The Friday Journal
St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church  & Preschool
November 3, 2017
In This Issue
Quick Links
Along the King's Highway
El Camino Real Newsletter
Upcoming Events
Special Announcements
Church Office & Preschool Hours

The church office is CLOSED on Mondays, and OPEN from  
8am to 1pm,
Tuesday - Friday. 

Preschool is in session Tuesdays & Thursdays from 8:30 to 11:30 am.  
Support St. Stephen's with mini-fundraisers
MATCHING DONATIONS 
by Janet Thorsrud
 
Do you know if your company does donation matching?  Many companies will match what you give to St. Stephen's up to a certain amount.  If you don't know if your work place will do this just go and ask the HR department what their policy is for matching to a non-profit organization.

You can pick up a form in the office on Sunday from Julie Zintsmaster, or send her an email and she will send a form to you.
PURCHASE MELALEUCA PRODUCTS

Contact Susie Good for information about Melaleuca Products--high quality, concentrated, eco-friendly products that contain no toxic ingredients or harsh chemicals. 

You can learn more about their products at www.melaleuca.com.

Susie's contact info:
Phone:  408-375-0680
GOODLIFE USA VIP HOTEL SAVINGS CARD  
 
This is a new fundraising opportunity to support St. Stephen's.  Donate whatever and whenever you want and receive a card worth $200 in discounts.  Save money on hotels and resort stays through GoodLifeUSA.   
 
Click here for more details or see Susie Good.    
Thank You's
Please see the "Angels of St. Stephen's" article for our Thank You's this week.

Quick Notes
A Message from The Rev. Ernest Boyer

 
  
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight . . . (Hebrews 12:1)
 
I have always found the idea of "the great cloud of witnesses" - an image of all those who have gone before us, watching us and surrounding us with their love - deeply comforting and inspiring. It is a picture I return to with particular gratitude during the season of All Saints and All Souls. I love the thought that those of my loved ones who have passed before me continue to hold me in their loving embrace, sending me silent messages of assurance and support. I have only to turn my mind in their direction and I seem to feel their presence, the long line of dear ones who have gone to God, as well as ancestors who I never knew, watching me and encouraging me to find the right road, sending me their gentle guidance.
 
I have long believed that when we go to God, a part of us remains behind, eternally connected to those we love. I like to think of it this way: here on earth we are like the tiny acorn, self-contained little units. As we pass from this life, though, we break out of our shell and reach outward and upward to the light of God. Just as the tiny acorn becomes something so much greater than we could ever imagine, a mighty oak tree, which feeds entirely on the light of the sun, so we ourselves are transformed into eternal beings, fed entirely by the light of God's love. At the same time, though, just as the oak tree sends its roots deep into the earth from which it came, we too reach down to connect inextricably with those with whom we were joined in life, those loved ones who formed us and so nourished our mortal existence. It is just an image, but for me it explains a lot.
 
So, during this time of All Saints and All Souls, take a few moments not merely to remember your loved ones who have entered eternity, but to acknowledge the ways in which they not only formed you in the past but continue to shape you now.
 
May God bless them and you.
 
Peace and grace,
Ernie
 
 
A Message from Senior Warden Genie Lee
 
Dear St. Stephen's Family,
 
This Sunday, November 5, 2017, is All Saints/All Souls Sunday. The Rev. Ernie Boyer, our Interim Pastor, is back from vacation and will preside over the 8:00 am and 10:00 am services.  Andy Lief will provide music for the 10:00 am service. Please join Ernie after coffee hour for a discussion regarding his sermon and the readings.
 
It's that time of year again! Change Your Clock, Change Your Batteries! This weekend (Sunday at 2:00 am) is Daylight Savings Time so you need to change your clocks back one hour.
 
The Worship Committee is planning the liturgy for the next few months, which includes Christmas. As you probably know, Christmas Eve is on a Sunday this year. There will not be an 8:00 am service that day. We will have a 10:00 am service, which is the Children's Christmas Pageant.  Thank you Dottie Chin and Rowena Dizon-Burger for volunteering to direct the Pageant this year. If you would like to participate in the planning, please contact Dottie or Rowena. We will have our late Christmas Eve service at 4:30 pm.
 
