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First Sunday after Christmas – December 28, 2025

We gather on the First Sunday of Christmas
December 28 –  10 am worship

“Take the child and his mother, and flee” Matthew 2:13

As we celebrate the Twelve Days of Christmas, our gospel today confronts us with the death of innocent children at the hands of Herod. The birth of Christ does not remove the power of evil from our world, but its light gives us hope as we walk with all the “holy innocents” of pat generations and today who have suffered unjustly. In our gathering around word and meal, God continues to redeem us, lift us up and carry us as in days of old.

You can also participate in worship through the livestream and recording at www.ststephenslutheran.org. 

There is usually a Children’s Church / Sunday School program planned during worship. Please contact Leslie Lapp 476-4700 for more info. The Family Room is always available adjacent to the sanctuary for little one’s activities if you need it. We love having children in church and all that brings as part of worship!

Coffee Fellowship:  Please contact our Church Administrator Leslie if you are willing to host. We need you!

Upcoming Events: 

Tis the season for Sharing Christmas Joy.  

  • ELCA Good Gifts & God’s Global Barnyard   creative meaningful ways to support better lives. www.goodgifts@elca.org    
  • A member has an urgent request:  Her niece & family are losing their house.  It’s a scary time for them. They have a 30 foot trailer to live in and need a space to park.  They can pay for the space and electric hookup.  Do you know of any such space? Please call the office with any leads.

Other events:

  • Thursdays – Men’s A.A. 7:00 pm Fireside room
  • Fridays –  A.A. 7:00 pm Fellowship Hall
  • Preschool Closed Dec. 22 – Jan. 4.
  • Sunday Dec. 28 – Reader needed!
  • Dec. 29 – Newsletter Collating 1:00
  • Tues. Dec. 30 – Scouts 6:00 pm
  • Tues. Jan. 6  – Trinity Tuesday 6:30 pm local pub (Discretion Brewing Co. 41st Ave. )
    1 hour, 1 faith question, 1 drink    Info. Kathy Allen 430-6359
  • Wed. Jan. 7 – 7:30 pm ZOOM  – Bible Study Resumes
  • Jan. 8 & 22 – Women’s Café Group 6:00 pm 
  • Jan. 25 – Annual Meeting after 10 am worship (please bring finger food / snacks to share)
  • Jan. 31 – AFC Shelter Dinners 5:45pm St. Johns Aptos.  Sign up to provide (one of the following)  main course, salad, dessert & breakfast.  We need 2 people to be present & serve the meal.  St. Stephen’s is responsible for the 5th Saturday of each month.  We are all worthy of dignity and connection.  Let’s assist them to a better life.  2026:   May 30, Aug. 29, and Oct. 31.
  • 2026 FLOWER CHART IS READY FOR YOUR DEDICATIONS
[Read more…]

Christmas Eve – December 24, 2025

We gather on the Nativity of Our Lord 
Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship
December 24 –  7:00 pm 

“I am bringing you good news of great joy”  Luke 2:10

In winter’s deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child.  Isaiah declares that the light of the long-promised king will illumine the world and bring endless peace and justice.  Paul reminds us that the grace of God through Jesus Christ brings salvation to all people.  The angels declare that Jesus’ birth is good and joyful news for everyone, including lowly shepherds.  Filled with the light that shines in our lives,  we go forth to share the light of Christ with the whole world.

You can also participate in worship through the livestream and recording at www.ststephenslutheran.org. 

 Upcoming Events: 

Tis the season for Sharing Christmas Joy.  

  • ELCA Good Gifts & God’s Global Barnyard   creative meaningful ways to support better lives. www.goodgifts@elca.org    
  • A member has an urgent request:  Her niece & family are losing their house.  It’s a scary time for them. They have a 30 foot trailer to live in and need a space to park.  They can pay for the space and electric hookup.  Do you know of any such space? Please call the office with any leads.

Other Events:

  • Thursdays – Men’s A.A. 7:00 pm Fireside room
  • Fridays –  A.A. 7:00 pm Fellowship Hall
  • Preschool Closed Dec. 22 – Jan. 4.
  • Tues. Dec. 30 – Scouts 6:00 pm
  • Tues. Jan. 6  – Trinity Tuesday 6:30 pm local pub (Discretion Brewing Co. 41st Ave. )
    1 hour, 1 faith question, 1 drink    Info. Kathy Allen 430-6359
  • Wed. Jan. 7 – 7:30 pm ZOOM  – Bible Study Resumes
  • Thurs. Jan. 8 – 10:30 am Circle of Promise (formerly MMRR)
  • Thurs. Jan. 8 & 22 – Women’s Café Group 6:00 pm 
  • Weds. Jan. 21 – 6:00 pm New Taize Worship (Prayer Silence & Meditative Song) A time to pause and be with God
  • Sat. Jan. 31 – AFC Shelter Dinners 5:45pm St. Johns Aptos.  Sign up to provide (one of the following)  main course, salad, dessert & breakfast.  We need 2 people to be present & serve the meal.  St. Stephen’s is responsible for the 5thSaturday of each month.  We are all worthy of dignity and connection.  Let’s assist them to a better life.  2026:   May 30, Aug. 29, and Oct. 31.
  • Sun. Jan. 25 – Annual Meeting after 10 am worship
[Read more…]

Fourth Sunday of Advent – December 21, 2025

We gather on the Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 21 –  10 am worship

“You are to name him Jesus”  Matthew 1:21

Today Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name him Emmanuel.  The gospel is Matthew’s account of the annunciation and birth of the one named Emmanuel, God-with-us.  During these final days of Advent we pray, “O come, O come, Emmanuel,” a beloved hymn based on the O Antiphons, ancient prayers appointed for the seven days preceding Christmas.  On this final Sunday of Advent we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one born to save us from the power of sin and death..

