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.

From the Rector

Dear Friends,

Have you ever read the book “The Boy, the mole, the fox and the Horse” by Charlie Mackesy?  If not, please do – it is a treasure.  You are welcome to borrow mine.  It only takes a few minutes but you might find yourselves wanting to have your own copy so that you can sit and savor the nuggets of wisdom on kindness and love.  It is full of compassion.  I find it comforting at times . . .  like this week. 

These nuggets from Mackesy’s book touched my heart.  

“We don’t know about tomorrow,” said the horse, “all we need to know is that we love each other.”

“When big things feel out of control . . . focus on what you love right under your nose.”

“Everyone is scared,” said the horse, “But we are less scared together.”

“Tears fall for a reason and they are your strength not weakness.”

These words aren’t directly from scripture, but there is a strong message of love, which is completely from scripture.  

Even/especially when your heart hurts and you have no words, remember that God loves you, is always present and walks with you through hard times.  

Blessings,

Karen+

Worship This Sunday:

Sunday, July 9th, 10:00am - Holy Eucharist and Baptism at St. Stephen'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

Diocesan Newsletter

Read about what’s going on in the diocese! Click on the link for this week’s

newsletter.

https://us3.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=99ebbaf4cee8d012c9edafe60&id=f789930ce7

Wednesday Book Group

Every Wednesday, 11:00am, St. John’s. 

You can join us at any time.

We are reading and discussing “A Rabbi Talks With Jesus” by Jacob Neusner.  

Done!

The floor in the Parish Hall is complete!  New base boards were installed this week.  The entire project took twice as long as planned. It was much more difficult to remove the glue and other adhesive than first anticipated.  That, of course, increased the cost. All total, the bill added up to $2500 – still a reduced rate! 

The floor looks fantastic!  We will no longer have to deal with dirty stained worn out carpet and the space is much more attractive to people who are looking to rent the space for their events.  

If at all possible, please consider making a donation to help us cover the cost of the work.  No amount is too small! There are three ways you can contribute: Write a check to St. Stephen’s and indicate “parish hall floor” in the memo line of your check, put cash in an envelope marked for the parish hall floor in the plate on Sunday, or donate online at ssitf.org (click on the three lines at the top right of the home page and scroll down to ‘donate’).  Thank you for your help!

Updates and opportunities!

We have space available to rent.  If you know of any non-profit agencies or schools that need a space, let them know that St. Stephen’s has space. 

While it’s nice to have the flexibility to use the space ourselves, we need the income and so hope to find a new renter. 

Our church, parish hall, and our beautiful grounds, including the labyrinth are all great venues for a variety of special events like receptions, birthday parties, quinceaneras, etc. Please encourage friends to consider St. Stephen’s as a venue for their special event!  

To reserve a space or ask question, contact the office, office@ssitf.org or click on the link on our website https://www.ssitf.org/facility-rentals. 

Spread the word and pray for St. Stephen’s!

Contribute to disaster relief efforts for the devastation caused by the earthquake in Turkey-Syria by donating to:

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/

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

• July 2 Holy Eucharist - St. John’s
• July 9 Holy Eucharist - St. Stephen’s, BBQ following the service.
• July 16 Holy Eucharist - St. John’s
• July 23 Holy Eucharist - St. Stephen’s
• July 30 Bishop’s Visitation - St. Stephen’s

Fourth of July BBQ (July 9th, 2023)!

Join us for the delicious BBQ after service! To help cover food costs, please consider donating $10. Anything over cost will go to the general fund. Thank you!

Poem from the Garden

Two friends of Edy's

came by last month to

walk her labyrinth.

They walked it slow and

well, and stood in the

shade of the coast live

oak to talk, to share

when they'd seen her last,

how they'd felt then, what

brought them here now. It's

not much we get to

leave behind, or to take,

but her friends came and

walked beside her path.

— Jessica Dickinson Goodman

“If we breathe, then we have no excuse for not conspiring with God to create a more just future where all God’s people can be free that which would indeed deny their very sacred breath of life.”

-The Very Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas

Kudos:

-Andy for getting the baseboards installed in the Parish Hall.  

-all who’ve donated to the floor resurfacing project in the Parish Hall

-Susan for the beautiful new banners for the season of Pentecost.

-The folks who clean up after coffee hour.

Contact Information for Rev. Karen.

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

408-781-1826