St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL August 13th, 2021
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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: August 15th, 2021
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Dear Friends,
Speaking of bread. . .
We’re just about at the end of the ‘bread of life’ discourse in John and I thought
this would be a good time to introduce you to a very special book you might find helpful in your life and on your spiritual journey. “Sleeping with Bread; Holding What Gives You Life.” by Dennis Linn, Sheila Fabricant Linn, and Matthew Linn is a book for all generations and stages in life.
The title is inspired by the experience of children who were orphaned during the bombing raids of World War II. Many of the children who taken to refugee camps had trouble sleeping at night. The caregivers thought the children might be afraid of going to sleep and waking up with nothing again so they decided to give the children a piece of bread to hold at bedtime. One piece of bread gave them enough peace to sleep through the night. It reminded them, “Today I ate and I will eat again tomorrow.”
The book is about a process called the examen. Very simply put, it is about asking ourselves two questions (by yourself, with a friend, with your family, in a group):
For what moment today am I most grateful?
For what moment today am I least grateful?
There are more ways to ask the same questions. One example they give is:
When did I feel most alive today?
When did I most feel life draining out of me?
Doing this daily can change your life, influence the choices you make, lead to self-discovery and a deeper relationship with God.
I encourage you to read the short but rich book. I’m happy to share my copy. In the meantime, try setting aside some time to ponder those questions every day. We can surely be grateful that we don’t have to hold onto a piece of bread in order to get a good night’s sleep!
Blessings and peace,
Karen+
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9:30 am indoors at St. John’s
Our service will be indoors, with masks. We continue to alternate Sunday services between St. John’s and St. Stephen’s.
Everyone is welcome to attend all services!
They will also be live streamed so that if you are not physically at church, you can participate from home with the rest of the congregation gathered at the church.
Click below for links to the service and bulletin.
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COFFEE HOUR
Coffee Hour is on Zoom at 11:00am.
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SANTA MARIA URBAN MINISTRY BACKPACK/SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE |
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Janet Thorsrud is coordinating a donation of Target gift cards to support the SMUM Backpack/School Supply drive. If you are interested in purchasing Target gift cards for SMUM, please email Janet Thorsrud ASAP (thorsrud@sbcglobal.net)
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The Episcopal Church Women’s Mary Lou Thompson Retreat will be held August 27-28, 2021.
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This year’s theme is “Moving Forward: The Path of Love.”
The St. Francis Retreat Center in lovely San Juan Bautista is a beautiful location. This is a peaceful place to process our concerns in the light of our Christian Faith. We will gain insights into how we wish to proceed in the coming months as we transition into 2022. All are welcome to attend, family, friends, and fellow parishioners who are seeking a deeper experience of healing and renewal.
The costs for this 24-hour retreat (includes overnight accommodations and three meals) will be $180, shared room; $220, single room, and $110, commuter. Partial scholarships are available. More details to follow.
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Bishop Lucinda's official portrait
Bishop Lucinda Ashby's official portrait, taken in Pacific Grove beside Monterey
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Bay, has been selected and 11x14" prints are beginning production. The portraits will be distributed later this month throughout the Diocese of El Camino Real and will be ready to frame. |
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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.
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Our LABYRINTH is a labor of love. . .
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The Path; A Journey Through the Bible
We will be studying the Bible from Genesis to Revelation one chapter at a time. This is your opportunity to learn more, dig deeper into scripture, and understand how the stories all tie together to tell the overarching story of God’s love for God’s people.
Classes will meet weekly on and Wed at 11:00am and an evening zoom meeting at 7pm. The price of the book is discounted based on how many books are purchased. The will not be more than $15.00. If you are interested in taking this course, please let Rev. Karen know.
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Poem from the Garden
The ground squirrels have learned
to shuck corn while it
grows, ripening sweet,
milky and bright in
the community
garden. We’re growing
it all for the seed
library, for folks
to plant in their beds
each spring. Since one small
kernel yields up to
500 more, the
ground squirrels can eat
their fill, and so can we.
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Food for thought:
“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” William Butler Yeats
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Kudos to:
-Susan and Robin for being on their knees for hours this week again.
-Wanda for sharing banana bread for coffee hour.
-Jill for taking notes at the vestry meeting
-your very dedicated vestry
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New Contact Information for Rev. Karen!
Please use this new number to contact Rev. Karen for calls or texts:
(669)270-7479
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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 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.
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Contact information for Rev. Karen: |
Personal phone for emergencies or urgent matters: (669)270-7479
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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
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St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
7269 Santa Teresa Blvd; San Jose, CA 95139
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