JULY and August V SEC EPISTLE 2016

Dear People of God, An excellent two-part

question came to me a few weeks ago by a younger member of our congregation. The question was “What is the importance of spirituality and how do we develop a personal spirituality?” In the interesting times we live in, I was quite moved by this question. After I answered what I thought I could for this person, I thought it was a good theme for this month’s newsletter reflection. For many Christians, personal spirituality is how we approach and love God. If we see Christ as a healer, we might seek to follow in Christ’s footsteps by being a God-filled doctor. St. Francis saw Christ as the one who gave all he had for others. Out of that view, Francis developed the Franciscan spirituality; and the Franciscans devote themselves to others who suffer or are victims. St. Ignatius Loyola saw Christ as a teacher and developed his spiritual community, the Jesuits, as a community of teachers. St. Dominic, a contemporary of St. Francis, saw Christ as a skilled preacher and so a skill for the Dominicans has been to develop preaching as a major spiritual element in their order. Julian of Norwich, the fourteenth-century Christian mystic, said we are made of God and she loves to refer to God as mother as well as father. She sees us as coming forth from the essence of the One

who is the Source of all things. Our view of God and Christ can determine how we live our vocation and how we live out our spirituality. In my life, I see Christ as having many facets. I saw Christ early on as a healer and a teacher, trying to help people through difficult transitions in life and how to teach what in life is of lasting value. Perhaps this is because a healing priest as a youth impressed me, and I come from a long line of teachers, magistrates and midwives. Within the framework of developing a personal spirituality, there is also the culture in which we live, and each of us has a view of what constitutes tradition,

KORTE

KONNECTON

Services and Events

Wednesday, July 6th Buildings/Grounds Committee Meeting,

6:00 pm

Sunday, July 10th VBS Volunteer Meeting,

11:45 am-12:30 pm

Monday-Friday, July 11th-15th VBS Youth Leadership

6:00 pm-9:00 pm

Wednesday, July 13th Finance Committee Meeting, 6:00 pm

Sunday, July 17th VBS Blessing, 10:30 am service

Monday-Friday, July 18th-22nd VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

10:00 am—1:00 pm (lunch provided)

Wednesday, July 20th Vestry Meeting, 6:00 pm

Saturday, July 23rd Altar Guild Meeting, 9:30 am-10:30 am

Worship Committee Meeting 10:30 am-11:30 am

LEV Training, 11:30 am-12:30 pm

Sunday, July 24th VBS Team Experience at the

10:30 am service Pastoral Care Committee Meeting,

noon-1:00 pm

Sunday, July 31st Intergenerational Sunday

ONE SERVICE ONLY 10:30 am

Sunday, August 7th 8:30 am Holy Eucharist: Rite One

Service resumes in the Chapel

Wednesday, August 3rd Buildings/Grounds Committee Meeting,

6:00 pm

Wednesday, August 10th Finance Committee Meeting, 6:00 pm

Wednesday, August 17th Vestry Meeting, 6:00 pm

JULY and AugustJULY and AugustJULY and August

SEC EPISTLE SEC EPISTLE SEC EPISTLE 201620162016

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especially social and religious tradition. What is traditional for me, as some one born in the 50’s, is different from that of someone born in the 20’s or a person of the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, etc. What we perceive as right and wrong is also shaped by society and tradition. Therefore, the importance of a personal spirituality for Christians is to be developed around what God seeks, and is the product of what we sometimes refer to as an informed conscience. What this means is that society impacts us as do many other factors, but we need to pay attention to our conscience and what God is asking of us. I sometimes start with youth by asking who their heroes are and who are their role models? Is it a rock star or a saint, do we have a saint’s name and if so do we know why or what that saint represents? It is a place to begin a conversation about our spirituality. Another aspect of spirituality is the development of our spirituality, and the actions we take in response, are not all solitary. We develop within the context of a spiritual community. That first community is usually our family of origin. We also do this within the spiritual community of the Church, however that happens in our parish, in our prayer groups and our ministry groups. These communities serve useful purposes to educate, inform and support our spiritual growth. We discuss ideas with each other, we learn together, we mature and we learn how to disagree respectfully. In spiritual community, we also help others to grow, to be alive in Christ and live a vibrant and healthy spiritual life. If we retreat into ourselves, if we become self-focused instead of God focused, if we serve our own will in preference to the will of God by worshipping the gods of gossip, power, wealth, self-satisfaction and a host of others, then we shrink spiritually. However circuitous the route, we need community, we need to be together, so that we help each other to continuously move toward the light, toward the bread of life, toward God. I invite us to discern in contemplative ways the experience of being aware of God in the whole of life. And in the words of the American Trappist monk, Thomas Merton, and Rev. Dr. John Philip Newell, theologian and educator, “This is where we will find true strength for the holy work of transformation in the world.”

