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St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church

 FRIDAY JOURNAL , February 24th, 2023

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.



10:00 AM Holy Eucharist at St. John's


From the Rector


Dear friends, 


It’s hard to believe that it’s Lent already! We had wonderful Ash Wednesday service at Advent Lutheran the other night. People from three churches and three different denominations (Lutheran, Methodist, Episcopal) gathered to hear scripture, sing, pray, share communion together, and to accept the invitation to observe a holy Lent.  The invitation is too long for me to share in its entirety but I’m happy to share a copy of it if you’re interested. For now, I hope this tiny bit might get you off to a good start: 

 “Let us use the days ahead to simplify our lives and to return to the heart of the faith that we hold dear.  Let us see this as a time apart, a time not only to admit the things that draw us away from God, but also to consider the person God calls us to become.”

 

And because Lent isn’t all gloom and doom, try playing along with “Lent Madness” this year.  Click on this link to learn more: https://www.lentmadness.org/category/lent-madness-2023/   It’s educational, fun, and even silly.  I’m playing.  I hope you will too!


Blessings and peace

Karen+





Worship This Sunday:


Sunday, Feb 26th, 10:00am – Holy Eucharist 

at St. John's



LIVE STREAM WORSHIP SERVICE



BULLETIN



  St. Stephen’s church doors will be open every Sunday for worship. In-person 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!




COFFEE HOUR SIGN-UP SHEET

Disaster Relief for the devastation caused by the earthquake in Turkey-Syria.


Earlier this week, a deadly 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck along the border between Turkey and Syria. Although this disaster just happened, Episcopal Relief & Development is already working with partners to provide support. Please join Episcopal Relief & Development in this relief effort by making a donation at episcopalrelief.org.



Episcopal Relief and Development at 

https://support.episcopalrelief.org/syria-turkey-earthquake?_gl=1*1ybrxoe*_ga*MTE0NzA0NjQ1OS4xNjYzNzA5NTM4*_ga_5J3W6B8WL4*MTY3NTk3NjYzMi42LjAuMTY3NTk3NjYzMi4wLjAuMA  



Archbishop’s Earthquake Donation Relief Fund at

https://afedj.org/give/give-online/

The Way of Love in Lent

Wednesday morning Lenten Forum


Every Wednesday in Lent from 10:30a.m.-12:00p.m.

At St. John’s.

Come as you are and bring a friend.!



Pot luck



Hey party people!


 


 The plan for the pot luck has evolved a little.


In the hopes that we don't have too much food,


I am making spaghetti with a vegetarian sauce


with meatballs on the side to add if you want.


 


That leaves salads, bread, dessert and beverages


to bring. Not everyone needs to bring something


as we always have plenty.


 


 A head count is needed so have people rsvp to


me. This is just to make sure I have enough plates


and glasses. My address is:198 Giddings Ct, SJ 95139.


 We will gather at 5:30. This is for women only.


 This event is on March 6th.


 


 If people want to donate money instead of


shopping, that will be great. I am buying 50


kits from www.cleantheworld.com at the cost


of $200, only $4 per person which includes,


soap, toothpaste, tooth brush, 2-in-1 shampoo/


conditioner, socks or lotion. I hope we can raise


another $200 to buy 50 more kits to fill 100 bags.


 


 Items we can still use include:


socks


beanies


emergency blankets


combs


floss


deodorant  


female hygiene products


 


 Checks or cash can be given to either myself


 or Susan.


 


 Hope to see you on the 6th.

Mark your calendars . . .


Mon, Mar 6, 6:00pm - Assembling Manna Bags at Janet’s house.  

Wed, Mar 1, 5:30pm - Lenten Soup Supper at St. John’s

Wed, Mar 1, 10:30am - Way of Love Lent Forum


Looking a little further down the road:


Sun, Apr 4 – Palm Sunday, St. John’s

Thur, Apr 6 – Maundy Thursday, St. Stephen’s

Fri, Apr 7 – Good Friday, St. John’s (tentative)

Sat, Apr 8 – Easter Vigil

Sun, Apr 9 – Easter Sunday, St. Stephen’s



Commemorative Wine Glasses!

This beautiful commemorative glass marks the year St. Stephen’s made Parish Status and you can have one for just $2!  There are only 6 dozen left so get them while you can!  Your purchase helps St. Stephen’s so buy a few if you can.



Poem from the Garden


Lauren and Catherine

spent Saturday with

their hands in the soil

planting alliums


garlic and onions,

plus purple flowering

amaranth, in a

sequential planting


following the bright

green garlic Kat planted

back in December.

We hope that these plants


will be tasty to

humans and not squirrels,


-- Jessica Dickinson Goodman. As a reminder, we have a crafts fair March 17-19.

Food for thought:

February is Black History Month.  Our quotes will come from African Americans in our nation’s history.


“We must never forget that Black History is American History. The achievements of African Americans have contributed to our nation’s greatness.”

— Yvette Clarke



Kudos to :

-Rob and Jessica for putting up another new sign.

-Rob for working on the thermostats in the church.




Contact Information for Rev. Karen.

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

(669)270-7479

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.

Contact information for Rev. Karen:
Personal phone for emergencies or urgent matters: (669)270-7479

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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7269 Santa Teresa Blvd; San Jose, CA 95139
[(408) 629-1836]  [office@ssitf.org]  [ssitf.org]
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