In the late 20th and early 21st century world, the life of a mainline denomination hymnal is about 25 years. When the world was a quieter and slower place, a 30-35 year life was not unusual. The increasing rapidity of technological advances have facilitated a shorter shelf-life for published expressions of our world, expressiveRead More »“Glory to God” (2013). . .The New Presbyterian Hymnal
St. Stephen Presbyterian Church follows a Common Lectionary which provides specific scripture readings for each Sunday and festival in a three-year cycle. These texts were… Read More »What Is Ordinary Time?
The Christmas season officially begins at sundown on Dec. 24th, when the first mass of Christ was celebrated at a service called Vespers.* The season… Read More »Christmastide: The Second Season of the Ecclesiastical Year
(compiled by Mark Scott; revised Nov. 2012) I. History of Christmas 1) Sumerian Civilization about 4000 years ago, Marduk, chief God of Sumer engaged in… Read More »A Short History of Christmas and the Christmas Carol
(November 1, 2011 – November 1, 2012) “Blessed are the dead. . .they will rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them” Aurin, Gene… Read More »Commemoration of the Faithful Departed
In the Western Christian Church, the Feast of All Saints’ is observed on November 1st. Protestant churches often mark the occasion on the first Sunday in November. St. Stephen will observe All Saints’ on Sunday, November 4, 2012 at both morning worship services.Read More »All Saints’ Celebration: A Historic and Protestant Explanation
The last Sunday in October is the day on which denominations whose roots are grounded in the 16th century Protestant Reformation celebrate as “Reformation Sunday.”Read More »Reformation Sunday (October 28, 2012)
What is family? Between 1945 and 1970 an American might well answer, “mom, dad, 2.4 children, related by blood and living under the same roof. … Read More »Family: An Ever-Evolving Understanding
December 5, 2012 is the rescheduled date for the 4th Annual Christmas Pot-Luck Supper and Carol Singing Program. It has been rescheduled due to a… Read More »4th Annual Christmas Carol Sing (Note Rescheduled Date)
. . .by Mark Scott, September 2012
E Pluribus Unum. . .Out of Many, One. . .the phrase printed on the Great Seal of the United States of America describes a vision where a great diversity of people and cultures comprise the “Oneness,” the overriding reality shared by ALL citizens of the United States. Regardless of any label, this is our common link on a vast pallette of individuality.Read More »Stop this Madness!
