The Weekly Messenger - WordPress.com

Inside this issue:

Remarks 1

Weekly Happenings 2

Calendar 3

Church Duties 4

Financial Report & 5

Stewardship 6

Prayer List, Birthdays, Anniversaries, Christ-mas Ornaments Vestry Nominees Annual Meeting, Foyer Christmas Party Lessons & Carols, Christmas Baskets, The Angel Tree Poinsettias, Details Convention, EYC, Vestry thank you

Hannah’s Essay Vestry Minutes Contact Information

7 8

9

10

11

12

13 15 16

The Weekly Messenger

First, thank you to the Vestry for calling me to serve alongside you as your Interim Rector in this unexpected but exciting season at St. Stephen’s!

Second, my Swedish last name is easier to pronounce than it appears at first glance. It’s as easy as pretending the ‘j’ isn’t there.

I’m a two-time graduate of the School of Theology at the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee. I earned both my Masters of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry on the ‘holy mountain’ as Sewanee is often called. It’s also where I met my spouse, the Rev. Dr. Jim Melnyk, who is Rector at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Smithfield, NC (also a double graduate of Sewanee). Hav-ing my undergraduate degree from the Florida State University means I can usually remain above the fray when basketball season arrives in North Caro-lina!

On a more personal note, I be-lieve faith is a gift we are given by God. As a young adult I discovered I could not be a solitary Christian. I learned I need the community of God’s people as companions on the journey. On those days when my faith is strongest I endeavor to help others whose faith may be in need of support. On those days when I am in a wilder-ness, others of God’s people buoy me up. It is with a grateful heart I look for-ward to the spiritual journey upon which we are embarking together. Faithfully, Rev. Lorraine

“Greetings” The Rev. Dr. Lorraine Ljunggren

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church Oxford, North Carolina

December 2019 Week Two

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WEEKLY HAPPENINGS

THIS SUNDAY December 8, 2018 ~ ANNUAL MEETING

Second Advent • Holy Eucharist at 8:00 AM and 10:30 AM

• Parish Breakfast at 9:00 AM in the Parish Hall

• Children Sunday School at 9:30 AM

• Annual Meeting and Vestry Election at 9:30 AM in the Parish Hall

Wednesday December 11, 2018

• Youth Choir Practice at 5:15 PM • Adult Choir Practice at 7:00 PM

Thursday December 12, 2018

• Christmas Food Basket Items and Angel Tree Gifts DUE (Please put food items on the rolling racks in the Parish Hall and Angel Tree gifts in the Parlor)



Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

31 1 12:00pm Ecumenical Service / Sanctuary

2

3 8:00am HE Rite I No Sunday School 9:30am Easter Egg Hunt / Churchyard 10:30am HE Rite II

4

5 1:00pm GVFICA LC / PH 5:30pm WW / PH

6 5:00pm OFBS / PH 5:15pm Youth Choir 7:00pm Adult Choir

7

8

9

10 8:00am HE Rite I 9:15am Children’s SS 9:30am Adult SS / PH 10:30am HE Rite II

11 4:45pm Finance Com-mittee / Office 5:30pm Vestry / PH

12 5:30pm WW / S

13 11:00am Soup Kitchen Prep / PH 5:00pm OFBS / PH 5:15pm Youth Choir 7:00pm Adult Choir

14

15

16 4:00pm Wedding


18 19 5:30pm WW / PH

20 12:00pm Noon Day Service & Luncheon 5:00pm OFBS / PH 5:15pm Youth Choir 7:00pm Adult Choir

21 22

23

24 8:00am HE Rite I 9:00am Breakfast / PH 9:15am Children’s SS 9:30am Adult SS / P 10:30am HE Rite II 12:00pm Confirmation / P

