St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL September 25th, 2020
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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 Service: September 27th, 2020 |
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Holy Eucharist, Rite II at 10:00am online |
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From the Rector
Dear friends,
The death of Ruth Bader Ginsberg this week has been heavy on my heart. I watched the ceremony at her lying in state this morning and was once again reminded that I would not be where I am today, the rector of your church, without her quiet, yet resolute, voice upholding the rights women in our country. She has had a positive influence on my life.
Of course she is not the only person who’s life has tremendously impacted my own. The first and foremost person who has influenced me is Jesus. With him I have the example of how to live my life, the assurance of my belovedness in spite of my failings, and hope of new life in his resurrection.
There are many others, my mom being right up there with Jesus. Her strength and love carried me through good and bad times and she too set an excellent example for me that remains in my heart today.
Who has influenced your life in a positive way? How might their influence help you through these difficult days?
I’ve named three but allow me to mention two more. You, the people of St. John the Divine and St. Stephen’s in-the-Field continue to be a source of inspiration and formation. Thank you!
Deep peace,
Karen+
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Sunday Worship
***New update – links to the bulletin and coffee hour are below!***
A separate email with links will no longer be sent out Saturday evening.
(The links will be in your Friday journal and on the front page of our website: www.ssitf.org)
This week Rev. Karen will preside the Holy Eucharist at St. John’s and shared with St. Stephen’s The service will be posted on both our websites (www.ssitf.org and www.stjohndivinemorganhill.org) at 10:00am but is available any time after that.
I encourage you to set aside a special place, light a candle, and download the bulletin here as you prepare to worship.
Please send any special prayer requests and/or anniversaries and birthdays to Rev. Karen.
Join us for Coffee Hour at 11:00am on Zoom with this link.
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WEDNESDAY MORNING PRAYER GROUP
Weekly Wednesday prayer group at 11:00am.
This is an opportunity to offer our prayers of thanksgivings, for healing for ourselves and others, and anything else on our hearts. Even if you don’t have a computer, you can join the Zoom meeting with your phone.
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WEDNESDAY EVENING COMPLINE
Begins at 7pm
Compline, the last Office of the day. End your day with a beautiful and short liturgy. All are welcome and please feel free to share the link with friends!
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Keeping the conversations going . . .
Pastoral Conversation About Race Thursdays @ 4:30pm
The Revs Karen Cuffie and Jani Wild will lead pastoral conversations on racism. There will be a brief introduction to the focus of the session followed by a video, discussion, and prayers. Please join us, there is no better way to learn, process and share together than in a faith community. Come join us next week by clicking on the following Zoom link:
Meeting ID: 835 7594 8022
Password: 748467
One tap mobile
+16699006833,,83575948022#,,1#,748467# US (San Jose
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Thanks to last week’s liturgy assistants! |
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Your faithful giving. . .
We rely on you to keep us current in paying our bills. If you haven’t yet, please mail your pledge checks or any other donations to the church office, or you can use the ‘Donate’ button on our website and pay with a credit card. We certainly understand if you are experiencing financial hardship at this time. If you are able, we appreciate any small offering you might consider making. Your financial stewardship is greatly appreciated. Thank you very much!
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Santa Maria Urban Ministry is re-opening their clothes closet. St. Jude’s in Cupertino is collecting men’s. women’s, and children’s that have been laundered are are in good condition. You can drop off your donation at St. Jude’s between 10:00 and 11:30am.
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How to help those impacted by wildfires and COVID-19 |
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The Bishop’s COVID-19 Fund has been expanded in response to the needs of communities impacted by the River, Carmel, Dolan, and Lightning Complex fires in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Santa Clara counties. Gifts made to the "Bishop's COVID-19 and Disaster Relief Fund" will be distributed to those impacted by either the fires or by the COVID-19 virus, based on urgency of need.
To make a gift online, visit the “Donate” page at the diocesan website (click here) and choose "Bishop's COVID-19 and Disaster Relief Fund."
Or mail a check to:
Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real
PO Box 689
Salinas, CA 93902
Please state “Bishop’s COVID-19 and Disaster Relief Fund” in the memo area of checks. Thank you! Bishop Lucinda and diocesan staff are also working with Episcopal Relief & Development to secure financial assistance for those in need.
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Poem from the Garden
I taught a Zoom class
in caring for the
succulents we gave
to residents of
the tiny homes. My
video was on
so I could show folks
how to water and
repot plants; theirs were
off in order to
preserve their privacy.
One man asked if he
could grow plants that he
remembered from his
childhood, from growing
up in Mexico.
I said yes, and talked
about Sunset and
USDA zones.
What I meant to say
was: one of the best
things about plants is
they know nothing of
borders.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Pollination Project, we got 18 cubic yards of good-quality garden dirt delivered on Thursday. If you would like to come and help fill beds, or if you would like a bed for yourself, come on by at 9am on Saturday for some socially-distanced volunteering.
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Kudos to:
-Jessica for creating our pre-recorded service last week.
-All musicians who give of their gifts in our worship services.
-Jessica for coordinating work needing to be done for the garden.
-The Eswines for watching Olive while we recorded services last week
-Dan and Sherrie for delivering the Day by Day books to the office
-all who have given generously of their time, talent, and treasure – that’s YOU!
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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: 408-781-1826
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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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