New Harmony St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

Rev. Mary Bargiel

765-721-3037

mbargiel@me.com

 

2026 PLEDGE CARDS

are available at the back of the church--

Please fill out your card and turn it into the offering plate

or the church office.

ALSO AVAILABLE: 2026 Offering Envelopes

 

The CHRISTMAS FLOWER SIGN UP SHEET is located at the back of the sanctuary. 

Donors may request flowers “in honor of” a person(s), or “in memory of”

a person, and give a monetary contribution for the flowers.

ST. STEPHEN'S READERS

We are reading C.S. Lews' The Screwtape Letters

in the Parish Hall on Tuesday, December 9th at 6:30 p.m. 

Join us for coffee, cookies and conversation.

HOLY EUCHARIST

with Rev. Mary Bargiel

December 14, 2025

 

 

November 14, 2025

This vestry meeting will include approval of the 2026 BUDGET,

and all input is welcome.

 

CAROLS, CHILI, & COOKIES

Wednesday, December 17th at 6:30 p.m.

We will be golf cart caroling, followed by chili, cookies, and hot chocolate.

Bring your golf cart & cookies to share!

Thursday, December 18, 2025

The Food Pantry needs grocery bags. 

A basket is in the parish hall to receive your donated bags.

If you are interested in participating in our

2nd annual Christmas Eve "Ceremony of Lessons & Carols"

as a singer, musician, or reader, please contact Liz Mumford. 

Thank you!

Ceremony of Lessons and Carols

Christmas Eve at 8:00 p.m.

St. Stephen's Church

ANNUAL MEETING

January 18, 2026

If you have a report to submit for the Annual Meeting,

please email it to the church office or

type it into the Google docs.

 

CHAIR YOGA

9:00 a.m. on Mondays and Thursdays

Chair Yoga is a gentle form of yoga that is practiced sitting on a chair

or standing using a chair for support.  Good for all ages and levels.

Week of December 7 - December 13, 2025

CASTING OUR NET

ST. STEPHEN’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

PO Box 173, 512 Granary St. New Harmony, IN 47631 (812) 682-4604 

Rev. Mary Bargiel   765-721-3037      mbargiel@me.com

          Website: ststephensnewharmony.org

Facebook: New Harmony St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church

You may give online by visiting our website  or by texting SSNH to 73256 

A SAFE PLACE FOR ALL TO LOVE, LEARN, AND LIVE THE WORD OF GOD

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

• 2026 PLEDGE CARDS are available at the back of the church.    ANNOUNCEMENTS
• The CHRISTMAS FLOWER SIGN UP SHEET is located at the back of the sanctuary.  Donors may request flowers “in honor of” a person(s), or “in memory of” a person, and give a monetary contribution for the flowers.
• ST. STEPHEN’S READERS - We are reading C.S. Lewis’ “The Screwtape Letters” in the Parish Hall on Tuesday, December 9th at 6:30 p.m.  Join us for coffee, cookies and conversation.
• VESTRY meeting on December 14th will include approval of the 2026 BUDGET and all input is welcome.
• CAROLS, CHILI & COOKIES, Wed, December 17th at 6:30 p.m.  We will be golf cart caroling, followed by chili, cookies, and hot chocolate.  Bring your golf cart & cookies to share!
• CHRISTMAS EVE - If you are interested in participating in our 2nd annual Christmas Eve “Ceremony of Lessons & Carols” (8:00 p.m. Dec 24th) as a singer, musician, or reader, please contact Liz Mumford at 812-568-2874, liz.mumford@gmail.com or in person.  Thank you!
• ANNUAL MEETING, Sunday, January 18, 2026.
• The Deadline for  submissions for the newsletter and the bulletin is at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday.  Newsletters will be distributed on Wednesday afternoon.
• Closings: If church services or other church events are canceled due to weather, this will be announced via email, Facebook or WFIE channel 14.

 

 

 

The Annual Report is ready for your input. 

 Please email your report to the church office,

 or type them into the Google doc.  

(A link has been sent to you.)  Thank you!

 

  **LITURGICAL CALENDAR** 

 

 

 

 

• PRAYERS for the church, its members, and its mission.
• Sean Rowe, our Presiding Bishop; Jennifer, our Bishop.
• Mauricio, Bishop of our companion Diocese of Brasilia.
• For The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Haiti, and especially for Saint Andrew’s Parish and the School in Mithon.
• For the Venerable Jean Michelin.
• The nation and all in authority.
• The welfare of the world.
• Richard & Margaret; Audrey; Ann; Scott; Rachel; Jane; Coty; Norman; Ed; Kathy R.; Ryan Seaton; Kim; Ellie B.; Irma; Mary Ellen; Loretta.
• All who suffer from hardships - physically, emotionally, or financially. 