25 26 5:30pm WW / PH

27 5:00pm OFBS / PH 5:15pm Youth Choir 7:00pm Adult Choir

28 29 30

May 2015

1 ADVENT BEGINS 8:00am HE Rite I 9:15am Children’s SS 9:30am Adult SS / PH 10:30am HE Rite II 11:45am Parish Lunch / PH

2 3 10:00am Knitters / Choir Room 5:30pm WW / PH

4 5:15pm Youth Choir 5:30pm Hope House Board / PH 7:00pm Adult Choir

5 6

7 9:00am Depart for Murdoch Center Roy-all Cottage Christmas Celebration / Parking Lot

8 Annual Meeting 8:00am HE Rite I 9:00am Breakfast / PH 9:15am Children’s SS 9:30am Annual Meet-ing & Vestry Election 10:30am HE Rite II

9

10 10:00am Knitters / Choir Room 5:30pm WW / PH

11 5:15pm Youth Choir 7:00pm Adult Choir

12 Deadline for Christ-mas food items Deadline for Christ-mas Angels

13 12:00-5:00 DSS Adult Christmas Party / PH

14

15 8:00am HE Rite I 9:15am Children’s SS 9:30am Adult SS / PH 10:30am HE Rite II 11:45am EYC packing Xmas boxes / PH 5:00pm Lessons & Carols / St. John’s Williamsborough

16 Christmas Food Box and Angel Tree gift Pick-Up 4:45pm Executive Committee / Office 5:30pm Vestry / PH

17 10:00am Brass Polish-ing / PH 10:00am Knitters / Choir Room 5:30pm WW / PH

18 5:15pm Youth Choir 7:00pm Adult Choir

19

20

21 5:30-7:30pm Foyer Christmas Party / Jerry Broyal’s house


23

24 Christmas Eve 5:30pm HE Rite II / Traditional Service w/ Choirs

25 Christmas Day

26 OFFICE CLOSED

27

28

29 No Sunday School 10:00am HE

30

31 New Years Eve OFFICE CLOSED

1 New Years Day OFFICE CLOSED



CHURCH DUTIES December 1 December 8 December 15 December 22 December 29

(10:00 AM) 8:00 am Reader Sandy Gabel Sandy Gabel Dottie Snyder Lisa Pearson

8:00 am Chalicist Sherry Owens Robert Powell Sherry Owens David Holden

10:30 am Readers Maria Byrd Grey Currin Joe Tartamella Lindsey Swanner TBD

Clarence Lemons Andrew Swanner David Smith Clarence Lemons

10:30 am Prayers Charlotte Watson Nina Cheatham Sherry Owens Gale Duque TBD

10:30 am Crucifer Marleigh Swanner Samuel Spitler David Folger Erin Bostic TBD

10:30 am Banner Bearer Joshua Spitler Anna K. Spitler

10:30 am Flag Bearer

10:30 am Flag Bearer

10:30 am Torch Bearer Joshua Ramsey Kahryn Folger

10:30 am Torch Bearer Nicholas Ramsey Marleigh Swanner

10:30 am Chalicists Marcia Byrd Sam Currin Lillian Hicks Jerry Broyal TBD

Jennifer Tartamella Sherry Owens Jenny Koinis Dawn Lemons

10:30 am Greeters Bernie Nelson Joe Tartamella Bernie Nelson Harvey Spurr TBD

Pat Nelson Pat Nelson Marlene Spurr

Nursery Helper Frances Mathews Mary Hicks Amy Stone Susan Foster

Coffee Hour Pam Muller Pam Muller Pam Muller Pam Meller Pam Muller

Vestry Person Mary Hicks Mary Hicks Mary Hicks Mary Hicks Mary Hicks

Weekly Church Duties

ALTAR GUILD Nov. 25 - Dec. 1 *Nina Cheatham June Manning Dec. 2 - Dec. 8 *Julia Day Amy Stone Jenny Koinis

Dec. 9 - Dec. 15 *Eve Harris Dawn Lemons Cindy Bostic Ginny Hicks

Dec. 16 - Dec. 22 *Charlotte Watson Ruth Hicks Lillian Hicks Dec. 23 - Dec. 29 *Grey Currin Jennifer Tartamella