Peace be with you,

Rev. Mary

How You Can Help! Listed are some of our current immediate needs: Dressers, laundry soap, blankets, maternity dresses (small and medium), baby clothes, diapers, bed frames (twin and double), mattress sets (twin and double), bed sheets (twin and double), couches, kitchen towels, bath towels. Please call ahead for drop off times. Contact: Debra Lee, Volunteer Manager, for volunteer opportunities! Thank you for your interest!

[email protected] 401 N. Emporia, Wichita | 316 977-9276

A CELTIC BLESSING Deep peace of the running wave to you. Deep peace of the flowing air to you. Deep peace of the quiet earth to you. Deep peace of the shining stars to you. Deep peace of the Son of Peace to you.

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UPDATE FROM THE JUNIOR WARDEN If you haven't been down the hallway to the Youth Room and the Outside Groups Meeting Room, you will not believe the transformation going on. The outside groups that meet at St. Stephen’s have moved their meetings to the room previously occupied by the youth. They have needed additional space for sometime as they were “bursting at the seams”. They have made it a very “functional” nice space for ALL their meetings and the groups are very excited about the new space!

The wall between the space they had occupied and the youth director’s office has been removed and a new exciting YOUTH ROOM! A very special thank you to Tom Benefiel, Don Norton and Leland Sinclair for all the hours and effort in renovating this space! (NOTICE TO TOM STEELE who also worked many hours in this area! Thank you, Rev. Mary).

The rekeying of the building was accomplished and is working well, also, the addition of a remote entry to the Parish Office for staff safety. Thank you also to the members of the Building and Grounds Committee, for their continued efforts in maintaining the grounds, each was assigned an area to keep maintained. By the time this is published, a new roof on the flat portion of the church should be complete! There is always ongoing needed repairs and maintenance. If you have free time that you would like to volunteer to the church, I would appreciation the HELP! Again we say, “Thanks to all who have helped to make these things possible, that includes the “Talkers and the Doers”. God Bless All, Tom Steele, Jr. Warden

The installation of the new flat portion of the roof has begun! Precision Construction Services was awarded the bid to replace the entire flat portion of the roof which has been leaking now for some time. The roof will have a complete 10 year warranty. On the inside of the church building, a group of volunteers led by Tom Steele, including Don Norton, Leland Sinclair and Tom Benefiel demoed a wall on the lower level to expand the space for a new Youth Meeting Room. The sheet rocking has been completed and things are really taking shape.

Thank you hard hat workers! Tom Steele scheduled a meeting one Saturday morning to go over future plans and projects that need to be addressed. Anyone wishing to help with some painting, repair, demo jobs etc., please contact Tom (316 440-7050, [email protected]) and give a hand. The Annual Ice Cream Social was a huge success and a lot of fun. There was a great turnout and, as usual, no ice cream was left over. Thanks again to all helpers and contributors for this fund raiser. On a side note ...we seem to be missing two (2) 8 foot tables, and one (1) 6 foot table. If you know where they are.. please return them to the church, thanks.

Continue to have a great summer!

Respectfully submitted,

Mike Mann, Committee Co-chair

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Vacation Bible School and Music Notes Ashley Winters,

Director of Choir and Music VBS Coordinator

SURF’S UP! SAVE THE DATE!

Vacation Bible School

Youth Leadership, July 11th—15th, 6-8 pm

VBS, July 18th—22nd

10 am—1 pm (lunch included)

Registration at our website:

www.ststephensec.org (or call the Parish Office)!

