St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL February 4th, 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: February 6th, 2022
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9:30 AM Holy Eucharist
at St. John’s
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Dear friends,
As I mentioned at the beginning of the new year, I am trying to take note of how I might have been the light of Christ that day. As I predicted, some days are more challenging than others. But I haven’t given up, and I sure am glad for that.
Just this week, I’ve had several encounters where I was the giver and receiver of the light of Christ. Most have been on my daily walks. There are two in particular that stood out for me, but first I need to let you know that I’m not a big fan of wearing shirts with words on them – names of colleges, travel destinations, phrases, etc. . . until recently.
I now own three different shirts with the same phrase: “Be Kind to Everyone”. A month ago you probably couldn’t pay me to wear one of the shirts, especially in public but I came across a family owned business, “Jordyn’s Summer Shirt Project.”
Jordyn is 21 and has autism. She and her mom make short videos Facebook and Twitter and Jordyn always ends with “Have a nice day you guys.” She makes my heart swell every time I hear her say it, so much so that I had to order some shirts and I actually wear them in public!
So, while walking this week, a firefighter in a big firetruck saw me, tooted a horn, and gave me a thumbs up. On a different walk, an older gentleman was getting in his car and noticed my shirt and shouted back “Yes!, I’m kind to everyone too!.
It might not seem like much, but it definitely reminded that the small things can spread a little joy. I think that counts as a flash of the light of Christ.
Be kind to everyone . . .and see what happens.
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Blessings and peace,
Karen+
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Sunday, Feb. 6th, 9:30am, indoors at St. John’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
Our next session will meet Wednesday, Feb 9th.
11:00am - in person at St. John’s.
7:00pm - via Zoom using the following link:
We will be discussing Chapter 14. Please join us!
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February is BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Each week one person will be highlighted in our Friday newsletter:
Today is Rosa Parks birthday!
Rosa Parks was a civil right organizer and activist. She died in 2005 and became the first African American and second private citizen to lie in honor in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, DC.
Rosa is perhaps most recognized for taking a stand (Dec. 1, 1955) on a Montgomery bus ride that started a bus boycott. The boycott was ultimately successful when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that segregated transportation was unconstitutional.
Quoting from her memoir Quiet Strength, she wrote:
“God has always given me the strength to say what is right. . .I had the strength of God, and my ancestors.”.
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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 ground squirrels chewed a Malva Rosa
off at the base, leaving it fallen and wilting.
Not out of malice, but curiosity as to what it
would taste like. I mourned, for I had planted
it in the hard earth, with a friend who will be
moving away soon. I took it home and put it
in a pot of soil. I kept it watered and watched
as its leaves fell, one after another; but the topmost
leaves did not die, did neither brown nor wither.
It kept its stem green.
I kept watering it.
It’s been living for months and I’ll replant it soon
as the squirrels haven’t killed its 7 sisters
(after all, it was curiosity and not malice)
and one day, it will be large and happy and full
of bright purple blossoms, too tall for any one
squirrel to destroy.
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Food for thought:
“Crying does not indicate that you are weak. Since birth, it has always been a sign that you are alive.”
-Charlotte Bronte
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Kudos to:
-Jane for being an- excellent in every way- office administrator.
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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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