Weekly Church Duties

CHRISTMAS EVE ~ Tuesday, December 24th ~ 5:30 PM Readers: Anna Kathleen Spitler Prayers: Nina Cheatham Crucifer: Ann Kathleen Spitler Banner Bearer: Samuel Spitler Torch Bearers: Joshua Spitler, Marleigh Swanner Chalicists: Sherry Owens, Jennifer Tartamella Greeters: Andrew and Lindsey Swanner Vestry Person of the Month: Mary Hicks




Financials October 2019

REVENUE MTD Actual MTD Budget Pledge Offering $ 16,657.00 $ 14,878.00

Non-pledge Offering 661.00 2,224.00

Miscellaneous Income 1,382..00 1,250.00

TOTAL REVENUES $ 18,700.00 $ 18,352.00

EXPENSES

Diocese Support $ 1,987.00 $ 1,984.00

Office/Administrative 524.00 225.00

Christian Education 0.00 25.00

Insurance 1,873.00 883.00

Personnel Expense 5,022.00 3,746.00

Utilities/Maintenance Contracts 2,843.00 2,143.00

Rector (Salary, Pensions, 0.00 9,935.00

Benefits, Etc.)

Worship 18.00 100.00

TOTAL EXPENSES $ 12,267.00 $ 19,041.00

NET OPERATING TOTAL $ 6,433.00 $ -689.00

Where did your 2019 dollars go? Expense Budget $220,230.00

Worship, 33.50%

Outreach, 31%

Administration,

4.50%

Christian Education,

8%

Buildings &

Grounds, 6.50%

Pastoral Care,

16.50%

Worship Outreach

Administration Christian Education

Buildings & Grounds Pastoral Care

2 0 2 0 P B P L O I R G T A U T N I I O T N Y

Proportional Giving Chart Annual

% 2% 3% 5% 6% 10%

$10,000 $200 $300 $500 $500 $1,000 $20,000 $400 $600 $1,000 $1,200 $2,000 $30,000 $600 $900 $1,500 $1,800 $3,000 $40,000 $800 $1,200 $2,000 $2,400 $4,000 $50,000 $1,000 $1,500 $2,500 $3,000 $5,000 $60,000 $1,200 $1,800 $3,000 $3,600 $6,000 $70,000 $1,400 $2,100 $3,500 $4,200 $7,000 $80,000 $1,600 $2,400 $4,000 $4,800 $8,000 $90,000 $1,800 $2,700 $4,500 $5,400 $9,000

$100,000 $2,000 $3,000 $5,000 $6,000 $10,000

Pledge Goal for 2020 $200,000

Pledge Sunday December 8, 2019

As you consider what your 2020

pledge will be, here are some things to think about!



Prepare to make your 2020 Pledge on or before “Pledge Sunday”, December 8th!!!

Our stewardship theme, if you will, for this year is “2020 OBLIGATION or OP-PORTUNITY”. With all the 2’s and 0’s we are asking you to help us achieve a goal of $200,000 in pledges by Stewardship Sunday, December 8. This amount will not cover the necessary operating budget of roughly $230,000, but $200,000 will be a bit above last year’s pledge total and, with other income our church is fortunate to enjoy (outright gifts, rentals, interest), we should be able to achieve a balanced budget. Meeting this goal is important for a number of reasons:

1) It will show any candidate who is interested in leading our church that we are a vital, engaged and caring congregation. 2) It will help fund our church’s current activities and outreach efforts. 3) It will pay for the bread and wine we share at the Eucharist 4) It will keep the lights on and the heat pumping.

There are as many reasons to pledge to our church as there are reasons you find peace in our church. We currently have 60 pledging units. If each pledging unit were to give $500 more in 2020 than last year, then we could meet our goal. Not everyone can make that commitment, and that’s okay! We ask each of you to prayerfully con-sider how to help share the blessings you have been given. Please, don’t give ‘til it hurts -- give ‘til it feels good! As God reminds us in Proverbs 11, "One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." Let St. Stephen's be the place in 2020 where you come to be refreshed through prayer and worship of our Lord Jesus Christ.