VBS Notes and Needs:

There will be a meeting for all volunteers on Sunday, July 10th the 10:30 am service from 11:45 am -12:30 pm. A light lunch will be provided. If you are unable to attend this very important meeting, please contact Ashley directly at 785.393.1546 or [email protected]

3-5 volunteers are still needed to help guide our students from activity to activity during the week of VBS. If you can count noses, you are qualified to do this job. Please sign up on the volunteer sheet in the parish hall or contact Ashley directly at the numbers/email above.

Please have donated supplies to the church no later than , Sunday, July 10th, donated food to the church no later than Sunday, July 17th. Please be sure to sign up on the needed supplies sheets in the Parish Hall.

Please pray for VBS in the coming weeks, for our volunteers, youth and students, parents and all involved. Pray that we can share and show the wave of God's AMAZING LOVE to all around us.

Mark you calendars, Sunday, July 24th as a Sunday 10:30 am service NOT TO MISS!!! The VBS team will be presenting during the service songs, stories, memories during the service; and even some of our totally awesome snacks for coffee hour treats!!

Music Notes:

The St. Stephen’s Choir will sing on July 10th, August 7th and August 28th. Choir rehearsal at 9:15 am before the 10:30 Service. Anyone of any talent level and or any age is welcome to join us for these "pop-on-in" Sundays. Nursery will be available at 9:15! Come make a joyful noise with us!

Thank you to all who have shared your favorite hymns with the congregation. It’s not too late share a favorite, Ashley a suggestion, fill out a request form and drop it in the offering plate.

Questions or concerns on any of the above, Feel free to contact me directly at 785.393.1546 or [email protected] or call the Parish Office.

Thank you to everyone who has signed up, donated items or cash for VBS! You are much appreciated!

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DON’T FORGET THE

DOK LITTLE RED WAGON

Your support is needed now

more than ever!

OUTREACH FOR ESS/

VENTURE HOUSE Items needed: pull top cans of chicken, soups and

vegetables; packaged fruits; peanut butter; pasta and

sauce; baby food; packaged crackers (in sleeves);

deodorant (male and female); diapers and feminine

hygiene items, travel size shampoo, lotion, tooth

paste, tooth brushes. Drop in the little red wagon

in the foyer and DOK will deliver! Thank you.

LARKSFIELD PLACE in the Meditation Chapel

Holy Eucharist Service by Clergy

July 24th and August 28th

Holy Communion by Lay Eucharistic Visitor Team July 10th and August 14th

The 2016 St. Stephen’s Vestry Joe Johnson, Senior Warden Tom Steele, Junior Warden

Marty Wells, Clerk Paul Attwater III, Treasurer

MEMBERS Anne Elsworth Linda Haskins D’Ambra Kruger John Rothwell Linda Stewart Ben Winters

REMINDER VESTRY MEETINGS

JULY 20th MEETING, 6:00 pm AUGUST 17th MEETING, 6 pm

To contribute to

the Church Periodi-

cal Club, drop your

pennies in the large

jar in the

Parish Hall!

VOLUNTEER(s) needed to coordinate the

Adult Forum for next fall through spring. If you would like to help with this project, please contact the Parish Office. There are many options and opportunities that can be incorporated into the forums.

The Book Club is taking a summer break! Join us beginning September 7th as we begin discussing our new book “Pope Joan” by Donna Woolfolk Cross. A very interesting story!

Snappy, the crab, says:

“Reminder, check out the bulletin

board in the Parish Hall and sign up to

donate items for VBS, food items for

lunches or to volunteer to assist with

VBS or food preparation. We even

have shoppers available, cash accepted!

AWESOME FUN!

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Gifts to Price-Harris Adopted Families—Thank you, St. Stephen’s!

Mother’s Day “Muffins for

Mom” with bubble fun!

RENOVATED PLAYGROUND

BAPTISMS

Jude—

My

newest

acolyte in

training!

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POSITION: Part Time Director of Faith Formation for Junior and Senior Youth Groups

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A part time position, sixteen (16) hours per week, $12,000 annually, plus mileage reimbursement for Dioce-san events. Responsible for the development and implementation for all programs, activities and educational and pastoral care aspects related to faith formation of youth.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: Plan and execute two weekly Youth Fellowship meetings for students in grades 5–12. Junior Youth Group, grades 5-8, Sunday mornings; Senior Youth Group, grades 9-12, Wednesday evenings.

