St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL March 1st, 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 3rd, Epiphany
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8 am Holy Eucharist
10 am Holy Eucharist
Sunday School
Nursery Care
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Services with imposition of ashes are on
3/6 at 10:00am and 7:30pm
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Message From Rev. Karen
I have always been punctual -that is until about 4yrs ago. Even when I had young children in tow, I was on time for doctor appointments, meetings with teachers, and of course church. Over the course of many years, I finally gave in to the idea that the world was not going fall apart if I was a little late. But I feel like I'm getting worse. I've become like the white rabbit in Alice in Wonderland: "I'm late, I'm late for a very important date!" What's happened to me? I'm failing at Promptness 101! I'm not like I used to be in the past and I want to get back to that place, but I can't seem to get there.
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Does that sound familiar to you? Have you ever wished you, or something in your life could be like it used to be - for good reason, but in spite of your efforts, nothing changes?
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I have learned that holding on to the way things used to be is never helpful. Time keeps moving forward, and so should we. Today is March 1st! The hours, days, and weeks are flying by. "Where did the time go?" is the question that has rolled off my tongue this week - maybe yours too. It's hard to believe that Ash Wednesday is next week. I strongly encourage you to come to church to have ashes imposed on your forehead being reminded of your mortality. "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.". It is a blessing to be thankful for.
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Lent is practically knocking at our door and soon we will open the door to a new journey, unlike any we've ever experienced, because we cannot go backwards. Is there something you plan to give up or a spiritual discipline you're planning to take on? Even if it's neither, in Lent we can all be on a journey to examine our own selves, repent of our sins, and grow closer to the One who gave us life, gives us new life every day, and has given us the promise of everlasting life.
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The time will fly by. May we spread our wings, letting go of the past, and soar(slowly) through this season of Lent. As we soar closer to God, may we remember Jesus' journey to Jerusalem and ultimately to the cross, for our sake.
Blessings,
Karen+
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Santa Maria Urban Ministry
Our next trip to Santa Maria Urban Ministries will be
led by Ann Little or Janet Thorsrud.
Can we count on you to help?
Just three hours: 8:45 to 11:45.
Please call Ann at (408) 226-9763,
or 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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Gift Card Orders!!!
Gift card orders are due
this Sunday, March 3rd.
Whether you're whipping up treats for your little leprechauns, making crafts and décor, cooking a traditional Irish meal, or planning a family dinner out, do it all with scrip and earn for St. Stephen's.
Also
, don't forget Target or Walmart gift cards for you to use when purchasing the items for Hearts & Hands Sunday, between now and
March 24th.
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Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper!
March 5th starting at 6:30pm
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Lenten Book Study:
Are We There Yet?
Pilgrimage in the Season of Lent
We will read 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 will be offered:
Tues 10:30-11:30am and
Wed 7:00-8:00pm beginning Mar 12th. Sign up in the Parish Hall. Books are $7.00 ea in hard copy, or available to download on Amazon Kindle, Nook, and iTunes.
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Hearts & Hands
from Dcn Robin
SAVE THESE DATES!
Our next Hearts & Hands day is 24 March 2019
(one service)
Project Coordinator's meeting on 3 March 2019
At the parish Hearts & Hands planning meeting in January, we decided on the following projects:
Project coordinators volunteered for all projects.
Please pray and consider which project(s) you would like to help with.
This is a chance for us to live out our Christian calling to be the hands, feet, and heart of Jesus out in the world, and to do this together. Please join us!
Leading up to March 24, as you are able, please bring in the following supplies for the Manna Bags:
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3/3 - tooth brushes and floss
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3/10 - peanut butter (to go sizes), tuna and crackers, tissue
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3/17 - Nutrigrain bars, peanut butter crackers, bottled water
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3/24 - small rolls of TP, razors, Slim Jims/Beef or Turkey Jerky
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We always need new, white socks, either for Manna Bags or SMUM
NOTE: Don't forget Target or Walmart gift cards for you to use to purchase these items.
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What's happening at St. Stephen's
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The Calero students give the bushes a much needed trim.
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In another Calero project, the students are collecting old blankets and towels to take to the animal shelter.
They are also collecting empty toilet paper rolls, that will be used to make cat toys. If anyone has any these items to donate, please bring them to church
this Sunday.
-Janet Thorsrud
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Join us as we paint the world!
A teacher at heart. Water-coloring
for 6 years. Love to teach others
how to paint! Thank you for
allowing me to express my joy
of watercolor to nice people here!
We would love to have you join us
each Friday at 10:30 in the parish
@ 408-226-9763, for more information.
Dana, our wonderful water color teacher and
Edie, one of her students.
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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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We're in "Along The King's Highway"
There is an article with picture in the Feb. 27th edition of the weekly El Camino Diocese publication,
Along the King's Highway. You can find it under the title:
St. Stephen's San Jose supports SJSU homeless student ministry.
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Bishop Search Update!
The search committee has been very busy and milestones are being reached. The committee has completed the screening process, conducted interviews of candidates, and a transition committee has been convened. The Standing Committee will announce the slate of candidates to the Diocese on Saturday, March 9th. Walkabouts will begin the week of May 5th. That is, candidates will travel throughout the diocese so that clergy, delegates, and all parishioners have an opportunity to meet and listen to the candidates. The walkabout schedule has not yet been announced.
If you'd like to know more about the timeline, the committees, or the diocesan profile,
please go to: https://www.realepiscopal.org/bishops-search/
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Influencer Training - The Power of Influence
Have you ever struggled to get others to adopt something new - even when it was good for them? Why are people so resistant to change? How can they be so stubborn?
What if you could help anyone change in a way that would improve their lives and yours! Think of all the people whose behavior you wish you could change..
- Your neighbor keeps parking his motor home in front of your house
- Your team members show up to meetings late
- Your son has spent the past 2 years since graduating high school in your basement
- Your sister is not managing her diabetes well and you're worried about her health
Influencer training provides a systematic way to address our influence problems. Using the best of social science, it provides principles and strategies to help you think about your influence challenges.
Influencer Training is fun! It uses a combination of live training, compelling videos, and a written toolkit to aid learners. You will engage in extensive in-class practice, group discussions, and personal planning.
Would you like to attend this training course? The training lasts two days. It's scheduled for Saturday, March 23 from 9 - 3 and Sunday, March 31 from 12 - 6. The class is limited to the first 20 people to Email or call me. Sign up today!
eMail: Hall.christineb@gmail.com
Ph#: 831-236-0008
Chris Hall
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St. Stephen's star word for '19 is . . .
TRUTH!
This is our word to ponder together - share your experiences with one another. If you didn't get a star word for yourself, you can pick one out this Sunday. I look forward to hearing from you about your word and how it is speaking to you this year!
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Karen + |
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Rev. Karen's Kudos to:
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- the Calero students for their work on our campus - we're glad to have them back after their Winter Break,
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- Andy and Dan for continued work on the office wall.
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- All who buy gift cards that provide financial support for our church.
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Food for thought. . .
"It's better to light a candle than curse the darkness."
-Eleanor Roosevelt
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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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