Birthdays

Anniversaries

PRAYER LIST

† Mary Branch, Pam Martin, Kelly Holden, Dick Taylor, Cissie Bryan, Dave Ivey

Parishioners: Lucy Landis Moore, Jesse Sullins, Jimmy Winston, Gladys Tyson, Hubert Jackson, Carlton Garrett, Grace Garrett, Mary Helen Talbott, Rives Hicks, Jim Branch

Non-Parishioners: Jerrad Wilkinson, Vivi Drake, Isaiah Newton, Henry Moore, Jeffrey Ferrell, Carolyn Stovall, Florette Moore, Therese Josefsson, Leon Josefsson, Evelyn Champion, Michelle Campbell, Joe Sacco, Ronnie, Myra Clark, Leonard Arriola, Chelsea Stroud, Jimmy Bailey, Janelle Ramsey, Antoinette Arriola, Hazel Lyon, Phyllis Harris, Herbert Washington, Martha Hight, Don Smith, Jesus Rivera, Terri Immordino, Rose Gran-tham, Mary Salvo, Mary Lou Bowen, Janet Finch, Angela Webb Frazen. Dan

Christmas Ornament In commemoration of St. Stephen’s 190th

year of ministry in Oxford, NC and the surrounding communities, we had our very own pewter Christmas ornament

made! It is a great keep-sake or gift for anyone with ties to the church or historic

Oxford. They are $10.00 a piece and available in the Church Office. Let’s con-

tinue to celebrate our church! 2 Tom & Kathy Burnette 17 Tom & Beth Evins 19 Mark & Cindy Bostic 22 Herb & Patti Gregory

2 Scott Basnight 3 Margaret Spitler 5 Sarah Johnson 7 Gale Duque 9 Lucy Moore 12 Mary J. Branch 14 Jennifer Coplin 19 Andrew Swanner 20 Lucy Landis Moore 20 Mary Helen Talbott 21 Thomas Pittard 22 Clayton Ramsey 30 Kathryn Folger



Vestry Nominees These six members of the church have agreed to have their names placed in nomination for the

2022 Vestry Class. Additional nominations will be welcomed from the floor at the time of the elec-tion, but remember that any nominee must first have agreed to have their name brought forth. The

election will take place on Sunday, December 9th, during the Annual Meeting. To serve on the Vestry you must be a member in good standing and at lease 18 years of age.

Susan Foster

• Married to George Foster.

• Cradle Episcopalian and member of St. Stephen’s for 10 years.

• Previous Vestry term and EYC leader. Active in Outreach, Altar Guild, Nursery.

David Holden • Married to Kelly Holden.

• Member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church for 9 years.

• Previous Vestry term. Chalicist & Reader. Active in Outreach & ACIM.

Dawn Lemons • Married to Clarence Lemons.

• Member of St. Stephen’s for 43 years. Previous Vestry member and Sr. Warden.

• Altar Guild, Chalicist, Choir, Church Life, Outreach. Past EYC leader.

Bernie Nelson • Married to Pat Nelson.

• Member of St. Stephen’s for 10 years.

• Previous Vestry term. Active in Outreach & Church Life & Property.

Lindsey Swanner • Married to Andrew Swanner. Children - Marleigh, Emerson, & Beckett.

• Member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church for 10 years.

• Serves on Altar Guild, Reader. Previous EYC leader, Vestry member, and Senior Warden

Charlotte Watson • Married to John Watson. Two granddaughters, Charlotte and Grace.

• Cradle Episcopalian and member of St. Stephen’s for 53 years.

• Altar Guild, Choir. Previous Vestry member, Sr. Warden, EYC leader, Stewardship Chair, Church Life




Annual Meeting On Sunday, December 8th, we will hold our 2019 Annual Meeting in the Parish Hall. The Church Life Ministry will be in action beginning at 9:00 AM fol-

lowing the 8:00 AM service. At 9:30 AM, the business meeting will begin and include an overview of 2019, some projections about what 2020 will bring, the election of four (4) members to the Vestry Class of 2022 and ac-knowledgement of the outgoing 2019 Vestry Class. They will remain offi-cial until the new Vestry is installed the first Sunday in January. All St. Stephen’s members who are in good standing (having received commun-ion here a minimum of 3 times this calendar year and support the mission of the church) and are at least 16 years of age are eligible to vote and are encouraged to do so.

