VESTRY UPDATE
At its March 24^th meeting, your Vestry discussed plans for Rev. Jane’s sabbatical in 2012 or 2013 and her nomination as a candidate for the Bishop of Washington D.C., received information regarding the possibility of filling the Assistant Urban position, stepping up hospitality and approved an amended 2010 end-of-year financial statement. The Soul Food Dinner was a big success.  Bishop Barbara Harris had a great time and $4,200.00 was raised by the time of the meeting. The Vestry met with Restoration consultant and architect, Brett Dunham and received a from him a description of work done and to be done in evaluating the building and its needs.

IT’S BEEN A HARD WINTER FOR THE BUDGET
Fuel and plowing bills have dug a deep hole for the St. Stephen’s budget.  Please help us dig out by bringing your pledge up-to-date; our budget depends on 100% pledge payment.  And help us by making a special fuel contribution in the enclosed envelope.  Of course, it’s never too late to return your Easter offering.  And special gifts for altar flowers are always appreciated.  Please do what you can so that St. Stephen’s can do the work that God wants and needs us to do.

WILL WASHINGTON CALL THE RECTOR HOME?
On March 31 the Episcopal Diocese of Washington announced a five-person slate for bishop, which includes the Rev. Jane Soyster Gould.  She grew up in the Diocese and has an enthusiastic crew of family and friends hoping she will return.  In announcing the news to the parish the Rector asked that we hold her, her family, St. Stephen’s and the Diocese of Washington in our prayers in the weeks to come and that we not start planning going away parties or looking for her successor because the path to election is long and far from certain.  The process will unfold with “walkabouts” in Washington May 23-28 and the election on June 18.

Soul Food Sunday
March 20, 2011
with Preacher and Featured Speaker
Bishop Barbara Harris

EASTER THANK YOUS!
It takes many devoted people to move the church from Palm Sunday to Easter.  Thank you to all who cleaned, polished, decorated, folded, stuffed, sang, acolyted, read, served, ushered, prayed, counted, and attended all our Holy Week liturgies.  Without you, there would be no Alleluias!  Thank you!

MAY 1 ESMERELDA COMES FOR QUARTER CARDS & MITE BOXES FOR ERD
Remember to bring your mite boxes and quarter cards on Sunday, May 1 as our Lenten offering supports the work of Episcopal Relief and Development.  ERD continues to work in Haiti but also is responding to dire human need in Japan.  Please give generously through your mite boxes and quarter cards or checks to St. Stephen’s with ERD in the memo line.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR BAPTISM
This spring, we have two baptismal days at St. Stephen’s.  Please speak with the clergy or Irene Axelrod and complete a baptism registration form for baptism on Mothers’ Day (May 8) or Pentecost (June 12).  The preparation class for May 8 will be Tuesday, May 3 at 6:30.  The preparation class for June 12 will be Wednesday, June 8 at 6:30.

MAY 7 9:00-NOON CLEAN AND COOK TO GET READY FOR THE BISHOP
We need lots of helpers for indoor and outdoor clean up as well as brunch preparation on Saturday morning, May 7.  Please let the Wardens know if you can help us prepare for our celebration of Bishop Bud!

MOTHERS’ GROUP GATHERS MAY 15
All mothers of children 18 and younger are encouraged to join the Mothers’ Group for a fun and informative night out.  Dinner, childcare, and Door Prizes are provided.  Thanks to the Stewardship Ministry Team, this month’s program will help us reflect on whether we live and spend according to our priorities and values.

NOT YOUR USUAL BIBLE STUDY
Join us for a DIFFERENT Bible Study Group where we come to pray, laugh, and sometimes cry a bit together through scripture.  In this group, we read the stories of scripture and experience how they come ALIVE in the stories of our lives using The Bible Workbench materials.  So, no matter, if you’re a “talker”, “listener” or somewhere in between please join us. 

Host:   Victoria Kozicz/ Larry Jenkins; Tuesdays at 2:00pm at St. Stephen’s Towers

Host:   Lucinda McClain; Wednesdays at 7:00pm at Neptune Towers     

RESTORATION COMMITTEE
Brett Donham from Donham & Sweeney Architects met with the clergy, wardens, vestry and parishioners on several occasions in the last few weeks to discuss the history of the church and the challenges and the dreams of various groups as an integral part of the ongoing architectural and engineering study of the church buildings. Irene Axelrod has copies of the meeting notes, please contact her to obtain an copy. Also, please let the clergy, the wardens or members of the Building Restoration Research Committee know about any items or concerns that are not mentioned in the notes. A full report is expected soon, which will help the Restoration Committee and Vestry determine future plans to address the needs of our building.

MEMORIAL DAY OBSERVANCE MAY 29
Join us on Sunday, May 29 as we remember those service men and women who lost their lives while serving in the armed forces.  Our 10:00am worship will conclude in the Garth with a special tribute to Lt. Col. Charles Redington Mudge who died at the Battle of Gettysburg.  Please check the list posted in the Garth to make sure it includes all those who died while serving in the military.  On Veterans’ Day Sunday on November 13, we will remember and give thanks for all veterans.

ECCO UPDATE: PROGRESS FOR YOUTH SUMMER JOBS
As a follow up to last fall’s ECCO Action the Mayor’s office held their recruitment event to persuade local businesses to provide youth summer jobs.  About a dozen businesses attended and thus far we have commitments for more than 12 new jobs. We are working to reach our goal of 25 new jobs for summer 2011.  Despite the Governor level funding youth jobs, the current House budget cuts youth jobs by about 50%.  Adult and teen ECCO leaders have been calling legislators and seeking meetings to persuade them to take the lead in restoring funding for youth jobs and violence prevention programs.

LOTS OF WAYS TO HELP FIGHT HUNGER IN OUR COMMUNITY
Project Bread’s Walk for Hunger is Sunday, May 1—write a check to support the Walk.  The Mail Carriers’ Food Drive is Saturday, May 14—put out non-perishables for your mail carrier and let Neil, Harry, or Rev. Jane know if you can help with food pick up at Lynn Ladder.  May 22 after we celebrate Rev. C—help serve lunch at the Table.  Every Tuesday join “I Got Time” offering a ministry of presence at the Table.   Don’t forget our Friday Food Pantry—we need volunteers and donations of food.

JOIN THE GREEN TEAM & GARDEN AT ST. STEPHEN’S
At 11:30 on Sunday, May 15 all gardeners are invited to meet with the Food Project to discuss a St. Stephen’s Community Garden.  The Food Project will provide supplies and technical support.  All we do is plant and tend the garden.  We also hope to partner with the Food Project to provide food and nutrition education through Kids in Community.  No special skill or talent is needed to join Bp. Bud’s Green Team.

AMAZING FAIR BRINGS A DAY OF FUN AND FUNDRAISING