• Those serving in the military: EB, Caitlyn, Brady, Jackson, Holden, and all who serve.
• Safety in travel: Benton; Reid; Airline personnel; Truck Drivers; Delivery persons.
• Those who have died:  Chad Klumeiser. All who have died in disasters and all who mourn them; all who have died from violence.
• For all the blessings of this life: Family and friends.

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t forget to turn in your 2026 Pledge Cards.

 

 

 

 

 

Holy Eucharist

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church | New Harmony, Indiana

December 14, 2025 | 10:00 a.m.

Third Sunday of Advent

 

Welcome to worship. Please join in speaking the bolded words.

 

Prelude                                               Liz & Bish Mumford

Announcements

 

The service begins with the ringing of the bell.

All stand as able for the Advent Candle Lighting Service

 

An Advent Candle Lighting Service

Arranged by Liz Mumford

Prayers adapted by permission from Christianaid.org.uk website

 

The Officiant says

 

Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

 

Officiant

We continue our Advent journey towards the Light of Christ this Third Sunday of Advent.

 

Reader 1:

From light comes life.

Deep in expectant earth, a seed stretches.

Safe in the womb, a child senses its season turning, and stirs.

It is Advent, something is coming,

 

People:           God of light, may they grow –

the seed, the love, The Child.

 

Reader 1:  O Lord, hear our song for Joy:

 

O Come, O Come Emmanuel    sing vs 6                         H56

 

O come, thou Dayspring from on high,

And cheer us by thy drawing high;

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,

And death’s dark shadow put to flight.

Rejoice!  Rejoice!

Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!

 

Reader 2:  Let us pray:  Uncontainable, irrepressible, bubbling up in an explosion of energy. What the weary long for, what our children often embody, what makes the Divine smile – joy. It cannot be paid for, but is a priceless treasure.

 

As we hope for your arrival, as we pray for peace in your living, as we wait and watch and wonder how you might reveal yourself to us,

 

People:           God give us joy in your Advent

 

(Light three candles)

 

Reader 2:  Joy is not a commodity that can be bought or sold, but lives deep in the human spirit. Help us to hear that truth and believe it. Let go of what our consumer culture says will bring us happiness – money, success, a scramble to the top that leaves us flat. If we have robbed others of what they need in our clamor and quest for more than our fair share, forgive us. Help us hear the call of John the Baptist to turn around and begin again. God of love, we were made in joy. May we live that way.

 

People:           We light a candle for joy.

                     May it light the way.

 

O Come, O Come Emmanuel         sing vs 8                   H56

 

O come, O come Emmanuel,

and ransom captive Israel,

that mourns in lonely exile here

until the Son of God appear.

Rejoice!  Rejoice!

Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!

 

Reader 1:        Our King and Savior now draws near.

People:           Come let us adore him.

 

Liturgy of the Word

 

Collect of the Day

 

Presider          The Lord be with you.

People            And also with you.

Presider          Let us pray.

 

Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.

 

First Reading

 

A Reading from the book of Isaiah           (Isaiah 35:1-10)

 

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad,
the desert shall rejoice and blossom;

like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly,
and rejoice with joy and singing.

 

The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it,
the majesty of Carmel and Sharon.

They shall see the glory of the Lord,
the majesty of our God.

 

Strengthen the weak hands,
and make firm the feeble knees.

Say to those who are of a fearful heart,
"Be strong, do not fear!

Here is your God.
He will come with vengeance,

with terrible recompense.
He will come and save you."

 

Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened,
and the ears of the deaf unstopped;

then the lame shall leap like a deer,
and the tongue of the speechless sing for joy.

For waters shall break forth in the wilderness,
and streams in the desert;

the burning sand shall become a pool,
and the thirsty ground springs of water;

the haunt of jackals shall become a swamp,
the grass shall become reeds and rushes.

 

A highway shall be there,
and it shall be called the Holy Way;

the unclean shall not travel on it,
but it shall be for God's people; no traveler, not even fools, shall go astray.

No lion shall be there,
nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it;

they shall not be found there,
but the redeemed shall walk there.

And the ransomed of the Lord shall return,
and come to Zion with singing;

everlasting joy shall be upon their heads;
they shall obtain joy and gladness,
and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

 

Reader           The Word of the Lord.

People            Thanks be to God.

 

Canticle 15   The Song of Mary    Magnificant  (Luke 1:46-55)

                               The Canticle is said responsively by half verse

 

My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,

my spirit rejoices in God my Savior;

for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant.

From this day all generations will call me blessed:

the Almighty has done great things for me,

and holy is his Name.

He has mercy on those who fear him

          in every generation.

He has shown the strength of his arm,

          he has scattered the proud in their conceit.

