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, October 15th,

10:00am - Holy Eucharist

BULLETIN

LIVE STREAM

 St. Stephen’s has an in-person worship service every Sunday at 10am. We alternate between Morning Prayer and Holy Eucharist. We are not live-streaming Morning Prayer services at this time. All Holy Eucharist services are live streamed. Links to the bulletin and Youtube video are provided for all Holy Eucharist services.

From the Rector

Dear Friends,

Please take a moment to read Bishop Lucinda’s letter regarding the war between Hamas and Israel. There are links to how you can help, if you’re so inclined.

Dear Beloved of El Camino Real,

Probably like me, you have been horrified by the sudden attacks between Hamas and Israel that have left scores dead, destabilized a region and brought terror to an already fearful situation. The history of violence between Israel and Palestine is layered and complex, and we must acknowledge that there is a very real danger that this conflict could easily become a regional conflict and a much bigger war.

While many likely have well-researched information and firmly held opinions about this war, we know that as followers of Jesus, we must stand with the Prince of Peace and walk the Way of Love. This means that no matter our political opinions, we are called to tend to those affected by the violence —to those who are hungry, hurt, thirsty, and have no safe place to sleep. We are called to protect civilians and innocent people and stand where Jesus stood.

Our baptismal covenant calls us to respect the dignity of every human being, and that is our reminder that words and actions are both weapons that can be used to dehumanize people. As Christians, we know that all human life is sacred, and we cannot forget that all involved, all who suffer, all who die, are someone’s child, spouse, parent, or grandparent. As followers of Jesus, we believe it is wrong to use innocent people as human shields or to target civilians in any location.

Right now, many are asking, “How can we help?” The Diocese of Jerusalem, which is the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East serves five countries: Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. Archbishop Naoum and his staff are at the forefront of this conflict, with two of those five countries actively at war. This diocese works tirelessly to stand in the place of peace and to promote reconciliation. With the destruction, loss of life, and displaced peoples, they will be called upon, more than ever before, to provide for the basics of life.

Archbishop Naoum reported today that his staff is currently working to house displaced persons in Episcopal Schools in Ramallah, which will then become emergency shelters for refugees coming out of Gaza. can donate to this work through the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem AFEDJ.org. The need is current and will be ongoing, and Archbishop Naoum and his staff are the best equipped to identify those needs and move resources to places where aid needs to be provided.

Whatever prayer for peace you say or hold near your heart, I ask that these prayers be lifted and that the love of the Risen One guide our every word and action as we tend to a world in turmoil.

Faithfully,

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.



Pray for the people of Maui and the destruction and loss caused by the fires.

Donations for relief efforts in Maui and the Diocese of Hawaii can be made to:

https://www.episcopalrelief.org/what-you-can-do/give/donate-now/individual-donation/

https://www.episcopalhawaii.org/

https://www.episcopalhawaii.org/a-cup-of-cold-water.html

Join Education For Ministry - EfM

Please consider joining EfM! Education for Ministry (EfM) is a life-changing and unique college-level program in theological education based on small-group study and practice. Weekly seminars are designed to prepare lay persons to live out by word and deed the promises made at baptism: to love God, serve Christ, and proclaim the Gospel. EfM seminars take place online during the pandemic. 

More about EfM:https://theology.sewanee.edu/education-for-ministry/

If you are interested in joining EfM, please contact the ECR Diocesan Coordinator, Katy Dickinson: katy.dickinson@gmail.com

Wednesday Book Group

 Weekly Wednesday Bible Study

 11:00am, at St. John’s 

Learn about the Book of Revelation!

The last book of the Bible is more than a foretelling of doom. Come and explore what it's all about! Books are $20 ea. See Rev. Karen if you're interested.

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!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

• Sunday, October 15th, Holy Eucharist, 10:00am
• Sunday, October 22nd, Morning Prayer, 10:00am
• Sunday, October 29th, Holy Eucharist, 10:00am
• Sunday, November 5th, Morning Prayer, 10:00am

Poem from the Garden

Here are plants we grow

in our garden that

I saw or ate when 

I taught in Gaza:

prickly pears, yellow

daisies, tomatoes,

corn, figs, cauliflower,

beans, strawberries, and

more we don’t grow: tea,

hot and real, served by 

Dalia, she has a 

heavy pour of sweet, sweet

honey, filling glass

mugs, all shattered now. 

 — Jessica Dickinson Goodman 

“We all make error in our theology: you and me both. So my recommendation is to err on the side of love. Why? Because. . .God is not doctrine. God is not denomination. God is not war. God is not law. God is not hated. God is not hell. . .God is Love.”

                                                         -Brian Zahnd

Kudos:

-The vestry.

-The Calero students who come to work and learn on our campus.

-Jessica and all who’ve been working on the playroom in the back of the church. 

Contact Information for Rev. Karen.

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

408-781-1826

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.

Editor's Note  

Have an announcement?

Please send any announcements or articles you want to have included, to: kristenvdm@yahoo.com, by Thursday, 10am each week. 

Kristen van der Molen