You can also participate in worship through the livestream and recording at www.ststephenslutheran.org. 

There is usually a Children’s Church / Sunday School program planned during worship. Please contact Leslie Lapp 476-4700 for more info. The Family Room is always available adjacent to the sanctuary for little one’s activities if you need it. We love having children in church and all that brings as part of worship!

Coffee Fellowship:  Please contact our Church Administrator Leslie if you are willing to host. We need you!

 Upcoming Events: 

Tis the season for Sharing Christmas Joy.  

  • ELCA Good Gifts & God’s Global Barnyard   creative meaningful ways to support better lives. www.goodgifts@elca.org    
  • A member has an urgent request:  Her niece & family are losing their house.  It’s a scary time for them. They have a 30 foot trailer to live in and need a space to park.  They can pay for the space and electric hookup.  Do you know of any such space? Please call the office with any leads.
  • Thursdays – Men’s A.A. 7:00 pm Fireside room
  • Fridays –  A.A. 7:00 pm Fellowship Hall
  • Sun. Dec. 21 – Christmas Potluck (Gary’s bringing the ham!)
  • Preschool Closed Dec. 22 – Jan. 4.
  • Tues. Dec. 23 – Scouts 6:00 pm
  • Weds. Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship 7:00 pm
  • Tues. Jan. 6  – Trinity Tuesday 6:30 pm local pub (Discretion Brewing Co. 41st Ave. )
    1 hour, 1 faith question, 1 drink    Info. Kathy Allen 430-6359
  • Wed. Jan. 7 – 7:30 pm ZOOM  – Bible Study Resumes
  • Jan. 8 & 22 – Women’s Café Group 6:00 pm 
  • Jan. 31 – AFC Shelter Dinners 5:45pm St. Johns Aptos.  Sign up to provide (one of the following)  main course, salad, dessert & breakfast.  We need 2 people to be present & serve the meal.  St. Stephen’s is responsible for the 5th Saturday of each month.  We are all worthy of dignity and connection.  Let’s assist them to a better life.  2026:   May 30, Aug. 29, and Oct. 31.
  • Jan. 25 – Annual Meeting after 10 am worship
[Read more…]

Third Sunday of Advent – December 14, 2025

We gather on the Third Sunday of Advent
December 14 –  10 am worship

“The desert shall rejoice and blossom”  Isaiah 35:1

A note of joyful expectation marks today’s worship.  Isaiah announces that the desert shall rejoice and blossom, and Jesus point to the unexpected and transforming signs of God’s reign.  We wait with patience for the coming of the Lord, even a we rejoice at his presence among us this day:  in word and holly supper, in church and in our homes, in silent reflection and in works of justice and love.  We pray that God would open our eyes and ears to the wonders of Christ’s advent among us.

You can also participate in worship through the livestream and recording at www.ststephenslutheran.org. 

There is usually a Children’s Church / Sunday School program planned during worship. Please contact Leslie Lapp 476-4700 for more info. The Family Room is always available adjacent to the sanctuary for little one’s activities if you need it. We love having children in church and all that brings as part of worship!

Coffee Fellowship:  Please contact our Church Administrator Leslie if you are willing to host. We need you!

 Upcoming Events: 

Tis the season for Sharing Christmas Joy.  

  • ELCA Good Gifts & God’s Global Barnyard   creative meaningful ways to support better lives. www.goodgifts@elca.org    

Other events:

  • Thursdays – Men’s A.A. 7:00 pm Fireside room
  • Fridays –  A.A. 7:00 pm Fellowship Hall
  • Sat. Dec. 13 – Please drop of baked goods and boutique items 10 am – 12.
  • Sun. Dec. 14 –  MMRR Bake Sale & Boutique with a display of Donna Harris paintings 
  • Wed. Dec. 15 – Preschool Chapel 10:15 am
  • Tues. Dec. 16 – Scouts 6:00 pm
  • Tues. Dec. 16 – 7:00 pm Messiah Sing Along at Peace Unite Church, 900 High Street tix on line or at the door (see attached flyer)
  • Wed. Dec. 17 – 7:30 pm ZOOM  – Matthew Bible Study “The Gospel of Promised Blessings” by Dr. Matthew Skinner  book available $12.50 on line, or with Christa for $14
    christawynekengarcia@gmail.com
  • Thurs. Dec. 18 – Women’s Café Group 6:00 pm home off site
  • Sat. Dec. 20 – helpers needed 10 am set up for potluck
  • Sun. Dec. 21 – Christmas Potluck (Gary’s bringing the ham!)
  • Dec. 22 – 31   Preschool Closed
  • Weds. Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship 7:00 pm
  • Tues. Jan. 6  – Trinity Tuesday 6:30 pm local pub (Discretion Brewing Co. 41st Ave. )
    1 hour, 1 faith question, 1 drink    Info. Kathy Allen 430-6359
  • Jan. 31 – AFC Shelter Dinners 5:45pm St. Johns Aptos.  Sign up to provide (one of the following)  main course, salad, dessert & breakfast.  We need 2 people to be present & serve the meal.  St. Stephen’s is responsible for the 5th Saturday of each month.  We are all worthy of dignity and connection.  Let’s assist them to a better life.  2026:   May 30, Aug. 29, and Oct. 31.
[Read more…]