St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL May 10th, 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 12th, 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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Warbles from your Senior Warden
Last week I got some disturbing news from ambiguous test results. My doctor responded
with a decision to pull me off of all current treatment and move to some other treatment -
hoping for a better response. I am currently on the latest and greatest treatment protocol
and I am not anxious to move onto something else - unknown side effects, etc.
So I spoke up and asked about the ambiguity of the results. I asked for more concrete
information - stating that I would not approve of a change unless these test results were
more conclusive. I am arguing with my oncologist about treatment! What gives me the
right to do that and where is God in all of this?
I think God gave me the strength to question her. I think God is giving me hope that
treatment is working. I think that all of the prayers that have been lifted up in my name
are bolstering my spirits.
Sure - I cried at first. I was angry when I was thinking that God was ignoring all of those
prayers. But then I remembered that this is GOD! I do not have His timetable. I do not
know His ways. But I know that He loves each and every one of us and does not wish us
any harm or pain or suffering.
When I was younger, I used to bargain with God frequently. I remember specifically one
time when I was babysitting my three brothers. The hedge between our house and a
neighbor's house caught on fire. No cell phones back then and no way for me to speak to
my parents. Also, my family was always feuding with this neighbor, so I did not see any
support coming from the other side of the hedge. So I turned to God. I do not remember
what I promised at that time, but I remember praying that if we all survived then I would
offer something to God in return.
Well, the fire did not spread to our home. I was so grateful to God and ready to keep all
of those promises. But now I know that God doesn't bargain. He does not love anyone
more than another because of some act of attrition. He loves all of us as we are. I think
He finds joy in our good acts and faithfulness. I think He laughs with us and cries with
us.
I do not see the doctor until after the deadline for this article, but I know that whatever
happens, He will be there with me. He will be my strength. He will be my hope and He
will bring me joy.
Many blessings dear family,
Edy
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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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GOODWILL FUNDRAISER UPDATE
Great news: We unloaded 6,596lbs of donations into the Goodwill truck last Sunday, which earned us a total of $958.40!! Job well done! Many thanks to all who helped by bringing donations, helping unload from people's cars, signing up for a shift, and/or spreading the news. A special thanks to Janet Thorsrud for coordinating this effort!
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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
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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. . .
"There are people and things in this world, and people are to be loved
and things are to be used. And it is increasingly important that we love people and use things, for there is so much in our gadget-minded, consumer-oriented society that is encouraging us to love things and use people."
-William Sloan Coffin
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Rev. Karen's Kudos to:
-Evan for taking over as editor of the Friday Journal!
-the Painting Angels (Maria, Janet, Evan, Ann) who've been quietly at work in Rev. Karen's
office
-Dan and Trig for their working to fix the water valves
and pipes for the community garden.
-Everyone who helped with the Goodwill fundraiser.
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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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