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, December 29th

10:00am - New Creation Lutheran Church

 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 Vestry

Look who came to visit! We are so happy to see Jessica, Matthew, and Alex!

We know how to get things done! Tablecloths all sorted and folded. We even found some treasure.

Canon Martha presided over the Christmas Eve service.

A few friends we haven't seen together in awhile. Such a lovely surprise!

More friends to visit with. Monica, Felice and two of their daughters. Sadly, Monica's grandmother passed two weeks ago at the age of 94.

If you missed the Bishop’s address at convention, you can watch or read using the following links: 

- English PDF: Available HERE

- English Video: Available HERE

- Spanish PDF: Available HERE

- Spanish Video: Available this afternoon on the Convention Webpage HERE

Sunday, December 29th:

Joint service with New Creation Lutheran church at their location. This service is "pajama Sunday". Of course, no one has to come in pajamas, but it's fun. There will be coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and lots of goodies after service. We look forward to having fun together. Since it is New Creation's lessons and carols, there will be lots of singing. 

Monday, January 6th:

Epiphany dinner starting at 5:30pm. We are asking for $5 per person. Children under 5 are free. 

Dear Clergy and Wardens of the Diocese of El Camino Real,

The Bishop of Western North Carolina, +Jose McLoughlin , has sent an update on the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. His communication is very limited at this time, so updates are infrequent.



Power is still out in many areas, especially the mountains in the western part of the diocese. It is anticipated that power will not be restored until Friday. Flooding is extensive, as he says, historic, and most of the effort is being put into search and rescue at this time. Roads and bridges are washed out, so it is very hard to get into the remote areas.

Bishops in the eastern part of the country are accumulating supplies to take into that area, but most of it will need to wait until access is granted. Meanwhile, the best course of action for those in our diocese who wish to be of assistance is to donate to Episcopal Relief and Development. ER-D works to give long-term support in areas affected by disaster: support.episcopalrelief.org/hurricane-relief.

Thank you all. Let us keep praying for the people in the southeastern part of our country.

Faithfully,

+Lucinda

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 in Times of Transition . . .

Assist us, Lord, in living hopefully into the future. In the face of change, help us to set unnecessary fears aside and to recognize our potential for creative response. Help us to develop a reasonable optimism when confronted by “the new” and to guard against our own defensiveness. Be with us as we remember and celebrate former times, and keep us from unreasonable yearning for them, which takes us from the work you have set before us in our time. All this we ask in the name of your Child, our Savior, Jesus Christ.



Amen.

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

Wednesday Book Group

Weekly Wednesday Bible Study

 11:00am, at St. John’s 

Meet the Disciples: A Five Part Bible Study

by John Birch

Most churchgoers will be able to name some of Jesus’ disciples, but far fewer can recall the name of all twelve, and in understanding the dynamics of that group of close followers, and how they went on to influence the spread of Jesus’ teaching in the world, it is useful to have in mind the bigger picture, even if we forget some of the detail. The journey that the disciples made with Jesus covered only a short period of time, possibly only three years, and that included teaching and intensive on-the-job training for what would be their future work.

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

All Services begin at 10:00am, unless otherwise noted.

• Sunday, December 29th, Joint service with New Creation Lutheran church at their location.
• Sunday, January 5th, Morning Prayer
• Sunday, January 12th, Holy Eucharist
• Sunday, January 19th, Morning Prayer

Kudos:

• Everyone who helped sort and fold tablecloths.

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.

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