MINISTRIES TO PARISH FAMILIES

Acolyte

Coordinator:  Matthew Price

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 usually are delivered to someone who is ill or homebound.  Based on current membership, members serve approximately once a month.

Senior Choir

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.  They prepare special music for many of our services including Christmas Eve and Easter and are often joined by instrumentalists from the congregation.

Children's Choirs

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

Louise Menago provides nursery care for infants through three year old children.  This ministry offers many families the opportunity to worship, knowing that their children are well cared for.  Occasionally volunteers are asked to serve for one Sunday when Louise is unavailable.

Church School

Coordinator:  Barbara Lynn Merry

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:  Cork Tarplee

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 

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

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:  Sheelagh Clarke 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 30 months to 5 years are served during the hours of 7:30 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:  Paul Rossiter

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:  Judy Baldwin

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

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.