The week of May 20

 

Monday, May 20

9:20 p.m. – showing of the movie Wildcat at West Acres Cinema (Fr. Jamie referenced this film about Flannery O’Connor in his sermon on May 12)

 

Wednesday, May 22

6:00 p.m. – Holy Eucharist

Fr. Jamie, celebrant / preacher

Deacon John, assisting

Incense will be offered at this mass

Supper afterward at a local restaurant

 

 

Friday, May 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, May 26 – Holy Trinity

11:00 a.m. – Holy Eucharist

Fr. Jamie, celebrant / preacher

Deacon Suzanne, assisting

James Mackay, organist

Coffee hour following Mass

 

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

 

Upcoming Events:

June 9 – Fr. Jamie’s 20^th anniversary of ordination to the priesthood open house.

June 16: Memorial service for Karl Keene, 2 p.m.

June 30: James Stalboerger’s baptism

 

Words of Wisdom:

To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.”  ~ Thomas Aquinas

 

From the Green Team:

Non-toxic Spring-cleaning tips:

·  Showerhead: Remove buildup on the showerhead by pouring a cup of vinegar in a plastic bag and tying it around your shower head. Let soak for an hour and use a toothbrush to scrub clean.

·  Drains: Clear simple clogs in your drains (or refresh them) with baking soda and vinegar.

·  Stovetop: Baking soda and oil is a non-toxic way to clean and shine a glass top stove.

 

 

 

Speech given by Laura Nylander at the Founders Day Reception on May 19

 

 

I’d like to begin with a little bit of history. I think it’s good to be aware of where we came from in terms of the Church.

 

The Church of England was established when Christianity arrived in Great Britain during the 2nd century. The Episcopal Church in America was founded in Philadelphia in 1789, as its successor on this side of the ocean.

 

On March 27, 1956, a group of 7 lay persons met with Bishop Richard Emery and founded the mission of St. Stephen’s which was named for a church in Casselton which had closed in 1953. I can only imagine how strong the faith of those 7 people must have

been. On July 1, 1956, Fr. Frederick Davis became the first priest-in-charge. September 9, 1956 brought the first gathering of the congregation at which Holy Communion was held at the El Zagel clubhouse. Later that year, on December 24, the first service was

held in the current building.

 

I remember, in the early 60’s, when my family became members of St. Stephen’s, we joined a large family with lots of children. I grew up with all of these children through Sunday School and confirmation, under the guidance of our priests and all of the adults. We truly were a family!

 

However, in 1981, there began a period during which many of our family left St. Stephen’s due to their belief that St. Stephen’s should close. Those children had all grown up – some moved away, many started their own families and found other church

homes. Their parents had become older and there seemed to be no one to keep the momentum going. Thankfully, several steadfast members, my parents included, remained to keep the legacy of St. Stephen’s alive. It was almost as if we had been “founded” all over again. That strong faith came through once more.

 

There have been many, many changes at St. Stephen’s since then. The building has changed a lot, several different priests and rectors have served here over the years, and our membership has shown a great turnover. We are now a “growing, diverse, affirming, inclusive community of artists, poets, musicians, professionals, writers, students and searchers for God, striving for full inclusion of ALL people in the Church”.

 

I would like to close with a short quote from Rigoberta Menchu, a human rights activist in Guatemala and Nobel Peace Prize winner: “… together we can build the people’s Church, a true Church. Not just a hierarchy, or a building, but a real change inside people.”

 

Keep the faith.