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The Good News along the King’s Highway
Sharing News in the Diocese of El Camino Real
Read the April 8 Diocese newsletter.
Posted in News
Spring is finally in the air (sort of)! It comes just in time for our Parish Work Day tomorrow. There’s plenty to do and many hands make for light work. Please try to make it out, even if only for a little while. Wouldn’t it be nice for the outside of our church to be as beautiful as the people inside?
I would also like to remind everyone of the Brick Project that has been reopened for orders. When you walk into the church, you can’t miss the names that are permanently installed on the aisle and in the Narthex. This is rather unique to St. Stephens, full of names that are near and dear to someone’s heart. You can have any name engraved on a brick (s) that you purchase, and you can even decide how the wording will look when it’s engraved. Because of the kind of work that is required for this project, it is not something that is ongoing. The opportunity to purchase a brick is limited to sixty days. The next time we will reopen the project will likely be in 4-5 years. The bricks are $100.00 each and order forms will be available at church tomorrow. If you have any questions about placing an order, please see Emil Baggs or me.
Lastly, I would encourage everyone to find a few minutes during the week to listen to a sermon, any sermon, that is posted on our website. I recently missed two Sunday services because I was out of town. Thankfully, it was very easy to click on the link to the sermons that I missed and, admittedly, I listened to them while doing e-mail, etc… it was uplifting! You can hear comments, laughter and even babbling babies in the background. It almost felt like being there – what a great feeling!
Deep peace to you all,
Posted in Journals & Newsletter Archives, News, Senior Warden's Journal
THIS IS A REMINDER OF OUR PARISH WORK DAY. WE NEED YOU!!
Come and Join In this Site Clean-Up Before the Holy Week Activities
This Saturday April 9th at 1:00 pm
Drinks provided
Projects:
Tools to Bring:
We look forward to seeing you there!!
Posted in Events, News
Please click on this link to open a listing of exciting events that Mrs. Horn has planned for our pre-school children throughout springtime. Click Here
Posted in News, Preschool
It’s that time of year again. Everything is growing and maybe needs to be divided. What do you do with the extras? You can share with your friends and neighbors at the St. Stephen’s plant swap. Start potting up any extras so they have time to take root. Even if you don’t have plants to share you can still participate. There will also be a chance drawing for an orchid. Hope to see you there on April 9th from 8 till 10.
WHAT: Plant Sale / Swap
WHEN: Saturday April 9 from 8am – 10 am
WHERE: St. Stephen’s in-the-Field
If you need more information, please contact Janet Thorsrud.
Posted in Events, News
Treasurer's Journal
Dear St. Stephen’s Family –
It’s the end of March. We are half way through Lent and a quarter of the way through the pledge year. I thought it was a good time for a friendly reminder about the importance of staying current with your pledge.
We are counting on every pledge to help us pay the bills and cover monthly expenses. Currently, we are just over one week behind in pledge receipts. I encourage you to look at your annual pledge, divide by 4 and see if you are up to date. Or watch for your first quarter pledge statements which will be mailed the first week of April. I know how busy life gets and how fast the weeks fly by. Anything you can do to help yourself remember to send in your pledge on a regular basis will be helpful. You can mail it to the church during the week, drop it by the church office or put it in the collection plate on Sunday. They all work. And they all help us stay current with our payroll and our bills.
May God bless you abundantly – and many thanks to those who are staying current with their commitment. Thank you for the honor of serving as parish treasurer. Do not hesitate to call if you have questions.
Julie Zintsmaster
Posted in Journals & Newsletter Archives, News, Treasurer's Journal4/1/11
Thank you for your response to last week’s donation request for operational laptops and digital cameras.
Samuel is flying to Sudan today with 3 laptops, 3 digital cameras & 1 photo printer all donated by St. Stephen’s Church and Almaden Episcopal Church members.
When I delivered these items to him on Wednesday, he exclaimed, “WOW….I won’t pack extra clothes and I’ll hand carry these items!”
Samuel’s New Scholar’s website & Facebook information:
(His full name is Garang (Samuel) Akou.)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Scholars-Empowering-An-Entrepreneurial-Africa/154123597936319
Posted in Africa, News, Outreach, Sudan
The Good News along the King’s Highway
Sharing News in the Diocese of El Camino Real
Read the April 1 Diocese newsletter.
