St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL December 31st, 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: January 2nd, 2021
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10:00 AM Holy Eucharist
at St. Stephen's
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Dear friends,
This is the last letter I will write for our newsletter - - this year.
Out with the old and in with the new! Let’s move on! Forge ahead!
That’s what we’re supposed to do now, right? So why is the little angel on my shoulder is saying, “Not so fast Karen.” I’m not sure what’s holding me back. Is it the uncertainty of what’s ahead? Is it that I don’t want to start another pandemic year with the chance that it will end just like this one? Maybe I just need another day to catch my breath after a trip to Chicago with a rambunctious family. I don’t know, but I am going to spend time today and tomorrow listing all the good and not so good things that happened this year. I’m sure the ‘good’ list will be much longer – no question about it!
In addition, though it’s not something I usually do, I’m going to make a New Year’s resolution that is inspired by the Collect appointed for today, this last day of 2021:
“Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.”
This year, I resolve to shine the light of Christ every day – even if just for a moment because, to be perfectly honest, some days that’ll be all I can do. What will make this resolution meaningful to me is reflecting and writing down what, when, and where that might have happened in my day. I know that, without taking stock, I will think about all the ways I didn’t shine that light – all the times I messed up. There’s no point in making the resolution if I do that. Of course, I’m called be a beacon of the light of Christ every day, but being accountable will make my efforts more intentional, and hopefully more fruitful!
Will you join me in making a list today and tomorrow, and keeping track of where you’ve shed the light each day in 2022? I’d love to share notes ☺
God’s blessings, grace, peace, and light be with you as you pass them on to others in 2022!
Karen+
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Sunday, Jan 2nd, 10:00am, indoors at St. Stephen’s
Holy Eucharist
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
We’re back!
Our next session will meet
Wednesday, Jan. 5th
11:00am - in person at St. John’s.
7:00pm - via Zoom using the following link:
We will be discussing Chapter 9 (1/5/22) Please join us – even if you haven’t attended previous sessions!
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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
a small flower named for one of John Milton's
made-up angels, it blooms a rich purple and dies
back in the summer. It can go with the other
blues and purples at the base of the Pentecost
bed, whose colors are meant to resemble a flame,
when viewed over an entire year of blooming. In
Paradise Lost, Ithuriel used their spear to poke
Satan, who was hiding as a frog in Eden, and forced
him to reveal himself. The spear is used as a metaphor
for actions which reveal truth, because, as blind Milton
dictated to his daughters: "no falshood [sic] can endure /
Touch of celestial temper." Anne, Mary, and Deborah Milton
survived their father to write those words, blooming in
adversity, as I hope our little wildflowers will bloom in
the parking lot as well, spearpoints rising towards the sun.
We're holding weekly community garden work parties, 11am - 3pm. Feel free to drop by, no tools or skills needed, just grubby clothes and a willingness to work. Text Jessica if you have any questions! 650-804-9044.
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Food for thought:
“If we have loved well while we were alive, there is life after death here – our love will go on for generations.”
-Archbishop Desmond Tutu
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Kudos to:
-Jane for keeping things going this week.
-Jessica and Andy for investigating water getting into the church from the rain.
-Suzanne for playing piano for our regular Sunday services, and the extra work for Christmas Eve.
-Susan and Janet for beautifully decorating the worship space for Christmas Eve. - -All who helped in clean up and putting things back in order after the Christmas Eve service.
-Colin, the Moniz family, and the three kings (Andy, Dan, Trig) for participating in the Christmas Pageant.
-The bell choir for playing so beautifully on Christmas Eve.
-Janet for baking communion bread.
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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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