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Baptism of Our Lord – January 8, 2023

We will gather on Sunday, January 8th at 10:00 am for worship celebrating The Baptism  of our Lord.  You can also participate through the livestream and recording at www.ststephenslutheran.org. 

We will be blessed to hear the words that were heard by Jesus at his baptism, and that we each long to hear: “This is my Child, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased”. Come and receive the love, grace and mission from the God who says: “You are mine”!

The bulletin and Celebrate scripture readings and prayers are attached, so that you can participate in worship even if you are not able to attend church in-person. Holy Communion will be celebrated, so please have some bread and fruit of the vine ready if you are at home.

Upcoming Gatherings:

Let’s continue to be gracious and merciful with one another as we continue to struggle with a lingering pandemic.

  1. Masks are still highly encouraged due to our singing in church.
  2. Physical distancing is still highly encouraged.
  3. Holy Communion will be offered from Pastor Jim (sanitized hands & masked) at the front of the church. You can remain at your seat and Pastor Jim will bring the elements to you.
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Christmas Day – December 25, 2022

We will gather on Sunday, December 25th at 10:00 am for worship celebrating The Nativity of our Lord.  You can also participate through the livestream and recording at www.ststephenslutheran.org.

The Gospel Of John reminds us of the broad cosmological reach of the light of God from the beginning of creation, to the birth of the Holy One of God, right into our lives and world today. We need this light. We’ve always needed this light. And it is here now! Gloria! Hallelujah!

The bulletin and Celebrate scripture readings and prayers are attached, so that you can participate in worship even if you are not able to attend church in-person. Holy Communion will be celebrated, so please have some bread and fruit of the vine ready if you are at home.

Let’s continue to be gracious and merciful with one another as we continue to struggle with a lingering pandemic.

  1. Masks are still highly encouraged due to our singing in church.
  2. Physical distancing is still highly encouraged.
  3. Holy Communion will be offered from Pastor Jim (sanitized hands & masked) at the front of the church. You can remain at your seat and Pastor Jim will bring the elements to you.

    There is no Children’s Church / Sunday School program planned for Dec. 25th, January 1st, and January 6th. 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! Thanks to Leslie Lapp for leading this ministry.

    [Read more…]

    Christmas Eve – December 24, 2022

    We gather for a very special tradition on December 24th, Christmas Eve at 5:00 pm and 7:30 pm for a candlelight worship service.

    You can also participate through the livestream or recording on our website at www.ststephenslutheran.org.

    We will welcome the light of world from God, coming to us in the babe, the son of Mary and Joseph, in a stable where the friendly beasts were kept. We gather in the night and sing our beloved songs and share this light with one another as we pass the flame on our candles. This is a wonderful remembrance of how we devote ourselves to God’s ways, shared with us in Jesus Christ.

    I truly look forward to being together in this way… as close as we can get to that night in Bethlehem. We pray: “Come anew, O Child of our dreams.”

    Grace and Peace, 
    Pastor Jim

    Click Here for Bulletin
    Christmas Eve Insert

    Fourth Sunday of Advent – December 18, 2022

    As we pray often in the short 4 week season of Advent, “Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and Come.  Come show us and bestow upon us your abundant grace like you did through Joseph and Mary so long ago.

    Let’s dedicate ourselves to worshiping faithfully together in this new year, as the Advent season begins! We prepare our hearts for God’s arrival among us as a baby- Emmanuel – as we light the candles on our Advent wreath, which was  assembled by Barbara Johnston in loving memory of her mother. Our liturgy  incorporates the familiar tunes that the church is so well known for in our world. I know you will really enjoy singing them from your heart to God!

    The bulletin and Celebrate scripture readings and prayers are attached, so that you can participate in worship even if you are not able to attend church in-person. Holy Communion will be celebrated, so please have some bread and fruit of the vine ready if you are at home.

    Upcoming Gatherings:

    Sun. Dec. 18th after worship – Mary/Martha – Ruth Rebecca Women’s Circle Holiday Bake Sale.

    Sun. Dec. 18th 12noon – Holiday Potluck. Details in newsletter. Contact Gary Roberts or Steven Hendrickson.

    Let’s continue to be gracious and merciful with one another as we continue to struggle with a lingering pandemic.

    1. Masks are still highly encouraged due to our singing in church.
    2. Physical distancing is still highly encouraged.
    3. Holy Communion will be offered from Pastor Jim (sanitized hands & masked) at the front of the church. You can remain at your seat and Pastor Jim will bring the elements to you.
    [Read more…]