St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL September 13th, 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: September 15th
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8 am Holy Eucharist
10 am
Holy Eucharist
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Warbles from your Senior Warden
As I was pondering my theme for this article, I rested my back on a heating pad, said a little prayer, and listened. What came to me was a hit song from 1965. I know that this will predate some of you, but I hope you have heard the song. It was written by Jackie DeShannon and is titled
What the World Needs Now.
It starts out "What the world needs now is love, sweet love. It's the only thing that there's just too little of. What the world needs now is love, sweet love. No not just for some but for everyone."
1965. I know some of you are thinking that this is just a hippie song. But with the anniversary of 9/11 this week and the issues in this country right now, I can only think that this song is so appropriate today. Regardless of your political views, don't you think that everything could improve with a little "love, sweet love"?
So many issues would be resolved if people could just see their neighbor as a human being who deserves love. Or at least the issues would take on another dimension. A dimension of love and respect and honor. As a country we seem to have lost some of that and I find that to be very sad. We did not get here overnight. We cannot blame one person or group. It has been brewing for a long time.
When I am reminded of the events of 9/11, I remember the care we all seemed to have for one another. 9/12 was a special day as people united and helped and consoled one another. It was a binding incident. Of course, part of what bound us together was hatred against the perpetrators. And all of that hate has not helped us at all. It made many suspicious for all Muslims, all people from the Middle East.
Then somehow that spread like a virus and grew to include anyone of color or anyone who is different. What the world needs now is love, sweet love. There is a commandment "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself". This just means respect and is seriously the foundation of the Jesus Movement. Just realize that your neighbor has needs - just like you do. Mutual respect and communication are the key.
Ella also turned one this week. I have not seen her because of my back, but Sandra sent me a video. One of her gifts was a Care Bear. Remember those? And Ella unwrapped it and hugged it. Sandra asked her if she loved it and she said yes. More hugs.
Love is the key. Love is the answer. Love is the solution. What the world needs now is a retrospect to 1965. Don't want to be there again, but it was a simpler time. A more honest time. A time with a lot of problems -which prompted Jackie DeShannon to write that song.
We have come a long way since 1965. We have and use on a daily basis technology that was not even a dream at that time. The world is more connected. We all have a more global view. We have made great strides.
But what the world needs now ...
Many blessings dear family,
Edy
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2019 Family Fun Day
Sept. 15
th
12pm - 3pm
BBQ Hot Dogs - Burgers - Sodas
Live Music - Games
Fellowship
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Hearts and Hands Service Sunday!
September 22nd - Holy Eucharist and lunch.
There will be no 8:00am service that day. Come and be prepared to serve! If you haven't signed up for a project yet, the clipboard is in the parish hall. If you can't decide what you'd like to participate in, you can decide when you get to church - there's always a place for you!
We need quarters for the laundromat project. Please look between the cushions of your couches and chairs, under your beds, in the junk drawer in your kitchen, in your car, and in your wallet for loose quarters! We will be taking your generous donations to help pay for visitors' laundry.
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Honored Women's Day & United Thank Offering Ingathering
On Saturday, October 5, the Episcopal Church Women will honor a woman
from each congregation in the Diocese of El Camino Real - women who proclaim their faith through their lives and actions - for the congregation, the diocese, and the community. Don't miss this annual tradition on October 5, 9:30 am - 2:30 pm at St.
John's, Aptos. Download the flyer here and the registration form here
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Diocesan Conference on a Spiritual Response to Climate Change
How can we best respond to the crisis facing life on the planet-our island home? On Saturday, September 14, please join us at St. Paul's/San Pablo Episcopal Church in Salinas for a conference on the stewardship of creation at a time of climate change (9:30 am-3:00pm). Participants will receive information on the latest scientific understandings of the causes and effects of global warming, will explore how caring for the Earth is an integral part of living as the Jesus Movement, and will leave with practical tools to put their care into action. Together, we can do more as a body than any of us can do alone. To register, copy and paste this website into your browser. Be sure to register for the Conference (not the retreat)
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Sunday, October 6, 2019
10:00 AM Holy Eucharist
You are invited to bring your animal companions for a blessing, celebrating the ministry of St. Francis of Assisi and his love for all creatures.
Pictures and stuffed animals are welcome. (No snakes please)
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Scrip gift card orders
We sold
$167
worth of
gift cards last month.
Next order is due on Oct 13th.
-Janet Thorsrud
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New 3 Part Series offered to the community!
Prepared With Love
: End of Life planning
Oct 8
th
, 7:30pm:
Trident Society
- Cremation Services;
Rocky Amaral, Pre-arrangement Advisor
Oct 15
th
, 7:30pm:
Estate Planning, Wills and Trusts
Rachel Calunan, Associate, World Financial Group
Christopher M. Gee, Trusts and Estates Attorney
Oct 22
nd,
7:30pm:
Funeral/Memorial Service Planning:
The Rev. Karen Cuffie,
The Rev. Dcn. Robin Popoff
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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! Please prayerfully consider joining one of these ministries! See Rev. Karen, Edy or Susan if you are interested in learning more.
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"If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate."
-
Sandy Dahl
, wife of Flight 93 pilot
Jason Dahl
, in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, in 2002
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Instead of a simple list, I thought it would be more appropriate to give thanks for a wonderful golf tournament Tuesday and to all who contributed in some way- whether by attending the dinner, inviting friends, playing golf, making a basket, selling raffle tickets, taking payments at the end of the evening, keeping watch throughout the afternoon, setting up the silent auction, baking pies, making donations for raffle items, sponsoring holes, playing music, sharing your own story about St. Stephen's with someone you didn't know, and other ways not mentioned - your support helped make the day special. I do want to especially thank the Tournament Team, Andy Lief, Ryan Kelley, Tony Pecora, Janet Thorsrud, and Margo Westfall for their leadership and great teamwork in making it all happen. A special shout out to: Dot Remson and Evan Bryan for staying the entire day to manage the registration and raffle ticket table, Frances Steitz for the beautiful centerpieces, Dan Hughes for driving the beverage cart around the course all day, all the very talented musicians in the band, Barbara Kelley for putting together the silent auction, Gregg Hall for making the BBQ pulled pork for lunch and Eric and Mandy Samson for managing the lunch.
The total funds raised will not be available until all is counted, but we cannot measure the success of our tournament only by the amount of money we made. The joy and excitement of the event was spread throughout the day! For that we can all say thanks be to God!
Stay tuned to hear more in next week's Friday Journal!
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From a sign posted at the entrance of a church:
It is possible that upon entering this church, you may hear the call of God. On the other hand, it is not likely that he will contact you by phone. Thank you for turning off your cell phone.
If you would like to talk to God, come in, choose a quiet place, and talk to him. If you would like to see him, send him a text while driving.
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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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