St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL October 25th, 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: October 27th
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8 am Holy Eucharist
10 am
Holy Eucharist
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Reflections
On Wednesday evening, I attended a performance of "Jesus Christ, Superstar" at the Center for the Performing Arts. I was so excited to see it again. The last time I saw it was in the early 1970's. A touring company came to Anchorage, Alaska, so myself and some friends from church went to see it. I was very familiar with the music, as I had the album and also the piano music for most of the songs. To see it performed live was thrilling. The costumes were designed to look like what Jesus and his apostles would have worn during their time.
This time was a different experience. The music was the same, and as the first notes sounded, I was filled with anticipation and awe, and transported back in time to a younger self, seeing it all for the first time. But, there was a more contemporary feel to the production, a more modern look to the costumes and stage set. So, something familiar was made new. No less moving and disturbing and beautiful, but different.
To see the last days of Jesus acted out in front of me brought tears to my eyes. It forced me to actually see what he sacrificed for me. Not just read about, but see, and hear. I think we all occasionally need a reminder of how much he sacrificed. How much he loves us that he would go through the humiliation, the torture, the crucifixion, so that all our sins would be forgiven.
The final moment of the play shows Jesus, after he has died, sitting next to Judas. All is dark except for a single light shining down on the two of them. They turn their faces towards each other, and smile, as all goes dark. Such a beautiful reminder of love and forgiveness.
Peace,
Susan
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HECK OUT OUR NEW BANNER!
Our new banner has arrived and is installed.
Check it out on your way to church Sunday!
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Dot Remson, along with other women from the diocese, was honored at the ECW Honored Women's Luncheon on October 5
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at St. John the Bapstist in Aptos. Dot, Frances, Wanda, Margaret, and Rev. Karen had a great time at the event!
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Welcome Iglesia ni Christo!
After months of planning, we are happy to announce that another church, Iglesia ni Christo, will be using our campus for their services two days a week.
They will have exclusive use of the building on Wednesday evenings from 6-11pm, and Saturdays from 6am-3pm.
No other St. Stephen's activities should be scheduled during those times.
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Santa Clara Deanery to host celebration of Bishop Mary
Mark your calendars for November 9 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, when the Santa Clara Valley Deanery will host a celebration of the ministry of Bishop Mary at St. Andrew's in Saratoga. Everyone is invited for fellowship and dinner (no cost). The event includes music from the combined choirs and instrumentalists from the deanery churches, dinner, plus a slide show featuring pictures of Bishop Mary's time in our parishes over the past 12 years. Please register through your parish representative
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Convention volunteers needed
Registration volunteers are needed for this year's convention. You'll have fun meeting and greeting delegates and enjoying each other's company. Hospitality volunteers are needed to help with setting up the Friday night banquet, plus Saturday's convention set-up and clean-up. Please email the following contact
Hospitality
Charles Greenleaf: ckgreenleaf@earthlink.net
Richard Smith:
rcsbsmith@razzolink.com
Registration:
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Bishops' Transition Appeal
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This Sunday begins our five-week journey of this year's stewardship campaign "Shining Our Light." During each of these five Sundays you will hear from one of your fellow parishioners at the 10:00 AM service
share their stories about how St. Stephen's-in-the-Field has had an impact on their lives, why they come to St. Stephen's, and why it's important to give of their time, talent, and treasure. We will culminate this campaign at the Ingathering Service, November 24th.
The last line of last Sunday's Gospel reading was, "Your faith has made you well." Our pledges to St.-Stephen's are a tangible manifestation of wellness - not only our financial wellness but the wellness of our congregation. It enhances St. Stephen's ability to carry out its ministries, including those involving cultivating gracious leadership and relationship in the church community.
Eric Samson
Stewardship Chair
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What's happening at St. Stephen's
Last Friday the lovely Jessica gave a class open to all on several ways to stay safe. We learned how to escape from someone's grasp if they grab with one hand or two. Jessica described these releases as the "lazy" way to work smarter. Sha also taught us how to get away if someone grabs your hair and how to fall without getting hurt. Everyone who attended learned a lot and I have had other people who couldn't make ask if we will do this again. Jessica, are you up to the challenge??
Next time you are on campus you might notice that the parking lot has more sun. Curry brothers have removed one of the diseased pine trees and trimmed the dead wood of our majestic oak tree. The Calero students had a little job training as they got to observe the work involved in tree trimming. The students removed some of the brush from the community garden to be put through the wood chipper. We get the wood chips to be used in the garden.
Last be not least, Karen got a new office chair. She no longer has to use a chair with duct tape on the arms. Out with the old and in with the new!
Last be not least, We earned $213 from gift card orders last month and $100 from the CPK fundraiser. We are on a roll!!!
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GIFT CARD ORDERS
This Sunday I will be collecting orders for gift cards. The next order dates will
Nov 17, 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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At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.
- Albert Schweitzer
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Janet for donating Staples gift cards to purchase a new chair for Karen's office.
-Communications guild for a great meeting and all the work they do.
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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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