He has cast down the mighty from their thrones,

          and has lifted up the lowly.

He has filled the hungry with good things,

          and the rich he has sent away empty.

He has come to the help of his servant Israel,

          for he has remembered his promise of mercy,

The promise he made to our fathers,

          to Abraham and his children for ever.

 

Glory to the Father, and to the Son,

and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now,

and will be for ever. Amen.

 

Second Reading                                     James 5:7-10

 

Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.

 

Reader           The Word of the Lord.

People            Thanks be to God.

 

The people stand as able for the Gospel.

 

People look east                                                       WLP724

 

People, look East. The time is near

of the crowning of the year.

Make your house fair as you are able,

trim the hearth and set the table.

People, look East and sing today:

Love the guest is on the way.

 

Furrows, be glad. Though earth is bare,

one more seed is planted there:

Give up your strength the seed to nourish,

that in course the flow’r may flourish.

People, look East and sing today:

Love the rose is on the way.

 

Birds, though you long have ceased to build,

guard the nest that must be filled.

Even the hour when wings are frozen

God for fledgling time has chosen.

People, look East and sing today:

Love the bird is on the way.

 

Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim

one more light the bowl shall brim,

shining beyond the frosty weather,

bright as sun and moon together.

People, look East and sing today:

Love the star is on the way.

 

Angels, announce with shouts of mirth

Christ who brings new life to earth.

Set every peak and valley humming

with the word, the Lord is coming.

People, look East and sing today:

Love the Lord is on the way.

 

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew.                                              (Matthew 11:2-11)

 

Glory to you, Lord Christ.

 

When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them. And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”

 

As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to look at? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? Someone dressed in soft robes? Look, those who wear soft robes are in royal palaces. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written,

 

‘See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’

 

“Truly I tell you, among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

 

The Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Christ.

 

Homily                                               Rev. Mary Bargiel

 

The Nicene Creed

All stand as able for the creed.

 

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets.

We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Prayers of the People: Intercessions

 

In peace, we pray to you, Lord God.

 

Silence

The leader and people pray responsively.

 

For all people in their daily life and work;

For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone.

 

For this community, the nation, and the world;

For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace.

 

For the just and proper use of your creation;

For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression.

 

For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble;

For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy.

 

For the peace and unity of the Church of God;

For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.

 

For Sean Rowe, our Presiding Bishop, and Jennifer, our Bishop; and all bishops and other ministers;

For all who serve God in his Church.

 

For the special needs and concerns of this congregation.

 

Silence

 

The People may add their own petitions

 

Hear us, Lord;

For your mercy is great.

 

We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.

 

Silence

 

The People may add their own thanksgivings

 

We will exalt you, O God our King;

And praise your Name for ever and ever.

 

We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom.

Silence

 

The People may add their own petitions

 

Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them;

Who put their trust in you.

 

We pray to you also for the forgiveness of our sins.

 

Silence may be kept

 

Minister and People

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone.  We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves.  We are truly sorry and we humbly repent.  For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name.  Amen.

 

Almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us all our sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen us in all goodness, and b the power of the Holy Spirit keep us in eternal life.  Amen.

 

The Peace

The people stand as able for the peace.

 

Presider          The peace of the Lord be always with you.

People            And also with you.

 

The Ministers and the People may greet one another from where they are in the name of the Lord.

 

Holy Communion

The Presider says

Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and make good your vows to the Most High.          Psalm 50:14

The Great Thanksgiving

The people are seated.

 

Let us with gladness present the offering and oblations of our life and labor to the Lord.

 

During the offertory (or at your own convenience), please consider giving to St. Stephens at the following link: https://onrealm.org/StStephensEpisc/-/give/now or by texting SSNH to 73256 and following the prompts. All donations go towards sustaining our church operations and our ministries

 

Offertory Anthem                             Liz & Bish Mumford

 

Doxology                                                  H380 v. 3

 

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heav’nly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Amen.

 

Presider          The Lord be with you.

People            And also with you.

Presider          Lift up your hearts.

People            We lift them to the Lord.

Presider          Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.

People            It is right to give him thanks and praise.

 

The Presider proceeds

 

It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.

For you are the source of light and life; you made us in your image, and called us to new life in Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven, who for ever sing this hymn to proclaim the glory of your Name:

 

Sanctus                                                                        S130

Presider and People

 

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full, full of your glory.

     Hosanna in the highest.  Hosanna in the highest

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

     Hosanna in the highest.  Hosanna in the highest.

 

The Presider continues

 

Holy and gracious Father: In your infinite love you made us for yourself; and, when we had fallen into sin and become subject to evil and death, you, in your mercy, sent Jesus Christ, your only and eternal Son, to share our human nature, to live and die as one of us, to reconcile us to you, the God and Father of all. He stretched out his arms upon the cross, and offered himself in obedience to your will, a perfect sacrifice for the whole world.