Foyer Christmas Party Saturday, December 21st (5:30 - 7:30 PM)

at 413 Lewis Street in Oxford (Jerry Broyal’s home)

On Saturday, December 21st, the ‘Joint Foyer Christmas Party’ will be held at Jerry Broyal’s home (413 Lewis Street; Oxford). All are welcome! The drop-in event will take place between 5:30 and 7:30 PM with heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, fellowship and more. Everyone is encouraged to bring an hors d’oeuvre to share and their beverage of choice. Coffee and soft drinks will be provided. Don’t forget to sign-up on the sheet in the Parish Hall. This is an adult event. In this ‘season of giving’, be sure to bring canned goods to help stock ACIM’s shelves!




Christmas Baskets Food slips for the Christmas Baskets are available.

We must get a head start on this as time will slip-up on us. Please consider taking a slip this Sunday and

bring your items to the Parish Hall by Thursday, De-cember 12th! Monetary donations are also welcomed!

The Angel Tree The Tree is up in the Parish Hall and the “angels”

are ready for your picking. This is a wonderful way to brighten Christmas for many children in

our community. “Angel” gifts will be due by Thurs-day, December 12th! Once again, we are asking

that you NOT wrap the gifts individually. If there is more than one item, please put them all in a large gift bag together.

Advent Lessons & Carols Historic St. John’s Church,

Williamsborough

Join us for one of the most popular services all year, “Lessons &

Carols” by candlelight at Historic St. John’s

Church, Williamsborough on Sunday, December 15th at 5:00 PM! If you are not in the Christmas spirit this

service will get you there! Hope to see you all for this special time!




Poinsettias

MEMORIAL POINSETTIAS 2019 ORDER FORM NAME__________________________________________________

#OF POINSETTIAS ________ x $10.00 = $____________Total

++IN MEMORY OF++ 1. _____________________________________________

2. _____________________________________________

3. _____________________________________________

4. _____________________________________________

5. _____________________________________________

Please fill out and return with payment to the Church Office by Tuesday, December 17th or email your infor-mation to [email protected] and drop your check in the plate with Poinsettias on the Memo Line on Sunday or in the mailbox to the right of the Church Office door

Each year we use red poinsettias to adorn the Sanctuary for Christmas services. If

you would like to order one or more in memory of your loved one (s), we will include their name (s) in the Christmas Eve bulletin. You can use the form above or email the

Church Office at [email protected] Requests and payment are due no later than Tuesday, December 17th.

“HOUSEKEEPING” • Altar & Flower Guild - The 2020 schedule is being completed and will be sent to you be-

fore the end of the year! There may be some changes in team members but the teams will continue the same rotation from 2019. Thank you all for your dedication to this very special ministry and remember how important it is to the worship services at St. Stephen’s.

• Office Hours - Just a reminder that we will have very limited office hours during the week between Christmas and New Years. Please call before making a trip!



mailto:[email protected]




204th Diocesan Convention St. Stephen’s delegates to

convention - Sam Currin, Ruth Hicks, and Lindsey Swanner - had a chance to spend some-

time with our soon to be Interim Rector, The Rev. Dr. Lorraine Ljunggren, while

participating in the diocesan convention activities!

THANK YOU! A big thank you to the 2019 Vestry for their work and service this past year! We give special thanks to our members who are rotating off: John Coplin, Sam Currin, Frank Folger, and Helen Mitchell. We are blessed to have so many folks who love their church and are willing to serve the Lord and share their various gifts and talents.

EYC packed Thanksgiving food for less fortunate

families in our community!




