St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL May 20th, 2022
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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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10:00 AM Holy Eucharist
at St. Stephen's
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Dear friends,
After the tragic shootings in Buffalo and Laguna Woods (and God knows all the other places), I found myself once again reaching to my bookshelf for, “Race and Prayer; Collected Voices, Many Dreams”. I’m hoping that this prayer by Eric Law might be one you would pray with me today:
O God, I implore you to help us name and challenge this unholy angel of our nation. Help us embody your son, Jesus, to confront violence with acts of nonviolence. Infuse us with your Holy Spirit so that we can speak your goodness, your grace, your truth, and your love again and again, causing our communities to repent and return to your ways of justice and mercy. We ask this in the name of your infinite love for all your children in creation.
Amen
Easter blessings and peace,
Karen+
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Sunday, May 22nd, 10:00am – Holy Eucharist
at St. Stephen’s
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We continue to wear masks for our indoor services.
************NEWS FLASH!**********
St. Stephen’s church doors will be open every Sunday for worship. Services will continue to alternate with St. John’s but the live-stream from services at St. John’s will be projected at St. Stephen’s. Come to St. Stephen’s every Sunday!
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From The Episcopal News Service
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s statement following the shooting in Buffalo:
“My heart is heavy with the news that a white supremacist gunman took the lives of 10 children of God in Buffalo on Saturday. I grew up walking distance from the scene of this hateful crime, and my friends and I used to ride our bikes around the neighborhood. Buffalo’s Back community raised and formed me. I grieve with the city and people I love.
The loss of any human life is tragic, but there was deep racial hatred driving this shooting, and we have got to turn from the deadly path our nation has walked for much too long. Bigotry-based violence- and bigotry at all – against our siblings who are people of color, Jewish, Sikh, Asian, trans, or any other group, is fundamentally wrong. As baptized followers of Jesus of Nazareth, we are called to upon to protect the dignity of every human child of God, and to actively uproot the white supremacy and racism deep in the heart of our shared life.
Please join me in prayer for the shattered families in Buffalo. Please also join me in expressing profound gratitude for the intervention by Buffalo police that likely saved many other lives. Even amid tragedy, even when manifestations of evil threaten to overwhelm, let us hold fast to the good. It is the only way that leads to life.”
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Episcopal Relief & Development supports families in Ukraine.
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You can also make a donation to help families in Ukraine through Episcopal Relief and Development here or the picture above.
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May is. . . .
May is the designated month for recognizing, celebrating, and learning about Asian American and Pacific Islanders, Mental Health awareness, and our Military. The links provided are just a starting place. Take some time this month to dig deeper and learn about each of them. Some of them have ads at the beginning and some you have to scroll down a little to get to the video. Have fun!
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Asian American and Pacific Islander
Heritage Month
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Mental Health Awareness Month
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Military Appreciation Month
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Santa Maria needs pantry volunteers to box groceries between 9:00am and 11:30am on weekdays. It’s a gratifying way to make a big difference in the lives of others. Call Santa Maria Urban Ministry at 408-292-3314. You must be at least twelve years old to volunteer. |
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Bible Study
The Path; A Journey Through the Bible
Our next session will meet
Wednesday, May 25th.
11:00am - in person at St. John’s.
7:00pm - via Zoom using the following link:
We will be discussing Chapter 24
Please join us!
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Support Community Garden Tool Fundraiser |
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For the next 4 days, donations of $1 to $50 are matched dollar for dollar. So $50 is $100 toward this fundraiser when the donor puts the code LIFTOFF in the giving page.
Of course, if you happen to have any of these tools gathering dust in your garage, used tools are welcome too!
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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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The last of this year’s
loquats are ripening
on the tree, and
on Wednesday I
taught the Calero
students how to pick
the ripe ones and eat
them. We stood socially
distanced apart and
most of the students
took quick bites of the
small, tart fruits. A mix
of apricot and
mandarin orange; sweet.
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“The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them.”
― Thomas Merton: No Man is and Island
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Kudos to:
-Andy, our Treasurer
-Bible Study participants
-Nancy for picking up supplies for Altar Guild
-our lectors
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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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