Samuel Garang, Peter Nyok’s friend and speaker at our Sudanese Youth Opportunity gatherings and Golf Tournament dinner, is moving back to Sudan on April 1. A few months ago, I advised him that he should let us know when he travels back to Sudan so we can help gather items for him to carry back with him. Today, I received a special request from him. See his note below.
Bring your donation items – operational laptops and digital cameras – to church on Sunday or deliver them to me by Wednesday, March 30.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Note from Samuel:
I am moving to South Sudan on April 1st to lead New Scholars’ efforts there!! I was planning May, but I had to move it up. I will be spending much of this year in Sudan but will visit US at least once. You had asked me to let you know my trip dates so you can share with your church communities. If anyone has operational laptops or digital cameras they would like to donate, that would be great.
I may come to your church this coming Sunday to give an update on my travel plans and New Scholars program.
Thanks for your time and support!
Garang (Samuel) Akau
Co-founder & Director, New Scholars
Empowering An Entrepreneurial Africa
www.newscholars.net
Kenya: +254 715 445 769
Sudan: +249 920 687 253
US: +1 408 469 1893

Assistant Priest's Journal
I have been pondering how to implement this work of Family Ministry and when I noticed that the only ones who signed up for the Small Group series were singles I realized what needed to be done. It is very hard to find a sitter for six weeks, so why not have a group adapted for families and have it at church?
Rod and I are leading this group and we are having a great time! We meet on Sundays at the church at five and we are out around 6:30. We start with a potluck and fellowship and then the adults go into the church and watch a video and then share how the video touches their lives. I have been staying with the children – and it is not babysitting. I want this time to be focused on God. So far Maike and Colin have joined me. You may think they are too young – but you’d be surprised. The first Sunday I told the creation story with beautiful and colorful pictures. I laid them on the floor so they could walk among them. As I laid them down I would say God created space, God created the earth, etc. Maike followed me around and at each picture she bent down and touched them with both her hands. Each child would come back to the pictures (Maike loved the sun!) and sometimes they would pick them up and put them to their face (obviously absorbing them by osmosis)!
This past Sunday I brought my iPod and we listened to children’s praise music. You know how difficult it can be to keep an 18 month olds attention – well – try music. Colin, Maike and I sat on the floor w/ the iPod and sang for 20 uninterrupted minutes!! Colin has this cute head move while he dances around. I also laid out the pictures again and Maike remembered her sun!
Next Sunday, we will switch it up – Rod’s going to bring his guitar and sit with the kids. We’ll bring a couple of instruments that they can play along with him.
I hear the adults are having a good time as well!
Judi +



The Sierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is presenting a very important conference at St. Matthew Church in Walnut Creek, entitled “The Re-Emerging Multi-Cultural Church”. The purpose of this conference is, “inspiring, teaching, and organizing congregations…to become healthy, effective and multi-cultural in a rapidly changing, global world.” This conference is very timely for ECR, as we, too, are experiencing multi-cultural growth. We have attached the brochure for your consideration.
The conference takes place April 1 & 2, St. Matthew Church, 399 Wiget Lane (off Ygnacio Valley Rd.), Walnut Creek, CA 94598.
Here is the link for more information and registration for the conference:
http://www.saintmatthew.org/conference/index.html
Posted in News
The Good News along the King’s Highway
Sharing News in the Diocese of El Camino Real
Read the March 11 Diocese newsletter.
Episcopal Relief and Development is involved in helping the Japanese people in the wake of the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear crisis. Please read, digest, pray, and consider support.
Click here: https://www.er-d.org/donate-select.php.
Posted in News
Dear St. Stephen’s Members and Friends;
Be sure to set your clocks FORWARD before going to bed Saturday night. Don’t miss this Sunday’s service at 10:00 am DST! To see all the trivia you would ever want to know about Daylight Saving Time, check out this site: http://webexhibits.org/daylightsaving/b.html
Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves is visiting St. Stephen’s this Sunday. We will have Confirmation for Carly Cooper, and Reception into the Episcopal Church for Emil Baggs.
