St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL July 19th, 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: July 21st
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8 am Holy Eucharist
10 am
Holy Eucharist
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Editor's Note: For further instructions, see
"New Instructions For Access To Server Schedule" below.
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Reflections
My dad just returned home to Washington state, where he lives with my brother and sister-in-law. He was here for a 7 week visit and will return in September, this time, for three months. He is 94 years old and has seen a lot. He likes to tell his favorite family stories over and over again, and I listen to them, over and over again, because, every once in a while, a new story that I have never heard appears. It is like a little jewel, just discovered. Just when I think I know most of what there is to know about him, something else reveals itself.
I hear him praying every night, after he goes to bed. He has a long list and it takes him quite a while, but he is ever faithful, making sure that he prays for everyone on his heart. It gives me an amazing sense of peace, knowing that he is praying for me. His faith is unwavering and it is not because he has had an easy life. Like everyone, he has had his share of hardships and disappointments. But his love of God is so real and so inspiring to me. I feel blest to still have him in my life. To be my age and still have my dad is an amazing thing. It is a precious gift from God, a little jewel, that I do not take for granted.
Peace,
Susan
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16
th
Annual Golf Tournament!
Sept 10th, 2019
Save the date for our 16
th
Annual Golf Tournament at Cinnabar Hills. Registration forms are already in the back of the church. Take a couple extra for friends and neighbors who enjoy golfing or eating or both!
More to come . . .
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Summer Book Group
Our summer book study meetings are on Tuesdays mornings from 10:30am-12:00pm. We are reading
"Gifts of God for the People of God": Exploring Worship in the Episcopal Church."
by Furman L. Buchanan.
There are a couple of books left, but you can easily purchase one online. You are welcome to drop in anytime!
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Lainie and Kaylie Moniz are playing in the production
Legally Blond
at the Montgomery Theater in San Jose.
Confirmations and Celebration! Show times:
Saturday, July 27. . .7pm
Sunday, July 28. . . . .6pm
Friday, Aug 2. . . . . . 7pm
Saturday, Aug3. . . . 2pm
Sunday, Aug 4. . . . . .1pm
Save a date, go as a group and carpool!
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How can I help?
Back pack season is almost here! SMUM is changing things up a bit this year. To receive a backpack you have to register and then the back packs will be picked up with their box of food. No special to pick up.
SMUM is asking for gift card donations. They say Target is best. Please remember them when the next gift card order is due on July 14
th
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From the photo's you can see the way produce is distributed has also changed. Now fruits and vegetables are set up in the open and everyone can pick what they want. Makes the boxes of food they pick up much lighter and easier for the loading crew as there is less to pack into the boxes. The atmosphere resembles a farmers market.
Come and check it out any first or third Saturday of the month.
Don't forget to order gift cards!!
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Village House Volunteers
The shelter has moved to Cathedral of Faith at 2315 Canoas Garden Ave for the month of July. Pastor Robert indicates they can use some volunteers to help with their operation while many are away on vacation. As always, they especially need folks to help with overnight shifts. Working just one shift for the month can have a big impact! Find out more and and see how you can help by clicking on the link below:
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Scrip gift card orders
We have many ways to help others with this month's gift card orders. SMUM is starting their back to school backpack drive and they have requested Target gift cards to be used by the children and their families. School supplies can be bought with the gift cards but also items like new shoes and clothes.
By purchasing gift cards from St. Stephen's allows us to do things like buy bus tokens to be added to the Manna bags we make and distribute to the homeless.
So far we have collected $450 Jo-Ann gift cards to purchase material for blankets that are given to Deacon Kathey Crow for her ministry of working with the homeless students at San Jose State.
Orders are being collected this Sunday with the next order being placed on Aug 25
th
to be received in time for the golf tournament.
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We are in need of ushers, lectors, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, and Altar Guild members. These are wonderful ministry opportunities for both extraverts and introverts, male and female, young and not as young as they used to be, and all who seek to serve God and God's church. Please prayerfully consider joining one of these ministries! See Rev. Karen or Susan Zaballos if you are interested in learning more.
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Do not be dismayed by the brokenness in the world. All things break. And all things can be mended. Not with time, as they say, but with intention. So go. Love intentionally, extravagantly, unconditionally. The broken world waits in darkness for the light that is you.
-L.R. Knost
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-for Gregg, Maria, and Dan - our check signers
-The Golf tournament team - Andy, Tony, Ryan, and Janet.
-Nancy for keeping our supplies in supply.
-Jessica for her work in our community garden
-Dottie and Janet who bring donuts for coffee hour
-all who purchase gift cards
-those who quietly make coffee in the morning before the service
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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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