St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL July 2nd, 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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From the Rector
Dear Friends,
Grocery stores stock up the front of their stores with the most relevant event/holiday of the day. Right now it’s everything that makes for a grand Fourth of July celebration: pre-packaged S’more kits, chips and dip, hot dog and hamburger buns, condiments, sodas, and even coolers. The excitement over the upcoming gathering is particularly celebratory this year and t’s not because it’s a centennial year.
What were you doing last year at this time? How were you celebrating? Do you even remember? Displaying flags or hanging red, white, and blue buntings were the safest things to do. You might have had a cook-out in your backyard with the people who live in your house, but if you’re used to a large gathering of friends and neighbors and community fireworks, last year was different.
Whatever you are doing, I hope that you will take a moment to reflect on last year – how different it was. However you celebrated, it was under a cloud of tragedy from a pandemic that inflicted damage beyond our imaginations. In light of the past, pause and give thanks to God for the laughter, touch, abundance, and blessings bestowed on you this year – so very different from last.
Blessings and peace,
Karen+
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****Notice change in service time!****
9:00am at St. John’s
Our service time has changed for this Sunday because of the holiday. The 4th of July Parade in Morgan Hill is a long standing tradition that goes back decades and it starts at 10:00am. The church is very close to the parade route and traffic flow will be affected.
Beginning next we will resume alternating Sunday services between St. John’s and St. Stephen’s. Our service next week will be inside the church. Everyone from both St. Stephen’s and St. John’s – and VISITORS TOO of course - are 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.
Click below for links to the service and bulletin.
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Happy and Safe Fourth of July!
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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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THE LABYRINTH IS COMING!
The stencil is in which means we’re moving along! Thanks to the Labyrinth Guild!
Stay tuned for more pictures. . .
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Poem from the Garden
The mud swallows
who nested high above
the church door
are green-shouldered
and swooping above
the hot pavement
this week; my biologist
friend Rachael would say:
"They are learning to be
professional birds," and
so they are, their birth
profession is eating, and flying and song
and they practice with joy all the day long.
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Food for thought:
“True patriotism springs from a belief in the dignity of the individual, freedom and equality not only for Americans but for all people on earth, universal brotherhood and good will, and a constant striving toward the principles and ideals on which this country was founded.”
-Eleanor Roosevelt
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Kudos to:
-Jessica for safely disposing all the hazardous materials in the shed.
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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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