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Third Sunday of Easter – April 19, 2026

Third Sunday of Easter
April 19 – 10 am worship

“Were not our hearts burning within us?”  Luke 24:32 

Today’s gospel begins with two disciples walking to Emmaus, overcome with sadness, loss, and disappointment. They had hoped Jesus, who was crucified, would be the one to redeem Israel! Yet the risen Christ walks with them and then opens their eyes in the breaking of the bread. Each Sunday our hearts burn within us as the scriptures are proclaime and Christ appears to us as bread is broken and wine is poured. The story of Emmaus becomes the pattern of our worship each Lord’s day.

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
  • April 18 – Pr. Herb Schmidt Memorial 1:00 Messiah Lutheran, High Street
  • April 22 – Preschool Chapel 10:15 am
  • April 22 – 7:00 pm Bible Study
  • April 21 – Scouts 6:00 pm
  • April 29 – Newsletter Collating 2:00 helpers needed
  • May 5 – 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
  • May 7 – Women’s Café Group 6:00 pm dinner & devotions
  • May 16 – AFC Gala 6:00 – 8:30 pm reservations now  info@afcsantacruz.org dinner, auction & testimonials
    Working to end homelessness through interfaith action
  • May 17 – Welcome Sabbatical Pastor Larry Vilardo – 10am. Reception afterwards
  • May 21-August 24 Pastor Jim on Sabbatical
  • May 23 – Mt. Cross Memorial Day Volunteer Event. There is a job for everyone of all abilities. Come support our camp.
    3 meals and a celebration at the end of the day. Info and Register  EVENTS | Mt. Cross Ministries
  • 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…]

Second Sunday of Easter – April 12, 2026

Second Sunday of Easter
April 12 – 10 am worship

“Do not doubt but believe” John 20:27 

In today’s gospel the risen Christ appears to the disciples and offers them the gift of peace. Even amid doubts and questions, we experience the resurrection our Sunday gathering around word and meal, and in our everyday lives. Throughout the coming Sundays of Easter the first two readings will be room the Acts of the Apostles and the first letter of Peter. Even as the early Christians proclaimed the resurrection, we rejoice in the new birth and living hope we receive in 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:     

  • Thursdays – Men’s A.A. 7:00 pm Fireside room
  • Fridays –  A.A. 7:00 pm Fellowship Hall
  • April 6-10 Preschool on vacation
  • April 7-10 Office Closed
  • April 7 – Scouts 6:00 pm
  • 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 12 – READER NEEDED 10 am
  • 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…]

Easter Sunday – April 5, 2026

Resurrection of Our Lord / Easter Sunday
April 5 – 10 am worship

“Alleluia! Christ is risen!” 

This is the day the Lord has made! Christ is risen, and through him all creation is made new! Indeed, “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34): Christ’s resurrection truly brings life to everyone. We sing hymns of praise, gather around sacred words, and proclaim god’s faithfulness, power, and love in the feat of holy communion. With the women at the tomb, we are astonished, elated, and grateful. We depart with joy to proclaim the good news of God’s endless love.

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
  • April 3 – Good Friday worship 7:00 pm
  • April 4 – Easter Breakfast setup 10 am
  • April 5 – Easter Sunday Celebration.  Full Pancake Breakfast from 8:30 – 9:45 & worship at 10 with children’s time. Plan ahead to invite a friend.
  • April 6-10 Preschool on vacation
  • April 7 – Scouts 6:00 pm
  • 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 12 – Coffee host needed 10 am
  • 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…]

Good Friday – April 3, 2026

GOOD FRIDAY
April 3

7 pm Worship

“It is finished”  John 19:30

Life and death stand side by side as we enter into Good Friday.  In John’s passion account, Jesus reveals the power and glory of God, even as he is put on trial and sentenced to death.  Standing with the disciples a t the foot of the cross, we pray for the whole world in the ancient bidding prayer, as Christ’s death offers life to all.  We gather in solemn devotion, but always with the promise that the tree around which we assemble is indeed a tree of life.  We depart silently, and we anticipate the culmination of the Three Days in the Easter Vigil.