This year we will have a Posada. Janet Thorsrud has volunteered to direct/organize it. It is scheduled for December 9, 2017. Please contact Janet if you want to participate in the planning.  
 
Please keep the vestry, the Rector Search Committee, and Rev. Ernie Boyer in your prayers. The vestry is working hard to keep St. Stephen's operating smoothly and the Rector Search Committee has worked hard to create our church profile and OTM. They are currently waiting to receive Bishop Mary's approval to move forward. Ernie will be leading us through the rest of our transition, preparing us to call our next Rector. Please pray that God will guide us all and that we will have open hearts and minds as we make decisions for the church during this transition.
 
Our Stewardship Drive is underway. Our first Stewardship letter was mailed out this week to you and more information will be announced at the 10:00 am service. Please prayerfully consider increasing your pledge this year and if you have not pledged in the past, please consider pledging this year. No matter how large or how small, each pledge matters. Our budget for the year is greatly influenced by your pledges. St. Stephen's cannot continue to prosper without your commitment.
 
Transition Update: The Rector Search Committee has finished the OTM and Church Profile and the vestry has approved both. Both have been sent to Bishop Mary and Brian Nordwick for review and approval. Bishop Mary has let us know that there will be a delay in approval until we make progress in our work on our "To Do" list, which we created at the Retreat by Bishop Mary last month. Once they approve it, then they will send the OTM and Profile out to the community to advertise our opening. The Diocese will screen and do background checks for all prospective candidates. They will send the search committee the candidates that qualify.  
 
The Necrology Book will be read out loud at the 10:00 am service this Sunday, November 5, 2017. There is still time to add loved ones names before the service begins.
 
St. Stephen's kids and parents and community families had a wonderful time at the Trunk or Treat last Saturday. There were 40 people who attended. Thank you so much Andy Lief and Monica Moniz for putting this together and thank you to all those who helped set up and clean up and all who participated.  
 
The next monthly vestry meeting will be Thursday, November 9, 2017 at 7:00 pm. Non-vestry members are welcome to come and observe the meeting.
 
Reminders:
   
Please bring in dry food for the Food Basket for St. Julie's and pocket change for the Food for the Poor Jar.
 
Please look at the Angel Board to see if there are any tasks that need to be added or tasks that you want to volunteer to do.
 
Genie Lee
Senior Warden
 
REMEMBER TO SET YOUR CLOCKS BACK ONE HOUR ON SATURDAY NIGHT
 
Daylight Savings Time ends this weekend.  If you don't want to be an hour early for church, be sure to remember to set your clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday night.  
 
SUNDAY SCHOOL -- JOIN US 
NOVEMBER 3     

Our new Sunday School curriculum, SparkHouse!, is aligned with the current lectionary. Students will have songs and activities that correspond with what their parents and grandparents are hearing in church each Sunday.

Our dedicated teachers are excited to share this new curriculum with students. Bring a friend!!

Teacher this week: Ruth Lief
 

THIS SUNDAY AT ST. STEPHEN'S IN-THE-FIELD
by Deacon Robin Poppoff

Sunday, November 5 (following the 10 am worship service), Deacon Robin will present a forum on Advanced Medical Directives using the "Five Wishes" form (forms will be provided). Advanced Medical Directives apply to everyone over the age of 18, not just the older folks like your deacon.
 
Please join us to learn about this critical need for all of us. 
 
 
A Message from the Treasurer
 
STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN FOR 2 018 
by Julie Zintsmaster

The first letter of our 2018 Stewardship Campaign was mailed last week to 66 families.   It explains our goal for this year and the critical need for everyone's participation.   
 
Please prayerfully discern how you can contribute towards the future of our faith family. The second letter with an enclosed pledge commitment card will be mailed this coming week.   
 
Our Harvest and Pledge Ingathering Celebration will be SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19.   
 
Don't hesitate to let me know if you have questions. 
                                     
Announcements

ENTIRE DIOCESE INVITED TO   
EL CAMINO REAL CONVENTION EUCHARIST
 
The entire diocese is invited to a special Saturday Eucharist that will close our 37th annual convention on Saturday, November 4, celebrating Bishop Mary's 10th anniversary as bishop of the Diocese of El Camino Real. The Eucharist is expected to begin at 2 pm. The convention takes place at Sherwood Hall, located at 940 N. Main St. in Salinas.
 
