St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL August 20th, 2021
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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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Sunday: August 22nd, 2021
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Dear Friends,
“I didn’t know . . .”
“I had no idea. . .”
“I learned something new today.”
These phrases have come up frequently this week. From First Nation people in California, to the importance of the difference in three hole punches, I’ve learned many things in these last few days, much of it because of listening to stories.
For some reason, this week I’ve become acutely aware of how much I don’t know, and how much I have yet to learn or discover.
I’ve thought about that in a more spiritual context too. God teaches me new things all the time, if I think about it, or if I take time to ask questions like, “Where is God in all this?” or “What might God be telling/teaching me?” “How might Jesus react in my situation?” I think that we learn a lot about God and ourselves through other people’s stories – in scripture and in relationships today.
I believe in the sentiment “you’re never too old to learn” and am grateful for the surprises that teach me new things. Most of my kids are coming out to CA to spend some good family time together before my daughter’s wedding in October. Mimi (that’s me) and Penny (my granddaughter) are having a sleepover next week and I can’t wait. I’m sure that little 4yr old will have lots to teach me! I will also be asking and listening for what God might be teaching me. I’ll let you know what I learned next Friday.
In the meantime, I hope you will hear God teaching you something new this week!
Blessings and peace,
Karen+
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10:00 am indoors at St. Stephen’s
Our service will be indoors, with masks. We continue to alternate Sunday services between St. John’s and St. Stephen’s.
Everyone is welcome to attend all services!
They will also be live streamed so that if you are not physically at church, you can participate from home with the rest of the congregation gathered at the church.
This Sunday we happy to welcome
The Rev. Mary Blessing who will be preaching and presiding!
(Be sure to keep your eyes and ears open,
you might learn something new!)
Click below for links to the service and bulletin.
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COFFEE HOUR
After the service. Bring goodies
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SANTA MARIA URBAN MINISTRY BACKPACK/SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE |
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Janet Thorsrud is coordinating a donation of Target gift cards to support the SMUM Backpack/School Supply drive. If you are interested in purchasing Target gift cards for SMUM, please email Janet Thorsrud ASAP (thorsrud@sbcglobal.net)
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The Episcopal Church Women’s Mary Lou Thompson Retreat will be held August 27-28, 2021.
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This year’s theme is “Moving Forward: The Path of Love.”
The St. Francis Retreat Center in lovely San Juan Bautista is a beautiful location. This is a peaceful place to process our concerns in the light of our Christian Faith. We will gain insights into how we wish to proceed in the coming months as we transition into 2022. All are welcome to attend, family, friends, and fellow parishioners who are seeking a deeper experience of healing and renewal.
The costs for this 24-hour retreat (includes overnight accommodations and three meals) will be $180, shared room; $220, single room, and $110, commuter. Partial scholarships are available. More details to follow.
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Cardboard needed!
Please bring in all that cardboard you know you’ve been wanting to get rid of! The landscapers (Jessica & Co.) need it for weed control on the embankment.
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It’s done!! Our gratitude is too deep for words for the Labyrinth Guild who, with their collaborative, and strenuous work, have finished the labyrinth! The taking down of the yellow caution ribbon and stakes was not the celebration I dreamed about, but it was a joyful, even emotional moment. When asked what they learned they said they never expected it to take so long. They learned that creating a labyrinth is much more complicated than it looks, that it requires blood, sweat, and tears, and that the joy of seeing it finished is priceless. Come to church Sunday and see it, walk it, reminisce about Edy, and give thanks! |
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The Path; A Journey Through the Bible
We will be studying the Bible from Genesis to Revelation one chapter at a time. This is your opportunity to learn more, dig deeper into scripture, and understand how the stories all tie together to tell the overarching story of God’s love for God’s people.
Classes will meet weekly on and Wed at 11:00am and an evening zoom meeting at 7pm. The class will begin Sept 15th if books come in. The price of the book is discounted based on how many books are purchased. The will not be more than $15.00. Please contact Rev. Karen via email if you if you are interested in taking this course or if you have questions.
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Poem from the Garden
I was standing hip
deep in the compost,
pitchfork in hand, when
there was a sound like
tearing paper, a
whipping, whirring sound,
and I turned to see
a raptor swooping
under the line of
oaks and silk trees, fast,
flying, trying to
escape some tiny
birds chasing them out,
away from their nest.
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Food for thought:
“You rarely have time for everything you want in this life, so you need to make choices. And hopefully your choices can come from a deep sense of who you are.“
-Fred Rogers
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Kudos to:
-Susan, Robin, and Janet for completing the final steps in the labyrinth project – it’s done
-Andy and Gregg for signing checks.
-Jill for taking care of the live stream this Sunday in my absence.
-Trig and Janet for taking pictures and measurements of preschool furniture to give away.
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New 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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