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, April 21st

10:00am - Morning Prayer

BULLETIN

 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,

We’re just a little past the 4^th year anniversary of the COVID-19 ‘lock-down’ in Santa Clara County. Mar 16^th, 2020 might not be a date you remember off the top of your head, but it is certainly a date that impacted everyone’s life in some way. I thought I’d share what I wrote at the beginning of my note in the Friday Journal that week:

What a time we find ourselves! We've always said we need to be the church outside our walls and so, here we are, outside the walls and yet I never expected this. I never imagined this. What is vital right now, in addition to all the precautions and shelter in place order, is to stay connected, to remember that we are the body of Christ wherever we are, and to remember that God is with us.

At that time, we were recording services a day or two early so that they could be uploaded and posted on our website by Sunday. Deacon Robin and the Eswines were still with us. We had different people (old and new members) recording themselves reading the lessons and then sending us the recording. Music was pre- recorded and sent in. Jessica pieced together the entire service and posted it on our website!

And that was only for the services! There was much more that we had to learn to adjust to as the restrictions changed. 

The lock-down and everything following had an impact on everyone in some way. I encourage you to reflect on those times and how they impacted you. How did you connect with others at St. Stephen’s and how do you connect today? 

Easter blessings and peace, 

 Karen+

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.

MAY 17-18

Spring Renewal is an annual Diocesan event that is open for everyone!

Read more about it and to register, click the link below.

https://www.realepiscopal.org/blog/spring-renewal-2024/?occurrence=568

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

• Sunday, April 28th, Morning Prayer, 10:00am
• Saturday, May 4th, BBQ Fundraiser, 5:00-8:00pm
• Sunday, May 5th, Holy Eucharist, 10:00am
• Sunday, May 12th, Morning Prayer, 10:00am
• Sunday, May 19th, Holy Eucharist, 10:00am
• Sunday, May 26th, Morning Prayer, 10:00am

Kudos:

• Rob for leading Morning Prayer this past Sunday.
• Rob and Andy for clearing the roof drains.
• Jessica for leading the Growing Gardens Native Tour.
• Wanda for bringing delicious strawberries for everyone to enjoy!

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