St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL May 7th, 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 9:30am
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From the Rector
Dear Friends,
I think I might have mentioned in the past that I have this practice of writing in my journal/planner every night and every morning. At night, I spend a few minutes reflecting on the day and then turn the page to prepare for the next day.
Then in the morning, with a cup of coffee on the table in front of me, I look at what the plan is for the day – tweaking if necessary. At the bottom of the page is a place to write what I am thankful for. I usually write something like, family, friends, a day off – things like that.
I was recently looking back over the months and noticed that what came up most often was “Having all that I need.” (which includes family and friends!)
Getting the day started with gratitude is helpful to me. Maybe that’s something you’d like to try this week. Before you get your day going, think of something you’re grateful for – write it down or say it out loud with your cup of coffee in the morning.
You can even turn it into a prayer by simply adding, “Thank you God.”
In case you can’t think of anything (unlikely, I know) here’s a lovely thought by Maya Angelou to get your day going:
“This is a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before.”
Add “thank you God” and you’ve started your day with a prayer. How wonderful is that?
I thank God for all of you!
Easter blessings,
Karen+
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Worship Services Update **********************
All of our services will now be held in person and outdoors. Anyone, from both St. Stephen’s and St. John’s is welcome to attend any service. 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. John’s at 9:30am. Click below for links to the service and bulletin.
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IF IT RAINS . . .PLAN B:
In the off chance that it rains, a notice will go out Saturday via email to let you know about any change of plans. So please check your email!
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COFFEE HOUR
There will be no Zoom Coffee Hour this Sunday. Come to the service at St. John’s and enjoy a distanced coffee-less hour after the service!
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Join Rev. Karen for lunch on the lawn on the 3rd Thursday every month from 11:30-12:30. This month it is on May 20th. 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 12th at 2:15 via Zoom:
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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
A neighbor came to
ask if he could cut
some of our grape leaves
to cook his food with.
I don't know if he
is cooking dolmas
or warak enab,
or a dish I have
never tried. But he
wanted the leaves that
struggle in the oaks'
shade, not the thriving,
towering ones, and that
he smiled as he worked.
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When you talk, you’re only repeating what you already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new.
-Dalai Lama
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Kudos to:
-Andy, Janet, Susan, and Robin for working on the Labyrinth Project
-Gardening Team
-Rob for learning how to play the music on Sundays
-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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