St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL December 6th, 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: December 8th
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8 am Holy Eucharist
10 am Holy Eucharist
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Reflections
I have always loved the ritual of the lighting of the Advent Wreath. As a child, I made a small advent wreath in Sunday School and my mom helped me light a candle each Sunday; a small, personal reenactment of the larger wreath lighting at church earlier that day. It was a special time, a special tradition that allowed us some quiet time together, in the hectic days before Christmas. Due to my dad's work schedule, he was not always able to be there to participate.
This past Sunday, Advent 1, Karen asked my dad and I if we would like to read the Advent reading and light the first candle. I looked at dad and he had a look on his face I couldn't quite figure out. He said yes, he would like to do that. At the beginning of the service as we stood together next to the Advent wreath, I thought of that time, long ago, when I performed the same tradition with my mom.
Later on, as we were driving home from the service, my dad said, "You know, that was the first time I ever got asked to light the Advent candle in church. All the years your mother and I attended our different churches, we were never asked. This was so special for me to be able to light this wreath with my daughter." I felt so moved by his words and was so grateful that I had been able to share this tradition with my mother and now with my father.
Take time during this season of Advent to share those quiet, special moments with each other. This is the season of waiting, of reflection, of anticipation of what is to come. Cherish this time and each other as we prepare for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
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La Posada
- Saturday tomorrow night!
La Posada, Mexican Potluck, and a visit from St. Nicholas!
What to bring:
-Yourself, friends, and family
-a dish to share
-a flashlight
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CALLING ALL RINGERS AND SINGERS
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Rehearsal after the 10:00 service this Sunday!
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I Witness
Living Inside the Stories of Advent & Christmas
b
y Kate Moorehead.
Many of us have heard the story of Jesus' birth, but have we lived inside it? Enter the story of salvation with open hearts and minds to experience the miracle of Jesus through the eyes of witnesses: Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the wise men, and others.
These daily devotionals offer a companion through the seasons of Advent and Christmas and urge us to keep reading, keep listening, keep learning. The story of Christ's birth can be both familiar and new in each re-telling.
Join us Wednesday mornings at 9:30 through Advent!
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Bishop Consecration Update!
Tickets can now be reserved online. There is no cost for tickets, however you must reserve a ticket in order to attend. Seating is limited. For more information and to reserve tickets, visit the Bishop Consecration page at RealEpiscopal.org
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GIFT CARD ORDERS
We earned $213 from gift card orders last month and $100 from the CPK fundraiser. We are on a roll!!!
The next order date will be
Dec 15
. If you are planning to use gift cards for either Thanksgiving (food or travel) or Christmas (presents, etc.) these dates should help you.
SMUM would like Target cards to distribute for the holidays. If you are able this order will be used for the Thanksgiving exchange and the Nov order will be used for the Christmas exchange. Help if you can.
Our annual blanket making workshop will happen in January again. If you can help with a Jo Anna's gift card we can deliver more blankets to Kathey Crow's ministry. Did you see her story in ALONG THE KING"S HIGHWAY?
Blessings
Janet
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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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"For outlandish creatures like us, on our way to a heart, a brain, and courage, Bethlehem is not the end of our journey but only the beginning - not home but the place through which we must pass if ever we are to reach home at last."
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-The angel(s) who fixed the frame for our banner!
-All who helped hang the greens and brought much needed nourishment (cookies) for the task!
-Dedicated musicians who are getting ready for Christmas.
-Janet for coordinating the Posada.
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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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