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Palm Sunday – March 29, 2026

Sunday of the Passion / Palm Sunday
March 29 – 10 am worship

“Hosanna to the Son of David”  Matthew 21:9

Today, we encounter the paradox that defines our faith: Jesus Christ is glorified king and humiliated servant. We too are full of paradox: like Peter, we fervently desire to follow Christ, but find ourselves afraid, denying God. We wave palms in the celebration today as Christ comes into our midst, and we follow with trepidation as his path leads to death on the cross. Amid outpoured love in a meal of bread and wine. We begin this week that stands at the center of the church year, anticipating the completion of God’s astounding work.

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:     

  • Thursdays – Men’s A.A. 7:00 pm Fireside room
  • Fridays –  A.A. 7:00 pm Fellowship Hall
  • March 29 – COPA 11:20 – 12:30  discuss current efforts for justice in Santa Cruz & Monterey counties, as well as hopes for future relationships and actions with other churches and organizations.
  • March 31 – NO Scouts 6:00 pm
  • April 1 – 10:15 Preschool Chapel
  • April 4 – Easter Breakfast setup 10 am
  • April 5 – Easter Sunday Celebration.  Full Pancake Breakfast from 8:30 – 9:45 & worship at 10.  Plan ahead to invite a friend.
  • April 7 – Trinity Tuesday 6:30 pm local pub (Discretion Brewing Co. 41st Ave. )
    1 hour, 1 faith question, 1 drink – Honest conversation & genuine community.
    What do you wonder?  Where do you see God?
                    Info. Kathy Allen 430-6359
  • April 11 – Embroider’s 10 am to 4:00 pm
  • April 16 – Women’s Café Group 6:00 pm dinner & devotions
  • April 18 – Pr. Herb Schmidt Memorial 1:00 Messiah Lutheran, High Street
  • May 30 – AFC Shelter Dinner 5:45pm St. Johns Aptos.  Sign up to provide (one of the following)  main course, salad, dessert & breakfast.  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.  Plan ahead:    Aug. 29, and Oct. 31.
  • FLOWER CHART HAS OPENINGS FOR YOUR DEDICATIONS  *
[Read more…]

Fifth Sunday in Lent – March 22, 2026

Fifth Sunday in Lent
March 22 – 10 am worship

“Unbind him and let him go”  John 11:44

In today’s gospel Jesus reveals hi power over death by raising Lazarus from the dead.  The prophet Ezekiel prophesies God breathing new life into dry bones.  To these in exile or living in the shadows of death, these stories proclaim God’s promises of resurrection.  I baptism we die with Christ that we remember go’s unfailing promise to our baptism.

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:     

  • Order Easter Lilies now, sign up in narthex
  • Thursdays – Men’s A.A. 7:00 pm Fireside room
  • Fridays –  A.A. 7:00 pm Fellowship Hall
  • March 23 – Preschool Board Meeting
  • March 24 – Scouts 6:00 pm
  • March 25 – 10:15 Preschool Chapel
  • March 25 – Soup Supper 6:00 pm (Hosts: Shelly & Leslie)
    & Holden Evening Prayer Service 7:00 pm
  • March 29 – Palm Sunday 
  • March 29 – COPA 11:20 – 12:30  discuss current efforts for justice in Santa Cruz & Monterey counties, as well as hopes for future relationships and actions with other churches and organizations.
  • April 4 – Easter Breakfast setup 10 am
  • April 5 – Easter Sunday Celebration.  Full Pancake Breakfast from 8:30 – 9:45 & worship at 10.  Plan ahead to invite a friend.
  • April 7 – Trinity Tuesday 6:30 pm local pub (Discretion Brewing Co. 41st Ave. )
    1 hour, 1 faith question, 1 drink *  Honest conversation & genuine community. 
    What do you wonder?  Where do you see God?
                    Info. Kathy Allen 430-6359
  • April 18 – Pr. Herb Schmidt Memorial 1:00 Messiah Lutheran, High Street
  • May 30 – AFC Shelter Dinner 5:45pm St. Johns Aptos.  Sign up to provide (one of the following)  main course, salad, dessert & breakfast.  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.  Plan ahead:    Aug. 29, and Oct. 31.
  • 2026 FLOWER CHART IS READY FOR YOUR DEDICATIONS  *
[Read more…]

