St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL June 4th, 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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From the Rector
Dear Friends,
Yesterday’s Lunch on the Lawn at St. John’s was fun. We had a wonderful time – eating, laughing, sharing pictures, and telling stories. From talking about the work being done in the church to the cost of a bottle of wine in Munich a few decades ago, we didn’t run out of things to talk about ! At one point, we talked about what we were doing at the time of the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989 and the lasting effects of that experience. Everyone had something to share, including those of us who were nowhere near California when it happened. The same event, with widely different experiences. It was eye opening!
Telling our own and listening to others’ stories about shared experiences is a great way to not only connect with other people, but also see beyond our own experiences.
Our faith stories - what church you went to (if any) when you were 10yrs old, why you’re an Episcopalian, why you believe in Jesus, when you first started to have doubts, what gifts you feel you’ve been given – things like that, can bring people closer together. And, they can help us see that God is at work everywhere, in everyone, in some way.
Try having a conversation with a friend about a shared experience this week. You could start with something like:
Have you ever wondered. . .
What were you doing when. . .
How many times have you. . .
The first time I ever. . .
Do you believe. . .
Then tell God about your experience!
Blessings and peace,
Karen+
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9:30am at St. John’s
All of our services are being held in person and outdoors. We will continue to alternate Sunday services between St. John’s and St. Stephen’s. Everyone from either St. Stephen’s and St. John’s – and VISITORS TOO of course - are welcome to attend all services. 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.
Click below for links to the service and bulletin.
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COFFEE HOUR
There is a Zoom Coffee Hour this Sunday at 11:00. Click on the link below.
You can also come to the service at St. John’s and then enjoy a socially distanced in-person coffee-less hour after the service!
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HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
In celebration of the LGBTQ community and Pride Month, we raised the Pride and Transgender flags in the Community Garden. Thanks to Jessica and all the gardeners!
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Congratulations to our Grads!
Blessings and prayers to all graduates of all ages, grades, and programs!
You've made it through a remarkable year!
May God give you courage, strength, and joy for all that comes next!
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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.
We are discussing chapters 6 & 7 this week.
Join the zoom meeting at 2:15:
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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.
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THE LABYRINTH IS COMING!
And the work continues . . .
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Poem from the Garden
When I planted the
purple Bollander's
Phacelia in
seed pots in my small
backyard nursery, I
did not know that the
flowers would
rise up in a cloud
not just violet
but lilac, periwinkle,
and white. The same seeds
in the same earth yield
such a heavenly
true diversity.
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The following quote is by The Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson was the first openly gay bishop consecrated in the Episcopal Church.
“You know, I think Jesus was famous and also in a lot of trouble because he always chose people over sort of established procedures.”
+Gene Robinson
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Kudos to:
-All the gardeners.
-Jessica for raising the Pride and Transgender flags in the garden for Pride month.
-Janet for baking communion bread.
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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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