St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL August 9th, 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: August 11th
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8 am Holy Eucharist
10 am
Holy Eucharist
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This past week, Dennis and I had to make a decision about whether we would pursue more treatment for our dog Mystery, who has mast cell cancer. We do not have pet insurance, and the cost is extremely expensive. We have already gone through a 7month round of treatment, including surgery. The cancer came back 2 months after the round of drugs was completed. Our oncologist wants to do another round of drugs, and possibly another surgery. He told us that there is no right or wrong decision on our part; it is a disease, and even having unlimited funds does not guarantee a cure. He is a very compassionate man, and knows finances are a concern. I am grateful he is caring for Mystery.
When this all began, we had originally decided that we wouldn't pursue further treatment if the first round didn't work. Then, the cancer came back so quickly and we felt defeated. Our funds were diminishing. But, after looking in our dogs' eyes, and after much prayer on my part, we knew that we had to do whatever we could to help her. We are her advocates. Who else will speak for her?
This past Sundays' lesson dealt with a farmer storing treasures here on earth and not sharing his bounty with others. So, we gratefully share our God given bounty with Mystery. There is no point in having treasure, if it does not go towards something good, something more than ourselves.
Peace,
Susan
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BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS
Get the new school year off to a great start.
Bring your backpacks to church this Sunday for a blessing!
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16
th
Annual Golf Tournament!
Sept 10th, 2019
Save the date for our 16
th
Annual Golf Tournament - Tues, Sept. 10th at Cinnabar Hills Golf Club. Registration forms are in the back of the church. Take a couple extra for friends and neighbors who enjoy golfing or eating or both!
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DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING FOR THE SILENT AUCTION??
How about:
-Giving lessons for a particular talent or skill you have -for example, juggling, playing an instrument, yoga, cooking, baking bread - you name it!
-Hosting a dinner party
-Airline tickets from your frequent flyer miles.
-Theater tickets
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THEMED BASKETS FOR RAFFLE NEEDED!
Please consider creating a themed basket (do it with a team, with another friend, or on your own). Contact Dot Remson for more information.
[We now have 11 baskets so need 4 more-baskets are due at church on Sept 1st-please have a list of contents.Thank you -Dot R.]
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Summer Book Group
Our summer book meets 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.
You are welcome to drop in anytime!
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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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Advent Group Ministries
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Maybe you can help!
Advent Group Ministries is a Christian organization serving at-risk youth. Their all Christian adult staff often come from out of state and are in need of rooms to rent. If you have a room and want a bit of income ($600-700/month or so) please contact Renee Brown who works for this ministry.
rbrown@adventgm.org
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ECW's MARY LOU THOMPSON RETREAT
Friday, August 16
4:00 p.m
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to
2:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 18, 2019
St. Francis Retreat Center, San Juan Bautista
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GOING DEEPER SPIRITUALLY
Our Retreat Leader,
Pastor Mary Blessing, Rector of St. Philip's in Scotts Valley, has prepared an enriching program coupled with opportunities to engage in quiet time, spiritual reflection, and several sacred sessions to enrich us in going deeper spiritually.
We will begin with a special Friday evening offering by our own
Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves
and end with an interactive gathering with music and worship which celebrates our unique gifts in the midst of the Body of Christ. For more information, contact
Jane Pomeroy
, Vice President of Diocesan Episcopal Church Women
, at
jane.pomeroy@gmail.com
or call 408-263-8485.
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Scrip gift card orders
We sold $ 190 worth of
gift cards last month.
Next order date is Aug 25th
-Janet Thorsrud
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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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"Everybody thinks about repentance and turning as if it's just about being bad or being good. No, it's about turning away from that which does not give life to that which is actually life-giving. That's God."
Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry
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-Frances returning to the Lectors team.
-Suzanne for playing piano for our worship services
-Susan for her Friday Journal article
-Dottie for locking up Sunday
-All who are making baskets for the golf tournament
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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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