Recruit, organize and schedule a volunteer team to support the youth ministry.

Create and regularly execute a strategy for outreach to others in grades 5–12 in our community. Encourage our youth to own this vision of sharing the unconditional love of Christ with those who do not yet know him.

Coordinate Vacation Bible School with assistance from other staff members.

Work collaboratively with adult faith formation ministry so intergenerational experiences are integrated in-to the breadth of the community’s life.

Communicate with the youth group, parents and the greater church community about the programs and events at the church.

Assist with resources to support parents in engaging spiritual formation at home.

Review/update the youth section of the SSEC website and Facebook page on a weekly basis.

Write articles for the bi-monthly newsletter highlighting recent or planned youth activities.

Share and respond in a timely matter to all communications with youth and their families through all availa-ble media.

Participate in Sunday morning worship and also encourage students to do so. Assist with leadership of Sun-day services as requested (e.g., intergenerational, pageants, Youth Sunday, etc.)

Plan and execute at least one mission trip and/or retreat for youth each calendar year.

Plan and execute at least one local youth mission activity each calendar year.

Cooperate with and assist parents of teens in their responsibility to raise their children in Christ.

Participate in the broader programming of the church and be responsible, along with all of the staff, for the greater, general health and well-being of the church.

Accept overall responsibility for managing the youth group budget with the Finance Committee.

Build a network of friendships with others involved in Christian youth programs throughout our community in order to share ideas and inter-program experiences.

Plan and coordinate fundraising activities for the youth group with assistance from the St. Stephen’s church members and parents.

Coordinate and cooperate with office staff.

Attend required meetings.

Perform other duties as determined by changing circumstances.

ACCOUNTABILITY: This position is directly responsible to the rector.

REQUIREMENTS: Model in his/her own life a mature, personal walk with Christ for students to observe and emulate; possess a Bachelor’s Degree; possess a current, valid Kansas Driver’s License; pass a routine background check and participate in required Safe Church Training; have experience in leading a youth ministry either paid or in a volunteer position; demonstrate a competency with basic Biblical scriptures.

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Celebrations July Birthdays 7/1 Mike Ceramella Bob Fizer 7/2 Laurie Dunk 7/7 Donna Calbeck 7/9 Wanda Rogers 7/11 Richard Samaniego 7/17 John Rothwell 7/19 Dane Kruger Barbara Thompson 7/20 Adam Kice 7/22 Bill Whitaker 7/25 Michael Henry 7/27 Linda Stewart 7/29 Scott Schriefer

7/31 Devin Hansen Anniversaries 7/15 John and Casey Rothwell 7/17 Peter and Reta Caldwell

Celebrations August Birthdays

8/4 Richard Navarro 8/5 Samantha Stephens 8/6 Kayleigh Lewis 8/7 Devon Rothwell 8/8 Nan Myers 8/16 Anne Stephens 8/18 Felix Adams 8/19 Connie Acker 8/24 Tom Benefiel 8/27 Barbara Hansen 8/28 Maggie Alefs

8/29 Kitty Shield 8/30 Parker Lee Graham

Anniversaries 8/8 Mike and Libby Ceramella 8/11 Felix and Janice Adams 8/14 Bob and Barbara Fizer 8/20 Criss and Joan Schulz 8/23 Al and Judy Higdon

Mark your

calendars

St. Stephen’s Annual

Fund Raiser

Rummage and Bake Sale

ONE DAY ONLY

Thursday

September 29th

7 am—6 pm

Save your gently used

items and set aside

time to volunteer!

A BIG THANK YOU TO

SUSIE MCFALL

for preparing

the birthday wishes

to our parish!

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EDOK “Guys Only Weekend”

A weekend retreat to provide young men with tools to navigate today’s changing society as people of faith. Join us for this inaugural weekend!! Note: We’ll be

going swimming, so bring a swim suit and a towel! When: July 15th-17th, 2016 Where: St. Thomas the Apostle, 12251 Antioch Rd, Overland Park, KS Who: Youth males in grades 9-12 (for the 2015-16 school year) Fee: $50 ($65 after July 6th) Registration forms at the EDOK web site.

