St. Stephen’s Weekly The Presentation St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Wilkinsburg, PA February 2, 2014 The Rev. Nancy (Nano) Chalfant-Walker, Rector The Presentation of Jesus

THE PRESENTATION OF JESUS: Parish Services CANDLEMAS Parish Administrator General Office Hours Dear Ones, 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM Tues. - Fri. By the time you read this, sitting in your pew at St. Stephen’s this Sunday, February 2, Punxsutawney Phil will have emerged from his cozy den, taken a look around and decided whether or not we are going to have 6 more weeks of winter. NURSERY SERVICES Here’s hoping he’s seen his shadow!!! 10:30 a.m. Service February 2nd is not only Groundhog Day; it is also the day when we commemorate Each Sunday, Downstairs the day that Joseph and Mary presented Mary’s firstborn son to God in the temple. In The Parish House.

A mother in Israel who had given birth was considered to be unclean for 40 days SUNDAY SCHOOL (if she gave birth to a boy; it was 80 days if the baby was a girl!!). Luke tells us that the little family traveled to Jerusalem to fulfill the requirements for Mary’s Youth join families in purification from childbirth (with a poor family’s pair of doves) and for the church. dedication of Jesus to God. If you count 40 days from Christmas, you arrive at BIBLE STUDIES February 2, and so when February 2 falls on a Sunday, we celebrate this event. In time, this day became known as Candlemas because candles were (and are) Sundays in the Parish blessed for use in church and home as a reminder of Simeon’s prophecy over Jesus House Library in the temple: that he would be “a light of revelation to the Gentiles and for glory led by Don Block to your people Israel.” 9:15 AM - 10:00 AM

Now here’s the fact I bet you didn’t know: Groundhog Day is on February 2 Monthly Study because of Candlemas. I guess that is because, by the time we get to February 2, @ The Sprenkels we can really tell that the days are lengthening, but we also know that we really “First Fridays” are nowhere near the end of winter. In any case, in much of Europe, the tradition 6 - 8 PM was that “If Candlemas be fair and bright, Come, Winter, have another flight; If Selected Biblical Passages Next: February 7th Candlemas brings clouds and rain, Go Winter, and come not again.” Animals emerging from hibernation got roped into the act as prognosticators: hedgehogs in Call Mel or Dave Sprenkel if Germany, badgers in England. Settlers in Pennsylvania settled on the groundhog you are interested, at as a good replacement, and here we are with Punxsutawney Phil. 412-362-8025.

Happy Groundhog Day – and a blessed Candlemas! May Jesus always be the light Please let us know if you need a ride. of YOUR world, Nancy+ You are invited!

MISSION OF THE MONTH Our Sick and Shut-ins

FOOD OF THE MONTH Non-perishable foods that are RED The Presentation Page 2

In Our Prayers PARISH STAFF

Pray for the Church — CLERGY

In the : Rector The , Justin Welby; The Anglican Church of The Rev. Nancy The Most Reverend Bernard Ntahoturi Archbishop of the Province Chalfant-Walker of Burundi & Bishop of Matana; and The Episcopal Church and Presiding 412-243-6100 Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori. NYOP OFFICE Our sister churches: 412-243-6101 Our brothers and sisters in the ACNA Diocese of Pittsburgh; The Christians of Southern Sudan and the Central African Republic. Program Dir. Tony Jackson

In the Diocese: The Rt. Rev. Dorsey McConnell; Church of the PARISH STAFF Atonement, Carnegie; Committee on Constitution & Canons, Michael Braxton, chair; St. James, Episcopal Church, Penn Hills, and The Rev. Eric Music Ministry, McIntosh; Soon Choi In St. Stephen’s: Financial Admin., Barbara Crane; Ellen Scott; NYOP; The Sanctuary Project; and our sick and Pat Woodley shut-ins. Administrator, Minister Paula V. Cooper Pray for the nation and the world – Sexton, Greg Gent

President Barack Obama, Congress, The Men and Women serving in the Armed Forces, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan; for the ARCHIVIST stewardship of the earth’s resources and a wise response to climate Archivist & Historian, change. Edgar Taylor

Pray for the local community - Wilkinsburg Community Ministries; Mayor and The Borough Council of Wilkins WORSHIP SERVICES burg; the end to violent crime; Wilkinsburg School District and Penn Hills School District; and those who are homeless. SUNDAY 8:00 am & 10:30 am

Pray for those who suffer or are in any kind of St. Stephen’s Episcopal trouble - 600 Pitt Street

Ben Anne Etienne Janet Haston John Booker Wilkinsburg, PA

Bill Garver Sherry Shirley Arlene Church E-mail: Liz Mikszan Joel Brown Fran Nancy Shook [email protected] Judy Pat Woodley Nick Dick Morris Alexander Murph Anita Hoye Jill Harry Blair Lou Nancy Bielicki Janet Mason Tel: 412-243-6100 Michael Romey Walter Scott Alice and David Bragdon Fax: 412-243-6105

Allene Newland Johnny Cowan Website: Prayers for the sick can be found in the Prayer Book on p.458. You are welcome to call www.ststephenswilkinsburg.org Allene Newland (412-371-7417) to have the Prayer Chain pray with you.

