St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL December 10th, 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: December 12th, 2021
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Dear Friends,
The wonder and hope of the season of Advent is something to relish as we wait for the coming of Christ. This week I thought I’d share this video that captures both. Enjoy!
Advent blessings and deep peace,
Karen+
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10:00 am indoors at St. Stephen’s
Since we’re indoors, don’t forget your mask. We continue to alternate Sunday services between St. John’s and St. Stephen’s. Future service dates are on our website: www.ssitf.org.
Click below for links to the service and bulletin.
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Lessons and Carols: Sunday, Dec. 19th at St. John’s – 9:30am
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Christmas Eve: Friday, Dec. 24th at St. Stephen’s – 4:30pm
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We will be blessing the pledges that have come in so far.
We have reached 48% of our goal. As you can see, we have a long way to go! If you haven’t yet sent in your pledge card or if you’d like to increase your pledge, this Sunday would be a great time to do it.
Your giving, no matter the amount, helps us do what God would have us do. Thank you for your generosity!
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There’s a lot of good stuff happening this Sunday and you can participate! Take a look: |
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Tidings of Comfort and Joy |
This holiday season we are joining with Los Paseos elementary school to help bring some joy to the families and students who need a helping hand. Please bring canned or dried food items to St. Stephen’s this Sunday 12/12 to be blessed before they are distributed to the families. This will help keep full tummies during the school break. Most of the students receive a brunch and lunch while in school which will be absent for 2 weeks while the school is closed.
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We are also collecting unwrapped toys/gift cards and blessing the fleece blankets we have made for families who have to choose between providing either shelter or food for their families. The school will distribute the food and toys.
If you need assistance with the shopping, elves are on standby to help.
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Share your crèche!
Every nativity scene is different and lovely to uphold. If you have a nativity scene, send in a picture of it to share. I didn’t get any pictures, but you can still send one in next week. Here’s another one of mine. I got it when I took a trip to the Holy Land. It was made in Israel with felted wool by adults with development disabilities.
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Bible Study
The Path; A Journey Through the Bible
11:00am - in person at St. John’s.
7:00pm - via Zoom using the following link:
We will be discussing Chapter 8 (12/15) Please join us – even if you haven’t attended previous sessions!
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Blanket Blessing
December 12, 2021
Next Sunday (12/12) we will be blessing the blankets that have been lovingly made and are ready to give away. Thank you Janet for coordinating this project!
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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
The second rains of
the season flittered
by yesterday, veils
of mist preceding
and following her,
gifting just enough
moisture to the soil
to make roots grow deep
and ease our digging.
We'll be taking out
the dying daisy
bushes, replacing them
with native plants before
the final rains fall.
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Food for thought:
“The Bible tells of flawed people – just like me – who make shockingly bad choices and yet still find themselves pursued by God.”
-Philip Yancey, Vanishing Grace
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Kudos to:
-Andy and Trig for attaching the first bench on our labyrinth.
-Janet for volunteering to find readers for our Sunday services. Please consider saying ‘YES’ to this ministry!
-Our vestry for creative imaginations and kindness to one another.
-Gregg, our treasurer, who presents clear finance reports for our vestry meetings.
-Gregg for creating a new QR code coming soon. It will provide quick access to our website for visitors who’d like to know more about St. Stephen’s.
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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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