Spring Program Guide 2020 - Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church 3775 Crosshaven Drive Birmingham, Alabama 35223 (205) 967-8786 ...
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Spring Program Guide 2020
Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church
3775 Crosshaven Drive
Birmingham, Alabama 35223
Kathryn@ssechurch.org
(205) 967-8786Welcome! On behalf of Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church, we are delighted that you have found your way to the Spring 2020 Program Guide. Saint Stephen’s is a place where all are welcome and regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey, we have tailored Christian formation and programming to provide many ways of growing as the Body of Christ. We hope that if you are looking for a church home, or if you have been here for years, this guide will help you navigate the life of our community and nurture you in this journey that we are all on. If the guide is overwhelming and a phone call or email would be more helpful, please feel free to reach out to our Director of Membership and Ministry, Kathryn Dorlon. She can be reached at (205) 967-8786 or kathryn@ssechurch.org. One of the core values of our staff is to empower others. If there is a ministry in which you are interested, or a way of living into God’s call that is not found in this guide, please reach out and let us help you answer God’s call. As the Rector of Saint Stephen’s, I love meeting and learning people’s stories and welcoming them to the Episcopal Church. If there is anything I can do to support you in your journey, don’t hesitate to ask. I personally would love to hear from you. I can be reached by email at john@ssechurch.org or by calling the church office. I can almost always be talked into a cup of coffee and a little fellowship. I look forward to getting to know you more. Faithfully, The Rev. John B. Burruss Rector Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 2 emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry leader.
Table of Contents Staff Directory 6 Adult Formation 7 • Men’s Bible Studies • Women’s Bible Studies • Stop, Pray, Work, Play, & Love • Rector’s Reading Class • Brown Bag Bible Study • Young Adult Bible Study • Education for Ministry • Parish Hall Forum • Exploring the Holy Land • Being New Together Evangelism 11 • Kairos • Welcoming Committee • Happening • Awakenings • Vocare • Cursillo Fellowship 13 • ECW • Young Adults • Men of Saint Stephen’s (MOSS) • Middlers • Boomers • Wednesday Night Live • Parent Connect Outreach 15 • Family Promise • Monthly Collection • Community Kitchens • Habitat for Humanity • International Missions • Laundry Love • Outreach Committee Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 3 emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry leader.
• Cahaba River Society • Episcopal Place • Sawyerville • Special Session • Bethany’s Kids Creation Care 19 • Grounds Committee • Removing Invasive Species Project • Preschool Garden • Sustainability and Education • Saint Stephen’s Apiary • Holy Hikes • Snow’s Bend Farm Music Ministries 21 • Adult Choir • Children’s and Youth Music Ministry • 5:00 Band Youth Ministry 22 • Misfit Mornings • Sunday Night EYC • Wednesday Night Live • Monthly Youth Bible Study • Diocesan Events like Happening & Awakenings • 2019-2020 Program Year • Confirmation – 9th and 10th Grade Youth Children’s Ministry 25 • Sunday Morning Formation • Wednesday Night Formation • Nursery Contemplative Ministries 27 • Centering Prayer Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 4 emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry leader.
Pastoral Care 28 • Card Guild • Flower Apostles • Little Lambs • Healing Intercessors • Eucharistic Visitors • Feed My Sheep • Simply Prayer • Prayer Shawls and Beads Worship Ministry 31 • Acolytes • Ushers • Altar Guild • Flower Guild • Sound System • Lectors • Eucharistic Minsters Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 5 emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry leader.
Staff Directory CLERGY The Rev. John Burruss, Rector john@ssechurch.org The Rev. Katherine Harper, Associate Rector katherine@ssechurch.org The Rev. Ron DelBene, Priest Associate STAFF Martha Black, Funeral Coordinator Maria Elena Cruz, Housekeeper Micah Cummings, Sexton Kathryn Dorlon, Director of Membership/Ministry kathryn@ssechurch.org Leslie Dunlap, Preschool Director & Wedding Coordinator leslie@ssechurch.org Kim Green, Director of Food Services kim@ssechurch.org Marianne Howell, Parish Administrator marianne@ssechurch.org Ann Day Hunt, Financial Manager ann@ssechurch.org Jennifer Jones, Director of Children’s Ministry jennifer@ssechurch.org Andy Meginniss, 5PM Music Director Anise Morris, Pianist Matt Murphree, Facilities Manager Whitney Page, Director of Music whitney@ssechurch.org Catherine Poellnitz, Director of Youth Ministry catherinep@ssechurch.org Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 6 emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry leader.
Adult Formation Men’s Bible Studies Tuesdays: 7:00 - 8:00 am / Room 228 – All Year We gather every Tuesday morning to discuss the Scripture lessons for the upcoming Sunday. We discuss a book chosen by the group during the summer months. The class is facilitated by a volunteer from the group each week. All men are encouraged to join us for fellowship, fun, and helping each other on our spiritual journey. Please contact Larry Kiker. Wednesdays: 5:00 - 6:00 pm / Room 228 – January 15 to May 10 We gather every Wednesday evening to discuss the Scripture lessons for the upcoming Sunday. The class is facilitated by a volunteer from the group each week. All men are encouraged to join us for fellowship, fun, and helping each other on our spiritual journey. Please contact Wes Pierce for more information. Women’s Bible Studies Wednesdays: 9:30 - 10:30am / Room 228 – January 15 to May 10 We will finish the last two chapters of Matthew beginning on the 15th of Jan. On the 8th of Jan. we are going to the museum for a tour and lunch. Then we will begin a study of the Gospel of Mark. Come see what you think. Contact Virginia Hillhouse for more information. Wednesdays: 5:00 - 6:00 pm / Terrace Room – January 15 to May 10 A great time to be in community as we seek the heart of God together. The lesson stands alone each week. No previous experience with the Bible or Scripture is necessary. Childcare is available. Contact Jessica Garrison for more information. Stop, Pray, Work, Play, & Love: A Weekday Small Group Mondays: 12:10-12:50pm / Terrace Room – March 2 to April 6 Is your day full of pollution of TIME? I am not sure if you answered Yes or No, but my guess is that we can all use a “tune up” of our use of time! This Fall there will be two brown bag daytime offerings for us to explore the harmony of time with STOP, PRAY, WORK, PRAY, and LOVE. The gift of time is something God has given us, and it is intended to be holy. Together with videos and resources we will investigate recapturing the gift of time and experience it as a gift from God. Please grab a lunch on your way and join the group on Monday. Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 7 emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry leader.
