St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL August 21st, 2020
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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: August 23rd, 2020 |
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The 10:00 service will be via video on our website Sunday morning at 10:00 |
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In these unprecedented times you might be feeling a little, as my mother liked to say, discombobulated. You are definitely not alone!
Several people from St. John’s have evacuated or are preparing to evacuate their homes because of the fires. Please pray for them and all who are affected. Check on your neighbors. If you need someone to talk with, I have two ears to listen
I’d like to share a prayer from The Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real Facebook page:
God of Creation,
We live in a world where both beauty and danger surround us. Receive our prayers for those impacted by, and living in fear of, the wildfires:
for all who cannot find adequate food, safety, or shelter. . .
for all who have lost their homes, churches, community centers, and workplaces. . .
for all your glorious natural Creations that has been destroyed and is in harm’s way. .
for all thing, places, and [people] that are in need of healing.
We pray and ask that you help heal the pain of all affected.
Strengthen with your presence all who are numb with fear and distress. Guide those who anxiously search or wait for loved ones. Be near those who are grieving, and bless them with your peace.
In the midst of disaster we give thanks for moments of generosity and human-kindness. Grant tenderness, strength, and wisdom. . .to doctors and nurses, police and military, fire-fighters and emergency responders; to the wildlife conservationists and stewards of the earth; to all who minister to human need in our time of distress.
We gather these prayers with the assurance that you already know our needs, and are always with us. Amen.
God’s peace,
Karen+
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Sunday Worship
This week Rev. Karen will preside the Holy Eucharist at St.Stephen’s and shared with St. John’s. The service will be posted on both our websites (www.ssitf.org and www.stjohndivinemorganhill.org) at 10:00am but is available any time after that.
I encourage you to set aside a special place, light a candle, and download the bulletin as you prepare to worship.
A separate email with links to the bulletin and our virtual coffee hour (11:00am as usual) will be sent Saturday evening.
Please send any special prayer requests and/or anniversaries and birthdays to Rev. Karen.
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WEDNESDAY MORNING PRAYER GROUP
Weekly Wednesday prayer group at 11:00am.
This is an opportunity to offer our prayers of thanksgivings, for healing for ourselves and others, and anything else on our hearts. Even if you don’t have a computer, you can join the Zoom meeting with your phone.
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WEDNESDAY EVENING COMPLINE
Begins at 7pm
Compline, the last Office of the day. End your day with a beautiful and short liturgy. All are welcome and please feel free to share the link with friends!
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Keeping the conversations going . . .
Pastoral Conversation About Race Thursdays @ 4:30pm
The Revs Karen Cuffie and Jani Wild will lead pastoral conversations on racism. There will be a brief introduction to the focus of the session followed by a video, discussion, and prayers. Please join us, there is no better way to learn, process and share together than in a faith community. Come join us next week by clicking on the following Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 835 7594 8022
Password: 748467
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,83575948022#,,1#,748467# US (San Jose
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Thanks to last week’s liturgy assistants! |
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Your faithful giving. . .
We rely on you to keep us current in paying our bills. If you haven’t yet, please mail your pledge checks or any other donations to the church office, or you can use the ‘Donate’ button on our website and pay with a credit card. We certainly understand if you are experiencing financial hardship at this time. If you are able, we appreciate any small offering you might consider making. Your financial stewardship is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much!
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Virtual Coffee Hour!
A few more people joined in our virtual coffee hour and it was great to see familiar faces. It would be so nice to see many more of you! There is no limit to the number of people. Click here to join the meeting. The link for Coffee Hour willalso be in a separate mailing with the bulletin! You are welcome to call me (Rev. Karen) before the meeting if you’re having trouble with the link.
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Poem from the Garden
Here's some of the small reasons
that folks have given us discounts
on things for our shared garden
in the past six months or so:
The woman with the sun-worn skin, mask,
and laughing eyes at the small nursery
in Fairfax said: "Because you're covered
in dirt." (I was, from hauling free rocks).
The teacher staffing the check-out stand,
who'd taught at my old middle school, told
me: "This is just the kind of project
we want to see with native plants." But
most gifts to our church garden are anonymous:
just left at the gate, to find new life with us.
There are fresh, tart grapes from the grape vine and flowers -- if you'd like either grapes or a bouquet left at your door, text Jessica at 650-804-8044 and she'll drop them by.
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You do not need to know precisely what is happening, or exactly where it is all going. What you need is to recognize the possibilities and challenges offered by the present moment, and to embrace them with courage, faith, and hope.
Thomas Merton (1915-1968), Trappist monk
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Kudos to:
-Maria for creating our pre-recorded service last Sunday
-All musicians who give of their gifts in our worship services.
-Margo and Jessica for working on the grounds this week.
-Evan for publishing the Friday Journal every week.
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COVID-19 Fund established
In response to questions of how to give to the diocese following the Virtual Easter Service, a special Easter Offering has been established to support people in our diocese whose livelihoods have been impacted by shelter-at-home requirements. Donations can be made to the “Donate” web page at realepiscopal.org (click here). Choose "Bishop’s COVID-19 Fund" when making your online gift.
Or, mail checks to the diocesan offices at the address below. Please state “Bishop’s COVID-19 Fund” in the memo area of checks
Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real
PO Box 689
Salinas, CA 93902
Thank you for your support of those in need!
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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 prayer chain of committed pray-ers (who maintain confidentiality).
* tell people about your answers to prayer! and the miracles you witness, or how prayer changes YOU.
Please submit prayer requests to Rev. Karen.
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Contact information for Rev. Karen: |
Personal phone for emergencies or urgent matters: 408-781-1826
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Editor's Note
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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