Friday Journal - Friday, October 22nd, 2021

St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church

FRIDAY JOURNAL October 22nd, 2021

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.

Sunday: October 24th, 2021

10:00 AM Holy Eucharist

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From the Rector

Dear Friends,

It’s been a bit chilly this week – I call it ‘nippy’. We’ve had several indicators that, though it’s a month late, Fall is finally here. Those changing leaves I yearned for a couple of weeks ago are letting go. And we’ve been blessed with the sweet smell of rain – thanks be to God! The Pumpkin Patch at the intersection of Hale and Bailey Rd is a nightmare, especially if you’re in a hurry. Halloween is just around the corner.

So, it seems, is Christmas. Is it just me or does all the Christmas merchandise come out earlier and earlier each year? I remember being so excited about Christmas and counting the days until Christmas Eve. Today you’d have to count backward from at least 65. That’s a long time when you’re waiting for something as special as Jesus’ making his first appearance in the world as an infant.

I don’t want to start getting excited about Christmas and I don’t want to be turned off by all the stuff on display. Instead of rolling my eyes every time I walk in to a store, I’m going to try to remember that Jesus makes his appearance every day. We’re still in Ordinary Time according to our liturgical calendar. I’m sure we can see Jesus in the everyday ordinary of our lives. Where will you see him today?

Blessings and peace,

Karen+

Worship This Sunday:

10:00am indoors at St. John’s

Since we’re indoors, don’t forget your mask. We continue to alternate Sunday services between St. John’s and St. Stephen’s.

Everyone is welcome to attend all services!

Services will also be live streamed so that if you are not physically at church, you can participate from home.

Click below for links to the service and bulletin.

LIVE STREAM WORSHIP SERVICE

BULLETIN

Coffee hour following the service.

Bible Study

The Path; A Journey Through the Bible

11:00am - in person at St. John’s.

7:00pm - via Zoom using the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88517396112

Please join us any time!

GOODWILL Fundraiser Update:

The fundraiser was a success in many ways. We brought in 3,018 pounds of donations and earned $438. 52! And that’s not all – we had a great time meeting new neighbors and greeting old ones. It was a great community event that served everyone who was able to participate. Thank you Janet!

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.

Poem from the Garden

We planted fava

beans and green onions

in four of the beds

this morning, each of us

pushing our hands through

the rain-softened mulch

and making space for

green and growing things

to thrive. Our winter

crops aren't as sweet as

summer berries or

fall fruit, but they will

make good and filling

soup for the dark months.

Food for thought:

“Thank you, dear God, for this good life and forgive us if we do not love it enough. Thank you for the rain. And for the chance to wake up in three hours and fo fishing: I thak you for that now, because I won’t feel so thankful then.”

-Garrison Keillor

Kudos to:

-The Calero students who brighten our day and are a breath of fresh air.

-Jessica for raising awareness about our community garden .

-Janet for organizing and running the Goodwill truck fundraiser.

Contact Information for Rev. Karen!

Please use this new number to contact Rev. Karen for calls or texts:

(669)270-7479

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.

Contact information for Rev. Karen:

Email her at: revkaren@ssitf.org

Personal phone for emergencies or urgent matters: (669)270-7479

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

Visit our website

St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church

7269 Santa Teresa Blvd; San Jose, CA 95139