St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL March 29th, 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: March 31th, Lent
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10 am Holy Eucharist
Sunday School
Nursery Care
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Warbles from your Senior Warden
Holy week is coming. The week after Palm Sunday is a busy one. We have services to represent the final days of Jesus's life, his crucifixion, and His rising in glory. We have services on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and, of course, Easter Sunday
April 18 is Maundy Thursday. This service remembers Jesus's final Passover meal with his disciples. It also remembers that Jesus washed the feet of his disciples that evening and commanded them to do the same for others. The Maundy Thursday service is full of symbolism. Please come to this service and take part in the ritual foot washing (you do not need to participate in this if you attend, but it is very touching) We also move the elements from the altar to an altar of repose that is set up in the back of the church. After Maundy Thursday, no elements can be blessed until Jesus rises. Then the altar guild strips the altar and the altar is washed. After the altar guild extinguishes the sanctuary candle, everyone leaves in silence. Then a vigil begins at the altar of repose - representing the Garden of Gesthemane. This altar is attended faithfully until the service at noon on Good Friday.
Whew - that is a lot of symbolism to pack into one service. It is very meaningful and I hope you can attend. It is not a long service - even with everything that is done.
But I really hope that you can sign up for an hour time slot for the altar of repose. It is an excellent time for quiet reflection. You can bring a friend if you like. Our canvas labyrinth will be set up next to the altar of repose. This is particularly fitting since our Lenten series this year is about pilgrimages. Labyrinths have been around for as long as time and for many faith traditions, but more recent labyrinths (ie Chartres Cathedral, 1200 AD) represented an alternative to some of the long pilgrimages such as to Jerusalem. Walking a labyrinth can also be an internal pilgrimage of sorts. Some people ask a question and walk in anticipation of receiving an answer. Some pray along the path and find it very refreshing. There are no rules except to remove your shoes and be respectful.
Whether you choose to walk the labyrinth, study, read materials that are provided, or use the time for personal meditation, please sign up to spend some time waiting up with Jesus. There are 1 hour time slots available from 10pm on Thursday until noon on Good Friday.
My next Friday Journal article in two weeks will look into the Holy Saturday service. Many people consider this the most beautiful service in the Episcopal Church. It is also full of meaning, some of which is not obvious. I will explain the portions of the service and illustrate how we observe the service all year.
Many blessings dear family,
Edy
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Memorial Service for Kim Westfall
The service will be here at St. Stephen's in-the-Field on Saturday, April 6
th, at 2pm.
The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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Reception for Kim Westfall Memorial
As Kim and Margo's church family, we are planning to prepare the refreshments for the reception following the service. If you can help out, the plan is for finger foods. Please let me know what you would like to contribute to the reception. Thank you for caring and sharing.
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Santa Maria Urban Ministry
Our next trip to Santa Maria Urban Ministries will be
led by Janet Thorsrud
Can we count on you to help?
Just three hours: 8:45 to 11:45.
Please call Janet at (408) 281-0628,
if you can help.
Also, give a call, if you'd like a ride.
Address: 778 Almaden Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110
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Lenten Book Study:
Are We There Yet?
Pilgrimage in the Season of Lent
We are reading stories by different authors who share stories of pilgrimage in search of healing and wholeness, bearing witness to pain, reuniting with birth parents, and more. Through their stories we will journey together toward Jerusalem, "being open to the miracles of love and life, awestruck by the One who is both our journey and our destination."
Two sessions are being offered:
Tues 10:30-11:30am and
Tues 7:00-8:00pm.
The next class is Tues. April 2nd
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It's not too late to join in! Only one book left!
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Hearts & Hands
Hearts and Hands Service Sunday - this says it all:
These words came from the thanksgivings you offered Sunday! Thanks to all who served with bursting hearts and busy hands!
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What's Happening at St. Stephen's
Calero Students help & learn
This week the Calero students
cleaned up "where no mower can
go"!
They will
continue to put mulch
on the paths between the planter
boxes so the mowers wouldn't
have to worry about mowing this
area.
On-going clean up by St. Stephen's Angels
The items on the table are for you to take home. They are things we no longer use. AA group gets the first shot at these items.
Hearts & Hands - Public Garden Project
We are in need of more wood, cinder blocks and someone to help haul dirt to the garden. If you have friends or neighbors who might have these items to donate, have them contact me at
thorsrud@sbcglobal.net
Everyone helping to build new planter boxes
Wanda's grandson Evan helps out N
ew planter boxes
Hearts & Hands - Filling Manna Bags
Manna bag assembly lines for Hearts & Hands Sunday
Hearts & Hands - Music
Genie Lee gives her last performance with
Joyful Noise before she moves
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Bishop Search Update
Walkabout dates have been announced!
Everyone in the diocese will have an opportunity to meet all five candidates for bishop during a series of "Walkabouts" held the week of May 5-10. Childcare will be provided at each location. Teenagers are welcome to attend the sessions as active participants!
The Schedule (locations will be announced soon)
- Sunday, May 5, 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm - SCV Deanery
- Monday, May 6, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm - SLO Deanery
- Wednesday, May 8, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Monterey Deanery
- Thursday, May 9, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm - SCV Deanery
In case you are not able to attend one of the sessions, there will be at least one room video recorded at each Walkabout session. Video will be made available online after all Walkabouts
have been completed.
Would you like to know more about the candidates for our next Bishop of our
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Gift Cards
Gift card orders brought in $125 this month.
Next orders will be due on April 7th.
-Janet Thorsrud
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We need your help
An important part of welcoming members and visitors is the job of our Usher/Greeter team. We also present the oblations (bread & wine) and collect the donations and pledges at communion.
Our team is in need of new recruits and we are hoping you will consider joining us. Information and training will be available after services on Sundays. We serve one Sunday a month and are flexible with availablity.
There is always a way to serve your church and church family and we hope this might be the ministry for you.
Thank you, Ann Little
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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
or
Ann Little
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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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Angel's List is Back!
Back by popular demand, the white board is back up and much help is needed. If you see something that needs doing, add it to the list. The angels in our midst will get the job done, and we are all angels! Please take a look at the list and see what you can check off.
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Rev. Karen's Kudos to:
-Janet and Ann for continued clean-up. Take a look at the Parish Hall - WoW!
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All
who participated in the service projects last Sunday. Special thanks to our team leaders: Wanda & Eric (neighborhood walk), Frances & Kaylyn (a delicious lunch), Janet & Dottie (Manna Bags), and Rick & Dan (community garden beds).
-Joyful Noise Band for all the music, and Genie for blessing us with an extended prelude!
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Small books of common prayer
Small books of common prayer are on the table by the piano to be taken home for yourself or to give to friends and family.
Help yourself to this gift for you and others.
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Food for thought. . .
March is Women's History Month - look for
quotes
from some amazing women this month!
"The truth needs so little rehearsal."
-Barbara Kingsolver
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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: jhnltl50@gmail
.com, by Thursday, 10am each week.
Thanks, John
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St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
7269 Santa Teresa Blvd; San Jose, CA 95139
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