There will be no 8 am service this Sunday. Please come to the 10 am service and join in the celebration!
Following the service will be a potluck brunch with Bishop Mary and Deacon Robert Seifert.
Please help provide pot-luck items for the brunch as follows:
If your last name begins with A-M, please bring a dessert to share.
If your last name begins with N-Z, please bring a brunch item to share
We will be setting up the nave with round tables and chairs at 4 pm on Saturday. We could use some extra hands to get all of the tables and chairs placed. Also, it would be nice to have some simple decorations on the tables for this nice brunch. Please come after 4 pm on Saturday to help. We also need some of you to stay afterwards on Sunday to clean up and to reset the nave for services during the week. If you can help with the setup and cleanup, please respond to Edy (edyunthank@yahoo.com). We do a great job and have a wonderful time at Café St. Stephens.
What a great time for Bishop Mary to visit us. DON’T MISS THIS!!
Posted in Events, News
We will be holding the Acolyte Training on Saturday March 12 starting at 9 am, and ending before 10:30. Refreshments will be provided !
All current acolytes have responded that they are available on that day except three, and we will provide a quick make up session for those three.
The new updated Customary will be given to everyone and we will have each team walk through the Processional, the Gospel Reading and the Recessional. Crucifers will also walk through their role during Eucharist with Father Ken.
This training is also open to anyone who would like to become an acolyte in the future, so please feel free to come and observe or participate if you would like to.
Please call me if you have any questions or concerns,
Home phone: 408 356 7190
Cell phone: 408 318 3582
Thank you so much for your participation in this important ministry,
Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday,
Best regards,
Caroline
St. Stephen’s in-the-Field Parish Preschool
Take the family to dinner to help us purchase new riding equipment!
Place: Sweet Tomatoes on Bernal
Date: Next Wednesday, March 16th
Time: from 5 pm to 8 pm
IMPORTANT NOTE:
You need to bring this flyer with you, and include with your bill.
Please distribute copies of the flyer to neighbors and friends. They are all invited, and all count toward earning money for St. Stephen’s while enjoying some great Mexican food.
Click here to view and print the flyer.
Posted in Events, Fund-Raising, News, Preschool
Tuesday, March 8th at 6:30 pm the Youth and the Men of St Stephen’s will be preparing the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner.
This tradition symbolizes the ‘last hurrah’ before the start of Lent, using up all the sweets and flour before people commit to a more austere food style during Lent. It is a fun event. I for one never had chocolate chip pancakes until I went to a St Stephen’s Pancake Dinner. A suggested donation for the event is $5 per person, or $15 maximum per family.
The following day, March 9th is Ash Wednesday. There will be services for Imposition of Ashes at 6:30 am and 7:30 pm. The 7:30 pm service will include a Reconciliation liturgy. These services mark a fitting solemn start to the season of Lent. Please note that due to these other Wednesday services, there will not be a 10 am Wednesday Holy Eucharist on March 9th.
Blessings,
Ken +
Posted in Events, NewsLast Sunday, February 29, over 30 people met at Almaden Episcopal Church to hear from 3 local Sudanese and to receive Sudanese Youth Opportunity student updates.
Sudanese Speakers:
John Pandak works at at our local Safeway. He told of his driving three others for five hours to vote for the South Sudan Referendum in Phoenix, Arzona. It was his first time ever to vote. Sudanese were required to go to their voting places twice! once to register and once to vote. It was a hardship that the Sudanese were more than willing to participate in. The outcome was nearly 99% in favor of establishing their new country.
Ben Makit has a security job and is finishing up his Global Studies major San Jose State. He is supporting eleven students in his Sudan family. They are in school in Kenya and in Uganda.
