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.

Worship This Sunday:

Sunday, February 18th

10:00am - Morning Prayer

BULLETIN

 St. Stephen’s has an in-person worship service every Sunday at 10am. We alternate between Morning Prayer and Holy Eucharist. We are not live-streaming Morning Prayer services at this time. All Holy Eucharist services are live streamed. Links to the bulletin and YouTube video are provided for all Holy Eucharist services.

From the Rector

Dear friends,

“Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

The words that are said as ashes are imposed on our foreheads on Ash Wednesday are a reminder of our mortality. These next forty days make up the penitential season of Lent – of fasting and prayer.  We don’t tend to think of Lent as a celebration, but there is a hymn for Lent in our Episcopal Hymnal that mentions celebrating these forty days with ‘songs of praise’. It’s one of my favorite hymns (Hymn #143) for Lent. You can listen to it here (pardon the add that pops up first):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6R5to0jOta4

In her reflection on the hymn, Mary C. Earl wrote, “This hymn reminds us of the gifts to be found in the way of Lent. We become a pilgrim people, walking together through fasting and praying. We remember together the great stories of Scripture – Moses, Daniel, and Jesus each knowing their need and their weakness. We recall that the wilderness is the scriptural place of presence. The hymn, as it sings in us, brings us to adoration.”

As we open our hearts to grow closer to God, may we also celebrate the love of God with songs of praise. 

Peace,

 Karen+

Come and join us during the lent season. 

We have a beautiful space to worship.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Soup and supper for Lent:

This is a pot luck that will alternate with St. John’s on Wednesdays at 6:00pm.

Feb 21^th at St. John’s

Feb 28^th at St. Stephen’s

March 5^th at St. John’s

March13th at St. Stephen’s

March 20^th at St. John’s

Hope to see you there!

A fun time was had by all at the pancake supper at St John’s. Thanks to Hal and Chris for cooking.

COFFEE HOUR SIGN-UP SHEET

Diocesan Newsletter



Read about what’s going on in the diocese! Click below to subscribe to the diocesan newsletter that is emailed every two weeks.

From the diocesan Social Justice Committee:

Prayers for Peace

As we see the death and destruction happening in Gaza and Ukraine, and so many other places in the world, our hearts break for the children, the families, the old people... all those who are losing lives and homes and loved ones. Let us bring our compassion and our concerns to God together. We would be delighted to have you join us.

The Social Justice Committee cordially invites you to participate in a brief online prayer service during lunchtime. The service will take place at 12:30 pm on the first and third Wednesday of each month throughout Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. The first session was held on December 6, and there will be several more sessions on February 17.

Click the link to join: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82914293327?pwd=Zy9jY2lxd3ovNThEVmJrSGhyQXZsZz09

Meeting ID: 829 1429 3327

Passcode: 242297

   IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!

It is for good reason and it isn’t necessarily . . . for good reason. As the year comes to a close, it is the vestry’s responsibility to do the hard work of looking at the end of year finances and putting together a budget for 2024. We need all the information we can get to do this work and you can help! Two of the main things we need to know involve your intentions - whether you intend to fulfill your pledge for this year and whether you intend to make a pledge for 2024. Everyone’s situation is different. You might not know if you’ll be able to do either at this point. A yes, no, or I don’t know yet, would be helpful.  If any of this applies to you, please let Andy know.

You can help . . .

If you are interested in making donations to help with the relief efforts in Israel/Palestine, here are the links that were included in Bishop Lucinda's letter:

https://j-diocese.org/wordpress/

https://realepiscopal.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=99ebbaf4cee8d012c9edafe60&id=d91c439a3d&e=bcc1702497

Pray for the people of Maui and the destruction and loss caused by the fires.

Donations for relief efforts in Maui and the Diocese of Hawaii can be made to:

https://www.episcopalrelief.org/what-you-can-do/give/donate-now/individual-donation/

https://www.episcopalhawaii.org/

https://www.episcopalhawaii.org/a-cup-of-cold-water.html

Join Education For Ministry - EfM

Please consider joining EfM! Education for Ministry (EfM) is a life-changing and unique college-level program in theological education based on small-group study and practice. Weekly seminars are designed to prepare lay persons to live out by word and deed the promises made at baptism: to love God, serve Christ, and proclaim the Gospel. EfM seminars take place online during the pandemic. 

More about EfM:https://theology.sewanee.edu/education-for-ministry/

If you are interested in joining EfM, please contact the ECR Diocesan Coordinator, Katy Dickinson: katy.dickinson@gmail.com

Wednesday Book Group

Weekly Wednesday Bible Study

 11:00am, at St. John’s 

Learn about the Book of Revelation!

The last book of the Bible is more than a foretelling of doom. Come and explore what it's all about! Books are $20 ea. See Rev. Karen if you're interested.

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!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

• Sunday, February 18th, Morning Prayer, 10:00am
• Sunday, February 25th, Holy Eucharist, 10:00am
• Sunday, March 3rd, Morning Prayer, 10:00am
• Sunday, March 10th, Holy Eucharist, 10:00am

Kudos:

• Susan for painting the beautiful new banners for Lent! 
• Rob and Kristen for bringing donuts to coffee hour last Sunday.
• Jessica and Rob for cutting down the tree branch that was hanging over the roof in the play yard.

Contact Information for Rev. Karen.

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

408-781-1826

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.

Editor's Note  

Have an announcement?

Please send any announcements or articles you want to have included, to: kristenvdm@yahoo.com, by Thursday, 10am each week. 

Kristen van der Molen