Epiphany greetings from St. Stephen’s, I pray that this new year brings you much joy and many blessings. There is much to be excited about in the coming year around the parish and I would like toextend an invitation to each of you to be involved. Many opportunities for spiritual growth will be offered throughout the year that goes beyond our worship services on Saturday and Sunday.

This month there is much happening around the church that I would like to bring to your attention. First, on January 20-21, St. Stephen’s will once again be a partner sight for the Trinity Institute. This year’s conference is titled “Reading Scripture through Other Eyes.” The dynamic list of keynote speakers include Walter Brueggemann, Mary Gordon, Teresa Okure, and Gerald West. This two day tele-conference, offered by the St. Stephen’s Retreat and Renewal Center, is only $25.00 and includes snacks and beverages. (Lunch is also available for $7.50 reservations required.) So register today and begin answering for yourself, the question: “So what does the Bible say?”

On Sunday January 30, we will be holding our Annual Parish Meeting in Fredrickson Hall following the 10:30 service. This is the meeting where the parish elects new vestry members, Junior Warden, and delegates to diocesan convention. The 2011 parish budget will also be presented to the parish. A taco salad lunch will be provided for those who attend.

I would like to take this opportunity to thanks those members who are graduating from their terms on Vestry in January; Mike Bain, Ken Carleno, and Brian Belanger. I heartily thank each of them for their tireless dedication to the ministries of St. Stephen’s, their leadership and stewardship of the gifts we’ve been blessed with over the past 3 years.

Looking a little further into the future, on February 6 we will have a Drumming Liturgy at the 10:30 service. The Taiko drumming group that was with us at the Easter Vigil last year will be providing the music for this service. I am excited about the opportunity to worship in this way and experience the new insights that a uniquely percussive musical flair brings to our understanding and experience of the sacred in the Eucharist.

And finally mark your calendars now for the Mardi Gras fundraiser including dinner and party on February 26th. This will be our second fundraiser for Parish Camp at Chapel Rock the last weekend in April. I encourage you to get involved and be involved in all the great things happening here at St. Stephen’s. See you there!

Greg+