Taizé – March 18, 2026

Prayer, Silence & Meditative Song
A time to pause and be with God

Wednesday, March 18th at 7:00 pm
Preceded by Soup Supper at 6:00 pm

Taizé was founded during World War II by Brother Robert Schutz.  The Taizé community has grown into an international center for spirituality.  Its  mission emphasizes reconciliation, peace, and unity among Christians from   diverse backgrounds.  The heart of Taizé worship are simple repetitive chants that create a serene atmosphere conducive to meditation and prayer.

A Taizé service includes beautiful melodies that allow us to enter into a spirit of prayer. The simplicity of the chants invites everyone to participate. The service includes scripture readings and moments of silence providing space for personal reflection and listening to God’s voice.

The service includes candle lighting, symbolizing our prayers and intentions for ourselves and others.

A Taizé service is to be a midweek opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and immerse ourselves in God’s presence.  It is an opportunity for all of us – families, singles, youth, seniors – to pause, pray and connect with God and one another in a peaceful environment. It is an opportunity to gather together for a powerful evening of faith, meditation, and community.

Fourth Sunday in Lent – March 15, 2026

Fourth Sunday in Lent
March 15 – 10 am worship

“Lord, I believe”  John 9:38

Baptism is sometimes called enlightenment. The gospel for this Sunday is the story of the man born blinds healed by Christ. “I was bling, now I see,” declares the man. In baptism god opens our eyes to see the truth of who we are: god’s beloved children. As David was anointed kin of Israel, in baptism god anoints our head with oil, and calls us to bear witness to the light of Christ in our daily lives.

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:     

  • Order Easter Lilies now, sign up in narthex
  • Thursdays – Men’s A.A. 7:00 pm Fireside room
  • Fridays –  A.A. 7:00 pm Fellowship Hall
  • March 13-15 – Mt. Cross Women’s Retreat, sign up now.  1 day /Saturday option is still available.  There are 6 of us signed up so far 😊
  • March 14 – Embroiders 10 am to 4pm
  • March 17 – Newsletter Deadline
  • March 17 – Scouts 6:00 pm
  • March 18 – 10:15 Preschool Chapel
  • March 18 – Soup Supper 6:00 pm (Hosts: Rebecca Wickham & Don Smawley)
                    & TAIZE Prayer Service 7:00 pm
  • March 23 – Preschool Board Meeting
  • March 29 – Palm Sunday dramatic readers needed
  • March 29 – COPA 11:20 – 12:30 discuss current efforts for justice in Santa Cruz & Monterey counties, as well as hopes for future relationships and actions with other churches and organizations.
  • April 4 – Easter Breakfast setup 10 am
  • April 5 – Easter Sunday Celebration.  Pancakes at 9:00 & worship at 10.  Plan ahead to invite a friend.
  • April 7 – Trinity Tuesday 6:30 pm local pub (Discretion Brewing Co. 41st Ave. )
    1 hour, 1 faith question, 1 drink
                    Honest conversation & genuine community.  What do you wonder? 
    Where do you see God?
                    Info. Kathy Allen 430-6359
  • April 18 – Pr. Herb Schmidt Memorial 1:00 Messiah Lutheran, High Street
  • May 30 – AFC Shelter Dinner 5:45pm St. Johns Aptos.  Sign up to provide (one of the following)  main course, salad, dessert & breakfast.  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.  Plan ahead:    Aug. 29, and Oct. 31.
  • 2026 FLOWER CHART IS READY FOR YOUR DEDICATIONS  *
[Read more…]