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 27th,

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 ,

How would you describe All Saints' Day to a friend or acquaintance that doesn't know anything about it? 

I love this description from The Episcopal Church: 

We step aside from the flow of the propers and celebrate all the saints. We stop. We notice, We are surrounded by a flock of witnesses in our midst – many who have gone before us, some we are just now releasing, and still more with a full life ahead of them.

We will celebrate All Saint's Day this Sunday and will read from the necrology - the list of those we love but see no longer. You are invited to bring a picture or small memorabilia from someone you'd like to remember and place it on the table on the left side of the church, near the tree banner.

Who will you remember this Sunday? I will be thinking about many folks, including Jillian, as so many of you will too. I do plan to leave a little something on the back table. I hope you will too!

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.

Our Stewardship Campaign theme this year is “Rooted in Abundance”. You’ll be hearing more about that in the days to come. For now, here’s a reflection question worth your pondering:

Imagine you have a fruit tree in your garden or yard.

Assuming you don’t keep all the fruit for yourself, how would you handle an abundance of fruit?

Within the metaphor of stewardship, would you give away the best fruit, picked fresh? The fruit that falls to the ground but is still good? Or the leftovers after you have picked what you wanted?

A Prayer for Peace

God of mercy and compassion,

of grace and reconciliation,

pour your power upon all your children in the Middle East:

Jews, Muslims and Christians,

Palestinians and Israelis.

Let hatred be turned into love, fear to trust, despair to hope,

oppression to freedom, occupation to liberation,

that violent encounters may be replaced by loving embraces,

and peace and justice could be experienced by all.

- Reverend Said

You can help . . .

If you are interested in making donations to help with the relief efforts in Israel/Palestine, here are the links that were included in Bishop Lucinda's letter:

https://j-diocese.org/wordpress/

https://realepiscopal.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=99ebbaf4cee8d012c9edafe60&id=d91c439a3d&e=bcc1702497



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

NO BIBLE STUDY WEEK OF 11/1

 

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 29th, Holy Eucharist, 10:00am
• Sunday, November 5th, Morning Prayer, 10:00am
• Sunday, November 12th, Holy Eucharist, 10:00am
• Sunday, November 19th, Morning Prayer, 10:00a,

Poem from the Garden

In lieu of a poem this week I’d like to share one of the prayers one of my mentee in Gaza posted on Facebook earlier in the month. I thought it was really poignant. The Arabic is first and then the Facebook automatic translation is below.

يا رب انهم اطفالي و قطع روحي،

و انا لست بأحن منك بهم يا الله

استودعنا الله ازواجنا و ذرياتنا و اهلينا و انفسنا،

رحماك رحماك يا الله خارت قوانا يا الله و أنت لها يا الله



Lord they are my children and the pieces of my soul,

And I'm not weaker than you for them, O Allah

God has entrusted our spouses, children, families and ourselves.

Your mercy, your mercy, O God, she chose our powers, O God, and you are for her, O God

–Esraa M. Yazen, October 13, 2023

"We look forward to the time when

the Power of Love will replace the Love of Power.

Then will our world know the blessings of peace."

                                 -William Gladstone

Kudos:

-Suzanne for playing piano for our services.

-Jill for recording our services.

-Andy for the pumpkin coffee hour.

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