Lunch with Rector*
Tuesdays: 12:10pm - 12:50pm / Room 228 – January to May
The class will be an essay reading class led by the Rev. John Burruss. Rector's Reading Class
• January 7, 14, 21, 28 – “Life Together” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
• February 4, 11, 18, 25 – “Search for Sunday: Loving, Leaving and Finding the Church” by
Rachel Held Evans
• March – No classes
• April 7, 14, 21, 28 – “the Book of Joy” by Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama
• May. 5, 12, 19 – “Waking Up White” by Debby Irving
Each book will be broken into segments to read at the first class of the month. Any edition or
copy will work. If the cost of a book is a burden, scholarships are available.
*Please bring your own lunch.
Brown Bag Bible Study with the Rev. Katherine Harper
Fridays: 11:45pm - 12:45pm / Room 228 – January to May
Beginning January 10, bring a lunch to fill your stomach and bring a Bible as we feast on God’s
Word. This group will be convened by the Rev. Katherine Harper. No outside preparation is
necessary as we wander through one book of the Bible at a time. We’ll be exploring prophetic
literature of the Old Testament, including Isaiah, Hosea, and Jeremiah. For questions, contact
Katherine Harper at katherine@ssechurch.org or see the website for more information.
Young Adult Bible Study
Wednesdays: 7:15-8:15pm / Terrace Room – January 15 to May 6
The Young Adults of Saint Stephen's are a group of 22 to 35-year-olds who gather weekly for
fellowship and Bible Study. The group will discuss Scripture from the daily lectionary and from
the upcoming Sunday and is an open-ended discussion. Devout and skeptics alike are welcome
to join. Please email Rev. John Burruss at john@ssechurch.org for more information.
Education for Ministry
Thursdays: 6:30 – 9:00pm / Terrace Room - September to May
EfM is a coursework and group seminar in which participants study, worship, pray together, and
learn to think theologically about our everyday lives. The foundation for bringing Christ to the
world lies in a church empowered by an active, theologically articulate laity. Subjects studied are
the Old and New Testaments, Church History, and Theology. Themes lead the weekly discussion
and outline suggestions for theological reflections. The program began in 1975 and is used
internationally. More than 60 graduates of the program are members at Saint Stephen’s. The
Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 8
emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry
leader.cost of each year’s commitment is $375.00, and all books are included in this fee. Some
scholarships are available. The spring is a great time to discern if this avenue of spiritual growth
is one for you. If you would like to know more about the seminar, contact Scott Reed.
Parish Hall Forum
Sundays: 10:10 – 11:00 am / Parish Hall - September to May
For all adults of the parish, there will be discussions on a range of topics and subjects that will
enhance our spiritual life and sense of community. The spring schedule is as follows:
• January 12 – A chance to get to know our new Associate Rector for Pastoral Care and Liturgy, the
Rev. Katherine Harper
• January 19 – “What just happened? The ecclesiology of the Episcopal Church and how we just
elected a bishop”
• January 26 – “Wrestle On, Jacob: Antebellum Spirituals and the Defiant Faith of the Hebrew Bible”
with Will Kynes, PhD
• February 2 – Camp Sunday – Come learn about Wonderful, Wonderful Camp McDowell
• February 9 – A Morning with Lisa Kimball, PhD of Virginia Theological Seminary and the Rev.
Patricia Lyons, author of “What is Evangelism”
• February 16 & 23 – “The Theology of Pastoral Care” with the Rev. Katherine Harper
• March 1 – A reflection on the art and liturgical design of our space. This event will take place in
the Nave.
• March 8 – “Atonement: A Pathway to Community Healing” with T. Marie King
• March 15 & 29 – “What are We Doing Here? An Old Testament Bible Study” with the Rev. Thomas
Joyner
• March 22 – No Christian Education
• April 5 – “Palm Sunday in Jerusalem: Reflections from the Saint Stephen’s Pilgrimage” with the
Rev. John Burruss
• April 12 – Easter Sunday: no Christian Ed
• April 19 - “Reflections on a Saint Stephen’s Pilgrimage to the Border” with Lisa Beatty and Heidi
Johnston
• April 26 – “Exploring Theology with Nature and the Earth” with the Rev. John Burruss
• May 3 & 10 – “Paul and his Ministry in Greece” – Josh Davis, PhD
Exploring the Holy Land
Sundays: 10:10am – 11:00am / Room 228 – January 12 through February 23.
This seven-week class will walk through the Biblical stories that take place in Jerusalem. A special
focus on the Saint Stephen’s March pilgrimage to the Holy Land locations will be discussed, and
all are welcome to attend.
Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 9
emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry
leader.Being New Together Sundays: 10:10am – 11:00am / Room 228 – April 19 through May 10. This four-week class convenes as we explore what it means to be new in a space and community. Whether you are new to Saint Stephen’s, the Episcopal Church, or simply in a fresh season of your life, there is a place in this group for you. Through conversation, we will pull from our biblical roots and Episcopal theology, while also sharing our stories of being new. The class will be led by the Rev. Katherine Harper. Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 10 emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry leader.
Evangelism
Kairos
Kairos of Alabama serves in prisons and jails through a contractual agreement with the Warden
and Chaplain of each institution. At present, Kairos is in 13 facilities in the state. Kairos weekends
consist of 40 hours spent with 42 inmates chosen by the warden and correctional officers. Kairos
needs your time, talent, and support, along with prayers during the weekend. Men from the
congregation spend time at Elmore Prison several times a year, witnessing to those who are
incarcerated. Through Kairos Outside, women minister to female family members of
incarcerated men. If you are interested in serving, please contact Sam Johnston.
Welcoming Committee / Newcomers
Welcoming Committee: Our ministry is to extend hospitality to every person who comes through
our doors. We serve in two different capacities:
• Greeters are at the Welcome Station in The Crossroads of the church and are the first people to
offer a warm, friendly greeting as people enter. They answer questions and help newcomers find
their way around the church. Greeters also carry the bread and wine to the altar during the
Offertory. Greeters usually arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the service.
• Newcomer Welcome Hosts are a special group of servants who provide invitations, delicious food,
and are hosts for Newcomers Dinners that are held 4 times per year.
Happening
HAPPENING is one of those events that must be experienced to be fully understood. During the
three-day weekend, the participants spend time seriously considering the person and teaching
of Jesus Christ in a relaxed, fun, informal, and loving atmosphere. They are provided with
opportunities to share, discuss, learn, and live with fellow Christians in an environment of
acceptance and understanding. HAPPENING is not a new form of spirituality or just another
weekend retreat. It is a personal encounter with the living Christ as expressed in the traditions
of the Episcopal Church. Hopefully, those who attend a Happening will join those who have gone
before them in their desire to serve the Church, to continue in their commitment to Christ and
to look for further opportunities to share with others what they have lived and learned.
Happening is for youth 10th-12th grade, and you can sign up at www.dioala.org.
• Happening #76 at Christ Church Tuscaloosa, March 13-15, 2020.
Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 11
emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry
leader.Awakenings Awakenings is a spiritual retreat, very similar to Happening, but for middle schoolers. This weekend event at Camp McDowell shows God’s love to 7th and 8th grade youth. Youth in grades 10-12 are eligible to serve as high school counselors for this junior high spirituality retreat. This year, Awakenings will be at Camp McDowell on March 27-29, 2020. Sign up at www.dioala.org. Vocare “Vocare” is a Latin word meaning “to call.” Vocare is a renewal weekend for young adults in the time when they face many serious decisions that set the direction for much of their adult life. Shall my life be self-centered, work and career centered, pleasure centered, or God centered? What will be the most important of these activities, and how can I keep them all going at the same time in a way that makes my life blossom and enables me to live in harmony with creation and God? Christians who have received the gift of God’s Holy Spirit in the sacrament of Holy Baptism are called by Jesus Christ to grow throughout their lives in an intelligent understanding of God, in adoration and love for Him, in praise and thanksgiving, and in readiness to serve others in His name. How are we going to gain the skills to do that? The one thing you have to offer your God is your life at its deepest level, how you use your thoughts and attitudes, how you spend your time, and what you say and do with others around you. All the rest God has already given to you. Now let’s see whether we can help one another to answer the calling God has made to you through Jesus Christ, the Lord of our lives. A Vocare weekend is staffed and attended by people in the 18-30 age group and a few clergy. There are a series of talks and discussion that will help us to grow in awareness of being called by God and to help one another in answering this call. Find out more from www.dioala.org/vocare. Cursillo Cursillo is a community of faith that is dedicated to exploring the love of God and sharing God's love with each other. Cursillo is an opportunity to grow in faith and in spirituality. Cursillo in the Diocese of Alabama begins with a three–day weekend at Camp McDowell. During these three days, lay people and clergy share their experiences and perspective on a variety of topics related to the love of God, the Christian life, and Christian community. Through Cursillo we seek a deeper understanding of the teachings of Jesus and how we can serve Him. We work together to share God's love and encourage each other to persevere in carrying out our Baptismal vows. Cursillo starts with a three-day weekend, but the best is yet to come! If you are interested, please contact Melody Eagan. Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 12 emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry leader.
Fellowship
Episcopal Church Women (ECW)
The women of Saint Stephen’s come together in fellowship and prayer throughout the year. ALL
women of Saint Stephen’s are members of ECW. The ECW hosts a women’s retreat at camp
McDowell annually, and our fundraising tea is held every other year. The ECW exists to help
other women find our place, our ministry, to find wholeness in our lives, to find ways to serve,
and to become the person Christ created us to be. Our Mission Statement is: We are Episcopal
Church Women, committed to one another and called to be a witness for Christ. Our challenge
is to provide a safe place where every woman is free to become the person Christ created her to
be. We are called. We are different. We are one body.
• The annual Women’s Retreat is January 24-26 at Camp McDowell.
• The ECW Tea is March 1.
Young Adults
Wednesdays: 7:15 - 8:15pm / Terrace Room – January 12 to May 10
The Young Adults of Saint Stephen's are a group of 22 to 35-year-olds who gather weekly for
fellowship and Bible Study. See Formation for more info.
