St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL September 10th, 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: September 12th, 2021
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Dear Friends,
As we remember the 20th anniversary of Sept 11th, I’m sending Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s pastoral words:
“As followers of Jesus, and with our siblings in other faith traditions, we place great value on the act of remembrance. As we reflect on the solemn anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, we remember many loved ones lost and first responders who put their lives at risk, modeling the sacrificial love of Jesus, who said: “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
While 20 years have passed, I also want us to pause and remember the days that followed these tragic events. There was a moment in the aftermath when people came together. We were praying, grieving, and also working together. Because in that moment, however fleeting it was, we knew with immediacy and vulnerability that we need God, and we need each other.
Memories of that tender cooperation – of love for each other as neighbors – serve as guiding light for the present. Amidst the ongoing pandemic and natural disasters that have taken so many lives and pushed first responders to their limits, and amidst a worldwide reckoning with the sin of racism, we are called to become the Beloved Community whose way of life is the way of Jesus and is the way of love.”
Especially in this time, be gentle with yourself and others.
Blessings and peace,
Karen+
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9:30am 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.
Click below for links to the service and bulletin.
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REMEMBERING 911
Trinity Church, Wall Street in New York City is holding remembrance events that you can tune-in to at any time. Some are interactive if you care to participate. Use the link below to visit these events:
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COFFEE HOUR
No Coffee Hour
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Pray for the conflict in Afghanistan.
Holy God, we pray for peace in Afghanistan, especially for those whose lives were lost in the most recent bombing that killed at least 90 Afghans and 13 service members outside the airport in Kabul where thousands were hoping to escape. We pray in the name of your son, Jesus, the true peace-giver. Amen
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O God, our refuge and strength,
our help in times of trouble.
Have mercy on the lands
damaged by fires.
Have mercy on the lands
where the weather has destroyed livelihoods. Protect those who evacuate houses, and strengthen those who rebuild hope so that entire communities may face the future without fear.
Amen.
(prayer from Episcopal Relief and Development)
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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 Wed at 11:00am and via zoom at 7pm. The classes will begin Sept 22nd if books come in. The price of the book is discounted based on how many books are purchased. Please contact Rev. Karen via email if you if you are interested in taking this course or if you have questions.
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GOODWILL is coming to St. Stephen’s again!
Save up your donations for the Goodwill truck that will be stationed in our parking lot on Sunday, Oct. 17th. A specific list of items that are not accepted will be provided but for now, remember that they do not accept furniture. More to come!
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Handbells for Christmas Eve
If you are interested in ringing in the handbell choir for Christmas Eve and have played handbells in the past, please contact Rev. Karen ASAP. Rehearsals will be on Saturday evening or Sunday, depending on ringers’ schedules, at St. Stephen’s.
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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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Poem from the Garden
The garden shows itself
in seasons, each plant
growing visible and
invisible in
turn. There is a trail
of bricks you'll only
find once the drying
stalks of the evening
primrose have fallen
or been cut down, it
winds red and warm right
behind them, ready
to welcome you in
its time on the stage.
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Food for thought:
“The only clear line I draw these days is this: when my religion tries to come between me and my neighbor, I will choose my neighbor . . .Jesus never commanded me to love my religion.”
-Barbara Brown Taylor
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Kudos to:
-Robin for completing the installation of the toilet in the women’s bathroom, and donating a pop-up tent, leaf blower, and weed trimmer to St. Stephen’s
-Jill for working on our website.
-Wanda and Andy for assisting in the service on 9/5.
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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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