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Second Sunday after Epiphany – January 18, 2026

The Second Sunday after Epiphany
January 18 –  10 am worship

“Here is the Lamb of God”  John 1:29

Today’s gospel opens with further reflection on Jesus’ baptism.  He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and the one anointed by the Spirit.  In the liturgy we come and see Christ revealed among us in word and meal.  We go forth to invite other to come and worship the Holy One and to receive the gifts of grace and peace made known among us.

Come Welcome New Members This Sunday:

Steve Gray,  Carole Murray,  Jennifer Swan  &  Patrick Thomas

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:     

  • 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
  • Jan. 19 – Newsletter Deadline
  • Jan. 20 – Scouts 6:00 pm
  • Jan. 21 – Taize Service (prayer silence & meditative song) 6:00 pm
  • Jan.  21 – 7:30 pm ZOOM  Bible Study 
  • Jan. 22 – Women’s Café Group 6:00 pm 
  • Jan. 25 – Annual Meeting after 10 am worship (please bring finger food / snacks to share)
  • Jan. 29  – Newsletter Collating 2:00
  • 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.  We still need: 8 servings Vegetables or salad, and ½ gallon milk
  • 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.
  • Feb. 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
  • Feb. 12 – Womens Circle of Promise 10:30 am
  • 2026 FLOWER CHART IS READY FOR YOUR DEDICATIONS  *
[Read more…]

Baptism of Our Lord – January 11, 2026

We gather on the Baptism of Our Lord
January 11 –  10 am worship

“This is my Son, the Beloved” Matthew 3:17

In the waters of the Jordan, Jesus is revealed as the beloved Son of God. Through this great epiphany, Jesus fulfills all righteousness and becomes the servant of God who will bring forth justice and be a light to the nations. In the waters of baptism we too are washed by the Word, anointed by the Spirit, and named Go’s beloved children. Our baptismal mission is to proclaim good news to all who are oppressed or in need of God’s healing.

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.      

  • 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
  • Jan. 10 – Embroiders guild 10 to 4pm Fireside room
  • Jan. 11 – No Sunday School
  • Jan. 13 – Scouts 6:00 pm
  • Jan. 13 (corrected date) – Church Council 6:30 pm
  • Jan. 14 – 7:30 pm ZOOM Bible Study 
  • Jan. 16 – Annual Reports DUE
  • Jan. 19 – Newsletter Deadline
  • Jan. 21 – Taize Service (prayer silence & meditative song) 6:00 pm
  • Jan. 22 – Women’s Café Group 6:00 pm 
  • Jan. 25 – Annual Meeting after 10 am worship (please bring finger food / snacks to share)
  • Jan. 29 (corrected date) – Newsletter Collating 2:00
  • 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.  We still need: 8 servings Vegetables or salad, and ½ gallon milk
  • 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.
  • Feb. 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
  • Feb. 12 – Womens Circle of Promise 10:30 am
  • 2026 FLOWER CHART IS READY FOR YOUR DEDICATIONS  *
[Read more…]

Second Sunday after Christmas – January 4, 2026

We gather on the Second Sunday of Christmas
January 4 –  10 am worship

“The Word became flesh and lived among us” John 1:14

Within the gospel reading’s profound words lies the simple message that God is revealed in human person. Though we may try to understand how the Word existed with God from the beginning of time, the wonder we celebrate at Christmas is that the Word continues to dwell among us. Christ comes among us in the gathered assembly, the scriptures, the waters of new birth, and the bread and the wine. Through these ordinary gifts we receive the fullness of God’s grace and truth.

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.
  • Jan. 6 – Scouts 6:00 pm
  • Jan. 6 – Church Council 6:30 pm
  • 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. 7 – 7:30 pm ZOOM  – Bible Study Resumes
  • Jan. 8 & 22 – Women’s Café Group 6:00 pm 
  • Jan. 10 – Embroiders guild 10 to 4pm Fireside room
  • Jan. 13 – Annual Reports DUE
  • Jan. 19 – Newsletter Deadline
  • Jan. 25 – Annual Meeting after 10 am worship (please bring finger food / snacks to share)
  • Jan. 26 – Newsletter Collating 2:00
  • 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…]

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…]