St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL May 31st, 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: June 2nd, 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
Well, I went from seeing Calvin and Ella 6 days out of 8 to not seeing them for over a week. The bustle of the end of the school year made for some hectic days - then new meds affecting my sleep gave me some very quiet days. I think things have worked themselves out, the weather is warming, and the pool is open! Calvin, Ella, and Sandra will come and swim - hopefully once a week for the summer. My son is also coming to visit this week. Blessings abound!
Which do you prefer? Those hectic busy days that have you going here and there? Or those quiet and peaceful days where you can stay home or run around as you choose? I think I need a combo. First of all, I do not rebound as quickly as I used to after a busy day. Whether it is busy because I am cleaning for company or busy due to errands that need to be done, no longer can I bounce back after a good night's sleep. No longer is a good night's sleep guaranteed, either.
On a busy day, I am out and about. I can see butterflies, hear birdsong, see rainbows - for me, these are all signs of God's love. On quiet days, sometimes I am just home - trying to catch up on sleep or being kind to my back so it can recuperate after too much activity. These quiet times are often an opportunity to talk to God or listen for His message.
Have you ever watched the TV show
God Friended Me?
I really like it. I just watched a rerun the other day. The main character, Miles, found a message. The message was Matthew 621. He assumed it was a bible verse about treasure. Turns out that Matthew is the name of a boat and 621 is the combo to a safe inside. Inside the safe was indeed a treasure. Not one of great value to anyone else - but priceless to the intended recipient. It was life changing for not only the recipient but for many others as well.
Are we looking for messages? Are they all around us? How could our lives be transformed if we looked for and found personal messages intended just for us?
I intend to thoroughly enjoy my family this week. Since Robert is coming to town, everyone in the family will want to spend time with him and we will enjoy this time together. In the quiet times. I hope to be on the lookout for messages and giving thanks. In the hectic time, I hope to remember to thank God for this precious time with family. Robert has not met Ella - not in person, anyway. And we have not seen each other in over a year. Precious time together. A gift!
Look for messages. Give thanks often. Praise be to God!
Many blessings dear family,
Edy
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Electing Convention
P
lease pray for all who are gathering for the Electing Convention tomorrow, Bishop Mary, the candidates, clergy, and delegates. May the Holy Spirit's presence lead and guide the hearts and minds of those voting. May God's peace be present to the candidates and their families. May we all rejoice in the election of our next bishop, trusting God in all things
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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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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
Tuesday was the end of the school year party for the Calero Students. They were served a snack and had fun breaking open a piñata which most of them had never done before.
The students take a week off and then they will be back on Tuesday's only for the month of June.
A new group will be back with us right after Labor Day. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
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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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Food for thought. . .
Since June is the month that Bishop Mary will make her last visit to St. Stephen's in-the-Field I thought I'd offer quotes from some of her messages to our Diocese. Enjoy!
"We have created a culture in El Camino Real of experimentation, of "research and development," if you will, and it is taking hold as a way of being. We are a learning community, which keeps life exciting and also in a state of regular transition and transformation. We are emboldened in the power of the Spirit each time we try and learn something new. And yes, it is so energizing!
May our effectiveness and impact continue to help others know the good news of Jesus Christ!"
Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves, Real Episcopal, Winter 2018/19
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Rev. Karen's Kudos to:
-Deacon Robin for officiating Morning Prayer last Sunday.
-Our delegates, Edy and Wanda, for attending and voting in the election convention tomorrow.
-Janet and Andy for opening/closing the church for the funeral today.
-The Calero students for clearing the leaves under the oak tree.
-Dottie Chin for arranging the trimming of grass on the East side of the grounds
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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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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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