St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL January 28th, 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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Sunday: January 30th, 2022
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10:00 AM Holy Eucharist
at St. John’s
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Dear friends,
Sometimes I’m asked, “How do you know?” It’s a big question – depending on who’s asking and what kind of proof they want. The real level of difficulty though depends on the subject. If it’s science, there is data and statistics. If it’s about God, well that’s different and sometimes answers can be dangerous. Personally, I believe God is beyond my knowing. I’ve learned that in my own personal experience, and scripture also backs that up. Here’s a reflection from Henri Nouwen’s writings:
“God cannot be understood: he cannot be grasped by the human mind. The truth escapes our human capacities. The only way to come close to it is by a constant emphasis on the limitation of our human capacities to “have” or “hold” the truth. We can neither explain God nor his presence in history. As soon as we identify God with any specific event or situation, we play God and distort the truth. We only can be faithful in our affirmation that God has not deserted us but calls us in the middle of all the unexplainable absurdities of life. It is very important to be deeply aware of this. There is a great and subtle temptation to suggest to myself or to others where God is working or where not, when he is present and when not; but nobody, no Christian, no priest, no monk has any “special” knowledge about God. God cannot be limited by any human concept or prediction. He is greater than our mind and heart and perfectly free to reveal himself where and when he wants.”
Something to think about …
Blessings and peace,
Karen+
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Sunday, Jan 30th, 10:00am, indoors at St. Stephen’s
Holy Eucharist and
Baptism of Jill Vaughn
Since we’re indoors, don’t forget your mask! We continue to alternate Sunday services between St. John’s and St. Stephen’s. Future service dates are on our website: www.ssitf.org
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Bible Study
The Path; A Journey Through the Bible
Our next session will meet
Wednesday, Feb. 2nd
11:00am - in person at St. John’s.
7:00pm - via Zoom using the following link:
We will be discussing Chapter 13. Please join us!
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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
We planted 5 beds
of potatoes this
Saturday, to keep
building the soil and
give us an easy,
early crop for May
or April, when we'll
plant beans and sunflowers
and squash and blue corn
and if you want us
to grow something in
particular, let me
know and we will see.
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Food for thought:
“You don’t have to solve your whole life overnight. And you don’t have to feel ashamed for being where you are. All you have to focus on is one small thing you and do today to get closer to where you want to be. Slowly, on step at a time. You can get there.”
-Daniell Koepke
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Kudos to:
-Andy for signing checks.
-Gregg for completing required diocesan work on Fair Share.
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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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