Join Us This Sunday for Outdoor Worship, Picnic, and Three on a String

May 15, 2025

Dear Saint Stephen’s family,

This Sunday, we shift to our Summer Worship Schedule on Sunday, May 18:

  • 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist

  • 10:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Choir and music

  • 5:00 p.m. Celtic Eucharist (please note: our Simple Supper will pause for summer and resume in the fall)

We’re kicking off summer in style with a special outdoor worship service at 10:15 a.m. in the lower parking lot (weather permitting). Bring your camp chairs, picnic blanket, pop-up sun tents, plus a sun hat! We will enjoy a joyful morning led musically by Three on a String, giving our phenomenal choir a well-deserved rest. Children will enjoy sidewalk chalk activities, and following the service, we’ll share a parish picnic with hot dogs and hamburgers provided. Three on a String will continue to play as we enjoy our parish lunch! Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. Dishes may be dropped off in the elevator lobby before church. (We will have some extra helping hands available, and chairs, in case you forget yours!)

Additional Notes for the Weekend:

  • Grounds Workday: Join Lois Chaplin and friends anytime Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon to help beautify the church grounds.

  • Baking for the Lord: Rain or shine, gather in the kitchen Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. to help bake bread for Sunday’s Eucharist.

  • Rain Plan: If weather doesn’t cooperate, the 10:15 a.m. service and picnic will move to the Nave and Parish Hall.

  • Sawyerville Swimsuit Drive: We’re still collecting bathing suits (L and XL for men and women) for our ministries in Sawyerville. Bring donations this Sunday!

  • Livestream: We will livestream the 8 a.m. service unless it rains, and then we will shift and livestream at 10:15 a.m.

While adjusting to summer worship times may shift our rhythms, these times of being together are filled with joy, connection, and community. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday as we make a joyful noise together and give thanks for the life we share.

Faithfully,
The Rev. John B. Burruss

John Burruss