Samuel (Garang) Deng returned from Africa on February 11. He answered questions. He said people of the New South Sudan (to be declared July 9th) are currently getting help in writing a constitution for their new country. He talked about Abeiya where the South Sudanese oil fields are. The outcome of a new oil revenue sharing agreement will have a huge bearing on the long-term stability of South Sudan after the referendum. Sharing oil revenue was key to the Comprenhensive Peace Agreement, which brought Sudan’s long-running civil war to an end in 2005. Samuel said the Chinese have come in to run the fields. Currently crude oil (South Sudan has no refinerys) is piped to ports in the north. That will remain the process unless there is trouble with the north. Meanwhile South Sudan is trying to arrange for piping their oil through Kenya. The most exciting news was that Samuel is getting would-be Sudanese entrepreneurs together with American business people so that new businesses can be established and mentored in South Sudan. Learn more at Newscholars.net. Ben and John are returning to Sudan for visits; one in April and one in May. Carol said SYO would be glad to help with supplies etc. when they go.
Carol presented the latest reports of students progress handing out students grades to sponsors. And Sandie spoke of Dr. Nilsson, the Head of School at Sunflower Junior Academy. The school in Kapenguria is in the north west of Kenya, in a beautiful wooded area. But it is outside the delveloped area and has no water or electricity. All that must be brought in. The school has a dispensary, with nurse and dentist. When we told of how many of our students were struggling to catch up to the high standards of this school, Samuel and Ben and John all said that the children would indeed catch up and do well. And raised our hopes, telling us that students attending this kind of Kenyan school have gotten into and done well at UC Berkely.
Meanwhile, Peter Nyok continues to work hard at a meat-packing company in Oklahoma. He is supporting his wife and daughter in South Sudan and many other children he has rescued who live in Kenya. Peter sends his best regards and prayers for the work of SYO.
Do you have a used laptop computer you would like to donate to John or Ben? They would be happy to carry them back to Africa on their upcoming trips.
Would you like to hear about how learn about how you can help new Sudanese graduates living in Sudan? Visit Samuel’s website at Newscholars.net.
Contact Carol Pecora if you would like more information.
Posted in Africa, News, Outreach, SudanSudanese Youth Opportunity (SYO) is hosting a gathering at Episcopal Church of Almaden on Sunday, February 27 at 3:00 pm.
Our presentation will include a discussion led by local Sudanese on Southern Sudan news and student updates from our scholarship coordinator,
Sandie Mueller. Refreshments will be served. Everyone, especially those sponsoring students through SYO, is invited to attend.
SYO supports students from the Southern Sudan who are attending boarding school in Kenya, coordinated by Peter Nyok.
WHAT: Sudan Referendum Discussion & Update on Our Students
WHEN: Sunday, Feb. 27 at 3:00 pm
WHERE: Episcopal Church of Almaden, 6581 Camden Avenue, San Jose, 95120
RSVP: Please reply to carol@sudaneseyouthopportunity.org if you plan to attend.
Our students attending Sunflower Junior Academy
Posted in Events, News, Outreach
‘God is Closer Than You Think’ is the title of a study series from best selling author John Ortberg.
The Spirit of God is available to you and me: flowing all the time, welling up within us, quenching our unsatisfied desires, overflowing to refresh those around us.” Ortberg’s suggestions—to believe that God is in everything, to seek him in the daily and mundane, to learn to recognize and encourage God-inspired thoughts, to look for him in the people you meet and to obey his promptings, provide us with a series of ideas and activities to begin to change the way we see God in our lives.
For the season of Lent we are asking that home study groups be formed to meet weekly for six sessions starting the week of March 13th. Each meeting will include time for a soup supper or snack (supplied by the group), a five minute video, 20 minutes of discussion led by a group facilitator, and prayers. Maximum meeting time will be limited to 90 minutes.
Course cost is $35 per small group (for leader supplies). There is no book to buy, and there are no reading assignments. This series will provide a time of fellowship, discussion, and prayer during the season of Lent this year.
Be a host home or decide to attend a small group in your neighborhood by signing up at church, on-line at www.ssitf.org, or by contacting Margo Westfall (mmwca@aol.com).
Lenten Series & Soup Suppers Sign Up Sheet
Posted in Events, News, Sign Up SheetsLast Monday, we had over 40 people dine at Chevy’s with a coupon requesting that 25% of the dinner cost be donated to St. Stephen’s from Chevy’s!
We will keep you posted on our next “FUN & EASY” local restaurant fund-raising dining event.