Pray for the departed -

Sally Novak and her family and friends. February Birthdays & Anniversaries

Anthony Jackson 2/10 · Gregory Sprenkel 2/12 · Ellie Huppert 2/22 · Don Albitz 2/23 · Dick Morris 2/25

March Birthdays & Anniversaries—Laura Block 3/1 The Presentation Page 3

Our Rector’s contact Information: Rev. Nancy (Nano) Chalfant-Walker, 33 Thorn St. Sewickley, PA 15143 Home: 412-741-1281 Cell: 412-716-7364 E-mail: [email protected]

DO YOU WANT TO SPONSOR FLOWERS FOR THE ALTARS?

It’s easy, we are providing several methods to be a sponsor for your convenience. There is a calendar hanging in sanctuary-near Franklin Street door-for you to place the date on the month that you want to sponsor the flowers. You can also make your order by calling or e-mailing the office. After you have made your notification, you would indicate your reason or dedication of the flowers. The high altar flowers are $30.00 and the chapel altar flowers are $20.00. Envelopes are available beneath the calendar to place your payment and your reason or dedication for the flowers. The envelopes can be placed in the offering plate and are due in the office 2 weeks in advance of the service you want the flowers presented.

You may take the flowers with you following that particular service.

The Social Justice and Outreach Committee of the Diocese (SJOC) thanks our Outreach Committee and Vestry for the generous contribution of funds and volunteers for the renovation of our Habitat for Humanity House in Sharpsburg. They are pleased to announce that the house should be ready for occupancy by the refugee family this month. The goal was reached, $40, 340.19 was raised. SJOC is trying to work out arrangements whereby groups or individuals from our churches can volunteer on a regular basis, on Saturdays once every two or three months. Please keep this endeavor as one of your Outreach concerns. For more info contact: Nancy Lapp, Chair, [email protected].

Our Shut Ins

Dick Morris Betsy Frey Althea Miller Willows of Presbyterian Senior Care Schenley Gardens Rehab Center 4931 Nettleton Apt. 2316 1215 Hulton Rd 3890 Bigelow Boulevard Medina, OH 44256 Oakmont, PA 15139 Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Anne Etienne Country Meadows 3570 Washington Pike Bridgeville, PA 15017

WEEKLY GROUPS MEETING AT ST. STEPHEN’S

MONDAY—FRIDAY 2:30 TO 6:00 PM NYOP (During the school year) EVERY THIRD TUESDAY—5:30 TO 7:00 PM Pittsburgh Housing Development Associates EVERY OTHER TUESDAY 6:00 TO 7:30 PM Girl Scouts EVERY WEDNESDAY 7:00 PM Choir Practice in Choir Room EVERY WEDNESDAY: 7:30 P.M. Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) EVERY THURSDAY 7:30 to 8:30 PM Narcotics Anonymous (NA) EVERY SATURDAY: 10:00 A.M Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

The Presentation Page 4 HELP US SPREAD THE NEWS

Reading God’s Word DO YOU HAVE PICTURES OF CHURCH EVENTS/

ACTIVITIES THAT YOU WOULD LOVE TO SHARE?

We grow best when we are nourished by a steady If so, can you send them electronically to the church diet of God’s word. Reading the Bible daily is an ([email protected]). We want to gather important habit to develop. Scripture is best pictures that can be placed on one of our future when it is well chewed over and digested, so one communication medium. The pictures tell our story. good way to get into the habit of reading the Bible is to take time to read the Sunday readings Thanks to Don Block, our website has been launched several times during the week. with updated information! We are working on activating a FB page. Readings for next Sunday: Isaiah 58:1-9a, (9b-12) 1 Corinthians 2:1-12, (13-16) Discretionary Fund Matthew 5:13-20 Psalm 112:1-9, (10) The loose offering today will be given for the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund. This fund is used to meet needs that would otherwise go unmet.