Men of Saint Stephen’s (MOSS)
The Men of Saint Stephen’s come together in fellowship and prayer throughout the year. They
have a men’s retreat, help with grounds maintenance service days, cook breakfast for the parish
on several occasions, and have many other opportunities throughout the year to learn and grow
together. All men are welcome. Watch for opportunities in the E-News.
• The annual Men’s Retreat is April 17-19 at Camp McDowell.
Middlers
The Middlers of Saint Stephen’s are adults, thirty-something to fifty-something, who meet
monthly at fun locations around Birmingham. We are single, married, partnered, with children
and without. We are a generation yearning to do life together and have built a community of
love and respect for where we are in life. Want to join us? Watch for announcements on
Facebook and E-news. For more info, contact kathryn@ssechurch.org.
• January 10 - Pizza outing
• February 7 – Potluck
• March 6 – Potluck
• April 5 – Brunch out with children’s art with Mary Susan Lewis
• May 7 – Cinco de Mayo
• June 4 - Pool Party for VBS volunteers & Middlers with a catered meal
Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 13
emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry
leader.Boomers
Did you know? Boomers is a group of adults, age 55 and older, who get together monthly for
fellowship and fun. We have social hours, occasional guest speakers, day trips, movie days, and
much more! If you have questions or suggestions, please contact Kathryn Dorlon at
kathryn@ssechurch.org or Van Chaplin.
• January 23 - Lunch and Learn with speaker Katherine Harper
• February 13 - Mardi Gras Dinner
• March 19 - Potluck and speaker
• April 23 - Offsite Luncheon
• May 28 - Veteran's celebration and dinner
• June 25 - Offsite Luncheon
Wednesday Night Live
Wednesdays: 5:30 – 7pm / Parish Hall – September 11 to May 10
We gather as a church family in the Parish Hall for dinner at 5:30pm followed by a program from
6:30-7pm. This Spring our program is Cultivating Our Faith: Planting, Growing, and Blooming.
Some programs are geared for all ages, and other times we will have separate offerings for
children and adults. EYC meets in Carpenter Hall 6:30-7:30pm.
Suggested Dinner Donation:
$3/Child
$7/Adult
$23 Family Maximum
Parent Connect
First Sunday of the month: 10:15 – 11:00am / Terrace Room
Parent Connect is a monthly gathering during the formation hour for parents of newborns and
young children. We feel that church is building a community to do life together, and it is
important to us to provide these opportunities for parents. It is our goal to provide a place of
refuge to discuss life and to have some informational sessions as well that help parents in this
stage in life. For more information, contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org.
• 1/5/2020 Parent Connect- Parent selfcare
• 2/2/2020 Katherine Harper- Camp with kids
• 3/1/2012 Parent Connect- A lent filled home
• 4/5/2020 Parent Connect- Easter parenting
• 5/3/2020 Parent Connect- A spiritual summer
Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 14
emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry
leader.Outreach
Family Promise
This program assists temporarily homeless families in north-central Alabama. Family Promise is
unique in that it shelters entire families, whereas most shelters require families to be split up.
These pre-screened families spend their days at work, school, or at Southside Baptist Church, and
then spend nights at area congregations. Saint Stephen’s serves as a host church four times per
year, a week at a time. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Chandler Busby.
Saint Stephen’s will host the following dates in 2020:
• 3/22/2020 - 3/29/2020
• 6/28/2020 - 7/5/2020
• 10/4/2020 - 10/11/2020
Monthly Collection
In the Outreach Alcove, food, clothing and other items are collected for the outreach agencies
that Saint Stephen’s serves. A different item and different agency are highlighted each month.
The collection items and highlighted agencies can be found in E-news and on a poster in the
Outreach Alcove. Please contact Diane Hightower with questions. Collections for the Spring
include:
• January: Clean up items for the CARES program at St. John’s - Lysol wipes, baby wipes, paper
towels, antibacterial hand sanitizer
• February: Personal products for Caring for Women for various shelters, etc. – pads, tampons,
adult diapers, ladies’ underwear (sizes 6-9)
• Please stay tuned for updates to items being collected.
Community Kitchens
Community Kitchens of Birmingham is dedicated to feeding anyone who is hungry. There are an
estimated 3,000 people each week who sleep on the streets of Birmingham. Community Kitchens
serves over 95,000 meals annually at two locations to these individuals. Volunteers from Saint
Stephen’s help serve the daily meals that are offered in the parish hall of Grace Episcopal and
Saint Andrew’s churches. These hot meals help to nourish the body as well as the spirit of those
in need. Our spirits are also nourished as we extend our hands and hearts to this wonderful
community. If you are interested in serving, please contact Dorothy Cochran.
Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 15
emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry
leader.Habitat for Humanity Saint Stephen’s participates every year in the construction of houses sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama. All able-bodied volunteers ages 14 and older are asked to work a Friday or Saturday alongside the homeowners and their families. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Rob Gellings. International Missions Saint Stephen’s members have traveled around Central America and the Caribbean serving on different international mission trips. Currently, Saint Stephen’s is exploring a companion relationship with the Diocese of Cuba with a trip in the works for the fall of 2020. If you are interested in being part of this group or being connected to Diocesan trips, contact Christine Mercer. Laundry Love Laundry Love is a ministry that takes place in Grace Woodlawn where members of Saint Stephen’s join with members of the community to wash clothes and provide economic relief. Duties include helping people sign in, adding washing pods and dryer sheets to the washers and dryers, and putting quarters in the machines. Most of all, we talk and have fun with the people washing their clothes. Please contact Lisa Beatty if you are interested. Currently, Laundry Love takes place every other month on Thursdays from 3:30 - 6:30pm and usually requires six volunteers. The 2020 dates for Laundry Love are: • Thursday, February 27 • Thursday, April 23 • Thursday, June 18 • Thursday, August 20 • Thursday, October 15 • Thursday, December 17 Outreach Committee 2nd Monday of the month: 6:30pm / Room 228 – August to May The Outreach Committee meets to review the outreach ministries of Saint Stephen’s. They make recommendations for new projects, evaluate old projects, and award grants to different agencies. This important group helps Saint Stephen’s live into her mission of being the hands, feet, and heart of Christ in the neighborhood and world. Contact Bill Wright if you are interested in joining. Kairos – see Evangelism Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 16 emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry leader.
