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.

Worship This Sunday:

Sunday, November 3rd,

10:00am - Morning Prayer, RITE II

BULLETIN

 St. Stephen’s has an in-person worship service every Sunday at 10am. We alternate between Morning Prayer and Holy Eucharist. We are not live-streaming Morning Prayer services at this time. All Holy Eucharist services are live streamed. Links to the bulletin and YouTube video are provided for all Holy Eucharist services.

From the Rector

Dear friends,

While I’m away and in keeping with our stewardship theme “Rooted in Abundance”, here’s a reflection from Stephen Garnaas Holmes:

Other conversations

I walk among the trees

The conversation of their falling leaves.

A little breeze moves among them casually.

I think of how long they’ve been here,

and their favorite stories.

They know where every branch is,

mindful of every root hair and what it touches.

Under grey sky, not really cold yet,

they stand in faithfulness.

Little birds work up and down their limbs,

and sometimes sing.

Like my soul, they know things

they don’t need to tell me.

But we both like it

when I walk beneath them.

 ___________

Weather Report

Quiet,

As an occluded front of words

passes by overhead

and out to sea. 

Blessings,

Karen+

COFFEE HOUR SIGN-UP SHEET

Diocesan Newsletter



Read about what’s going on in the diocese! Click below to subscribe to the diocesan newsletter that is emailed every two weeks.

By now you will have received a letter from Rev. Karen about our stewardship campaign. If you’ve been to church lately, you will have noticed the beautiful image of a tree that needs leaves. Our artist in residence, Susan Zaballos painted it just for us. You’ll be receiving another letter from the chair of the stewardship committee with a pledge card enclosed. Please prayerfully consider what you will pledge this coming year. We are deeply grateful for all that you give to St. Stephen’s!

“To be rooted in abundance suggests that gratitude and generosity are a natural consequence of a loving environment, a space where possibility, generosity, and abundance thrive. Without love for God, self and others, you risk being trapped in an environment of scarcity.”

 |

Dora Currea belongs to the Washington National Cathedral congregation where she is a Co-Chair of the Sanctuary Ministry advocating and supporting immigrants

Reflection question: Often those with limited means show great generosity and solidarity. Why do you think that is?

A Prayer for Peace

God of mercy and compassion,

of grace and reconciliation,

pour your power upon all your children in the Middle East:

Jews, Muslims and Christians,

Palestinians and Israelis.

Let hatred be turned into love, fear to trust, despair to hope,

oppression to freedom, occupation to liberation,

that violent encounters may be replaced by loving embraces,

and peace and justice could be experienced by all.



- Reverend Said

You can help . . .

If you are interested in making donations to help with the relief efforts in Israel/Palestine, here are the links that were included in Bishop Lucinda's letter:

https://j-diocese.org/wordpress/

https://realepiscopal.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=99ebbaf4cee8d012c9edafe60&id=d91c439a3d&e=bcc1702497

SAVE THE DATE!

Friday December the 8^th at 7 pm

Labyrinth walk with Christmas carols.

We will have a short service on the labyrinth followed by hot beverages and treats rounded out with carols sung around the piano. Invite others.

All are welcome!

Pray for the people of Maui and the destruction and loss caused by the fires.

Donations for relief efforts in Maui and the Diocese of Hawaii can be made to:

https://www.episcopalrelief.org/what-you-can-do/give/donate-now/individual-donation/

https://www.episcopalhawaii.org/

https://www.episcopalhawaii.org/a-cup-of-cold-water.html

Join Education For Ministry - EfM

Please consider joining EfM! Education for Ministry (EfM) is a life-changing and unique college-level program in theological education based on small-group study and practice. Weekly seminars are designed to prepare lay persons to live out by word and deed the promises made at baptism: to love God, serve Christ, and proclaim the Gospel. EfM seminars take place online during the pandemic. 

More about EfM:https://theology.sewanee.edu/education-for-ministry/

If you are interested in joining EfM, please contact the ECR Diocesan Coordinator, Katy Dickinson: katy.dickinson@gmail.com

Wednesday Book Group

NO BIBLE STUDY WEEK OF 11/1

 

Weekly Wednesday Bible Study

 11:00am, at St. John’s 

Learn about the Book of Revelation!

The last book of the Bible is more than a foretelling of doom. Come and explore what it's all about! Books are $20 ea. See Rev. Karen if you're interested.

Updates and opportunities!

We have space available to rent. If you know of any non-profit agencies or schools that need a space, let them know that St. Stephen’s has space. 



While it’s nice to have the flexibility to use the space ourselves, we need the income and so hope to find a new renter. 

Our church, parish hall, and our beautiful grounds, including the labyrinth are all great venues like for a variety of special events like receptions, birthday parties, quinceaneras, etc. Please encourage friends to consider St. Stephen’s as a venue for their special event!  

To reserve a space or ask question, contact the office, office@ssitf.org or click on the link on our website https://www.ssitf.org/facility-rentals. 

Spread the word and pray for St. Stephen’s!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

• Sunday, November 5th, Morning Prayer, 10:00am
• Sunday, November 12th, Holy Eucharist, 10:00am
• Sunday, November 19th, Morning Prayer, 10:00am
• Sunday, November 26th, Holy Eucharist, 10:00am

Poem from the Garden

In lieu of a poem this week I’d like to share one of the prayers one of my mentee in Gaza posted on Facebook earlier in the month. I thought it was really poignant. The Arabic is first and then the Facebook automatic translation is below.

بل نفر من قدر الله الى قدر الله، لو أمان ولقيتوا طريقة، ما تضلوا بمكان مهدد

الله يحميكم ويطمنا عنكم دايما شو ما كان قراركم ووين ما كنتم

💔

Rather, we flee from Allah's fate to Allah's fate, if it is safe and you find a way, you would not remain in a threatened place

May Allah protect you and always reassure you whatever your decision was and wherever you were 💔



– Eman B. Abusaada

“When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act ot prevent human misery rather than avenge it?”

                                                             -Eleanor Roosevelt

Kudos:

-Suzanne for playing piano for our services.

-Jill for recording our services.

-Andy for the pumpkin coffee hour.

Contact Information for Rev. Karen.

Please use this new number to contact Rev. Karen for calls or texts:

408-781-1826

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.

Editor's Note  

Have an announcement?

Please send any announcements or articles you want to have included, to: kristenvdm@yahoo.com, by Thursday, 10am each week. 

Kristen van der Molen