From the Rector

Dear friends, 

I am deeply grateful to be part of an interfaith community grounded in respect and love.  I am also grateful to live in a country where all people are afforded the freedom of religion – whatever their faith tradition.  Sadly, it’s not necessarily safe to openly practice one’s religious beliefs.  The rise of antisemitism in our country and around the world is alarming.  We can, and must, as Christians, reject and speak out against anti-semitism and stand in solidarity with our Jewish Community. Rabbi Faith Joy Dantowitz from Congregation Emeth in Morgan Hill shared some links that I strongly encourage you to read and watch.  But before you do, read these words from the Lutheran pastor Rev. Martin Neimoller, written after WW II, reflecting on his own complicity during the Holocaust:

“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out, because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out, because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out, because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me - - - and there was no one left to speak for me.”

Listen here to an interview with Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, Senior Rabbi of Central Synagogue in NYC from 10/26/22.

Read this article, “Skin in the Game” by Civil Rights activist Eric Ward. There’s a link in the article to learn more about Eric Ward as well. 

Let’s us pray for peace in this time.

Advent blessings,

 Karen+

Worship This Sunday:

Sunday, Dec 11th, 10:00am – Holy Eucharist

 at St. John'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!

2023 Pledge Campaign

  Our Annual Pledge Campaign isn’t over and your support is vital.  Our theme this year is ‘More Than Enough’. Based on the story of Jesus feeding a crowd of 5000 with a scant two fish and 5 loaves of bread.  It’s amazing what we can do as a church with the resources we have. Anything you give is helpful

Once again, the Vestry is asking that you please prayerfully consider what you can pledge this year.  Your commitment is how we prepare a budget for next year, which impacts our ministry of worship and mission.  If you have any questions, please contact our Treasurer, Andy Lief.

A message from Jessica. . .

&

A message from Susan. . .

Mark your Calendars

Friday 12/9, 7:15pm - Advent Labyrinth walk at the St. Stephen’s.

Sunday 12/18, 10am – Lessons and Carols at St. Stephen’s.

Saturday, 12/24, 4pm – Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at St. John’s.

Sunday, 12/5, 8:30am – Christmas Day, spoken Eucharist.

Friday, 1/6, TBD – Epiphany Dinner at St. Stephen’s.

Bible Study

Acts: Catching up with the Spirit 

We are doing a six-week study on the book of Acts with Biblical scholar, Matt Skinner.

Tuesday evenings via Zoom at 7pm.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87517609914

Wednesday mornings at 11:00am, in person at St. John’s.

Volunteers Needed!

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. 

Poem from the Garden

This weekend we'll be

whacking, chopping, and

otherwise killing

oleander. It's

a common plant on

our highways and our

byways, but every

part of it -- leaves and

flowers, branches and

stems, roots and pollen --

are poisonous. Not

what we want on our

campus. Come help out!

“It really boils down to this: that all life in interrelated. We are all caught in a network of inescapable mutuality, tied into a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. We are made to live together because of the interrelated structure of reality.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Kudos to:

-All who purchased gift cards to support SMUM

-Susan and Janet for getting our worship space ready for Advent. 

-To all who were able to bring or send in your pledge cards – thank you for your generosity!