St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL June 7th, 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 9th, Easter Season
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10 am Holy Eucharist
Sunday School
Nursery Care
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Pentecost is this Sunday. Be sure to
wear red!
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Editor's Note: For further instructions, see
"New Instructions For Access To Server Schedule" below.
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Reflections
I have often wondered what Heaven must be like. It seems so abstract. I wasn't even sure what I hoped it would be like. I know I hoped I would get to see my loved ones that have passed on before me. After my mother died four and ½ years ago, from Alzheimer's, she appeared to me in a dream the next night. She was dressed so beautifully, with a string of pearls around her neck. She glowed as she said to me, "I am alright now".
I have since added to what I hope Heaven will be, for me. Last week we had to have our dog Chance put to sleep. He was 11 and ½ years old and had developed bone cancer months ago. We tried to keep him as comfortable as possible. He still wanted to go for a walk each day, even if it was at a very slow pace and only around the block. When he no longer wanted to go for a walk and no longer wanted me to brush him, which was one of his favorite things, we knew it was time to let him go.
He was a very special dog. Everyone loved him and his sweet, gentle face. When I looked into his eyes, I know I saw a soul there. So, for me, I pray that Heaven is a place that includes Chance.
Peace,
Susan
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The fourth bishop of the Diocese of El Camino Real has a name: the Rev. Canon Lucinda Ashby.
Canon Lucinda, Canon to the Ordinary in the Diocese of Idaho, was elected bishop today at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Saratoga, in an election framed by the liturgy of the Eucharist and attended by a gathering of 350.
Read more about our bishop-elect on the diocesan website realepiscopal.org.
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Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves
will be visiting St. Stephen's on Sunday, June 23
, 2019. She will preach, preside, and confirm Kaylie Moniz and Melissa Burger
at the 10:00 am service.
There will be no 8:00am service.
Please plan on coming to the 10:00am service to celebrate our last visit with Bishop Mary and Kaylie and Melissa's confirmation!
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Clean-up Day
Sunday, June 16 - as part of our worship at the 10:00 service. There will be Eucharist in the nave and a special coffee hour. Dress casually. There's something for everyone to do.
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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
$198
this month!
Woo Hoo!
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, July 14th.
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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!
The watercolor
class is
off for the summer!
We would love to have you join
us when we resume.
@ 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!
"At times of filling and emptying, our loving God uses space to plant hopeful, good things. Sometimes our thoughts must be undone so that it may be a welcoming space for the human-divine partnership. We must say hello and form relationship with something foreign."
Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves
,
Along the King's Highway (April 17, 2019)
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Rev. Karen's Kudos to:
-Trig for weedwacking.
-Dan for his very informative tour of our buiding.
-Rowena for putting together a great family fun day and Sunday School recognition certificates.
-Ruth and Monica for teaching Sunday School this program year.
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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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