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St. Stephen News

Day One: Fritz’s Trip to Israel and the Palestinian Territories

Israel/Palestine Journal, Day One: Monday, Feb. 10

We arrived in Israel this afternoon at about 4:30 pm local time at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. My companions are an interesting mix of folks. The organizer is Rev. Bill Harter, pastor emeritus of a church in Pennsylvania, who has led PC(USA) delegations to the Holy Land since 1970. Most of my companions are Presbyterian pastors. They include the exec of Santa Barbara Presbytery and pastors from Virginia, Idaho, Iowa, and California, a college student, an a couple of folks who are slated to be commissioners to the PC(USA)’s General Assembly in Detroit in June, where issues related to Israel and the Palestinian territories are going to be addressed. There are twelve men and two women.Read More »Day One: Fritz’s Trip to Israel and the Palestinian Territories

Reflections on the Annual Homeless Count

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 by Mike Tyson

Last Thursday, nine St. Stephen members assisted with Tarrant County Homeless Coalition’s annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count of the homeless. This survey is essential for our community to apply for over $16 million in grants, mostly federal, that we receive every year to address the needs of the homeless. Hundreds of volunteers turn out for the count. Mike Tyson wrote this report about his team’s research. Read More »Reflections on the Annual Homeless Count

“Gah Gah” for Mutations of Life

By Beth Fultz, Director of Christian Education

mu-ta-tion – noun    http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutation

According to the online dictionary resource, Merriam-Webster, the second definition of mu-ta-tion  is “a new form of something that has changed”. So perfect a definition for use in my life now as a new mother-in-law, a new grandmother – I am too young (okay, not really!) – and well into my years here at St. Stephen.  You have allowed me to gum up the works at St. Stephen now for eight and one/half years and I’m ready for the mutations at work; and I don’t mean something amuk with Mark, Eddie, Fritz, or any volunteers.

My grandchild, Miss Kennedi, aged 8 months, is babbling like a flooded brook.  I fully expect her to start singing the hymns with me in church as she warms up her vocal chords quite perceptively each time we praise in song.  I’m ready for these mutations in her life and in mine.  What a joy, grandchildren! Son-in-law, Steven, is delightfully in love with my eldest daughter, Emily, and I am assured that their life together is solid and needing NOT my intervention and guidance and interference.  What a mutation from the normal me!Read More »“Gah Gah” for Mutations of Life

Advent I: The beginning of a new Church Year

Sunday, December 1, 2013, marks the First Sunday of Advent, which is the beginning of a new Church (Ecclesiastical) Year.

The services during Advent are not intended to celebrate Christmas but to help each of us prepare ourselves for, and expect the coming of, Christ. The word “Advent” is a derivation of the Latin word, “advenio,” meaning coming or arrival. Early observances of this festival are recorded prior to the seventh century, and through the ensuing ages it has evolved into the form familiar to us today. Advent begins on the Sunday nearest November 30th and lasts four Sundays. The first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a new church year.Read More »Advent I: The beginning of a new Church Year

Worship Survey: Next Steps by Chuck Hoffman, Ruling Elder

WORSHIP SURVEY: NEXT STEPS

November 8, 2013

by Charles Hoffman, Ruling Elder – Worship Committee

 

GOOD NEWS:  The Sessional Worship Committee and staff have developed and are implementing a series of initiatives that will both inform and query the congregation about “the maintenance of Divine Worship” at St Stephen.  The anticipated outcome of these efforts is a thriving congregation that is fully participating in worship.

 

To inform and engage the membership, a series of classes in Reformed Worship and worship leadership was developed and provided in early Fall during the Church School hour.  Each of these classes addressed different aspects of worship at St Stephen—hospitality and fellowship, liturgy, prayer, music, sacraments and the symbols that represent and remind us of our faith.Read More »Worship Survey: Next Steps by Chuck Hoffman, Ruling Elder

Bible Study – First Gospel: Mark, Wednesdays, 12 noon

Bible Study Begins Study of First Gospel: Mark

By Rev. Dr. Fritz Ritsch

Did you know that most scholars consider Mark the earliest gospel that was written, and that Matthew, Luke, and even parts of John appear to use Mark to organize their own gospels? Mark has no birth narratives, unlike Matthew and Luke; and strikingly, most scholars agree that the resurrection story in Mark was tacked on by later editors. In this gospel, Jesus seems at pains to keep his identity as The Son of God secret. Why is that?Read More »Bible Study – First Gospel: Mark, Wednesdays, 12 noon