 

On the night he was handed over to suffering and death, our Lord Jesus Christ took bread; and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”

 

After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you: This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”

 

Therefore we proclaim the mystery of faith:

 

Presider and People

 

Christ has died.

Christ is risen.

Christ will come again.

 

The Presider continues

 

We celebrate the memorial of our redemption, O Father, in this sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Recalling his death, resurrection, and ascension, we offer you these gifts. Sanctify them by your Holy Spirit to be for your people the Body and Blood of your Son, the holy food and drink of new and unending life in him. Sanctify us also that we may faithfully receive this holy Sacrament, and serve you in unity, constancy, and peace; and at the last day bring us with all your saints into the joy of your eternal kingdom.

 

All this we ask through your Son Jesus Christ. By him, and with him, and in him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit all honor and glory is yours, Almighty Father, now and for ever. Amen.

 

The Presider then continues

 

As our Savior Christ has taught us, we now pray,

 

People and Presider

 

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name,

     thy kingdom come,

     thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

     as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

     but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power,

     and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

 

Breaking of the Bread

 

A period of silence is kept.

 

Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us;

Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.

 

The Celebrant says

 

The Gifts of God for the People of God.

 

All baptized persons are welcome to receive Holy Communion.

 

Communion Anthem     Creator of the stars of night                       

Liz & Bish Mumford

After Communion, the Celebrant says

 

Let us pray.

 

Celebrant and People

 

Eternal God, heavenly Father, you have graciously

     accepted us as living members

of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ,

     and you have fed us with spiritual food

     in the Sacrament of his Body and Blood.

Send us now into the world in peace,

     and grant us strength and courage

to love and serve you with gladness

     and singleness of heart;

     through Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Blessing

 

The priest blesses the people, saying

 

The blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be upon you and remain with you for ever. Amen.

 

Come, thou long-expected Jesus                                         H66

 

Come, thou long-expected Jesus,

     born to set thy people free;

from our fears and sins release us,

     let us find our rest in thee.

 

Israel’s strength and consolation,

     hope of all the earth thou art:

dear desire of every nation,

     joy of every longing heart.

 

Born thy people to deliver,

     born a child, and yet a king,

born to reign in us for ever,

     now thy gracious kingdom bring.

 

By thine own eternal Spirit

     rule in all our hearts alone;

by thine all-sufficient merit

     raise us to thy glorious throne.

 

The Dismissal

 

Officiant

Let us go forth in the name of Christ.

Thanks be to God.

 

May the God of hope fill us with all joy and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.   Romans 15:13

 

Postlude                                              Liz & Bish Mumford

 

Announcements

 

• 2026 PLEDGE CARDS  are available at the back of the church.  If you are making a pledge, don’t forget to fill out your card and turn it into the offering plate or the church office.
• 2026 GIVING ENVELOPES are also available at the back of the church.
• The CHRISTMAS FLOWER SIGN UP SHEET is located at the back of the sanctuary.  Donors may request flowers “in honor of” a person(s), or “in memory of” a person, and give a monetary contribution for the flowers.
• VESTRY, Sunday, December 14th.  The Vestry meeting will include approval of the 2026 Budget and all input is welcome.
• CAROLS, CHILI & COOKIES, Wednesday, December 17th at 6:30 p.m.  We will be golf cart caroling, followed by chili, cookies, and hot chocolate.  Bring your golf cart & cookies to share!
• CHRISTMAS EVE – If you are interested in participating in our 2nd annual Christmas Eve “Ceremony of Lessons & Carols” as a singer, musician, or reader, please contact Liz Mumford.  Thank you!
• LESSONS and CAROLS, Christmas Eve at 8:00 p.m.
• ANNUAL MEETING, Sunday, January 18, 2026.
• DEADLINE for submissions for the newsletter is at 9:00 a.m. on Mondays and 9:00 a.m. on Wednesdays for bulletins.
• CLOSINGS:  If church services or other church events are canceled due to weather, this will be announced via email, Facebook and WFIE channel 14.

 

 

 

Thanks to those serving!

Advent Reader 1,

Advent Reader 2,

Altar Guild, Peggy Meyer

Greeter,

Facebook Greeter,

Tech Coordinator, Carol Stratton

Officiant,

Lector, Hope Staubitz

Intercessor,

Music, Liz & Bish Mumford

Homilist, Rev. Mary Bargiel

Acolyte, Mike Staubitz

Chalice Bearer,

 

 

Offertory, Gloria, Doxology, Sanctus, & Communion Anthem

 used with permission © Windelm Music.

 

 

 

W

 

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church

A safe place for all to

Love, Learn, and Live and Word of God