From the Rector

Dear friends,

In the midst of sweltering heat and more power outages in Morgan Hill and San Jose, we learned that Queen Elizabeth ll died.  This historic event made many of us pause, as if time stopped for a moment.  I mostly think pauses are little gifts – they give room for important things like – crying, laughing, reminiscing, remembering, shifting perspective and praying.  I hope you have a chance to pause today.

In case you don’t get the diocesan newsletter in your email box, here is what was in yesterday’s edition:

Queen Elizabeth II Dies at 96

The Diocese of El Camino Real joins the world in mourning the passing of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8th. We send our prayers and condolences to her family and all those who loved her.

Though the monarchy does have an official role in the Church of England and the Church of Scotland, The Episcopal Church has been independent since the American Revolution. Yet, we share history and connection with our siblings in the United Kingdom and the British Commonwealth.  We share in the loss of this long-beloved leader.  Her presence in the world belies her diminutive stature, and her service to the world will have longer impact than any single life-time.

During her 70 year reign, Elizabeth II lived a life of service and grace. She served her country tirelessly and with great faith. She embodied a sense of dignity, respect, and Christian love that have inspired millions. We celebrate a life well-lived, pray for the royal family, and the British people.

“Into thy hands, O merciful Savior, we commend thy servant Elizabeth.  Acknowledge, we humbly beseech thee, a sheep of thine own fold, a lamb of thine own flock, a sinner of thine own redeeming.  Receive her into the arms of thy mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light.  Amen (BCP 483).”

                        Photo: "Queen Elizabeth II" by Commonwealth Secretariat 

Blessings and peace,

Karen+ 

Worship This Sunday:

Sunday, Sep 11th, 10:00am – Holy Eucharist

 at St. Stephen's

LIVE STREAM WORSHIP SERVICE

BULLETIN

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!

Join us for our first annual harvest dinner fundraiser! Come join with your friends, family, and our beloved community for an evening of fun, food, and fellowship.

• When: 5 – 8:30pm | Sunday October 9, 2022
• 5-6pm: Reception, Ukrainian egg painting and pumpkin decorating, and silent auction
• 6-7pm: Dinner
• 7-8pm: Dancing, pie auction, last chance at silent auction.
• 8-8:30pm: Announcing winners.

• Where: The New Labyrinth at 7269 Santa Teresa Blvd., San José, CA 95139

• How: Tickets are $25/adult and $5/child — buy them through our PayPal page here using your debit or credit card, or drop off a check at the office.

• What:
• Kegs and drinks donated by Rob van der Molen
• Grilling by Andy Lief and Trygve Thorsrud
• Harvest centerpieces from the community garden
• Pie auction with pies by Rowena Dizon-Burger, Jessica Dickinson Goodman, Janet Thorsrud, and more. Bidding starts at just $25!
• Basket auction with goodies from baker Akiko Mizhashi; delicacies from baker Kristen van der Molen; a bird basket from Janet Thorsrud; and more.
• Silent auction with kayaking lesson with Paula Scotney-Castle; website support Jessica Dickinson Goodman; a small project from Andy Lief and Vaquero Construction; original from artist Debbie Wolf; electrical work (hanging lights, etc) and computer upgrades from Trygve Thorsrud; a beautiful quilt from Terre; training and installation support from beekeeper Gavin; a baking lesson from Janet Thorsrud; a lovely watercolor from artists Susan Zaballos; and more!

If you’d like to donate an item to the silent auction or help to set-up or take-down the event, please reach out to the event co-chairs Janet (thorsrud@sbcglobal.net) and Jessica (jessica.dickinson.goodman@gmail.com).

Harvest Festival Pie Raffle Sign-Up Sheet

***We need more pies and baskets!***

Also if you have questions about volunteering, Ideas, or donations please contact Janet using the information above

Pictures from the mural at the garden

Poem from the Garden

We painted a bright

rainbow near the rose

garden, Debbie, L,

Aer, Kat, Cat, Red, Jun,

Dustin, Alyse and

I, painting roses

and corn and an orange

monarch butterfly

hovering, soaring

above a dappled,

spray-painted sky. We'll

finish the mural

on Saturday, add

flowers and more joy.

— Jessica Dickinson Goodman 

“Whatever life throws at us, our individual responses will be all the stronger for working together and sharing the load.”

-Queen Elizabeth II

Kudos to:

-Janet for holding down the fort while Rev. Karen was away.

-Jessica for sending information on additional resources for people in need.

-Andy for the extra leg work as our Treasurer.