St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL April 16th, 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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Holy Eucharist, Rite II at 10:00am
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From the Rector
Dear Friends,
When Mary Magdalene saw Jesus after his resurrection, she first unknowingly saw him a gardener. An ordinary person like herself. There were no sudden bright sunbeams (at least not that we know of) or celestial music coming from the clouds (at least not that we know of). We know that it is often in the ordinary that we see evidence of Jesus, alive in the world.
That happened to me this week and though it made for a stressful day, it was a delight to meet two people I’d never met before. An unexpected water pipe underground created a small pond at the base of our beloved oak tree at St. Stephen’s. This was not something that could wait. The man and his son that arrived that morning are the two people you see in the picture. Another photo to add to my “I have seen the Lord” folder!
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What was beautiful to me was not that they came so quickly (but I am grateful that he did), it was watching dad and son work together. The dad was teaching his son the apprentice. Throughout the process, from diagnosis to final repair, they worked together. He asked his son questions about what he was doing and why. His son was completely engaged, listening to every word.
Their relationship reminded me of what a great teacher Jesus was to his disciples. He would be handing all that teaching over to them eventually and he wanted them to understand as best they could, and . . .he loved them. So it is for us.
Easter blessings,
Karen+
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Worship Services Update **********************
All of our services will now be held in person and outdoors. They will also be live streamed so that if you are not physically at church, you can participate from home with the rest of the congregation gathered at the church.
We will continue alternating services, so this week’s service will be at St. Stephen’s at 10:00am. Click below for links to the service and bulletin.
All are welcome. There is no RSVP, but you will have to sign-in when you arrive. Bring your own chair or we will provide one. All protocols remain the same: we still need to keep 6ft apart, unless you are family, masks must be worn, and singing is not permitted.
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COFFEE HOUR
For the time being, Coffee Hour will be a Coffee-less Hour after the service. This is subject to change. As with everything else this year, we’ll try this arrangement out for a few weeks to see how it works out.
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Join Rev. Karen for lunch on the lawn on the 3rd Thursday every month from 11:30-12:30. Bring your lunch, catch-up with friends, questions, or just enjoy some time outside. Children are welcome!
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The Church Cracked Open; Disruption, Decline, and New Hope for Beloved Community by Stephanie Spellers, the Presiding Bishop’s Canon for Evangelism. The four week book discussion will begin May 30th. Time and place TBD.
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CHECK OUT OUR REFURBISHED SIGN!
Thanks to Jessica and Arike for repainting, and reviving our sign
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Poem from the Garden
median of the
parking lot, blooming
for now, fast to die
a reminder to
praise and love things while
they bloom, even new
things, things that may look
like weeds, but are not.
On Sunday, you can
admire each jewel-like
flower, each weedy
ephemeral friend.
The lapis blue flower in the garden is a Desert Bluebell, or Phaecelia Campanularia. Come by to see it before the Sunday service or on Saturday from 9am - 12pm for the weekly garden work party.
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"Resurrection means the worst thing is never
the last thing."
Frederick Buechner.
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Kudos to:
-The Re-entry team (Margo, Andy, Dot, Rob, and Jessica) for all the work to set up for our services
-Jessica and Arike for painting the St. Stephen’s sign.
-Trig Thorsrud for fixing the lock on the office door.
-The Labyrinth Guild for continued work on the Labyrinth project. Things are moving along!
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New 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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