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St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
FRIDAY JOURNAL , January 26th, 2024
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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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Worship This Sunday:
Sunday, January 28th
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.
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Dear friends,
I’m glad I went to the movies last Tuesday afternoon. “A Case for Love” was, at the very least, inspiring and thought provoking – for me anyway. If you didn’t get to see it Tuesday, I’m guessing that there is a way to see it online. It’s worth watching. But even if you didn’t get to see it, there’s a 30-day challenge that anyone can do. The link to learn more is HERE, (it includes a template for a journal) but the basic challenge is this:
For each day of the next month, commit an intentional act of unselfish love.
Record each act in this journal.
Describe the act.
Describe how it impacted the recipient.
Describe how it impacted you.
At the end of the month, if this practice speaks to you, consider continuing it.
Describe the practice to someone else and gift them a journal so that they can begin this practice as well.
Imagine what the results of this practice could be if everyone in a church, school, neighborhood, city, state did it. I’m going to do it. I hope you’ll join me. Let’s see what happens together.
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2024 ANNUAL MEETING
This Sunday, 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.
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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
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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.
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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
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Next Up:
Our next dinner will be the pancake supper. This takes place on Tuesday Feb 13th (“Fat Tuesday”) at 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 21th at St. John’s
Feb 28th at St. Stephen’s
March 5th at St. John’s
March13th at St. Stephen’s
March 20th at St. John’s
Hope to see you there!
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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
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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!
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR
- Sunday, January 28th, Holy Eucharist, 10:00am
- Sunday, February 4th, Morning Prayer, 10:00am
- Sunday, February 11th, Holy Eucharist, 10:00am
- Sunday, February 18th, Morning Prayer, 10:00am
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Kudos:
- Andy for playing piano.
- Kristen for leading Morning Prayer on Jan. 21st
- The vestry for their contributions to the Annual Meeting Report.
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Contact Information for Rev. Karen.
Please use this new number to contact Rev. Karen for calls or texts:
408-781-1826
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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: | |
Email her at: revkaren@ssitf.org
For emergencies or urgent matters, call: 408-781-1826
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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
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St. Stephen's in-the-Field Episcopal Church
7269 Santa Teresa Blvd; San Jose, CA 95139
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