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, March 24th

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,

I miss you all, and yet I am comforted that I have been able to be in touch with many of you by phone calls, email, text, and Zoom calls. The vestry and I will continue to check in with you during these days of social distancing. 

  Holy Week is quickly approaching! There will be services on Palm Sunday, through the Triduum (those three days prior to Easter; Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday), and of course Easter Sunday. This time of preparation for Jesus' resurrection is an important part of our tradition and this year we have a unique opportunity to fully participate in all of them!

Details of each service are still being worked out, but the goal is for you to experience the fullness of Holy Week from home. As details are worked out, I will notify you and send a link to the bulletin. 

WAIT! WHAT?

That’s what I wrote in the newsletter in 2020. There were no in person services that year at all. What a strange and frightening time it was! Thanks be to God that we can physically be together to walk through the intensity of Holy Week, trying to grasp something so astounding and profound – things that make no sense, and yet are the story of who we are as Christians. Let’s be together for Holy Week. Let’s shout Hosanna, be shocked by the mob, remember the Last Supper, cry at the cross, and sing the “A” word on Easter Sunday – together! 

Blessings and peace in this Holy Lent, 

 Karen+

Come and join us during the lent season. 

We have a beautiful space to worship.

March 28, Maundy Thursday, 7:00pm – St. Stephen’s

March 29, Stations of the Cross, 12:00pm – St. John’s*

Good Friday Evening Service, 7:00pm – St. Stephen’s

March 31, Easter Sunday, 10:00am – St. John’s*

*(St. John’s is located at 17740 Peak Ave. in Morgan Hill)

UPCOMING EVENTS

With our Dancin' Shoes and BBQ fundraiser fast approaching we need to start working on raffle baskets. Here are some suggestions for basket themes:

·     Puzzles and games

·     Coffee

·     “May the 4^th be with you”

·     Wine

·     Baking

·     Chocolate

·     Picnic

·     Gardening

·     Bird basket

·     Italian

·     Car care

·     Taco basket

·     BBQ

These are just a few ideas. Let Janet know what theme you will be using for your basket!

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.

A prayer for peace in the Middle East.

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. Amen.

(by The Reverend Said Ailabouni Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Chicago, IL.) 

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

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

Holy Week:

• Maundy Thursday, March 28th, Holy Eucharist, 7:00pm
• Good Friday, March 29th, Stations of the Cross at St. John’s, 12:00pm
• Good Friday, March 29th, Holy Eucharist, 7:00pm
• Saturday, March 30th, Easter Vigil & Holy Eucharist at St. John’s, 8:30pm
• Easter Sunday, March 31st, Holy Eucharist at St. John’s, 10:00am

Kudos:

• Susan and Janet, for leading the vestry meeting last week.
• Jane for preparing all the bulletins for Holy Week.
• The Altar Guild (Janet and Susan) for all the extra work for Holy Week.

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