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, January 14th

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,

“Because in the mystery of the Word made flesh, you have caused a new light to shine in our hearts, to give the knowledge of your glory in the face of your Song Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Do you recognize this? It’s the Proper Preface used for the season of Epiphany. Proper Preface? What’s that? Don’t worry if you aren’t familiar with the liturgical term. I know that I wasn’t the only one who didn’t know the term- though I admit, I was in a minority. I didn’t really know all that much about liturgy before going to seminary. 

A proper preface is simply a one (sometimes long) sentence inserted near the Eucharistic Prayer about why it is our right, duty, and joy to give thanks to God. It changes for different occasions and seasons. The one above is used throughout Epiphany. Read it again and you can see why.

Of course we give thanks to God, but naming a particular reason helps us to give thanks for something particular as we worship corporately. 

I’m a believer in learning new things at every age. I hope this is something new for you and if it isn’t, it might be a refresher. Feel free to ask me questions about our worship on Sunday or any day. I love worshiping with all of you!

Peace,

 Karen+

LET'S GO TO THE MOVIES!

January 23rd 

“A Case for Love” is a heartfelt yet personally challenging movie inspired by the teachings and writings of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, most well-known for his passionate sermon about “The Power of Love” at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.  This documentary examines whether or not love–specifically unselfish love–is the solution to the extreme societal and political divide facing the U.S.

The movie is playing at Century 20, Oakridge on January 23 only, showing at 4:00pm or 7:00pm.

Tickets for screenings are available at Fathom Events. 

Buy your tickets now before all the seats are taken. Rev. Karen is going to the 4pm show and would welcome some company.

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.

From the diocesan Social Justice Committee:

Prayers for Peace

As we see the death and destruction happening in Gaza and Ukraine, and so many other places in the world, our hearts break for the children, the families, the old people... all those who are losing lives and homes and loved ones. Let us bring our compassion and our concerns to God together. We would be delighted to have you join us.

The Social Justice Committee cordially invites you to participate in a brief online prayer service during lunchtime. The service will take place at 12:30 pm on the first and third Wednesday of each month throughout Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany. The first session was held on December 6, and there will be several more sessions on February 7, and 17.

Click the link to join: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82914293327?pwd=Zy9jY2lxd3ovNThEVmJrSGhyQXZsZz09

Meeting ID: 829 1429 3327

Passcode: 242297

   IT’S THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!

It is for good reason and it isn’t necessarily . . . for good reason. As the year comes to a close, it is the vestry’s responsibility to do the hard work of looking at the end of year finances and putting together a budget for 2024. We need all the information we can get to do this work and you can help! Two of the main things we need to know involve your intentions - whether you intend to fulfill your pledge for this year and whether you intend to make a pledge for 2024. Everyone’s situation is different. You might not know if you’ll be able to do either at this point. A yes, no, or I don’t know yet, would be helpful.  If any of this applies to you, please let Andy know.

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

Epiphany dinner

We had 55 people show up for the spaghetti dinner on Saturday. Dan the man’s meat sauce was a big hit! Now we know we don’t need a vegetarian sauce, just meat sauce.

Save the date!

Next Up:

Our next dinner will be the pancake supper. This takes place on Tuesday Feb 13^th aka “Fat Tuesday” St. John’s at 6:00pm.

Soup and supper for Lent:

This is a pot luck that will alternate with St. John’s on Wednesdays at 6:00pm.

Feb 21^th at St. John’s

Feb 28^th at St. Stephen’s

March 5^th at St. John’s

March13th at St. Stephen’s

March 20^th at St. John’s

Hope to see you there!

2024 ANNUAL MEETING

Jan 28th, Immediately following the 10:00 service.

Please plan to attend so that you can hear about what St. Stephen’s was up to in 2023.

The budget for 2024 will also be presented.

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, January 14th, Holy Eucharist, 10:00am
• Sunday, January 21st, Morning Prayer, 10:00am
• Sunday, January 28th, Holy Eucharist, 10:00am
• Sunday, February 4th, Morning Prayer, 10:00am

Poem from the Garden

Kudos:

• Everyone who helped put all the Christmas decorations away – pretty much everyone who was at the Morning Prayer service last week!
•  Janet and Dan, for making delicious spaghetti sauce, and all the set up, clean up, and cooking team which included lots of people! It was lots of fun!
• Rob for fixing the netting above the entrance 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