MINISTRIES TO PARISH FAMILIES
Acolyte
Coordinator:
Francina DeShong
Young people serve as acolytes and torchbearers at each 10 o'clock service.
Training which is provided by both the coordinator and the Rector usually
begins between the ages of 7 and 10. Acolytes and torchbearers serve
approximately once a month.
Altar Guild
Coordinator: Alex Cole
The Altar Guild works "behind the scenes" to make sure that all
services in the church run smoothly. Two members are assigned to serve
each weekend. They work together for an hour on Saturday morning to
prepare the church for both Sunday services, after which one guild member
assumes responsibility for the 8 a.m. service and the other for the 10 a.m.
service. After the 10 a.m. service the altar flowers are usually
delivered to someone who is ill or homebound. Based on current
membership, members serve approximately once a month.
Senior Choir
Music Director: Kim Williams
Our volunteer Senior Choir sings at each 10 o'clock
service from September to June. They rehearse on Sunday morning before
the 10 o'clock service. When the choir prepares special music for many
of our services, including Christmas Eve and Easter, they are often joined by
“Birth and Resurrection” singers as well as instrumentalists from the
congregation.
Children's Choirs
Music Director: Kim Williams
Children in grades K through 2 are invited to join our Little Saints Choir and
those in grades 3 through 8 are invited to join our Junior Choir. Both
are under the direction of Kim Williams. The choirs regularly perform at
our Easter service, our Christmas Eve service, and our annual Youth Sunday
service. During the past year, they have participated in Millburn's
Community Thanksgiving service and a Children's Choir Festival sponsored by the
Summit Chorale as well as singing at local nursing homes.
Christian Education
Nursery
Nursery care is provided for infants through 3 years of age. This
ministry offers many families the opportunity to worship, knowing that their
children are well cared for. Occasionally volunteers are asked to serve.
Church School
Coordinator: Linda Soughan
Church School is provided for children from pre-K through 7th grade.
Classes are held from September to June during the 10 o'clock service.
Classes are dismissed in time for the children to attend communion with
their parents. The curriculum is evaluated each year, and the children
are grouped in class according to age. Two teachers are needed for each class
level (we usually have three or four levels) and generally serve for 10 week
sessions. Three additional volunteers are needed (one per 10 week session) to
act as a greeter to be sure that the children are directed to the correct class
and also to assist the teachers.
Church School also is provided during the summer
months. Parishioners volunteer each Sunday to share their
"passions" with our children. These are things that are
spiritually uplifting to them and can range from gardening to cooking and
reading.
Adult Education
Leader: Margo Greenfield
The Rector leads a variety of Adult Education offerings throughout the year.
These are designed to offer insight,
knowledge, and a rich learning experience for all participants. Topics
have included "Fundamentalism," "Images of God," and
"Writings of C.S. Lewis." Parishioners who have a background
related to an area of adult Christian education and an interest in leading the
discussion at a forum are invited to speak with the Rector.
Christian Fellowship
Coffee Hour
Coordinator: Barbara Winson Riedel
Each Sunday after the 10 o'clock service parishioners congregate in the parish
hall for fellowship and conversation. Because we come from many
communities this has become an important place for us to get to know each other
and where many friendships form. Volunteers are invited to host the
coffee hour in celebration, thanksgiving, or memory of particular persons or
events. Coffee and drinks are provided; volunteers need only to supply
food and help with the setup and cleanup.
Church Picnic, Christmas Party, Pancake Supper
Coordinator: Deryck Rugbeer
The members of St. Stephen's gather for fellowship on
several occasions throughout the year. Check "Upcoming Events"
for what's ahead.
Lectors and Chalice Bearers
Coordinator: Richard Cole
The "Layreaders"
are comprised of two groups of parishioners who serve the parish by
contributing regularly to our weekly worship services. There are those
who serve as lectors, reading the scripture lesson during the 8 a.m. or 10 a.m.
service, and there are those who serve as chalice bearers at the 10 a.m.
service. Each lector reads from the scripture about once every six weeks
at either the 8 o'clock or 10 o'clock service. Each chalice bearer serves
at the communion rail at the 10 o'clock service every month or two.
Volunteers are approved and trained by the Rector.
St. Stephen's Preschool
Director: Nancy Siracusa 973-376-3534
The Preschool is a vital ministry offered by St. Stephen's to its parishioners and
the community at large. Children from ages 4-5 months to 5 years are
served during the hours of 7:15 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from Monday through Friday
from September through June. Additional information, including a
summer schedule, and a separate brochure are available
from the director or through the Church office.
Ushers
Coordinator: Michael Priddy
and Roger Riedel
Two members of the congregation serve as ushers each Sunday at our
10 o'clock service. They are responsible for greeting everyone with a
smile and making certain that everyone is comfortable during the service.
They collect the offering and transmit it to the bookkeeper after the 10
o'clock service. Based upon current membership, ushers serve
approximately once every five or six weeks.
Youth Group
Coordinator: Francina
DeShong
Our combined Youth Group - 7th grade through 12th
grade - meets once a month on Sunday night and plans special events for the
month. In the past they have volunteered at several soup kitchens,
provided child care when we host IHN, prepared our annual Christmas pageant,
and conducted our Youth Sunday service.
Stewardship
Coordinator:
Marvin Walker
Contributions of time and talent are essential parts of stewardship. Another part of stewardship is the fiscal support by parishioners that maintains and strengthens St. Stephen's work within and outside the parish. In the fall of the year, parishioners at St. Stephen's are given the opportunity to make a pledge to support the mission of our church in the coming year. Volunteers are needed to call on parishioners to fill out pledge cards.