Author: admin

Christ the King Sunday – November 23, 2025

We gather on Christ the King Sunday 
 November 23 –  10 am worship

“Jesus remember me when you come into your kingdom”  Luke 23:42

Jeremiah’s promise of the execution of “justice and righteousness in the land” finds ironic fulfillment in the execution of Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews. It appears utterly contradictory that a king should be crucified with a criminal. This victory appears for all the world as humiliating defeat. Yet through the gate of death Jesus opens the door to paradise.

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.  See sign ups: 

  • St. Nicks for Seniors   surprises in their shoes. (To learn of the tradition see www.stnicholascenter.org)   Ideas:  slipper sox, tea bags, chocolate coins, note pads, inspirational stuff. Due December 1st.
  • Angel Tree    “Adopt a Family” Volunteer Center.  Return children’s gifts by December 7.
  • 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
  • Sun. Nov. 23 – Stewardship Sunday & Children’s turkey trot & Thanksgiving Potluck (turkey provided 😊)
  • Nov. 24 – Dec. 3 – El Salvador delegation
  • Tues. Nov. 25 – Scouts 6:00 pm
  • Wed. Nov. 26 – Newsletter Collating 2:00 pm helpers needed
  • Wed. Dec. 1 – Preschool Chapel 10:15 am
  • Wed. Dec. 2 – Dec. 17th at 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. 4 & 18 – Women’s Café Group 6:00 pm Fellowship Hall
  • Nov. 29 – 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:  Jan. 31, May 30, Aug. 29, and Oct. 31.
  • Tues. Dec. 2  – Trinity Tuesday 6:30 pm local pub (Discretion Brewing Co. 41st Ave. )
    1 hour, 1 faith question, 1 drink    Info. Kathy Allen 430-6359
  • Fri. Dec. 5 – St. Nick surprise deliveries
  • Sun. Dec. 7 –  Christmas Pageant
  • Thurs. Dec. 11 – MMRR Circle 10:30 am
[Read more…]

Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost – November 16, 2025

We gather on the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost
November 16 –  10am worship

“Not one stone will be left upon another”  Luke 21:6

The end is near.  There is no doubt about it.  The warnings are dire.  The tone of today’s texts is ominous.  But the baptized know how to live in the meantime.  The baptized are strengthened for the living of these days in word and sacrament.  The baptized rally around the invitation of the apostle:  “Do not be weary in doing what is right.”

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.  See sign ups:

  • St. Nicks for Seniors surprises in their shoes. (To learn of the tradition see www.stnicholascenter.org)   Ideas:  slipper sox, tea bags, chocolate coins, note pads, inspirational stuff. Due December 1st.
  • Angel Tree    “Adopt a Family” Volunteer Center.  Return children’s gifts by December 7.
  • 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
  • Tues. Nov. 18 – Scouts 6:00 pm
  • Wed. Nov. 19 – Preschool Chapel 10:15 am
  • Wed. Nov. 19 – Newsletter Deadline
  • Wed. Nov. 19 – Dec. 17th at 7:30 pm ZOOM New six week 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. Nov.  20 – Women’s Café Group 6:00 pm Fellowship Hall
  • Sun. Nov. 23 – Stewardship Sunday & Children’s turkey trot & Thanksgiving Potluck (turkey provided 😊)
  • Nov. 24 – Dec. 3 – El Salvador delegation
  • Wed. Nov. 26 – Newsletter Collating 2:00 pm helpers needed
  • Nov. 29 – 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:  Jan. 31, May 30, Aug. 29, and Oct. 31.
  • Tues. Dec. 2 – Trinity Tuesday 6:30 pm local pub (Discretion Brewing Co. 41st Ave. )
    1 hour, 1 faith question, 1 drink    Info. Kathy Allen 430-6359
  • Sun. Dec. 7 –  Christmas Pageant
  • Thurs. Dec. 11 – MMRR Circle 10:30 am
  • Sun. Dec. 14 – MMRR Holiday Bake Sale
[Read more…]

All Saints Sunday – November 2, 2025

We gather on All Saints Sunday 
November 2 –  10am worship

“Blessed are you who weep now” Luke 6:21

In holy baptism God makes saints out of sinners.  In holy communion God forgives the sins of all the saints.  In worship today we give thanks for all the saints “who from their labors rest.”  In the same breath we petition our God for the strength to hear and to heed the admonitions of Jesus in today’s gospel.  Sealed by the Spirit and sustained by the Savior’s body and blood, we live with joy as God gives us breath, to the praise of God’s glory.

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
  • This Sunday, ALL SAINTS day Nov. 2 –  
    Bring a photo of your departed loved one, framed or unframed, to display on a remembrance table
  • Sun. Nov. 2 -“Fall Back”  Daylight Savings Ends  Remember to fix your clocks
  • Tues. Nov. 4 – Scouts 6:00 pm
  • Tues. Nov. 4  – Trinity Tuesday 6:30 pm local pub (Discretion Brewing Co. 41st Ave. )
    Celebrating our 1 year Anniversary.  1 hour, 1 faith question, 1 drink    Info. Kathy Allen 430-6359
  • Wed. Nov. 5 – Preschool Chapel 10:15 am
  • Wed. Nov. 5 – “American Agitators” documentary screening, discussion and free dinner 4:30 pm Samper Hall Cabrillo
  • Wed. Nov. 5 – 7:30 pm ZOOM New six week 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. Nov. 6 & 20 – Women’s Café Group 6:00 pm Fellowship Hall
  • Thurs. Nov. 12 – MMRR Circle 10:30 am
  • Sun. Nov. 23 – Stewardship Sunday & Thanksgiving Potluck
  • Nov. 24 – Dec. 3 – El Salvador delegation
  • Dec. 7 – Save the date Christmas Pageant
[Read more…]