In this very short period of time together, it would have been easy to convince ourselves that the “struggle for survival is just not worth the aggravation.” It’s just not worth it — so let us all take this opportunity to sleep in on Sunday morning and let someone else worry about the spiritual dysfunction in so many worshiping communities.

Is the Boston Marathon tragedy just one more wake-up call? How many more can we expect until we “get it”? Will this great nation come together “for a while” and then just fall back into our “business as usual mode”? And trust me — there will be more acts of senseless violence — unfortunately. In our own hometown, there are those who commit violent crimes and the community is filled with fear — yet no one will come forward to identify those who bring terror into our streets for fear of reprisal.

The tragedy is us. If you really care about what impact you and collectively we can have as Christians, we need to be in church every Sunday. We need to be involved in our communities, lending a prayerful and helping hand. Is that too much to ask?

Don’t tell me you cannot do it, or you are too busy. You have already proven yourself in so many ways. You have proven your collective ability in the roof fund, fish fry, krafters, altar guild, choir, to name a few. The impact we have on this community is up to you. Sleeping in on Sunday morning is not an option. Saying “I am too busy” is not an option. The death of Jesus hanging on the cross is not an option.

We can no longer believe that such terroristic activity will never happen here where we live — that it always happens somewhere else.

Dear people we have too much to gain to lose. The ability to survive rests on the collective ability and prayerful efforts of us all. Don’t disappoint your creator.

—Rev. David L. Kinsey

In the 1950s, “Peanuts” cartoonist Charles M. Schulz drew a series of cartoons for church newsletters. You can order a book of them here.

And remember, every little bit does make a difference at St. Stephen’s!

We think we’re the only fish fry in town this week.

Here are a couple more fish fry coupons. Be sure to print them out and bring them with you.

coupon for $ off fish fry 3.29.13

God loves you, and so do we.

We are a traditional church with a positive, accepting congregation. If you’ve been looking for a reason to go back to a church, we would love to have you with us this week!

Maundy Thursday: 6:30 p.m.

• Agape meal (commemorates Jesus’ Last Supper)
• Holy Eucharist
• Stripping of the altar

Good Friday: 12 noon

Easter Sunday: 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

• Sermon: “An Easter Faith in a Good Friday Life” by the Rev. David L. Kinsey
• An Easter tea follows the 10 a.m. service … put on your “Sunday best” and celebrate with us!

Thanks to: Dorothy’s Candies, McKeesport Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra of the Alleghenies), Eat’nPark, Ayres Drug Store, McKeesport Heritage Center, and G.C. Murphy’s…

Here is our Good Friday Grand Give-Away Raffle Basket: Dorothy’s Candies gift certificate, McKeesport Symphony Orchestra (Orchestra of the Alleghenies) Family Concert Pass, Eat’nPark gift card, McKeesport Tigers shirt courtesy of Ayres Drug Store, items from McKeesport Heritage Center’s gift shop–as well as a gift card, and For the Love of Murphy’s, a history of the G.C. Murphy Company.

Raffle tickets on sale at our fish fry, 11:30 to 6:30–through Good Friday! Tickets are 3 for $1, or 7 for $2. Recipient need not be present; we will call you.

Now that it’s finally spring, here’s a basket for that… At the Carwash!

This basket includes: Armor All soap, Chenille and Terry Cloth Sponges, Glass Cleaners, Glass Towels, and a Digital Tire Gauge.

Raffle tickets on sale at our fish fry, 11:30 to 6:30! Tickets are 3 for $1, or 7 for $2. Recipient need not be present; we will call you.

Raffle tickets on sale today at our fish fry, 11:30 to 6:30! Tickets are 3 for $1, or 7 for $2. Recipient need not be present; we will call you.

We’ll have a new basket weekly, with a Grand Prize Good Friday Give-Away basket available next week through Good Friday.

Approximate value of weekly baskets are $40, with tickets seling 3 for $1, 7 for $2.

fish fry 3.8, 3.15