From the Rector

Dear friends, 

Last Sunday the Sr. Wardens of St. Stephen’s and St. John’s came up at announcement time and surprised me with two gifts – for Clergy Appreciation Week.  One was a beautiful orchid, and the other came in a gift back for opening later.  I had a quiet moment in my office after helping set up for the Harvest Festival and decided to open the gift. There was a thoughtful card and a shirt that made me laugh out loud.  I wore it to the dinner – it was a big hit!  Hal took this a picture (I’ve cropped it) that shows what’s written on the front:

 love flowers and I love humor and am touched that you know that about me.  Thank you!!  I’ve decided that there also needs to be a Parish Appreciation Week because I appreciate you too! Stay tuned . . .

Our vestry had their monthly meeting last night and lots of kudos were given to St. John’s and other guests for their generous help setting up and cleaning up at the Harvest Festival last Sunday.  We expressed how thankful and blessed we were to witness people from other churches and neighbors come together for fellowship and support.  Love was in the air!   

There were 48 people in attendance and we raised almost $6400! Thank you to all (and there were many) who participated, especially Janet and Jessica for their leadership in our 1st Annual Harvest Dinner Festival!

Peace,

Karen+

Worship This Sunday:

Sunday, Oct 16th, 10:00am – Holy Eucharist

 at St. John's

LIVE STREAM WORSHIP SERVICE

  BULLETIN

We continue to wear masks for our indoor services. 

  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!

Donations for Hurricane Ian relief 

If you would like to contribute funds directly to Episcopal Relief and Development for preparing and providing emergency funds for hurricane relief, click below:

https://support.episcopalrelief.org/hurricane-relief/

Centering Prayer Retreat

The Rev. Amber Sturgess is leading a Centering Prayer retreat at All Saint's Carmel, Nov. 11-13. This is a beautiful and rewarding opportunity to learn more about and practice Centering Prayer! For more information click on the flyer below. 

Centering Prayer Retreat

New Bible Study

Acts: Catching up with the Spirit 

We are doing a six-week study on the book of Acts with Biblical scholar, Matt Skinner.

Tuesday evenings via Zoom beginning Oct 4th at 7pm.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87517609914

Wednesday mornings at 11:00am, in person at St. John’s.

Books are available for purchase for $14 each.  Pick up your book at St. John’s after the service this Sunday or on weekdays (coordinate with Rev. Karen to arrange pick-up time.)

HAVING FUN AT OUR 

1ST ANNUAL HARVEST DINNER FESTIVAL

Dancing to the music!

Poem from the Garden

The Harvest Dinner

is this Sunday, with

jellies from the ripe

garden grapes and blue

corn centerpieces

from the shared garden

beds, freshly pruned white

sage, celestia,

salvia gracias

and low, slow growing

manzanitas

ringing the twinkle-

lit labyrinth. I

hope you come ready

to fill and be filled.

My very best,

Jessica

“Did I offer peace today?

Did I bring a smile to someone’s face?

Did I say words of healing?

Did I let go of my anger and resentment?

Did I forgive?

Did I love?

These are the real questions.”

-Henri Nouwen

Kudos to:

-All who helped and participated in the Harvest Festival last Sunday.  It was a spectacular event! 

-Janet and Jessica for having the vision for such an event and seeing it through. 

-The wisdom, humor, creativity, and faithfulness of our Vestry.