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,

This month marks the 3rd year I have served as your shared rector!  Can you believe it?  Time flies. . . 

Three years ago we were pre-recording services on Saturday to ‘air’ on Sunday morning so that everyone could worship safely in their own homes. Remember Zoom coffee hours? What a time that was!  

So much has happened since then.  Take a minute to really think about all that we’ve been through together in these last three years.  Make a list. Reminisce with a partner or friend. It’s pretty amazing.

I think that, while the challenges have been very real, we have experienced the joy of getting to know one another, and in doing so, have naturally come to support one another through thick and thin. We work and play well together!  What a gift it’s been.  

We have much yet to do and learn as we seek to serve God and our neighbor in our communities and I look forward to uncovering what those things are in our 4th year as two wonderful churches sharing a rector who loves them both dearly.  

Blessings,

Karen+

Worship This Sunday:

Sunday, July 23rd, 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

The Bishop is coming!

Bishop Lucinda Ashby will be visiting St. Stephen’s on July 30th. 

Please plan to come and welcome her! Susan and Janet are planning a special coffee hour following the service. Please contact either of them if you are able to help or bring something delicious!

Summer Picnic at St. John’s

St. John’s is having a picnic under the oak tree on Aug 13th immediately following the service. As always, everyone from St. Stephen’s is invited and encouraged to come!  More information to come.

WORSHIP LEADERSHIP TRAINING AND LICENSING

Saturday, July 22, 2:30-5:30 at St. Stephen’s

In our effort to hold services every Sunday at St. Stephen’s, we need worship leaders who will lead Morning Prayer on some Sundays. 

Anyone leading Morning Prayer needs to complete the training in order to be licensed.  The Rev. Deacon Robin Poppoff will lead a training tomorrow, Jul 22.  Pizza and drinks will be provided following the training. Please let Rev. Karen know if you are interested in attending the training.

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.  

Thank you!

The cost of the Parish Hall refinishing project has been fully covered by donations!  Thank you for your generous donations

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 like 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 23 Holy Eucharist - St. Stephen’s

• July 30 Bishop’s Visitation - St. Stephen’s

• Aug 6 Holy Eucharist – St. John’s

• Aug 13 Holy Eucharist – St. John’s, Church Picnic following the service. All are welcome!

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

“Hate has talked so loudly for so long. Greed has talked so loudly for so long, Liars have talked so loudly for so long.  Love has got to stop whispering.”

-Marianne Williamson

Kudos:

-Wanda and Susan for serving at the altar in our worship services.

-Janet for bringing donuts on Sundays and all who’ve made donations for purchasing them.

-Rob and Jessica for helping move cabinets and bookshelves.

Contact Information for Rev. Karen.

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

408-781-1826