St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL April 22nd, 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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10:00 AM Holy Eucharist
at St. Stephen's
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Dear friends,
Alleluia! The Lord is Risen! The Lord is Risen indeed! Alleluia!
I feel like I can’t get enough of those words right now. Did you need to hear them as much as I did last Sunday?
We had a wonderful Easter celebration with worship and fellowship. The combination of great music, beautiful flowers, beautiful altar, beautiful people, noisy Alleluias, and delicious food filled my heart. I hope it did yours too!
The rest of Holy Week almost seems like a blur but it too was powerful. The services leading up to Easter day were emotionally hard – and definitely holy. That they were relatively well attended probably says a little something about how much the challenges of the last two years have taken a toll on all of us. That we go through tough times and joyful times together is important.
As someone mentioned in an email last week, it took a village to coordinate all that happens from Palm Sunday to Easter day. I am deeply grateful for everyone who gave so much time and effort to make all the services come together. A special thanks to Ginny for coordinating all the music and for the fine musicians who played it. A huge thank you to the Altar Guild who were on their toes about every last detail from linens, to polished brass, veiled crosses to the large cross and crown of thorns for Good Friday, and changing banners throughout Holy Week.
Even though Easter day has passed us, we remain liturgically in the 50 days of Easter. And because we are Easter people, we will celebrate Jesus’ resurrection well beyond those 50 days - every day. May we not tire of and forever treasure the words we joyfully shout on Easter Day:
Alleluia, the Lord is risen! The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia!
Easter blessings and peace,
Karen+
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Sunday, April 24th,10:00am – Holy Eucharist
at St. Stephen’s
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Since we’re indoors, don’t forget your mask!
************NEWS FLASH!**********
St. Stephen’s church doors will be open every Sunday for worship. 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!
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COFFEE HOUR SIGN-UP SHEET
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*will be available on sstif.org at a later date.
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From The Episcopal News Service
Please take a moment to read this pastoral letter from the House of Bishops on Ukraine
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Episcopal Relief & Development supports families in Ukraine.
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You can also make a donation to help families in Ukraine through Episcopal Relief and Development here or the picture above.
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April is Autism Awareness Month |
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Every week there will be a link to learn more about autism.
This is a great video of Jordyn at Jordyn’s Summer Shirt Project:
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(If you’d like to share a picture of someone you know who has autism, and you have their permission to do so, send it to Rev. Karen and she will include it.)
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Santa Maria needs pantry volunteers to box groceries between 9:00am and 11:30am on weekdays. It’s a gratifying way to make a big difference in the lives of others. Call Santa Maria Urban Ministry at 408-292-3314. You must be at least twelve years old to volunteer. |
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Bible Study
The Path; A Journey Through the Bible
We will not meet next week.
Our next session will meet
Wednesday, April 27th
11:00am - in person at St. John’s.
7:00pm - via Zoom using the following link:
We will be discussing Chapter 20
Please join us!
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Spring Renewal 2022
Friday evening, April 29 & Saturday, April 30
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Spring Renewal is our new annual gathering for the Diocese of El Camino Real!
Spring Renewal is for worship, thanksgiving and celebration!
Spring Renewal is for shared learning and growth!
Spring Renewal is for everyone in our Diocese!
This year we'll gather on Zoom Friday evening (April 29) for a diocesan wide celebration to honor Canon Brian Nordwick's ministry. Then we'll reconvene on Saturday (April 30), again on Zoom, for an exploration of what the "new church" looks like and how our parishes find faithful ways and fresh vistas as we grow into its opportunities. The day's inspiring keynote speaker is the Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe, Bishop of the Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania.
Register NOW at:
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Support Community Garden Tool Fundraiser |
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For the next 4 days, donations of $1 to $50 are matched dollar for dollar. So $50 is $100 toward this fundraiser when the donor puts the code LIFTOFF in the giving page.
Of course, if you happen to have any of these tools gathering dust in your garage, used tools are welcome too!
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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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The rains this week are
sweet and full, giving
all the new plants all
the cool water they
need. The water will
ease down through the thick
dark Santa Clara
Valley clay, moving
about an inch a
week, enticing new roots
to follow it deep
into the ground for
the dry summer, waiting
for the next rains
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Kudos to:
-All who served in the liturgies over Holy Week.
-Everyone who brought food for the pot luck!
-Trig for creating better support for the candle shelves behind the altar
-Jessica for projecting the Great Vigil of Easter service on Saturday night.
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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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