The Convention web page  has been updated with a new draft agenda, reports, applications for candidacy, a new resolution packet with reordered and combined resolutions, and the Certified List of Clergy, all to download.
 
PERFORM A VITAL SERVICE FOR YOUR FELLOW ECR EPISCOPALIANS 
by Deacon Robin Poppoff
 
Just in time for Halloween ... picture a convention morning without coffee. And no donuts. The horror! An afternoon without snacks or drinks? Our worst nightmare.  
 
Convention attendees need your help on November 3rd and 4th -- Hospitality volunteers are urgently needed for different shifts on Friday and Saturday. Activities include:
  • Replenishing snacks and water
  • Helping to change Friday's business meeting into the banquet setting
  • Helping ro clear the area Friday evening
  • Setting up hospitality snacks and drinks on Saturday morning
  • Setting up lunch on Saturday
 Contact organizer Charles Greenleaf by email at  ckgreenleaf@earthlink.net. Volunteers should not be delegates or alternates, as those individuals need to attend the business meeting. Thanks to all who volunteered to help with registration!


MOVIE NIGHT
by Janet Thorsrud
 
Join St. Stephen's members for an evening of merriment! We will be getting to view the film "Let There Be Light" at Century 20 Theaters Oakridge Mall on Tuesday November 7th at 7:15pm.  
 
If you so choose, you may join us for a lovely meal in the food court at 6pm!                                
 
All are welcome - the more the merrier!
 
Carpool can be arranged; please contact Janet if you need a ride! See you there!!
 
 
 
ST. STEPHEN'S FIELD TRIP  
by Janet Thorsrud
 
Are you ready to have fun? Please join me on Thursday, November 16th to see the Disney Museum and Gustav Klimt exhibit at the Legion of Honor. Also at the Legion of Honor is the "Gods in color" exhibition which shows how color was used in ancient cultures.
 
Depending on the weather we will have lunch outside at either the Disney Museum or the lawn at the Legion of Honor. The plan is to walk to Land's End to walk the labyrinth so wear walking shoes. This is on a sandy trail. We will finish with dinner at Cliff house.
 
The cost will be :
$30 for the Disney Museum
$32-35 (depending on age) for the legion of Honor ( I can bring 3 guests for free on my membership) or you can buy a membership for about $79 for a year which is also good at the de Young museum.
 
Dinner at Cliff house.
Check out the following links to see if you are interested and let me know.
 
See you Sunday
Janet

MANAGING THE POWER OF CHOICE IN THE MIDST OF CHANGE

A talk sponsored by Stephen Ministries of St. Jude's and St. Andrew's, November 7, 2017, at 7 p.m.  
 
Carolyn Foster, national speaker and author, will help us learn to create clarity and a sense of meaning for lives often characterized by too many priorities and too little mental spaciousness. Join us for this timely and eternal topic - St. Jude's Parish Hall, Free and open to the public. Learn more about Carolyn Foster at http://www.creativechoices.net. 
 
Ernie Boyer mentioned this presentation in the Friday Journal several weeks ago.

 
FORWARD DAY BY DAYS ARE HERE
 
The November-December-January Forward Day By Days are here!  You can pick up your copy at the back of the church to the left of the door as you exit. We have both the regular print and large print versions.
 
TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY  
 
The current Bible Study series is a  
Kerygma course on  
The Parables -- Stories for Life in God's World.  
 
Edy Unthank is leading the seven-week class on Tuesday mornings at 10:00 am through November 7. 

 
CPR/FIRST AID CLASS AT  
ST. STEPHEN'S IN-THE-FIELD 
Monday, November 6, 2017, at 8:00 am

St. Stephen's Preschool is hosting an 8-hour CPR/First Aid Training class for teachers and office staff.  Extra spots are available in the class for $60 each.  If you are interested, please call the St. Stephen's office at 408-629-1836, or send an email to office@ssitf.org.
 
