St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL January 15th, 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 Service: January 17th, 2021 |
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Holy Eucharist, Rite II at 10:00am online |
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From the Rector
Dear friends,
Where is your heart and mind now – now, since last week? I don’t know about you, but often times, (unless it’s an emergency) when I’m on informational or emotional overload, I need a good amount of processing time to make a big decision, or respond to an event like the attempt to take over the capitol. Processing time for me means taking time to see the whole picture, think critically about my experience or understanding, and especially to pray.
God knows what’s on ours heart and mind. You don’t have to use words. But it might be helpful to form words that describe your feelings, as well as your petitions.
At the very end of our Thursday afternoon weekly Conversation of Race last this week and the week before, we asked everyone to unmute themselves and offer one or two words that named their hope in this time. So many different words were spoken, but more than the words themselves, what was powerful for me was that people had hope and named it out loud.
The author of the letter to the Hebrews wrote to a people waiting for Jesus’ return, “Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful” (Heb10:23)
My hope for you today and always, is that you can come up with at least one word that expresses your hope, especially in this time. Name it out loud, cling to it, and share it with someone.
Blessings and peace,
Karen
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A pastoral letter from the Episcopal Bishops of California
We, the Episcopal Bishops of California, have watched the events of January 6th and following days with deep concern. As Christians we follow Jesus, who is the Way of Love.
This weekend, when we remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we call upon the leaders of our cities, states and country to stand firmly in the place of non-violence, truth-telling and mutual respect.
To lead from the place of non-violence is not passive acceptance of wrongdoing; it is an active call to summon the “better angels of our nature (Abraham Lincoln, 1861).” We know of the difficulty Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. faced, even among his own followers, as they resisted hatred and physical violence with prayer, song and marches for justice. We call on all people to embrace words and actions that are non-violent.
To lead from the place of truth calls us to resist misinformation and convenient half-truths, and embrace what is real. Jesus said, “You will know the truth and the truth will make you free (John 8:32).” To do otherwise is to incite, to inflame and to spread lies. We honor the many thousands of election workers and officials of both parties who worked tirelessly, honestly, and at times in peril, to shepherd our nation through the election process. We call on all people to search for truth.
To lead from the place of mutual respect is to stand against racism in any form. We cannot, any of us, ignore the role that our nation’s sad history with race has played with events in our country. As Christians, we remember that each person is someone’s child, someone’s beloved, God’s creation. When we fail to remember that, we dehumanize our brothers and sisters. In our Baptismal Covenant, we vow to “respect the dignity of every human being.” We call on all people to practice mutual respect.
As we approach Inauguration Day, we ask our leaders to dig deeply into their consciences and to act with integrity to preserve, protect and defend our fragile democracy. We call on all people to pause and pray for the peace of our country, a peace rooted in the Way of Love.
“The end is reconciliation; the end is redemption; the end is the creation of the Beloved Community. It is this type of spirit and this type of love that can transform opponents into friends.” – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
In hope and prayer for peace and grace,
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Marc Andrus
Bishop of California
The Rt. Rev. Lucinda Ashby
Bishop of El Camino Real
The Rt. Rev. Diane Jardine Bruce
Bishop Suffragan of Los Angeles
The Rt. Rev. David Rice
Bishop of San Joaquin
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Susan Brown Snook
Bishop of San Diego
The Rt. Rev. John Harvey Taylor
Bishop Diocesan of Los Angeles
The Rt. Rev. Megan Traquair
Bishop of Northern California
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Sunday Worship
Recorded from St. John’s
Our service this Sunday is Holy Eucharist re-recorded at St. John’s. The service will be posted on our website (www.ssitf.org) at 10:00 and can be viewed any time after that.
Click HERE for the bulletin
I encourage you to set aside a special place, light a candle as you prepare to worship.
Please send any special prayer requests and/or anniversaries and birthdays to Rev. Karen. (revkaren@ssitf.org)
*** Due to the increased rate of COVID diagnosis and deaths, all of our services will be pre-recorded until at least March 1st . Please stay safe, staying home when possible, keeping distant when you must go out, and wear mask to protect yourself and the community.
Giving glory to God together is up to us, wherever we are on Sunday! For most, if not all of us, we can do that in our homes – under a roof that keeps us warm. If you need help finding the service on our website, please let Rev. Karen know!
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Join us for Coffee Hour at 11:00 on Zoom with this link.
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Message from Margo
The past week’s events have stunned and shocked me, as they have so many Americans. The upheaval and unrest showing the dark and violent perspectives and actions of some Americans has caused me deep sorrow and concern for our democracy. I find it easy to get consumed with news, looking for positive steps forward to bring peace and unity. For me, prayer for emotional strength and for guidance for our leaders has helped. As we approach the winter solstice and the days start becoming longer, may the increase in light and warmth and their broader meanings help us unite as a nation under God.
Margo
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ANNUAL MEETING – SAVE THE DATE!
Our Annual Meeting will be January 31st at 11am following the 10:00 service. Come in your pajamas if you’d like, but do come. We need the parish to attend and vote.
Hear about what’s been happening at St.Stephen’s in the year of COVID. The proposed budget for 2021 will be presented, new members of the vestry will be named, and you will meet the new Sr. Warden!
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WEDNESDAY MORNING PRAYER GROUP
This is an opportunity to offer our prayers of thanksgivings, for healing for ourselves and others, and anything else on our hearts. Even if you don’t have a computer, you can join the Zoom meeting with your phone.
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WEDNESDAY EVENING COMPLINE
Compline, the last Office of the day. End your day with a beautiful and short liturgy. All are welcome and please feel free to share the link with friends!
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Keeping the conversations going. . .and going. . .and going!
Our conversations are paused for 12/25 and 12/31.
The Rev. Jani Wild and I are facilitating Pastoral Conversations on Racism and yesterday was our 28th week of gathering to learn and talk about a broad spectrum of subjects concerning race in our country.
We follow the same format (a brief introduction followed by a short video, discussion, and prayers ) every week with a different focus. Last week we discussed reparations.
Please come join us next Thursday at 4:30. Whether it’s the 1st time or the 18th time you’ve attended, please come to learn, process, and share together in a safe space with a faith community.
Bring a friend or family member – all are welcome – by clicking the Zoom link below.
Meeting ID: 835 7594 8022
Password: 748467
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,83575948022#,,1#,748467# US (San Jose
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Thanks to last week’s liturgy assistants! |
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Poem from the Garden
A new gardener started
her first bed Tuesday,
Arike filing
her plot with fresh dirt.
We'll have loquats soon,
which I'll deliver
or turn into jam
and chutney. For 6
Saturdays, I've not
held work parties, to
help volunteers stay
but I think it's right.
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Gift Cards
GIFT CARD ORDERS DUE SOON!
Gift card orders are due to Janet Thorsrud NLT than Jan 22nd. To view the order form with a list of all the cards available for purchase click here
Send your order to Janet in an email. Your purchase will help St. Stephen’s earn money for the church!
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“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Kudos to:
-everyone at St. Stephen’s and St. John’s!
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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: 408-781-1826
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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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