St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL May 17th, 2019
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We the people of Saint Stephen's in-the Field
Seek to know Christ, to share Christ, and to serve Christ,
recognizing his presence in all people, and reaching out in love
to each other and to the world around us.
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Sunday Services: May 19th, Easter Season
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10 am Holy Eucharist
Sunday School
Nursery Care
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Editor's Note: For further instructions, see
"New Instructions For Access To Server Schedule" below.
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Reflections
Family. Everyone has their own idea of what that word means. For me, growing up in the 50's, family was one mom, one dad, and one annoying younger brother. There was only one girl in my whole grade school experience that had divorced parents. Their family was the exception. Now, family has so many different definitions. I married a divorced man with two children. My step-children. I helped raise them from the time they were 7 and 4 years old. Dennis and I have a son together. He is 8 years younger than his older brother and 11 years younger than his sister. There has never been a time when they have been referred to as half brothers and sisters. That is not even a consideration. When my daughter refers to me to one of her friends, I am her mom and her biological mom Debbie, is her "real" mom. Debbie and I have a good relationship. I consider her a friend. We share holidays and have even all gone on vacation together.
A week ago, Debbie had a stroke. She was able to get to the hospital in a timely manner, but is unable to move her left arm and left leg. She has feeling in both areas but no strength. I went to see her at the rehab facility on Tuesday. My daughter Jennifer was there also. When one of the nurses came in, Debbie introduced us all and said "This is Susan. She is family." I took her dirty clothes home and washed them for her and returned them the next day. Because we are family.
My church is also my family. We are there to support and love each other, even in our differences. I would feel incomplete without you. I know that God brought you to me. He knew I needed a spiritual family to help define the person that I am, to help me raise my children and try and do good in the world. To pray with me, laugh with me, listen to me.
Family, whatever shape it takes, is a powerful thing. I am so happy to be able to include you all in my family.
Peace,
Susan
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Walkabout Video presentation
For all who were not able to make it to one of the walkabout sessions with the bishop candidates, we will show a video of one of the plenary sessions in the church after coffee hour on May 19 th. You are welcome to share your thoughts regarding the candidates with Edy, Wanda, Rev. Karen and/or Dcn. Robin.
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Confirmation classes beginning!
Bishop Mary's last visitation at St. Stephen's in-the-Field is on June 23rd. In preparation for that visit, Rev. Karen will begin Confirmation classes on Sunday, May 19th. Classes will be held after the 10:00 service. If you are interested in being confirmed or received into the Episcopal Church, please see Rev. Karen or send her an email. If you've never been baptized and would like to be baptized by the bishop, please let Rev. Karen know NLT Friday, May 17th
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Agape Meals
are a gathering for young adults (20s/30s), offering community, cooking, and conversation. We gather
monthly for an intentional time of reflection, prayer, cooking, and eating together. We are saying yes to belonging and co-creating community. We attempt to live in a rhythm of life that helps us be life-giving, liberating, and loving people. As a community we make an agreement to show up, share, socialize,
and slow down.
For more information or to join our group please reach out to Hogan:
ldhogan3@gmail.com
All identities are loved and welcome.
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Outreach - Santa Maria Urban Ministry
With Ann Little moving, we are looking for new leadership with our outreach ministry at SMUM. There is a minimal amount of work, but a lot of benefit to a community that needs help. If you are interested in hearing more about what leading this ministry requires, please see Ann Little or Janet Thorsrud.
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Angel's List
!
Please take a moment to check out the Angel's List in the back of the church
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There are many areas of the campus that need weeding or trimming. If you have an hour to spare, please consider choosing an area to beautify.
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Cobwebs be gone! There are plenty of areas around the church that could use cobweb cleaning.
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There are two rocking chairs in the "crying room". Ask friends or neighbors if they need one. Wouldn't it be nice if they were used by someone who would enjoy them?
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If you like to garden, there's a lovely cross planter on the Santa Teresa side yard that could use some beautiful, hardy flowers.
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Food for thought. . .
May is Mental Illness Awareness month. How can the church help?
"It can be difficult for people to talk about it, because there still is that stigma around mental illness. But I would encourage people to do that, because they'll be surprised once they do 'come out' how many other people have had similar experiences. Mental illness isn't a them/us issue; we are all on the scale somewhere. So we must be very careful to resist ignorance and combat the stigma that leads to dangerous silence."
- Matt Haig
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Rev. Karen's Kudos to:
-the Painting Angels (Maria, Janet, Evan, Ann) who've been quietly at work in Rev. Karen's office
-Dan, Trig, and Andy for troubleshooting the sprinkler malfunction
-All who help clean up after coffee hour.
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Gift Cards
Keep
buying Gift Cards!
St. Stephen's
earned
$102
for April.
Now is the time to get your gift cards for those Grads/Dads/Brides & Grooms on your late Spring and early Summer calendar. Next Gift Card orders will be due on Sunday, June 2nd.
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Janet Thorsrud
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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT ST. STEPHEN'S
Ann and our multi talented editor helped finish painting Karen's office.
Travis with Goodwill helped us make almost $1000 for our latest fundraiser. So many friends helped to make this event a success.
On April 27th we had the opportunity to meet and learn about the harp from Ruthanne Adams Martinez as she performed a concert for all.
The Calero students finished spreading wood chips down the center path of the community garden. They need more empty cardboard boxes and more wood to finish the project.. can you help them?
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New Instructions For Access To Server Schedule
Website update
If you need to find the St. Stephen's calendar to find out when you are scheduled to assist in the service, it is no longer on the home page. You need to click on the blue ribbon at the top of the page under "MEMBERS". Enjoy the new look. More improvements to come.
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Join us as we paint the world!
We would love to have you join
us
each
Friday at 10:30 in the
parish
hall.
@ 408-281-0628
for
more information.
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NEEDING PRAYER SUPPORT?
Prayer is one of those things we often think about, might feel inadequate about, believe in but might be unsure how to proceed. How we pray is sometimes unique to each of us. The Church provides help in many ways. If you find yourself in need, of any kind (emotional, physical, spiritual, guidance, etc) consider how St. Stephen's can support you:
* there is a Biddings book at the back of the sanctuary where you can write in things before the service starts
* there is a prayer chain of committed pray-ers (who maintain confidentiality). Contact Robin, our Deacon, who will initiate that for you
* there is prayer at the altar every Sunday, where we all join you in the privacy of your need with the Priest
* there is a kneeling prayer station at the side of the church with candles, prayer book, all available anytime, not just Sundays
* turn to your neighbors and friends in church to share what's on your heart, ask for support in speaking to God about your needs (and tell them the updates next week!)
* tell people about your answers to prayer! and the miracles you witness, or how prayer changes YOU.
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Contact information for Rev. Karen:
Personal phone for emergencies or urgent matters: 408-781-1826
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Contact information for Deacon Robin:
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Please send any announcements or articles you want to have included, to:
evan.bryan1@gmail.com, by Thursday, 10am each week.
Evan Bryan
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St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
7269 Santa Teresa Blvd; San Jose, CA 95139
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