St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL October 15th, 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: October 10th, 2021
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Dear Friends,
No longer ‘Mother of the Bride’, I have very happily become ‘Mother-in-law’ to my fantastic new son-in-law, Victor! It was a beautiful wedding and I thank you all for your prayers and well wishes.
After the wedding, I spent the better part of the week in New England and Pennsylvania and hoped to get a glimpse of the colorful show that was about to begin – but no such luck. The trees weren’t ready – or maybe it was the leaves that weren’t ready.
Walking through Valley Forge last Friday, I remembered a song by Carrie Newcomer called Leaves Don’t Drop (They Just Let Go). When it’s the right time, when the leaves are ready, they will change color and eventually let go - soaring where the wind takes them, or gently falling to the ground. But they have to be ready.
Change and transformation take time. Sometimes we hold on to what we think we need when what we really need, for the good of ourselves and others, is let go. What are you holding on to? I know I can name a few things of my own. May we learn to let go when the time is right and soar or gently float to where the breath of the Holy Spirit leads us.
Blessings and peace,
Karen+
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10:00am 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.
Click below for links to the service and bulletin.
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Coffee hour following the service. |
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In recognition of Indigenous People’s Day, Oct 11th:
Creator, you made all people of every land. It is our responsibility to give thanks and respect to those who first occupied this land we are upon. We give thanks to all the first people of this land. We offer our respect to those ancestors who may be interred in this land. We are also thankful for the gifts of the People of the land. Creator let us be of Good Mind to reconcile the mistreatment of this land and to those who have been displaced. With thankful and respectful hearts we pray in Your name, Your son the Peacemaker, and the Sacred Spirit. Amen
(Adapted from liturgy prepared by All Saint’s Church, Minneapolis, MN)
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O God, our refuge and strength,
our help in times of trouble.
Have mercy on the lands
damaged by fires.
Have mercy on the lands
where the weather has destroyed livelihoods. Protect those who evacuate houses, and strengthen those who rebuild hope so that entire communities may face the future without fear.
Amen.
(prayer from Episcopal Relief and Development)
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The Path; A Journey Through the Bible **Update**
Classes resume this Wednesday, Oct 20th.
11:00am - in person at St. John’s.
7:00pm - via Zoom using the following link:
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GOODWILL is coming to St. Stephen’s THIS SUNDAY! Oct 17th.
Bring your donations with you when you come to church Sunday Tell your friends and family! The more donations we have, the more money we will make. Please, no furniture, no pet beds or other accessories, and know chemicals, including cleaning supplies. Books make great donations because they weigh a lot. You still have two more days to get your things together.
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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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Poem from the Garden
Here's the instructions
I gave Calero
students on how to
pick the ripe masses
of grapes. Snip the base
of the bunches, right
into the tall take
out containers, and
make sure to leave room
for spiders, ants to
leave before eating,
fill to the brim and
eat joyfully as
soon as you come home.
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Food for thought:
“Everyone is navigating this season of life differently and that’s okay, so let’s remember to give each other grace.” -Steve Lawson
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Kudos to:
-The vestry for meeting Thursday night.
-Margo for leading the vestry meeting.
-The Calero students, Alex from St. John’s, and his friend for helping in the garden.
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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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