St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL February 14th, 2020
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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: February 16th
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8 am Holy Eucharist
10 am Holy Eucharist
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Reflections
Daffodils! I have been seeing them popping up in people's yards around my neighborhood, and now, a small bunch of mine are starting to bloom in my front garden. Their sunny yellow color is a welcome reminder that Spring is coming. Bulbs are such a miracle to me. They stay underground all winter, in darkness, and then as spring approaches, tiny green shoots push through the earth, reaching for the light of the sun. Their glorious blooms are our reward.
The approaching season of Lent for us is like the winter season of a daffodil bulb. It is a time filled with apprehension and waiting. A somber time to reflect on how much Jesus sacrificed for us. In some ways, a time of darkness. But then, Easter is here. Christ is resurrected. He is brought out of the darkness of death and taken into the light, to sit at the right hand of God.
We all have to go through some darkness to get to the light. But, it will come. That is God's promise to us. Just as the light of the sun causes daffodils to flourish and bloom from darkness, so will the light of Christ bring about our own growth, and bring us into his light.
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Join Us for Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner Feb 25, 6:30 p.m.
It is that special time of year where we get to join together in fellowship, prayer and eat some pancakes - yum! Join us on Tuesday February 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. This is such a fun evening. Dinner starts at 6:30 and clean up is typically done by 8:00 or 8:30 p.m.
And it is even more fun as we do this together. We need some volunteers to bring sausages that evening (cooked and ready to eat), and help set up and clean up. We may also need another volunteer to cook pancakes.
Many hands make all the difference! To sign up to help out, please email or call Margo Westfall (
mmwca@aol.com or 408.644.5616). We'll also have a
sign up sheet out on Sunday and online
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Training for Eucharistic Ministers, Chalice Bearers, Lectors, and Lay Eucharistic Visitors has been rescheduled for Mar 1
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, following the 10:00 service. This training will be a refresher for those currently serving, as well as those who have not had prior training. Please email Rev. Karen to register.
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Do you have a photo of you in childhood or young adulthood (baby years through early 20's)? Well we want a copy of it for our Parish Hall bulletin board!
The Sunday school students have been learning about Jesus as he grows up, and we'd also like to show YOU as you were growing in God's Grace.
Please make sure not to label with your name on the front. That way we can all have fun guessing who everyone is!
Copies only please (and can be on regular paper; doesn't have to be on photo paper) since we'll need to put glue or staples on it.
Submissions by February 16, if possible. Any questions, please ask Rowena:
heyrufus@heyrufus.com
or text 408-317-8262.
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Dust Bunnies in the Basket: Finding God in Lent & Easter
by Tim Schenck
Episco
pal priest Tim Schenck offers good humor and spiritual direction for the journey through Lent and Easter. With keen observations and a clever wit, Schenck connects the mundane with the divine, from dust bunnies and egg hunts to foot washing and the Easter Vigil
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Thursday mornings, 10:00-11:00 beginning 3/5. Books are $10 ea. Please see Rev. Karen if you are interested in an evening session.
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SMUM
We made 36 boxes of food to hand out during the third weekend of last month.
Wanda's group boxed up food for 39 registered families.
Let us know if you can help.
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Poems from the Garden
(drafted from our newly built, reclaimed wood table)
One of the larger fava bean plants had
gotten sick. I watched Mrs Lu frown and
Ms Niu and Mr Go Ying crowd around, diagnose it, stake and prune and heal it.
Some elder gardeners crossed the parking lot,
wearing blue face masks and I saw Chinese
food orders are down by 60%
where fear of the coronovirus spread.
And I remember the standup "jokes" on
SARS, avian bird flu. I've had friends mocked,
Uber drivers turned down because of a
virus that ends fewer lives than the flu.
And I wondered if, at the pharmacy,
they'd been told to wear masks, though they rarely
venture farther from home than our garden.
I fear they wear them to make me feel safe.
Can I face Mrs Lu or will I choke
when I hear a coronovirus "joke"?
Note: a group of us will be in the garden Saturday afternoon if you'd like to join. Text Jessica at 650-804-9044 with any questions.
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Food for thought. . .
"Just don't give up on what you're trying to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don't think you can go wrong."
-Ella Fitzgerald
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-Ryan Kelly for mowing the lawn
-Suzanne Zhu for playing piano at our worship services
-the hospitality team
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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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