Cahaba River Society (www.cahabariversociety.org) The 1,870-square mile Cahaba River watershed drains urban and rural areas, farms, and forests on its course from the southern Appalachian Mountains through the coastal plain to the Alabama River. About 200 square miles of the headwaters are the primary raw water source for the Birmingham Water Works Board system, the largest water provider in Alabama. Volunteer opportunities include participating in educational programs, volunteering for planting events in riverside forest restoration projects, and joining us when we host cleanup days along the river. Contact Bill Wright for more information. Episcopal Place Episcopal Place (EP) serves as a model for providing affordable, independent living for low- income seniors and adults with disabilities. EP helps seniors live at home for as long as possible. Its unique supportive services include transportation, subsidized meals, housekeeping programs, resident activities, a relief fund, pastoral counseling, and worship services. Saint Stephen’s provides financial and volunteer support for the program through outreach grants, Cross Day projects, and through participation in Gumbo Gala, EP’s annual fund-raising event. Sawyerville Sawyerville is program that takes place in the rural town of Greensboro in the Black Belt of Alabama. Sawyerville Day Camp is a free summer camp and leadership program that serves campers from all over Hale County. Sawyerville has over 750 campers (6-13 years of age) that participate during the three week-long sessions and over 300 volunteer staff. Saint Stephen’s parishioners cook, deliver and serve a meal for staff during one of three camp sessions, volunteer on “Moving Day”, and spend time as camp counselors. Opportunities arise in the spring of each year. Special Session Special Session is a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama. Every June, two week-long sessions of summer camp are hosted for adults with mental and physical disabilities at Bethany Village at Camp McDowell. Our campers are cared for by teenagers and college students, and a large adult staff supports the counselors and campers in activities and care giving. It’s a beautiful experience for all involved and a glimpse into the kingdom of God. For more information on ways to get involved in summer camps, Christmas party, fundraisers, or fall camps, contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org. Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 17 emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry leader.
Bethany’s Kids Saint Stephen’s provides staff and volunteers for this ministry, named for the place where Jesus’ friends lived. This new area of camp, called Bethany, is an expansion of the mission and ministries at Camp McDowell which is to live out Jesus’ vision of the way the world could be. Bethany’s Kids is a week-long inclusion camp where children of varying mental and physical abilities are immersed in adapted camp life. Campers are housed in cabins in an area of McDowell that has been specifically designed to accommodate special needs. Saint Stephen’s raised $100,000 to build a cabin for this new area of Camp McDowell. Please contact Amy Passey if you are interested in volunteering. Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 18 emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry leader.
Creation Care Grounds Committee Our grounds committee has work days throughout the year to battle invasive species, clear our beautiful pathways in the gardens, plant flowers, and keep our grounds looking their best. While much of the work is keeping Saint Stephen’s beautiful, we have recently focused on clearing invasive species in order to teach the congregation about our connection to creation. For more information, contact Steve Smith. Removing Invasive Species Project Please see the wonderful article in Birmingham Now highlighting the work of the Grounds Committee in removing invasive species from our campus. For more information, contact Chris Boles. Preschool Garden Saint Stephen’s works with the Preschool to create a curriculum and garden to educate young children on sources of food and the life cycle of God’s creation. The garden is a new addition in 2018. If you are interested in supporting this ministry, please contact Mary Marcoux. Sustainability and Education The Sustainability and Education small group is exploring ways that the Saint Stephen’s physical plant and community can be more environmentally responsible and fostering educational opportunities for the community. If you are interested in being involved in this group, please contact Lynn Worley. Saint Stephen’s Apiary Saint Stephen’s is home to four bee hives and a wonderful group of people eager to learn about bee keeping and its impact on our environment. There are opportunities available to feed and care for the bees. Click here to learn more. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Chris Williams. Holy Hikes From March through October (excluding July) Saint Stephen’s offers a short 2-3 mile Holy Hike to help people engage with the sacredness of all of God’s creation. These hikes are intergenerational and sometimes include communion. Here is a story about the Holy Hikes. Please see our Facebook Page with current information, or you can contact Allen Howell. Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 19 emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry leader.
Subscribing to Snow’s Bend Farm Saint Stephen’s has become a drop site for purchasing Community-Supported Agriculture (CSAs) from Snow’s Bend Farm, as a way of helping the congregation build a better relationship with their food. The subscription runs from April through November. You can sign up on the Snow’s Bend Farm website, and you can learn more here. Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 20 emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry leader.
