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“Gah Gah” for Mutations of Life

By Beth Fultz, Director of Christian Education

mu-ta-tion – noun    http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutation

According to the online dictionary resource, Merriam-Webster, the second definition of mu-ta-tion  is “a new form of something that has changed”. So perfect a definition for use in my life now as a new mother-in-law, a new grandmother – I am too young (okay, not really!) – and well into my years here at St. Stephen.  You have allowed me to gum up the works at St. Stephen now for eight and one/half years and I’m ready for the mutations at work; and I don’t mean something amuk with Mark, Eddie, Fritz, or any volunteers.

My grandchild, Miss Kennedi, aged 8 months, is babbling like a flooded brook.  I fully expect her to start singing the hymns with me in church as she warms up her vocal chords quite perceptively each time we praise in song.  I’m ready for these mutations in her life and in mine.  What a joy, grandchildren! Son-in-law, Steven, is delightfully in love with my eldest daughter, Emily, and I am assured that their life together is solid and needing NOT my intervention and guidance and interference.  What a mutation from the normal me!Read More »“Gah Gah” for Mutations of Life

OBSERVATIONS ON THE GIFT OF THE MAGI, By Dr. Rev. Warner Bailey

The brave face of youthful pride.  Example, the calling card with the complete name.  The incongruity of this placement.

The abandonment of youthful love.  Jim and Della.  How many of us started out in similar circumstances?

The adoration of Della for Jim and her consuming desire to find a Christmas gift that adequately conveyed her adoration of him.  And by the end of the story we discover that Jim adores Stella just as much and is driven by a similar desire to find a gift which measures up to this adoration.Read More »OBSERVATIONS ON THE GIFT OF THE MAGI, By Dr. Rev. Warner Bailey

DECISION, Sermon by Dr. Rev. Warner Bailey

To Listen to this Sermon, Click Here –>  http://ststphnfw.sermon.tv/9784095

Isaiah 35.1-10   Luke 1.68-79   Matthew 11.2-11   James 5.7-10

December 15, 2013

Following Jesus is not a casual pastime.  You have to plan.  You have to decide.  You have to make an effort.  You have to put your skin in the game.  In the words of Jesus, you have to go out.

Speaking to the crowds about John the Baptist, Jesus put to them the question:  Why did you go out in the wilderness to see him?  What made you take the effort, spend the money, use up your time, and say No to many other options so you could go out to see John the Baptist? Read More »DECISION, Sermon by Dr. Rev. Warner Bailey

Advent I: The beginning of a new Church Year

Sunday, December 1, 2013, marks the First Sunday of Advent, which is the beginning of a new Church (Ecclesiastical) Year.

The services during Advent are not intended to celebrate Christmas but to help each of us prepare ourselves for, and expect the coming of, Christ. The word “Advent” is a derivation of the Latin word, “advenio,” meaning coming or arrival. Early observances of this festival are recorded prior to the seventh century, and through the ensuing ages it has evolved into the form familiar to us today. Advent begins on the Sunday nearest November 30th and lasts four Sundays. The first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a new church year.Read More »Advent I: The beginning of a new Church Year

Brass Quintet Concert of Christmas Music

St. Stephen Presbyterian Church

(located at 2700 McPherson Avenue, in the T. C. U. area of Fort Worth)

2013-2014 Special Series presents. . .

 Impact Brass Quintet

(formerly the Center Brass)

Richard Adams, trumpet

Rachel Madden, trumpet

Heather Suchodolski, horn

Lucas Borges, trombone

Jesse Orth, tuba

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 December 1, 2013 (Sunday)  – 3:00 p.m.Read More »Brass Quintet Concert of Christmas Music

The Risk of Prayer

THE RISK OF PRAYER Luke 11.5-13

Rev. Dr. Warner M. Bailey

No one likes to get a telephone call in the middle of the night.  In the parable about the unexpected guest, you are jolted out of bed by a friend who arrives at your door, bleary eyed and starving from 16 hours on the road.  He needs a place to crash and something to eat.  But your cupboard is bare, so while you have him wash up, you dash across the yard to bang on your neighbor’s back door.

Now get the scene.  In the neighbor’s bedroom, the entire family is sleeping on one bed, side-by-side, like sardines, from the youngest to the oldest with mother and father on the two outside edges.  All of a sudden, a sharp knocking at the door would have shattered the stillness of the house and a rough whisper would have jolted you awake. “Friend, wake up.  My friend has just arrived from a journey.  I must feed him, but have no bread.  Lend me three loaves, and I will repay you by sunrise.”Read More »The Risk of Prayer