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.

Worship This Sunday:

Sunday, August 6th, 10:00am - Holy Eucharist at St. John's

LIVE STREAM WORSHIP SERVICE

BULLETIN

 St. Stephen’s church doors will be open every Sunday for worship. In-person services will continue to alternate with St. John’s but the live-stream from services at St. John’s will be projected at St. Stephen’s. Come to St. Stephen’s every Sunday!

From the Rector

Dear Friends,

I was at a friend’s house this week. We were gazing out at the beautiful view from her living room windows and gave thanks to God for the beauty of the earth. That then led to more talk about the ‘bigness’ of God and the mystery and awesomeness of God. Our conversation very naturally led us to acknowledging God’s amazing love.

It was the view, in the midst of very challenging times, that helped us see something more. Sometimes referred to as a ‘balcony view’, looking out and down from above can do wonders for seeing things in a new or different way. A balcony view can shift our perspective when we’re stuck in the details of something that is weighing us down – like not being able to see the forest for the trees. It can help us solve problems. It can help us see that we’re not alone. It can give us a sense of what matters most. It doesn’t change what is happening in the moment, but it can help us gain new insight we wouldn’t or couldn’t have otherwise. 

I can imagine that God has the ultimate balcony view and that God is always inviting us to the balcony. Will you join me in taking God up on that offer this week? I hear the view can be quite beautiful!

Blessings,

Karen+

COFFEE HOUR SIGN-UP SHEET

Diocesan Newsletter

Read about what’s going on in the diocese!  Click below to subscribe to the diocesan newsletter that is emailed every two weeks.

Summer Picnic at St. John’s

St. John’s is having a picnic under the oak tree on Aug 13th immediately following the service. As always, everyone from St. Stephen’s is invited and encouraged to come!  More information to come.

Wednesday Book Group

Every Wednesday, 11:00am, St. John’s. 

You can join us at any time.

We are reading and discussing “A Rabbi Talks With Jesus” by Jacob Neusner.  

Updates and opportunities!

We have space available to rent.  If you know of any non-profit agencies or schools that need a space, let them know that St. Stephen’s has space. 

While it’s nice to have the flexibility to use the space ourselves, we need the income and so hope to find a new renter. 

Our church, parish hall, and our beautiful grounds, including the labyrinth are all great venues like for a variety of special events like receptions, birthday parties, quinceaneras, etc. Please encourage friends to consider St. Stephen’s as a venue for their special event!  

To reserve a space or ask question, contact the office, office@ssitf.org or click on the link on our website https://www.ssitf.org/facility-rentals. 

Spread the word and pray for St. Stephen’s!

Contribute to disaster relief efforts for the devastation caused by the earthquake in Turkey-Syria by donating to:

Episcopal Relief and Development at 

https://support.episcopalrelief.org/syria-turkey-earthquake?_gl=1*1ybrxoe*_ga*MTE0NzA0NjQ1OS4xNjYzNzA5NTM4*_ga_5J3W6B8WL4*MTY3NTk3NjYzMi42LjAuMTY3NTk3NjYzMi4wLjAuMA  

Archbishop’s Earthquake Donation Relief Fund at https://afedj.org/give/give-online/

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

• Aug 6 Holy Eucharist – St. John’s
• Aug 13 Holy Eucharist – St. John’s, Church Picnic following the service. All are welcome! 
• August 20 Holy Eucharist - St. Stephen's
• August 27 Holy Eucharist - St. John's

Poem from the Garden

Aer and I picked sweet

and sour blackberries, 

popping them on our 

tongues and staining our 

hands red. They fed 

little berries one at

a time to Alex, 

perched on my back and 

baby birding for

more. He smeared one in

his hand down his pants,

grinning in triumph

This is high summer

to me, eating our fill. 

— Jessica Dickinson Goodman 

“Laughter is carbonated holiness.”

-Anne Lamott

Kudos:

- Kristen van der Molen, the new editor of our Friday newsletter

-Catherine for working in the garden and on our grounds.

-Our lectors who read the lessons on Sunday.

-Andy and Jim for removing the extra filing cabinet in the office.

Contact Information for Rev. Karen.

Please use this new number to contact Rev. Karen for calls or texts:

408-781-1826