St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL December 13th, 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: December 15th
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8 am Holy Eucharist
10 am Holy Eucharist
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Warbles from your Senior Warden
The Advent countdown has begun! Children with Advent calendars anticipate every day as Christmas grows near. Sometimes, as adults, we are not as excited about the passing of days. Too much to do! Too much still to plan!
This year my son and his family are coming for Christmas. I cannot tell you how many years it has been since we have all spent Christmas together (close to 13 years!) My son works for Fed-Ex and employees just do not get time off this time of year. I do not care how he did it - I am just thrilled to see all of them.
But sometimes I too think - wait, there is too much to do! My packages have all been wrapped, waiting for delivery. My house is not clean for company clean yet, but soon it will be. This is what Advent means to me - anticipation.
I think that is how Mary and Joseph felt as well. Anxious for the birth of Jesus - but things were not yet ready. Who would have thought that the birth would take place in a manger? How do you prep and clean for the baby? For royal guests? Somehow it all worked out.
The angels did not mind that there were sheep and cows with the holy child. Maybe we fret too much this time of year and worry about things that won't matter to our guests.
I once read an autobiographical-style book about Cleopatra. At one point she is looking at the sky, at a star that had Herod very worried. How long was that star shining? The magi had to travel a long way. It was just a casual mention in the book, but places her in a very holy time for Christians everywhere.
Anticipation. Celebration. Hope. Joy. These are things I pray for you this Advent season.
Many blessings dear family,
Edy
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CALLING ALL RINGERS AND SINGERS
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Bell and Voice Choir will rehearse after the 10:00 service this Sunday!
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Sunday, Dec 22
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10:00am Service
Don't miss this festive service!
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Every year at this time I ask that folks who are not on the regular rota for readers to please select a reading for lessons and carols. I will have the lessons printed out for you. Please come and see me. You can choose which lesson you want to read and take home a copy to practice. All of the lessons are familiar and tell the Christmas story. This is a great opportunity to participate in this lovely service.
Thanks,
Edy
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Thanks to all who have already sent in your pledge for 2020. With the hustle and bustle of Christmas upon us, filling out a pledge card can easily get overlooked. We have reached just under 73% of our goal, which means we have a way to go. This is a gentle reminder that, if you are planning to make a pledge this year, please either place your pledge in the offering plate, mail it, or hand it (in a sealed envelope) to Eric Samson, Edy Unthank, Susan Zaballos, or Rev. Karen. We need to know your intentions in order to create a budget for next year.
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I Witness
Living Inside the Stories of Advent & Christmas
b
y Kate Moorehead.
Many of us have heard the story of Jesus' birth, but have we lived inside it? Enter the story of salvation with open hearts and minds to experience the miracle of Jesus through the eyes of witnesses: Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men, and others.
These daily devotionals offer a companion through the seasons of Advent and Christmas and urge us to keep reading, keep listening, keep learning. The story of Christ's birth can be both familiar and new in each re-telling.
Join us Wednesday mornings at 9:30 through Advent!
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Bishop Consecration Update!
Tickets can now be reserved online. There is no cost for tickets, however you must reserve a ticket in order to attend. Seating is limited. For more information and to reserve tickets, visit the Bishop Consecration page at RealEpiscopal.org
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The Episcopal Church in Almaden (ECA)
(6581 Camden Ave, San Jose CA 95120)
will be hosting our Village House guests starting
January 4, 2020 through February 3, 2020.
We are a small church that has hosted ladies for two years and have felt God's calling to support this outreach event.
But we need some of your help to fill some of the slots.
You will feel good having helped these ladies during the
cold weather in January. Thanks for all you do!
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What's happening at St. Stephen's?
On a cold and raining Saturday, St. Nickolas paid a visit to the jolly families at St. Stephen's, who were enjoying each other's company over good food and drink during our annual Posada celebration.
St. Nickolas shared some of his stories with us about how he was able to help others in need. He brought his bag of gold coins with him that he shared with everyone present.
Special thanks to Andy and Jack for saying "yes" and to Dan and Sherrie for driving.
and could our congregation please bring cardboard for the please bring cardboard for the community garden, Thanks.
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GIFT CARD ORDERS
We earned $213 from gift card orders last month and $100 from the CPK fundraiser. We are on a roll!!!
The next order date will be
Dec 15
. If you are planning to use gift cards for Christmas (presents, etc.) these dates should help you.
SMUM would like Target cards to distribute for the holidays. If you are able this order will be used for the Thanksgiving exchange and the Nov order will be used for the Christmas exchange. Help if you can.
Our annual blanket making workshop will happen in January again. If you can help with a Jo Anna's gift card we can deliver more blankets to Kathey Crow's ministry. Did you see her story in ALONG THE KING"S HIGHWAY?
Blessings
Janet
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The season of Advent means there is something on the horizon the likes of which we have never seen before. . .What is possible is to not see it, miss it, to turn just as it brushes past you. And you begin to grasp what it was you missed, like Moses in the cleft of the rock, watching God's [back] fade in the distance. So stay. Sit. Linger. Tarry. Ponder. Wait. Behold. Wonder. There will be time enough for running. For rushing. For worrying. For pushing. For now, stay. Wait. Something is on the horizon.
-Jan Richardson
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-Dottie Chin for locking up after the recital last weekend
-The vestry
-Dedicated musicians who are getting ready for Christmas.
-Jessica for continued work in our Community Garden.
-Janet for getting the banner fixed and coordinating the toy drive for Los Poseos
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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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