Posted in Events, Fund-Raising, News, PhotosClothing for the Homeless
We help approximately 2000 homeless per year. The Invision shelters run from Sunnyvale down to Gilroy. We collect clothing and cash. Jim Clancy buys new bulk underwear and socks. During Nov. 31 – March 31 bring your items to church anytime & drop them in the narthex and label them. We need clothing for both men and women, but we serve 90% men. Therefore, we are in need of more men clothing donations.
Jim Clancy started this program 5 years ago.
$25 will feed a family of 4 for 6 months.To donate, look for the jug in the back of the church with the “Food for the Poor” sign. The money is collected & counted monthly and given through our church treasurer to Food for the Poor.
If you have any questions, contact our Vestry Outreach Liaison, Wanda Bryant.
Posted in News, Outreach, Photos
Tuesday, February 8, 2011 6-7:30 PMCome see our classroom, art work and play area!
Come and meet our teachers and staff!
Enrollment information will be available.
Registration for the 2011—2012 School Year is now open.
Students must be 3 by Dec. 3rd, 2011, and toilet trained.
Classes being offered this fall are 8:30am—11:30am on:
Monday through Friday
Monday, Wednesday, & Friday
Tuesday, Thursday
Extended care is available from 7am to 6 pm
Information will also be available for our Summer Camp!
Please call Preschool Director Robin Horn or Ms. Sato at the
school office if you have any questions; 408-629-1843.
To the Congregation of St. Stephen’s and Friends,
Please take a few minutes to complete this survey.
The vestry will use this information to set up some worthwhile classes and community services started to help give us better peace of mind.
Click here to take the survey.
Thanks for your time.
Janet Thorsrud
Communications Laison / St. Stephen’s Vestry Member
On January 18, 2011 St. Stephen’s was the site of a visit by Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves for the ordination to the priesthood of the Reverend Judi Sato. It was a spirit-filled, warm, exciting, musical, anointed evening.
Click here for a link to hear the sermon, given by Bishop Mary. There is a strong message for all of us, not just for our new priest, in this sermon.
The Bishop’s Sermon
Click here for a link to the ordination photographs. Photos on Shutterfly

The prestigious Jefferson Award for Public Services has been given to Jerry Drino, Executive Director of Hope With Sudan. Behind this award are the efforts and commitment of the Sudanese here in San Jose and in Africa and hundreds of people like yourselves who have and are supporting the future of Sudan through educating the next generation.
In light of the successful Referendum occurring in Sudan and the participation of San Jose Sudanese in this historic vote, the presenting of the Jefferson Award is a recognition of the work of Hope With Sudan and your partnership in helping to build hope for the future of Sudan.
Watch the video on Hope With Sudan’s website>>
Posted in Africa, News, Sudan
Although there will not be services on Christmas Day at St. Stephen’s, I began two years ago providing a devotional for use in your home. It includes the lighting of the final, fifth, central candle in your Advent wreath, the reading of the Christmas story from Scripture, and a Reflection that I offer for your use at home.
Click here to read the Devotional.
Posted in News
This service includes plenty of Christmas hymns and carols, including a special song by the Children’s Choir. There will also be a presentation of posters by Sunday School and Pre-school children and youth. These posters have been created to illustrate clues to a riddle. This is a very popular service. Be sure to arrive on time, and be sure to bring your camera. (For those of you with posters, please arrive around 3:30 pm.)
This service starts with very special prelude music at 10:50 pm; a vocal solo, guitar solo, a duet, and then an introit by our Voice Choir. The service is chanted, with music leadership by our voice and bell choirs, and ending with a moving rendition of Silent Night at the close of the service. The Worship Hall will be filled with candlelight and poinsettias, The service will include the light use of incense.
Second Sunday of Advent - Year A 
The Reverend Ken Wratten
Topic: Jesus Comes to Bring Passion for God
Listen To This Sermon
Read This Sermon
Scripture Lessons (Revised Common Lectionary)
Posted in News, Sermons
The four weeks of Advent have begun:
a time filled with special liturgy and music as we prepare for Christmas. Mark your calendars and plan your participation in these great opportunities to worship together. There are lots of ways for you to get involved in these events, if you choose.