Burning Ivy: A Photograph Reflection by Hannah Tartamella

Growing up, I was never a child who dreaded going to church. Sure, I would rather be sleep-ing in or watching Sunday morning cartoons, but I loved church. I still love church. What was it about St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church that continually captured my interest? I think it was God. Not just because it’s His house, but I felt like I was in His living room. My experiences with church as a child has had a profound effect on my spirituality and continued church attendance. When I was young, I used to love opening the tall, wooden doors at the sanctuary entrance. Those doors were heavy. They made me feel strong. Many pictures were taken with those doors in the background. They made me look strong. St. Stephen’s was a place where I felt the joys of free-dom, with no worries or cares in the world. Whether I was basking in the beauty of the sanctuary, or wandering the church grounds, I remember a consistent feeling of bliss. After the church service, my friends and I would spring to the Parish Hall, where we would load up on snacks before making our way outside to the playground. We loved to play tag, chasing each other all around the jungle gym and church grounds. It was during this time when I felt enraptured by the building. For as long as I can remember, there was thick, forest-green ivy growing on the outside walls. I used to stop and trace the veiny leaves and vines, watching as they stretched between the cracks in the brick. I can picture the wonder in my eyes, as I observe the sunlight extending its fingertips through the leaves. Looking at the historical picture of St. Stephen’s, the vibrant colored ivy is just how I remember it. I wish to meet the photographer who plucked the image from my childhood memories. Red is the color of Pentecost. At St. Stephen’s, Pentecost was one of my favorite holy days growing up. Pentecost was spicy, and tasted strongly of cinnamon. On the way to church, all I could think about was the RedHot candy I would suck on after the Sunday School lesson. My dad says we eat RedHots on Pentecost because they signify tongues on fire when the Holy Spirit touched the disciples. As I child, I thought that was wonderful. In the church sanctuary, the cloth coverings on various wooden structures changed colors with the holy season. For Pentecost, red the color of fire and heat blanketed the Crossing and Altar. The color changes always captured my interest, and I absorbed as much of the church scenery into my memories as possible. In the photo from my child-hood, I remember with clarity each of the faces. Some of those children moved away or found a dif-ferent church, but they are still ingrained in my memory. One face I am unable to completely see is my own. Instead of looking at the camera, I seem to be deeply engaged with my balloon floating nearby. This aloofness was not uncommon in my childhood, and it was often doted upon as charis-matic and adorable. After most holy days, my sister and I would beg for a special treat because it was a special day. “Can we go to Milano’s PLEASE??” I can hear my sister say. Milano’s is a small Italian restau-rant downtown. My parents almost always agreed, and I would gleefully skip along as we walked the few blocks from the church to the restaurant. I loved those walks. We always took the long way to Milano’s to peer inside the many shops that line the streets of downtown Oxford. I’ve looked in those windows hundreds of times, but there was always something new. Those walks transformed the mundanity of the pavement, turning the experience into a tradition and a bonding moment between family members.




Images from my childhood tend to induce a wonderful sense of nostalgia. Seeing myself sur-rounded by many of my childhood friends fills me with positivity and wistfulness. I often find myself yearning for the summer days sitting on the church lawn, surrounded by loved ones. I experience the same effect when viewing an image from several hundred years ago. Both images tell the story of my childhood, and I can imagine myself in the setting of each photo. I take pride in the history of my church, and I am thankful that I am part of its antiquity. I love church and I believe I always will – there’s just something about that forest-green ivy.



November Vestry Minutes Coming Soon!




Parish People

Interim Rector - The Rev. Dr. Lorraine Ljunggren

[email protected]

Treasurer/Administrator - Sherry Owens

[email protected]

Director of Music/Organist - Sharon Curry

Sexton - William Harris

Senior Warden - John Coplin

[email protected]

Junior Warden - Cindy Bostic

[email protected]

ST. STEPHEN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH - OXFORD ESTABLISHED 1823

140 College Street Oxford, NC 27565

(919) 693-9740

[email protected] www. ststephensoxford.org

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ststephensoxford

Mission Statement: We are dedicated to sharing the Gospel and love of

Christ Jesus through service to our Church, community, and world.







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