendly coffee)!

·         Use seasonal foods in your cooking.

·         Buy from your local farmers where possible.