Music Ministries Adult Choir The Adult Choir of Saint Stephen’s is a dedicated group of volunteers who serve as worship leaders for the 9:00 and 11:15am services. The Adult Choir rehearses on Wednesday nights from 7:15 - 8:30pm and on Sundays at 8:30am to prepare for the 9:00am service. Our members have wide and varied backgrounds in music, and many have sung in our choir for more than 20 years. Come and join us with your joyful voice! Please contact Whitney Page at whitney@ssechurch.org to schedule an informal placement audition. Children’s and Youth Music Ministry Come make a joyful noise unto the Lord! Children in 4K preschool through 12th grade are invited to join our vocal and handbell choirs. Choirs rehearse September through May and sing/ring once or twice per month. Children's Choir (4K-1st grade) rehearses Wednesdays 5:00 - 5:25pm Junior Choir (2nd - 6th grades) rehearses Wednesdays 5:30 - 6:00pm Junior Handbells (advanced ringers) rehearses Wednesdays 6:00 - 6:30pm Rainbow Bells (beginning ringers) rehearses Wednesdays 6:30 - 6:55pm Youth Choir/Handbells (7th-12th grades) rehearse Sundays 12:15 - 12:45pm New members are welcome to join our vocal choirs at any time. Please contact Whitney Page at whitney@ssechurch.org for more information. 5:00pm Band Sundays: 4:00pm / Parish Hall The music for the 5pm service is a mix of music that primarily comes from the Alleluia III Hymnal, a folk music collection created by the Diocese of Alabama. At 4pm, musicians gather to rehearse the 5pm music. Currently, people play guitars, mandolin, cello, violin, harmonica, and bass. A regular commitment is not required as many musicians drop in when they are available. To be added to the musician email list, contact Andy Meginniss. Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 21 emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry leader.
Youth Ministries Misfit Mornings – Sunday Morning Small groups in Carpenter Hall 10:15 - 11:00am The best way we have found to have meaningful, impactful, and faith-based conversations with youth, is in a small group. Youth thrive in a small group setting because it creates more accountability, your group wants you to be there, it encourages the community aspect of small groups being a safe place to grow, and it forms a new group for your youth to be able to rely on. Misfit Mornings consists of two groups that meet in the Youth Rooms of Carpenter Hall. 7th and 8th grade youth will be together, and 9th-12th grade youth will meet together. This time is meant for fellowship and feeding us with God’s Word while another week begins. Here is an example of how a Misfit Morning would go: get food from the food cart, have an opening prayer, read a bible verse or passage of the week, a discussion about where they saw God this week, a faith- based activity, announcements, and a closing prayer. Sunday Night EYC - which includes free dinner! Sundays: 5:00 - 7:30pm / Carpenter Hall – September to May EYC stands for Episcopal Youth Community. On Sunday nights, our youth group will have formation, but this will be a time to focus on fellowship. Learning about each other in our own Episcopal Youth Community is important; so, each assigned Sunday night we will get together as a group and get to know ourselves and our friends around us. This year we will try things a little differently. When indicated on the schedule, all 7th-12th grade youth will be together having a great time from 5:00 - 7:30pm. We will also spend some EYC Nights with our separated peer groups, which will also be indicated on the schedule, where 7 th and 8th grade come from 5:00 - 6:30, and 9th – 12th grade comes from 6:00 - 7:30 (dinner together from 6:00 - 6:30). Parents, this is one easy way that you can help! We have dinner from 6:00-6:30 for every normal EYC night. You can sign up by emailing the Director of Youth Ministries at catherinep@ssechurch.org. This meal usually feeds 25-30 youth. Wednesday Night Live Wednesdays: 5:30 - 7:30pm / Parish Hall and Carpenter Hall – September to May Wednesday Night Live (WNL) is our formation time. All 7th-12th grade youth are always welcome to join us! In 2020, we will have programs for Cultivating our Faith: Planting, Growing, and Blooming. It will follow a similar program schedule as the whole parish, but the youth will have Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 22 emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry leader.
our own program discovering when our faith is planted in love we can grow our spiritual life and continue to show the world that we are blooming children of God. On Wednesdays, we meet in the Parish Hall and have dinner with the Parish (paid for on your own) from 5:30-6:20. We then head to Carpenter Hall from 6:30-7:30 to have our own youth program. We get to know each other, play games, and focus on how we can explore and apply our faith in everyday situations. We do participate in Parish Wide Events (and even lead some!), so look for our weekly email to indicate any changes. Monthly Youth Bible Study – Starting back in January! Starting back on Tuesday January 28th we will continue Biscuits and Bibles! Biscuits and Bibles is a bible study open to Senior High youth from 7:00-7:30am on two Tuesdays of every month. We will meet in Saint John’s chapel (across the street from Saint Stephen’s) and together we will have breakfast, discuss our life and faith, and explore the Book of Common Prayer as well as the Bible. More information will be given in our weekly emails and on our social media pages, if you have any questions, contact our Director of Youth Ministries! Diocesan Events like Happening, Awakenings, and more! Saint Stephen’s Youth love to support our Diocese and all the offerings given throughout the year. There are spiritual weekend retreats where youth can go through the weekend once and experience God’s love in a big way, and they can also serve as youth leaders on staff during these events. Happening is for 10th-12th grade youth, and Awakenings is for 7th-8th grade youth with High Schoolers who can serve as staff. Our Diocese also has several events throughout the year for Middle School and High School aged youth. To learn more about the upcoming events for this year with the Diocese of Alabama, visit their website www.dioala.org and find the Youth Ministries page. 2019-2020 Program Year The Youth Ministry at Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church accepts, serves, and encourages youth of all different perspectives, helping them to do Christ's work in the world by becoming their true selves. Our Youth program has a lot to offer, and there are several dates that you and your family need to put on your calendar. A full spring calendar will be in our weekly emails and on our social media pages! The spring is full of excitement, renewal, love, and fun! Some of the big events this spring include our annual ski trip, the Rite 13 retreat for 7th and 8th grade youth, our rafting trip, Youth Sunday, and so much more! Our weekly offerings are happening all the time, and the best way to stay updated is to receive the weekly email. If you would like to be added to our weekly email, have any questions Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 23 emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry leader.