Please call Fr. Ken (629-1836) if you would like to help with any of the following activities. But most of all, we encourage your presence — and be sure to bring your friends.
Advent Activities Calendar – view & print
Posted in Events, News
97 people attended last Sunday’s service for the in-gathering of food items to St. Julie’s food pantry and snacks for our troops in Afghanistan; the donation of 2011 pledges; and a fantastic all-member pot-luck brunch.
Click on this image for great the photos taken by Ken Redder:
Posted in Events, News, PhotosSouthern Sudan Voters Remember Long Civil War
by Frank Langfitt
In Southern Sudan, voters are registering to cast ballots in a January referendum that could see Africa’s largest country split into two. Many people in the southern part of the country plan to vote for independence from the north. They have vivid memories of a civil war that left an estimated 2 million people dead.
Posted in Africa, News, SudanWe had a successful Fall Festival on Saturday.
Photos were taken by Ken Redder:

Today, Peter is traveling back to Kenya to visit his wife, young daughter and the students!
25 students are in their 3rd term of school. School fees have been paid by our generous Sudanese Youth Opportunity sponsors. (See photos of the school.)
Thanks to all of your support, Peter is returning to Kenya in a “Santa Claus like” fashion. Notes & packages for students will be handed out to the students from their sponsors here in San Jose. In addition, Peter
has funds to purchase additional shoes, blankets, and school related supplies for all 25 students.
Please pray for a safe trip for Peter. He is leaving from San Francisco at 10:30 tonight and arriving two days later in Nairobi, Kenya.
If you would like more information about Peter’s Sudanese Youth Opportunity education program, visit SudaneseYouthOpportunity.org.
Posted in Africa, News, Sudan
10am—4pmVENDORS:
Vendors welcome except jewelry.
Contact segood@bigplanet.com for vendor application.
The Episcopal Church has been deeply involved in assistance to the people of southern Sudan. St Stephen’s has provided education assistance for Simon Thuc, and more recently, room, board, and educational support for Sudanese orphans living in Kenya through the work of Peter Nyok.
The National Episcopal Church office has today forwarded a message from our Presiding Bishop to all Episcopal clergy, asking for prayer for the upcoming Referendum in southern Sudan in January. Please follow this link to learn about the Referendum, what the Episcopal Church is doing in the Sudan, and what prayers are being requested.
Episcopal Church Statement on Sudan Referendum
Ken +
Posted in Africa, News, SudanVisit our photo share site: http://ssitf.shutterfly.com/pictures/70
Posted in News2010 Golf Tournament by Ken Redder & Father Ken
Our 7th Annual Golf Tournament was held on Monday, August 9, 2010 at the prestigious Almaden Golf and Country Club. This private course is in gorgeous Almaden Valley, located in south San Jose. Activities included golf, dinner, live music, awards, raffles, and silent auctions.
Dear Parents;
We are delighted and honored that you are considering St. Stephen’s Parish Preschool for the beginning of the formal educational development of your child. Our objective is to provide a solid base of supervised and carefully designed social interaction, encouragement in self discovery of gifts and abilities, and the building of a positive experience from the joy of learning.
The St. Stephen’s church community has been an integral member of this neighborhood for over 35 years. In 1978 this church opened its pre-school, St. Stephen’s School, which eventually became independent and expanded to provide preschool through 8th grade educations to thousands of students through its 30 year history.
We are the proud forebearer, and now the successor of that rich tradition of education and caring for our children. Indeed, we join with you in ‘celebrating our children’s future’.
Visit our St. Stephen’s Parish Pre-school page.
Posted in News, PreschoolOur 7th Annual Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, August 9, 2010 at the prestigious Almaden Golf and Country Club. This private course is in gorgeous Almaden Valley, located in south San Jose. Activities begin at 11 am, and include golf, dinner, live music, awards, raffles, and silent auctions.
Brochure & Player Sign-Up Form
For more information call (408) 629-1836.
To be added to our Golf Tournament information list, click here.
Sponsorship Opportunity Sheet
This is a great way to advertise your business while giving back to the community. Proceeds will be used to fund Programs and Mission work.
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