St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL June 10th, 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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9:30 AM Morning Prayer at St. John's
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Dear friends,
It’s so good to be home and healthy! I have missed you all!
As many of you know, I went to Chicago for a quick 3-day trip but ended up staying for twelve days thanks to COVID. It was a trip I’ll never forget for multiple reasons. I got COVID and was sick for a few days – not fun. I got to celebrate my granddaughter’s birthday with her. And I heard the tragic news of a mass at an elementary school in Uvalde, TX that made the headlines the morning Miss P turned 5. I was helping her get ready for preschool when I got a text from my husband who was in another room. “Another school shooting - TX”. My heart sank and I felt like I was going to be sick. It was shocking, but sadly, not surprising. In my head I joined the millions of people who said, “It could have been my ____________ (child, grandchild, niece, nephew, Godchild). Maybe you could fill in the blank too that day. It breaks my heart to know that there were people for whom “could have been” changed to “was”.
Sadly, Social media dismisses the sentiment about “thoughts and prayers” as hollow, worthless words that do nothing to help the problem of gun violence. I couldn’t disagree more. Our thoughts and prayers are an indication that we have hope and hope is what helps us navigate times such as these. It helps us summon the courage to love our neighbor, to show compassion, and to take action for change that is needed for the good of all people.
As a faith community, we can cultivate, nourish, and be a conduit of hope in our world because we know that God is a God of hope. And so yes, in faith we offer our thoughts and prayers because we have compassion for people who suffer and hope for a more perfect world where all people can flourish. For the gift of hope we can say, thanks be to God.
Blessings and peace,
Karen+
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Sunday, June 12th, 9:30am – Holy Eucharist
at St. John’s
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We continue to wear masks for our indoor services.
************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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Every year during the month of June, we celebrate the LGBTQ community.
Bishop Gene Robinson was the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church. Learn more about him in this interview with Terry Gross on KQED’s Fresh Air.
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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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June is Gun Violence Awareness Month
Join Saint Andrew’s June 26th at 4pm for a Zoom conversation with Author Rosalind C. Hughes.
Meeting ID: 833 4567 1108
Passcode: 549875
We can do more than we imagine. We have all of the gifts and tools that God has given us to engage in the work of nonviolence and peace-making. What’s more, each of us is a part of the Body of Christ, and together we can do more than we envision alone.
Join a conversation designed to share inspiration, encouragement, and concrete ideas for doing the work of gun violence prevention in your community. Bring your hopes, fears, and determination to make a difference. We will, with God’s help.
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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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Join us for our first annual harvest dinner fundraiser! Come join with your friends, family, and our beloved community for an evening of fun, food, and fellowship.
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When: 5 – 8:30pm | Sunday October 9, 2022
- 5-6pm: Reception, Ukrainian egg painting and pumpkin decorating, and silent auction
- 6-7pm: Dinner
- 7-8pm: Dancing, pie auction, last chance at silent auction.
- 8-8:30pm: Announcing winners.
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Where: The New Labyrinth at 7269 Santa Teresa Blvd., San José, CA 95139
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How: Tickets are $25/adult and $5/child — buy them through our PayPal page here using your debit or credit card, or drop off a check at the office.
- What:
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Kegs and drinks donated by Rob van der Molen
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Grilling by Andy Lief and Trygve Thorsrud
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Harvest centerpieces from the community garden
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Pie auction with pies by Rowena Dizon-Burger, Jessica Dickinson Goodman, Janet Thorsrud, and more. Bidding starts at just $25!
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Basket auction with goodies from baker Akiko Mizhashi; delicacies from baker Kristen van der Molen; a bird basket from Janet Thorsrud; and more.
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Silent auction with kayaking lesson with Paula Scotney-Castle; website support Jessica Dickinson Goodman; tutoring sessions from Jill Vaughn for folks under 18; a small project from Andy Lief and Vaquero Construction; original from artist Debbie Wolf; electrical work (hanging lights, etc) and computer upgrades from Trygve Thorsrud; a beautiful quilt from Terre; training and installation support from beekeeper Gavin; a baking lesson from Janet Thorsrud; a lovely watercolor from artists Susan Zaballos; and more!
If you’d like to donate an item to the silent auction or help to set-up or take-down the event, please reach out to the event co-chairs Janet (thorsrud@sbcglobal.net) and Jessica (jessica.dickinson.goodman@gmail.com).
***We need more pies and baskets!***
Also if you have questions about volunteering, Ideas, or donations please contact Janet using the information above
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Last week, as the trees
were coming down, I
used an app from
the Cornell Lab, sort
of like Shazam, but
for birdsong. I found
Anna's Hummingbirds,
Northern Mockingbirds,
Bushtits, Eurasian
Collared Doves, CA
Towhees, Black Phoebes,
American Crows,
and House Finches, all
sharing our campus.
The name of the app is Merlin and its companion eBird and they are great fun. Let me know if you spot other birds on the campus!
by Jessica Dickinson Goodman
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-The Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson
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Kudos to:
-The vestry.
-Janet and Susan for cleaning out the draws and cabinets in the kitchen.
-Susan for leading Morning Prayer last Sunday.
-Janet for holding things together while Rev.Karen was out.
-Jessica for coordinating and overseeing the removal of the dead pine trees, and for running the live stream last Sunday.
-Rowena for recruiting greeters.
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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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