HAPPENING #91 A Christian Experience by youth for youth. It’s a weekend retreat, focusing on Jesus and what he taught.

There are games, music, great food and a chance to talk with peers about things that really matter. When: July 29th-31st Where: St. John’s, Wichita Who: Grades 9-12 (for the 2015-16 school year) Fee: $50 (register by July 20th)

Registration forms at the EDOK web site.

Wichita Alternative Gift Market Saturday, November 12th, 10 am—4 pm Wichita East Heights UMC, 4407 E. Douglas Save the date for Saturday, November 12, 2016 and join us for a fun, ecumenical, city-wide market experience! Learn about

ways you can give gifts that have a positive impact on the world — gifts that sustain the earth, promote peace and justice, and address the needs of our local and global neighbors. Since 1995, Wichitans have shopped at the Wichita Alternative Gift Market, hosted by a growing number of churches, schools, and businesses that raise money for dozens of humanitarian and environmental projects. The market features projects from theAlternative Gifts International catalog, fair trade and handmade gifts from local vendors, holiday music and a relaxing atmosphere.

Update on Alternative Gifts Christmas Market

St. Stephen’s has an exciting opportunity to participate in this market for the first time this year. This is the 22nd Annual Market in Wichita. Wichita has the largest one in the United States and Alternative Gifts is headquartered in Wichita. The projects listed are local, across the U.S. and around the globe. Soon we will be selecting a project to support at the Market. There will be a ballot with all projects listed. Everyone will be asked to vote for their first, second and third favorite. On August 8th, our project will be assigned to us corresponding to the result of our vote. If you missed the presentation by the spokesperson for Alternative Gifts on May 29th and would like more information please go www.alternativegifts.org or contact Melanie Shurden 687-5866

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Sun-July 31st 10:15 am No Sunday School

10:30 am

INTERGENERATIONAL SERVICE

ONE SERVICE ONLY

Wed-Aug 3rd 6:00 pm

Building and Grounds Committee Meeting

6:30 pm Prayer Group

Sun-Aug 7th 8:30 am Holy Eucharist: Rote One

915 am Choir Rehearsal

10:15 am Children’s Sunday School

10:30 am Holy Eucharist: Rite Two

Wed-Aug 10th 6:00 pm Finance Committee Meeting

6:30 pm Prayer Group

Sun-Aug 14th 8:30 am Holy Eucharist: Rote One

10:15 am Children’s Sunday School

10:30 am Holy Eucharist: Rite Two

2:00 pm Larksfield Place Service

Wed-Aug 17th 6:00 pm Vestry Meeting

6:30 pm Prayer Group

Sun-Aug 21st 8:30 am Holy Eucharist: Rite One

10:15 am Children’s Sunday School

10:30 am Holy Eucharist: Rite Two

Wed-Aug 24th 6:30 pm Prayer Group

Sun-Aug 28th 8:30 am Holy Eucharist: Rote One

915 am Choir Rehearsal

10:15 am Childrens Sunday School

10:30 am Holy Eucharist: Rite Two

2:00 pm Larksfield Communion Svc

Wed-Aug 31st 6:30 pm Prayer Group

Thurs-Sept 29th 7:00 am- 6:00 pm

Annual Rummage Sale MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Sun-July 3rd 8:30 am Lay Lead Morning Prayer

10:15 am Children’s Sunday School

10:30 am Holy Eucharist: Rite Two

Mon-July 4th PARISH OFFICE CLOSED

Wed-July 6th 6:00 pm Building and Grounds Committee Meeting

6:30 pm Prayer Group

Sun-July 10th 8:30 am Lay Lead Morning Prayer

9:15 am Choir Rehearsal

10:15 am Children’s Sunday School

10:30 am Holy Eucharist: Rite Two

11:45 am- 12:30 pm

VBS Volunteer Meeting (Light lunch provided)

