St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL April 8th, 2022
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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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10:00 AM Holy Eucharist
at St. Stephen's
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Dear friends,
For those of us with seasonal allergies, it’s become very evident that allergy season is upon us! The little nose tickles started a week or two ago. I’ve started my daily morning allergy defense routine and have taken two COVID tests for good measure. If you see me sneeze on Sunday, don’t worry. I will have taken a test before coming to church!
Two years ago we were preparing to experience Holy Week from our homes. I wrote about creating sacred spaces to watch the pre-recorded services. Last year, our first outdoor service at St. John’s was Palm Sunday. We gathered on the sidewalk in front of the church and processes through the lychgate to the labyrinth. The Easter service was in the St. Stephen’s parking lot. Holy Week will be different this year. It will feel a little more familiar. My hope is that you will be able to fully participate in all the services and experience the drama unfold. There’s a lot that happens between Jesus’ triumphant entry to Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and his resurrection on Easter Sunday! It’s all the hard stuff that can make us uncomfortable and yet, without it, there would be no Easter.
I have a love/hate relationship with Holy Week. I won’t deny that the number of services and planning that leads to it is challenging but it is also emotionally challenging for me. It’s the kind of week that I wouldn’t want to have to go through on my own. I am so grateful for having two church families to walk with. If COVID weren’t a thing, I’d invite us to join hands and walk through together – but the image will do just fine. I look forward to worshiping with you in this holiest of weeks ahead!
Blessings and peace,
Karen+
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Sunday, April 10th, 10:00am, at St. Stephen’s
Palm Sunday - Holy Eucharist
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Since we’re indoors, don’t forget your mask!
************NEWS FLASH!**********
St. Stephen’s church doors will be open every Sunday for worship. 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!
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April 10 - 10:00am at St Stephen's: Blessing of the Palms and Holy Eucharist
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Maundy Thursday April 14th
7:00pm at St John's Holy Eucharist, and Stripping of the Altar.
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April 15th - 12 noon at St John's:
Service and Communion from Reserved Sacrament
7:00pm: Sations of the Cross
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Saturday, April 16th
www.realepiscopal.org
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Easter Sunday April 17th
10:00am at St John's Holy Eucharist
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There will be a brunch after the service at St. John’s. Please bring something to share - side dish, main course, or dessert!
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From The Episcopal News Service
Please take a moment to read this pastoral letter from the House of Bishops on Ukraine
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Episcopal Relief & Development supports families in Ukraine.
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You can also make a donation to help families in Ukraine through Episcopal Relief and Development here or the picture above.
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April is Autism Awareness Month |
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Every week there will be a link to learn more about autism.
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(If you’d like to share a picture of someone you know who has autism, and you have their permission to do so, send it to Rev. Karen and she will include it.)
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Santa Maria needs pantry volunteers to box groceries between 9:00am and 11:30am on weekdays. It’s a gratifying way to make a big difference in the lives of others. Call Santa Maria Urban Ministry at 408-292-3314. You must be at least twelve years old to volunteer. |
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Bible Study
The Path; A Journey Through the Bible
Our next session will meet
Wednesday, April 13th
11:00am - in person at St. John’s.
7:00pm - via Zoom using the following link:
We will be discussing Chapter 19
Please join us!
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Spring Renewal 2022
Friday evening, April 29 & Saturday, April 30
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Spring Renewal is our new annual gathering for the Diocese of El Camino Real!
Spring Renewal is for worship, thanksgiving and celebration!
Spring Renewal is for shared learning and growth!
Spring Renewal is for everyone in our Diocese!
This year we'll gather on Zoom Friday evening (April 29) for a diocesan wide celebration to honor Canon Brian Nordwick's ministry. Then we'll reconvene on Saturday (April 30), again on Zoom, for an exploration of what the "new church" looks like and how our parishes find faithful ways and fresh vistas as we grow into its opportunities. The day's inspiring keynote speaker is the Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe, Bishop of the Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania.
Register NOW at:
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Support Community Garden Tool Fundraiser |
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For the next 4 days, donations of $1 to $50 are matched dollar for dollar. So $50 is $100 toward this fundraiser when the donor puts the code LIFTOFF in the giving page.
Of course, if you happen to have any of these tools gathering dust in your garage, used tools are welcome too!
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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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photo credit to Katy Dickinson
Last Friday, 23
women from over
a dozen countries
came to our campus
to volunteer in
the community
garden. They're part of
the U.S. State Dept's
TechWomen program,
giving back to the
community which
hosted them. See them
smile and shine in our
shared world's sunshine.
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“If you’ve met one individual with autism, you’ve met one individual with autism.”
-Stephen Shore
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Kudos to:
-All who are serving in the liturgies over Holy Week.
-Janet for making dinner for the vestry
-Jill for being Clerk of the Vestry.
-Altar Guild for preparing for Palm Sunday and the Season of Easter.
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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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