St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church  FRIDAY JOURNAL January 14th, 2022

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.

Sunday: January 16th, 2022

10:00 AM Holy Eucharist at St. Stephen’s ‌

From the Rector

Dear friends,   Our Annual Meeting is this coming Sunday, 1/16, after the 10:00 service!  It’s important that you’re there either by Zoom or in-person.  It’s been a busy year and you’ll find out why if you come to the meeting! Scroll down for the link to the meeting.    You’ll also have a chance to pick up your STAR word for the year!  There’s a word just for you – just waiting to be chosen.  If you’d like me to pick up a star for you, please let me know through email.     I was surprised to find out that the STAR word I picked last Sunday at St. John’s is the same word I picked the last time we did this!  That definitely makes me wonder!  I don’t know what I’ll do if the STAR word I pick at St. Stephen’s this Sunday is the same – that would just be weird.  Or maybe God is shouting at me and I’m not listening very well!   I hope that the word you choose will give you many epiphanies throughout the year as you continue to grow spiritually.  May it be a blessing to you and all whose lives you touch!   I hope to see you Sunday Blessings and peace,   Karen+

Worship This Sunday:

Sunday, Jan 16th, 10:00am, indoors at St. Stephen’s Holy Eucharist LIVE STREAM WORSHIP SERVICE BULLETIN 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

SAVE THE DATE!

Our ANNUAL MEETING is THIS Sunday, Jan 16th, following the service at 11:15.  If you’re attending via Zoom, use this link: Annual Meeting Passcode: 982209 We will say good-bye (for now) to Andy and Margo who are rotating off the vestry this year, meet our newest vestry members, and announce the Sr. Warden for 2022.

Bible Study The Path; A Journey Through the Bible                                        Our next session will meet  Wednesday,  Jan. 19th 11:00am - in person at St. John’s.   7:00pm - via Zoom using the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88517396112 We will be discussing Chapter 11. Please join us!

Gift Card Orders St. Stephen's collected $180 in December from gift cards.  The next order will be placed this Sunday the 16th.

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.

Poem from the Garden We installed succulents this month, right out in front of the office. There are only a few spikes, so as to not jab any new visitors. But cacti have lessons for us too. In nature, you'll nearly always  find a barrel cactus next to a rock.  Because cacti need shade and  protection when they are babies;  that's why they die a lot  in xeriscaped yards, they really  don't like being exposed in the sun.  They get sunburnt and sick  without some filtered shade  like from a mesquite or palo verde.  Eventually, they get big enough  they don't need the protection,  but they're plants; they don't leave  where they're planted. So they  eventually curve over and hug  the rocks under them, providing  shade and shelter to the thing  which used to shade them.

Food for thought: In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, here are the lyrics to Dr. King’s most loved hymn. As he requested, the hymn was sung at his funeral by the late Mahalia Jackson.   “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” Lyrics & Music by Thomas A. Dorsey   Precious Lord, take my hand Lead me on, let me stand I'm tired, I’m weak, I’m lone Through the storm, through the night Lead me on to the light Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home When my way grows drear precious Lord linger near When my light is almost gone Hear my cry, hear my call Hold my hand lest I fall Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home When the darkness appears and the night draws near And the day is past and gone At the river I stand Guide my feet, hold my hand Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home Precious Lord, take my hand Lead me on, let me stand I'm tired, I’m weak, I’m lone Through the storm, through the night Lead me on to the light Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

Kudos to: -the Vestry for a fruitful meeting last night. -Jane for compiling the Annual Report

Contact Information for Rev. Karen. Please use this new number to contact Rev. Karen for calls or texts: (669)270-7479

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.

Contact information for Rev. Karen:  Email her at: revkaren@ssitf.org  Personal phone for emergencies or urgent matters: (669)270-7479

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 Visit our website

St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church 7269 Santa Teresa Blvd; San Jose, CA 95139

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