St Stephen's in-the-Field

The work of Christmas...

If you have a crèche at home, take a picture and post it for your friends at St. Stephen’s!

I believe that gratitude keeps us loving and resilient. I hope we will pause, enjoy, and give thanks--yes, even for 2020.I believe that gratitude keeps us loving and resilient. I hope we will pause, enjoy, and give thanks--yes, even for 2020.

Welcome to St. Stephen’s!

Thanks Jessica!

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A prayer for today ~ from DJ This is a prayer written by Sadee Whip, not Deacon Joanna Depue. Ponder upon it and offer to God prayer on behalf of all that is be...ing engulfed in flames and left for ash on the west coast of the USA. +++++++++++ Do not forget that the ashes falling from the sky are all that remains of the pine and grass and thistle, they are also someone's loved ones, cherished belongings, irreplaceable items, beloved animals, wild animals, bears, coyotes, deer, and mice & so many other creatures that could not escape. Scoop some up in a sacred manner. Take it to your altar. Offer prayers for these beings. Honor their death. Pray for life. Call in rain. Remind Fire that it is full, has gobbled enough, and can rest. May all beings be safe. May all beings be loved. May all beings be remembered. May all beings be mourned.

#September11 #NeverForget #Episcopal #GiveEpiscopal The Episcopal Church

Emergency relief funds have been approved for the Diocese of El Camino Real to support people who are suffering due to the wildfires and COVID-19 pandemic. Read... about it in our latest E-news: https://mailchi.mp//news-from-the-diocese-of-el-camino-rea Thank you Episcopal Relief & Development! See more

A prayer for today ~ by DJ Recalling the Martyrs of Memphis and the Martyrs of COVID 19 Merciful God, we give thanks for the testimony of faith in action given ...by Constance and her Companions during the Yellow Fever outbreak of 1878 in Memphis, TN. We recall their selfless action in ministering to the sick, the dying and the orphans left by the dying until they too succumbed to the illness themselves. Their witness is mirrored by the many health care workers who, while ministering to others without counting the cost, have died during the current pandemic. May their sacrifices be remembered today and for generations to come. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen +++++++++++ Icon written by Tracy Councill

A prayer for people and all creation impacted by wildfires: God of Creation, We live in a world where both beauty and danger surround us.... Receive our prayers for those impacted by, and living in fear of, the wildfires: for all who cannot find adequate food, safety, or shelter for all who have lost their homes, churches, community centers, and workplaces for all your glorious natural Creation that has been destroyed and is in harm’s way for all things, places, and place that are in need of healing. We pray and ask that you help heal the pain of all affected. Strengthen with your presence all who are numb with fear and distress. Guide those who anxiously search or wait for loved ones. Be near those who are grieving, and bless them with your peace. In the midst of disaster we give thanks for moments of generosity and human-kindness. Grant tenderness, strength, and wisdom to doctors and nurses, police and military, fire-fighters and emergency responders; to the wildlife conservationists and stewards of the earth; to all who minister to human need in our time of distress. We gather these prayers with the assurance that you already know our needs, And are always with us. Amen.

"I hope you don't mind if I make a house call to see how you are doing. Most of us have been so preoccupied with the virus and national politics that it is easy... to lose track of one another. But that doesn't mean that our personal lives have been put on hold. I know that behind the scenes your life has continued with its own twists and turns. You may even be carrying a heavy load that very few other people realize. I won't pry into the details but I will offer a quiet word of support: your life right now may not make headlines but that doesn't mean it goes unnoticed. There is a gentle but powerful force watching over you. There is a loving Spirit that never looks away from how you are feeling. Right now, right here, if you will close your eyes and open your heart I believe you will feel that love surrounding you. How do I know that will happen? Let's just say I make a lot of house calls and I always find the Spirit is there ahead of me." The Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston See more

This morning, as smoke from wildfires fills the air, our thoughts turn to all those in harm's way. We pray especially for our neighbors in the Dioceses of North...ern California and El Camino Real, as well as the Bishop's Ranch and St. Dorothy's Rest as they evacuate their staff. Our diocesan disaster response coordinator, the Rev. Jane McDougle, is checking in today with our camp and conference centers, Marin Deanery congregations, and other California dioceses today to assess their needs and identify ways we all can help. We will be sharing this information with our clergy, lay leaders, and the rest of our generous and loving community in the coming days. Loving God, guide us in our efforts to be agents of healing and hope. Strengthen us as we face own fears and uncertainties, and walk with us as we offer comfort and compassion to those in harm's way. May we not grow weary in our efforts, and may we always be reminded of your ever-present love. Amen.

"Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?" (From the Baptismal Covenant, BCP, p. 305) (Cartoon by the nakedpastor, David Hayward)

Our thanks to the Diocese of North Carolina Standing Committee and to the Diocese of Fort Worth.

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