Rejoicing in a Risen Savior – Serving a Living Lord – Awaiting a Coming King
The members of St. Stephen’s are involved in many ministries to the surrounding community. We brighten the lives of our neighbors through these ministries.
Mission of the Month
A group of members selects a mission of the month and shares that project with the congregation. This gives members a concrete and easy way to help needy neighbors. Examples: At the start of the school year we collected school supplies for disadvantaged students. In the winter we prepared and served a meal to homeless adults and participated in a worship service with them.
January 2022
Bethlehem Haven Women’s Shelter
Bethlehem Haven’s mission is to provide care for homeless individuals that leads toward self-sufficiency. For thirty-nine years they have provided nearly 13,000 nights of shelter. Each year they provide nearly 60,000 meals, see about 600 people in the health clinic, fill countless emotional and physical needs and provide employment training. If you are interested in donating, you can send a check to the Church with “Bethlehem Haven” in the memo line or donate on their website:
Needed Supplies for our Blessing Box
The blessing box has been a great success. We always need more donations for the people of Wilkinsburg. If you’d like to donate supplies, the ones listed below have been the most popular.
Pancake mix and syrup
Small boxes of cereal
Mac-n-cheese
Coffee and tea
Boxed pasta & pasta sauce
Shampoo
Dish and hand soap
Cookies & Crackers
Herbs & Spices
Cans of food or milk with pop-tops
Condensed or evaporated milk
Instant Oatmeal
Brownie Mix
Toiletries & Paper Products
Peanut Butter & Jam
We collect non-perishable food items throughout the year for the food pantry of the Wilkinsburg Community Ministry (WCM). Each month we distribute a list of what items are needed. If you’d like to donate, please write a check to the Wilkinsburg Community Ministry (WCM). You can put your donation in the offering plate or mail it to WCM at 702-704 Wood Street, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221.
Did you know that 25% of Wilkinsburg residents are food insecure? Let’s help our neighbors by contributing to the Wilkinsburg Community Ministry holiday meal bag
January 2022: Food of the Month – Coffee & Tea
Each Year Wilkinsburg Community Ministries provides hundreds of local families with food. It is such a joy to know that we can help be a part of the happiness of so many others. For the next month we will be contributing to this effort!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY
All items donated will be given to the food pantry run by Wilkinsburg Community Ministry. Please give generously. Items can be brought to the Church and placed at the back of the Sanctuary or brought into the Church office located in the Parish House, Monday through Thursday, 9am – Noon.
Thursday Bible Study Group
The Thursday Bible study group has resumed. Please tell Melanie Sprenkel (412) 725-1174 or Father Chuck if you’d like to join us Thursdays from 12-2 p.m. in the Library at our church. We are studying the Gospel According to Mark.
Offerings to Fulfill Your Pledge
Remember to stay current with your “estimate of giving.” You can mail in your contribution to the Church office or you can pay on-line by clicking the link below:
ARE YOU 55 OR OLDER? WOULD YOU LIKE TO FIND WORK, DEVELOP NEW SKILLS, AND BUILD YOUR FINANCIAL SECURITY?
Through SCSEP you can receive up to 20 hours/week of paid training and work experience, gain valuable skills and talents to improve the community by training in a wide variety of locations, including offices, hospitals, daycare centers, senior centers and other community organizations.
You may qualify if: you are 55 or older, unemployed, earning a low income or no income, wish to work in your community, want to be paid to learn new skills through on-the-job training.
CALL AARP Foundation at 412-271-1580
Or apply now at: SCSEP Online Application
Sanctuary Project
St. Stephen’s supports the Sanctuary Project, which provides positive experiences for youth in an effort to reduce conflicts in the community. Our members volunteer at various events of the Sanctuary Project throughout the year.
The Sanctuary Project held a Gun Buyback Program, coordinated with our police department, and they collected 94 guns this past November 16th.
“From Many, One”
Starting January 18 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), The Episcopal Church launches “From Many, One: Conversations Across Difference,” a campaign urging Episcopa- lians and our neighbors to engage in the spiritual practice of listening and honest conversation across the many differences that separate us, starting with four simple questions:
- What do you love?
- What have you lost?
- Where does it hurt?
- What do you dream?
Inspired by the Latin phrase on the U.S. seal – E Pluribus (“from many”) Unum (“one”) – the campaign is designed to offer a faithful perspective and time-tested practice for knitting deeply divided communities into a diverse, more perfect un- ion. In a cultural moment shadowed by pandemic, fractious politics, and deep division within families, communities, and nations, Episcopalians can partner in simple ways to celebrate difference, listen with deep curiosity, and promote healing.
Upcoming Events
January 5 – Morning Prayer in Sanctuary (1st Wednesday of month)
January 17 – Vestry Meeting & Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 23 – Annual Meeting Luncheon – following the 10:30 Service
Birthday’s & Anniversaries
January 3 – Maria Sprenkel – Sweet 16!
January 24 – Beth Hardie
Ministry to shut-ins
We provide support to our senior citizens, even when poor health prevents them from attending services or leaving their homes. Members of St. Stephen’s visit the shut-ins on a regular basis and take communion to them if requested. We also communicate with them throughout the year.