ST. STEPHEN'S PRESCHOOL 
7269 Santa Teresa Blvd 
San Jose, CA 95139

WHERE LEARNING IS FUN......
 

TELL YOUR FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS -- WE  HAVE OPENINGS FOR 2, 3, OR 5 DAYS PER WEEK

Class Times 
8:30 am - 11:30 am (M-F) 
Extended Day 8:00 am - 1:00 pm 
 
We provide a nurturing environment that prepares children for Kindergarten academically, socially, and emotionally based on Christian values.

Visit our website
or call 408-629-1843
for more information.
  
UPDATE ON RELIEF EFFORTS FOR NORTHERN CALIFORNIA FIRES
by Deacon Robin Poppoff
 
Bishop Barry, Canon Andrea, Margaret Dunning, and other clergy and staff of the Diocese of Northern California continue to work closely with Episcopal Relief & Development. The organization has approved a grant for the diocese's fire relief effort and disbursement of that money will begin this week.
Donations can be made to the Bishop's discretionary fund.  Click here for online donation options and mailing address for checks.   

Please support Episcopal Relief & Development's response to the wildfires in California by donating to the
U.S. Disaster Fund and pray for all those impacted. We add our prayers for those impacted by the Bear Fire, in addition to firefighters and personnel battling the fire.
 

EPISCOPAL RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT HELPING THOSE AFFECTED BY RECENT HURRICANES 
 
Episcopal Relief & Development works closely with church partners after disasters, equipping them to meet needs of those most vulnerable in their communities. Currently, our staff is responding to areas devastated by multiple Hurricanes, and watching developing tropical storms. Because of our strong diocesan partnerships, Episcopal Relief & Development is ready to assist in the recovery of the impacted areas for as long as necessary. You can help provide critical relief to affected communities by donating to our Hurricane Relief Fund.  
 
To donate and read the latest updates, visit www.episcopalrelief.org.
 
Episcopal Relief and Development: 
Healing a Hurting World 
 
ANGELS OF ST. STEPHEN'S   
 
 
Thank you, Andy Lief, for the new front door mat.

Thank you, Wanda Bryan, for your loving care of the rose garden by the bell tower.

Thank you, Dot Remson, for raking up the fallen leaves under the oak tree.

NEW TO THE LIST:
  • Clean windows on the outside (priority order: parish hall, offices, worship hall)

If you see a need, please call the church office at 408-629-1836  

so we can add it to the list.


CALLING ALL ANGELS !
LET'S KEEP ST. STEPHEN'S SHINING

PRAY FOR THE RECTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE

Dear Lord, Heavenly Father, we, the people of St. Stephen's ask for your blessings on the members of the Search Committee.  Bless them in their meetings, in their deliberations and in their discernment.  Keep their hearts and minds open to the Holy Spirit and to wherever You will lead them in this process. 
 
Guide them in their deliberations while they prepare the St. Stephen's Profile which will be posted to the National Office of Transitional Ministry (OTM).  Please allow this process to be completed with ease and joy.
 
We trust you and we know that you will bring us the best possible Rector for St. Stephen's as you have done for us before.  Thank you, Heavenly Father for all your blessings on the Search Committee and this congregation. AMEN

Please pray daily for our Search Committee...... 
Search Committee Members: 
Ann Little, Co-Chair 
Janet Thorsrud, Co-Chair 
Marie Rose Bianco 
Susie Good 
Anthony Francis 
Chris Hall 
Eric Samson 
Bjorn Samson 
Ruth Lief 
Julie Zintsmaster 
   
GIFT CARD PROGRAM...   by Janet Thorsrud  
Hello my friends.
 
You added $160 to St Stephen's budget. Not shabby for one month. Just by shopping for the everyday items you use. Keep up the good work.
 
Our next order will be November 12th. Be thinking about your Christmas shopping and what gift cards you can order to help with St. Stephen's budget.
 
Your servant,
Janet Thorsrud

Gift Card Order Form 
   
For information, contact Janet Thorsrud: 
   thorsrud@sbcglobal.net  
408 281-0628
 
St Stephen's Episcopal Church | 1-408-629-1836 | comms@ssitf.org | http://www.ssitf.org
7269 Santa Teresa Blvd
San Jose, CA 95139