about an event, or have questions about anything with our Youth Group, please contact our Director of Youth Ministries, Catherine “CPo” Poellnitz at catherinep@ssechurch.org. Everyone is welcome at Saint Stephen’s, so encourage your youth to bring friends to any and all events! Remember, this is the newest moment in your life, so go out there and share your love! Confirmation – 9th and 10th grade Youth Saint Stephen’s is excited to begin another journey of our youth committing to their faith. Confirmation is the sacramental rite in which the candidate "expresses a mature commitment to Christ and receives strength from the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a bishop" (BCP, p. 860). This mature commitment to Christ can only be made by the confirmand, and we want to prepare them with everything they need for this process. This sacramental right is something that we, at Saint Stephen’s, encourage current ninth and tenth grade youth to be a part of, but any youth older than ninth grade are welcome to join the process as well. Youth and parents will receive a letter with all information about Confirmation in January. If you are interested in your youth checking out what this commitment entails, please let CPo know! Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 24 emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry leader.
Children's Ministries
Sunday Morning Formation - Classes meet from 10:10 - 11:00am from September to May
• Two and Three-Year-Old Class, Room 124 in the Nursery:
Two and three-year-olds will learn about God’s love for them through Bible stories,
songs, art and play.
• 4K and Kindergarten, Room 40 in Carpenter Hall:
This class uses the Godly Play approach to explore faith. Godly Play is based on
Montessori principles and uses both wonder and play to enhance a child's spiritual
experience. Your children will become more fully aware of the mystery of God's presence
in their lives.
• 1st-4th Grades, see Rotation Chart in Carpenter Hall Lobby for room assignment each
week:
First through fourth graders will explore the Bible and their relationship with God by
rotating through hands-on learning stations. Learning stations include: art, Bible games,
Godly Play, cooking, and theater.
• 5th & 6th Grades, Room 53 in Carpenter Hall:
Fifth and sixth graders will revisit the Bible's greatest stories, investigate major biblical
themes and discover how the Bible relates to their own lives. This class uses a Bible-
centered curriculum developed especially for this age group to get to know God and each
other better. Every fifth and sixth grader will receive a Bible to use on Sunday mornings
to keep as their own.
Wednesday Night Formation January 12 – May 10
6:30-7:00 Wednesday Night Activities and Programs for Children Ages Infant to Grade 6:
• Nursery with childcare and activities for babies through age 3 are available during the program
hour in the nursery area
• Monthly intergenerational and family activities
• Club 56 - 5th and 6th grade meets in Room 53 Carpenter Hall
For more information about our programs, for children please contact Jennifer Jones,
jennifer@ssechurch.org
Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 25
emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry
leader.Nursery The mission of the nursery ministry is to provide a safe, fun and nurturing Christian environment for the young children of parishioners and visitors while parents attend worship or other parish programs. Our goal is that the children will experience Christ through the nursery ministry. Saint Stephen’s nursery is available for children ages six weeks to four years from 8:30am – 12:30pm on Sundays and from 5:30 – 7:15pm on Wednesdays (September – May). Contact: Maggie Widman at maggie@ssechurch.org Wednesday Night Live Schedule: Jan 15: Emoji Bible Study Jan 22: Outreach Fair Jan 29: From Scraps to Art with Camilla Moss Feb 5: Using Stories to Plant Hope: Speed Faithing Feb 12: Creating Kitchen Gardens with Mary and Lois Feb 19: Making a Road Map for Lent Feb 25 (Tuesday): Pancake Supper Mar 4: Lenten Series with the Rev. Katie Rengers Mar 11: Lenten Series with the Rev. Virginia Moore Mar 18: Lenten Series with the Rev. Mary Bea Sullivan Mar 25 No WNL – Spring Break Apr 1: Lenten Series with the Rev. Meredith Jane Day Apr 8: Stations of the Cross Apr 15: Easter Egg Hunt Apr 22: Game Night Apr 29: Picnic in the Park May 6: Senior Celebration Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 26 emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry leader.
Contemplative Ministries Centering Prayer Tuesdays: 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm / Chapel Wednesdays: 10am / Carpenter Hall Room 51 (1st Wednesday session of each month meets at 10am at Kirkwood by the River Retirement Village) Centering Prayer is a practice of prayer that is simple, restful and easy to understand. The length of time recommended is 20 minutes. It is a silent prayer, practiced individually and/or in a group. Centering prayer comes out of the Christian Tradition. It is drawn directly from THE CLOUD OF UNKNOWING, written by an anonymous 14th century author as well as writings by St. John of the Cross. In the early 1980’s, centering prayer was rediscovered and formatted to be used by lay people. Father William Meninger, Father Thomas Keating, and Basil Pennington, as well as other lay persons are responsible for the present-day, world-wide connection of Centering Prayer through Contemplative Outreach. For more information, contact Louise Meredith or visit the Centering Prayer Alabama website. Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 27 emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry leader.