2:00 pm Larksfield Communion Svc

Mon-July 11th-Fri-July 15th

6:00 pm– 9:00 pm

VBS Youth Leadership Training

Wed-July 13th 6:00 pm Finance Committee

Meeting

6:30 pm Prayer Group

Sun-July 17th 8:30 am Lay Lead Morning Prayer

10:15 am Children’s Sunday School

10:30 am Holy Eucharist: Rite Two

VBS Blessing

Mon-July 18th-July 22nd

10:00 am- 1:00 pm

Vacation Bible School

Wed-July 20th 6:00 pm Vestry Meeting

6:30 pm Prayer Group

Sat-July 23rd 9:30 am- 10:30 am

Altar Guild Meeting

10:30 am- 11:30 am

Worship Committee Meeting

11:30 am- 12:30 pm

LEV Training

Sun-July 24th 8:30 am Lay Lead Morning Prayer

10:15 am NO SUNDAY SCHOOL

10:30 am

Holy Eucharist: Rite Two VBS Team Presents

VBS EXPERIENCE

2:00 pm Larksfield Place Service

Wed-July 27th 6:30 pm Prayer Group

St. Stephen’s Calendar July and August

See you Wednesdays starting September

7th for the evening “WE” Service (Wholehearted Eucharist). Open, inclusive, welcoming.

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Baptism Date Baptism Service Time

8;30 am, 10:30 am or 5:30 pm

Baptism Instruction (required)

Sunday, November 6, 2016 All Saints Day, 10:30 am Sunday, October 30th, noon

July 3rd Memory of Martha Belle Rolph

Memory of Dr. Irving S. Johnson

Ric and Darlene Knorr

Alwyn Johnson

July 10th Memory of Karen Shelley Eddie Blue and Family

July 17th Memory of Robert C. Wright Tom and Maggie Benefiel

July 24th Memory of Jim Knorr Ric and Darlene Knorr

July 31st Celebration of the Birthday of Mike Aikman and Romey Runyan Vera Aikman

August 7th Transfiguration Sunday, dedication of new altar cloth St. Stephen’s

August 14th Celebration of their Anniversary Bob and Barbara Fizer

August 21st Thanksgiving for Diana Norton Don and Karen Norton

August 28th Celebration of our Anniversary Dale and Suzanne Graham

ALTAR FLOWERS JULY and AUGUST

July 3rd Sinclair and Johnson Family

July 10th The Floyd's

July 17th Rev. Mary and Tim Korte

July 24th

July 31st

August 7th

August 14th Kathy and Jean White

August 21st

August 28th

Hospitality Coffee Hour Sponsors Do you enjoy treats? Sign up on the bulletin board in the Parish Hall for this welcoming ministry. It doesn’t have to be elaborate,

simple works great. Also you can partner with a friend or ask someone to share to get to know them. If needed a fund to

help you with the cost, contact the Parish Office.

Coffee Hour Treats July and August

Sponsor….. Altar Flowers, Memory Lamp, Sanctuary Lamp this is a great

way to celebrate an event, a memorial for a loved one, or thanksgiving, as well as help support the parish. SIGN UP SHEETS are on the

bulletin board in the Parish Hall. Suggested donation for altar flowers is $60, lamps $5.

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St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church

7404 E. Killarney Wichita, KS 67206

Phone: 316 634-2513 Fax: 316 634-2580

Parish Office Hours

Monday - Friday 9 am—1 pm

[email protected]—www.ststephensec.org

The Rev. Dr. Mary J. Korte, Rector Debra Butler, Bookkeeper

Julia Hart, Children’s Church School Liz Steele, Children’s Church School

Ashley Winter, Choir and Music Director Lise Van Arsdale Hansen, Nursery

Aubrey Watson, Organist Vera Aikman, Parish Administrator

Max says, “Let’s get up and start movin’!

Register for Vacation Bible School or to

Volunteer to help! We need lots of

hands! A FUN-FILLED TIME for all!

Registration at our web site:

ssstephensec.org

The menagerie at St. Stephen’s says, “STAY connecte!” Be sure to check your email every Friday for St. Stephen’s Weekly Email Blast for important information and

UPCOMING EVENTS.

If you are not receiving the Email Blast, call the Parish Office.

CHECK OUT OUR WEB SITE:

www.ststephensec.org LIKE us on Facebook!