Feb. 2nd - Youth Sunday and coffee hour fundraiser for Baby Musa Feb. 9th - Lesson and fun activities in gym Feb. 16th - Lesson and communion Feb. 23rd - Lesson and fun activities in gym March 2nd - Youth Sunday March 9th - Lent: lesson and fun activities in gym March 16th - Lent: lesson and communion March 23rd - Lent: lesson and fun activities in gym March 30th - Lent: lesson and communion April 6th - Lent: lesson and fun activities in gym April 13th - Palm Sunday: youth process and then go to Sunday school

SERVING YOU TODAY

LAYREADERS: Lessons/Chalice 1: Beth Hardie, Youth Psalm/Prayers/Chalice 2: Gerry Dalton ALTAR GUILD: Melissa McDonough, Gerry Dalton, Beth Hardie, Joann & Bill Rau, Karen Teulle, Jon Walker, Cathy Ritts COUNTERS: Beth Hardie, Karen Teulle COFFEE HOUR: Altar Flowers: In loving memory of Rita Ann Feustel - presented by the Feustel Family and Allene Newland. HELP US SPREAD THE NEWS Page 5

Valentine’s Day Celebration Friday, February 14th, 6:30-9:00 PM

Christian Church of Wilkinsburg 748 Wallace Avenue (directly opposite the high school)

There will be dinner, music and games for all ages!

ALL SINGLES, COUPLES OR FAMILIES ARE INVITED FOR THIS FELLOWSHIP OF FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS. $15.00 PER PERSON—$40.00 FOR FAMILY OF FOUR

For info: Minister Cecilia Sims 412-342-1302 or 412-427-5046; Crystal Wilson 412-801-2525; Ann Greider 412-372-1056 or 412-996-9335

Dear Kathy and Friends: Vestry

Thank you all for bringing and serving a good Meeting time: Tuesday, January 14th @ 7PM dinner to all of us at Shepherd’s Heart last Sunday (1/12/2014). Please give our thanks to all who helped. (Best wishes also to Rev. Nano-it was great to see you.). Healing Prayer May the Lord bless all of you!! In Christ, Pastor Jim and Elaine Morehead Come and receive healing prayer at the chapel altar rail after service.

FOOD FOR BODY AND SOUL Scripture and Soup NOW until February 26 - 6:00 – 7:00 pm

Come one! Come all! HELP US SPREAD THE NEWS Page 6

Søren Kierkegaard:

Christ says: Do according to what I say – then you shall know. Consequently, decisive action first of all. By acting, your life will come into collision with existence, and then you will know the reality of grace. Nowadays we have turned the whole thing around. Christianity has become a worldview. Thus, before I get involved I must first justify it. Good night to Christianity!

Source: Provocations

JOB SEARCH WORKSHOPS Come and learn new techniques and brush up on the skills you need to land your next job.

Job Search Strategies - An overview of the steps needed to execute a successful job search, including researching employers, developing communication tools, and connecting with prospects - Tuesday, February 4, 2014 9:30 AM – 12 PM

Resumes & Cover Letters – Learn what information employers look for when screening resumes and what you can do to make the information more targeted for each employer - Wednesday, February 12, 2014 9:30 AM – 12 PM

The Art of Networking – Learn the value of networking in the job search process, and developing a plan for marketing yourself to potential employers - Tuesday, February 18, 2014 9:30 AM – 12 PM

Interviewing 101– Learn interviewing techniques, how to negotiate offers, and how to transition into a new position - Wednesday, February 26, 2014 9:30 AM – 12 PM

To learn about our FREE Employment Services, attend a WorkAble Orientation on one of the following dates: Tuesday, Feb. 4, 1:30–3:00 PM, or Wednesday, Feb. 26, 1:30 – 3:00 PM.

All Workshops and Orientations held @ North Hills Community Outreach, Millvale Office, Millvale Community Center, 416 Lincoln Avenue To Register for a Workshop or Orientation Call: 412-408-3830 ext. 3219 or email Harriet: [email protected]

Page 7 HELP US SPREAD THE NEWS MISSION OF THE MONTH

CARING FOR OUR HOMEBOUND OR ABSENT SAINTS

We are all one body in Christ. A person cannot forget her hand if it is injured – or her stomach if it is upset. When a person who has been a faithful participant in the fellowship of St. Stephen’s finds it difficult, for whatever reason, to join us regularly, we are invited by Jesus to pay attention to that “missing’ person with the same careful care that we use for our own bodies if we are sick or injured.

To be honest, we get busy – and we can let our friendships slide and our fellowship grow weak. But Jesus challenges us to reach out to those who through no fault of their own find it hard to be here – with prayer and loving presence.

What faithful member or members of St. Stephen’s who now find it hard to get here on Sundays do you love and miss?

Let’s make February a month of Valentines for those people. It could be a phone call or a visit or a note – just a touch to say “I’m thinking of you and care about you.” Let’s let them know they are loved.

Monthly Prayer Meeting St. Stephen’s Thursday Movie Night! Join us Friday February 14th, 10:00 AM The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe in the Moresby Room, Thursday, February 20 as we pray for St. Stephen’s and the 6:30—8:30 PM world. Discussion of the movie on Sunday, February 23 during Sundays schools