St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL November 19th, 2021
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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: November 21st, 2021
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Dear Friends,
It was about this time last year that we were just beginning to have in-person outdoor worship services – can you believe it? We had to make reservations (another new thing to learn how to do) in order to attend the service and space was limited. We weren’t live streaming services yet, so we had to wait for video to finish uploading to youtube before posting it for viewing, and we relied heavily on just a few people to make that happen every Sunday. Music was being pre-recorded and played on a speaker during the service and no – it wasn’t the best quality, but what I can say for sure is that we’ve been doing our very best with the resources we have since the beginning of this pandemic.
It’s been challenging, frustrating, maddening, exhausting, joyful, energizing, and even funny at times. In a way, that sums up my relationship with God – maybe you can relate to that. What gets me through all of it is the knowledge of God’s love that never ceases - maybe you can relate to that too. God’s unending love is at the root of what I am thankful for all the time - and I’m pretty sure you can relate to that!
That love manifests in many ways, including through other people. That was evident in the meeting we had with both the St. Stephen’s and St. John’s vestries last night. I am deeply thankful for the love and respect and energy in our Zoom room as we built new relationships and brainstormed ideas that will keep us moving forward – striving to do God’s will, looked toward the future with hope. It will take all of us to do the work. Being thankful is a good place to start!
Blessings and peace,
Karen+
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9:30 am indoors at St. John’s |
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YOU ARE INVITED!
The St. John’s Vestry wishes to extend a special invitation to everyone at St. Stephen’s. This Sunday is Bishop Lucinda’s visit to St. John’s.
She will be preaching, presiding, and presenting an official letter to recognize Rev. Karen’s call to be St. John’s rector. And there will be special music from the Bell Choir!
Since we’re indoors, don’t forget your mask. We continue to alternate Sunday services between St. John’s and St. Stephen’s.
Click below for links to the service and bulletin.
Coffee hour: Donuts and coffee following the service.
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A Future with Hope – your help is essential! |
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As you know, throughout COVID we’ve been in a kind of exile, away from our church and friends. Now that we are beginning to re-gather, we can look back and see that God never abandoned us. We figured out how to worship with few resources and faithful helpers. Our vestry continued to meet in order to take care of our church through the storm. The community garden continues to flourish, our labyrinth was finished and the landscaping begun!
Surely God has been faithful - and is not done with us. We have reached 25% of our goal. Next week, on Nov. 28th, we will gather our pledges with thanksgiving, asking for God’s blessing over them. If you have not yet, please fill out a pledge card and bring it with you. If you’re not going to be in town, you can drop it off at the church and it will be included with the ones we’ve already received. Your commitment, no matter the amount, is vital to our future with hope. Thank you for your generosity!
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Bible Study
The Path; A Journey Through the Bible
(No class next week)
11:00am - in person at St. John’s.
We will be discussing Chapter 6 next time (12/1) Please join us any time!
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Blankets
We are starting to make
blankets again this year
for the needy. If you are
able to help please contact
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Gift Card Orders
we earned $180 in gift card orders
will be Dec 5th.
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LEROY KROMM, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
PRESENTS
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with SAN JOSE BAROQUE ORCHESTRA
and
Nancy Wait Kromm, soprano
Liliane Cromer, mezzo-soprano
Brian Thorsett, tenor
Matthew Worth, bass
Sunday, November 21, 2021
5:30 pm
Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph
80 South Market Street, San Jose CA 95113
Admission is FREE
SEAT RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED
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Cardboard needed!
Please bring in all that cardboard you know you’ve been wanting to get rid of! The landscapers (Jessica & Co.) need it for weed control on the embankment.
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Poem from the Garden
If you step onto
campus, on your right
you'll see an arc of
California Melic
grass, nodding in
the breeze; behind her
is a low mound of
California Fuschia
bright red for the
hummingbirds; next is
the red-berried Toyon bush,
once called Hollywood.
They live here every-
day; they welcome you.
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Food for thought:
“I really only love God as much as the person I love the least.”
-Dorothy Day
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Kudos to:
-Janet and Susan for Altar Guild leadership and planning ahead for Advent and Christmas.
-The bell choir for preparing for Christmas Eve.
-Those of you who’ve already sent in your pledge-cards.
-Our vestry
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Contact Information for Rev. Karen.
Please use this new number to contact Rev. Karen for calls or texts:
(669)270-7479
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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: (669)270-7479
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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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