Pastoral Care Card Guild The Card Guild’s purpose is to let people who are on our prayer list know that they are in our thoughts and prayers in their time of need, sickness, bereavement, hospitalization, etc. by sending them a handmade card with a personalized message or prayer enclosed. There are two contributors to this ministry, the artists and the senders. The Artist The artist’s time varies with each individual contributing to the artistry of the card jackets. Some paint or use photography; others use multimedia. Each artist is able to be creative and spend time on their own contributing to this ministry. The Sender The sender’s time involves creating an appropriate message or prayer for the need, checking accuracy of the name, address, etc. and sending the card. Typically, from one to ten cards are sent each week. Contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org for more information. Flower Apostles The “Arranger” Team Each Monday, a group of volunteers removes the flowers from Sunday’s altar arrangement and rearrange them into 3 or 4 individual bouquets. These are taken to parishioners on Saint Stephen’s prayer list. Vases and supplies are provided. This is a great ministry for anyone with a love of flower arranging. The “Delivery” Team Assigned volunteers pick up arrangements at the church and deliver to a parishioner’s home on Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning. This is an ideal opportunity for moms and dads who pick up children from - or drop off children to - Preschool. Commitment: pick-up and delivery time is usually 10-30 minutes depending on location of the parishioner’s home. Little Lambs The Little Lambs ministry shares Christ’s love to the parish’s growing families. Following the birth of a child, families receive meals, flowers, and gifts, as well as information about the church Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 28 emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry leader.
nursery and the process for Baptism. Contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org for more information. Healing Intercessors Healing prayers are offered at our 9:00am and 11:15am Sunday services. During Holy Communion, intercessors wait at the kneeler in the transept to offer prayers of faith for healing. This ministry is an important way that Saint Stephen’s is living into to its mission “to make Christ known”. Contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org for more information. Eucharistic Visitors In chapter 12 of his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul’s analogy of the body having many parts with different functions or gifts propels us to realize there are many gifted ministers within a community. Saint Stephen’s trains Eucharistic Visitors and Care Teams to work alongside clergy in the ministry to our parishioners who are homebound, recovering from surgery, or grieving a death or other life change. As some cannot be here to for corporate worship, these parishioners serve as the chaplains to the family of Saint Stephen's. Please remember them in your prayers. For more information, contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org. Newcomers – Please see Evangelism (Welcoming Committee) Feed My Sheep A group of willing people help pick up and deliver a hot meal to our parish families during a hospital stay, illnesses, or the birth of a baby. Saint Stephen’s will reimburse the cost of meals. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org. Simply Prayer Wednesdays and Thursdays: 9:30am / Chapel – All year Our ministry is to pray for those on the Saint Stephen’s prayer list. All are welcome. We gather for a collective prayer and say each name on the prayer list. Contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org for more information. Prayer Shawls and Beads Our ministry uses donated or purchased yarns to make prayer shawls of various colors, sizes and textures. We have labels indicating that they are from our ministry, and we sew a small metal cross beside it. We have many people who take the yarn home, and we don’t see them until they bring the finished product. Our pastoral care team lets us know who and when these are needed. They have a beautiful card attached, signifying the blessing. We will teach you how to knit and/or Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 29 emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry leader.
crochet; and provide you with yarn and needles. Prayer beads are made by many groups within the parish. We keep a supply in the office. They are in small silk bags with a prayer attached. When the supply gets low, or if we have a need of many, we get together and string them. You can usually do a set of pocket beads in half an hour. If you are interested in being a part of this ministry, contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org. Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 30 emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry leader.
Worship Ministry Acolytes This is a ministry of service in the Liturgy that is specifically for kids in grade school all the way to seniors in high school. It is a leadership role as they help in different capacities to lead our worship: carrying the cross and torches to lead the procession, our church banner, aiding the Deacon with the Gospel Book. Also, in our parish, they act as a sub deacon and assist the Celebrant set the table and present the bread and wine. We hope all our young people will help and take part in this valuable ministry. If you are interested, or as a parent you want to enroll your child, please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org. Ushers Ushers are a vital part of our Sunday Worship as well as other services such as funerals. They aid in helping people find a seat and hand out an order of worship. They also help to make room when the seating becomes crowded and are available to assist those with special needs during worship. This ministry is made up of adults of all ages, women and men. If you are interested in volunteering at a service 1-2 times per month, please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org. Altar Guild The Altar Guild is a servant ministry that is both solemn and joyous. The Altar Guild is responsible for all items, including bread and wine, the liturgical color, and the readings of the day, being placed correctly for the Holy Eucharist. We work in teams, generally one Sunday a month. This ministry is open to all youth and adults of any age. Please contact Sharon Yeager for more information or to volunteer. Flower Guild The Flower Guild is responsible for choosing and arranging flowers for Sunday worship and other events at the church. Generally, the arrangement behind the altar is their purview, but there may be other locations as well. If you have a love of flowers or have worked with floral arrangements before, please consider this ministry by speaking with Ann Carpenter. Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 31 emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry leader.
Sound System Our sound ministry is a vital component of our Sunday morning team. We sit in the back of the church in the sound booth and turn microphones on/off depending on who is speaking, adjust volumes, and make sure that the sound in the Nave is enhancing everyone’s worship experience. For more information, contact Steve Thompson. Lectors Lectors play a large role in Sunday worship as ministers of the Word. They are responsible for reading the Old Testament, Psalm, and other New Testament selections on Sundays and other services with Holy Eucharist, such as funerals. If you are interested, please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org. Eucharistic Minsters These adults of the parish are often referred to as “Chalice Bearers.” They are responsible for administering the Cup with the blood of Christ (wine) to God’s people gathered to celebrate Holy Eucharist on Sundays or other services with Holy Eucharist. If you are interested, please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org. Healing Intercessors – See Pastoral Care Email addresses, except those for Saint Stephen’s staff, have been removed to reduce phishing 32 emails. Please contact Kathryn Dorlon at kathryn@ssechurch.org to connect to any ministry leader.
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