Community

Community Events and Information

All Saints Day – November 1, 2026

ALL SAINTS DAY
November 1 – 10 am worship

“God will wipe away every tear from their eyes”     Revelation 7:17

All Saints celebrates the baptized people of God, living and dead, who are the body of Christ. As November heralds the dying of the landscape in many northern regions, the readings and liturgy call us to remember all who have died in Christ and whose baptism is complete. At the Lord’s table we gather with the faithful of every time and place, trusting that the promises of Godwill be fulfilled an that all tear will be wiped away in the new Jerusalem.

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
  • Oct. 31 – HOST AFC Shelter Dinners 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. 
  • Nov. 1 – End Daylight Savings “Fall Back” 1 hour
  • Nov. 1 – Celebrating All Saints’ Day & Día de los Muertos.  Bring a photo of your departed loved ones, framed or unframed, to display on a remembrance table in the church narthex
  • Nov. 1  – “Holy Conversations”  11:30 am  Join a small group and explore where God might be calling us to next!  What are our hopes for the future of our ministry?  Sign up now
  • Nov. 3 – Scouts 6:00 pm
  • Nov. 3 – 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
  • Nov. 4 – Bible Study 7:30 pm Zoom
  • Nov. 5 – Bold Women’s Café (dinner & devotions) 6:00 pm
  • Nov. 10 –  Church Council 6:30 pm
  • Nov. 12 – Circle of Promise 10:30 am  
  • Nov. 14 – Barbara Allan Memorial 2:00 pm (Jeanette’s mother)
  • Nov. 15 – “Next Stage” musical guest in 10 am worship
  • Nov. 19 – Newsletter Deadline Noon
  • Nov. 21 – COPA Delegate Assembly 10 am San Pablo Episcopal Church, 1092 Noche Buena St. Seaside
  • Nov. 23 – Newsletter Collating 2:00 pm (helpers needed)
  • Pr. Jim Office hours Wednesdays 10 am to 1:00 pm.
  • FLOWER CHART has openings FOR YOUR DEDICATIONS  *
[Read more…]

Reformation Sunday – October 25, 2026

REFORMATION SUNDAY
October 25 – 10 am worship

“The truth will make you free”     John 8:32

Rooted in the pat and growing into the future, the church must always be reformed in order to live out the love of Christ in an ever-changing world. We celebrate the good news of God’s grace, that Jesus Christ sets us free every day to do this life-transforming work. Trusting in the freedom given to us in baptism, we pray for the church, that Christians will unite more fully in worship and mission.

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
  • Oct. 24 – Set up Oktoberfeast 10 am helpers needed
  • Oct. 25 – Reformation Celebration / Oktoberfeast  11:30 with “Thirsty Nine” band
  • Brats provided – bring a dish to share
                           Clean up crew needed
  • Oct. 27 – Scouts 6:00 pm
  • Oct. 28 – Bible Study 7:30 pm Zoom
  • Oct. 29 – Newsletter Collating 2:00 pm (helpers needed)
  • Oct. 31 – HOST AFC Shelter Dinners 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. 
  • Nov. 1 – Celebrating All Saints’ Day & Día de los Muertos.  Bring a photo of your departed loved ones, framed or unframed, to display on a remembrance table in the church narthex. Don’t have a physical photo or can’t come in-person to church right now? Email a digital photo by 
  • October 28 (or any other questions you may have) to Christa Garcia at christawynekengarcia@gmail.com and she will print and display them for you.
  • Nov. 1  – “Holy Conversations”  11:30 am  Join a small group and explore where God might be calling us to next!  What are our hopes for the future of our ministry?  Sign up now
  • Nov. 3 – 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
  • Nov. 5 – Bold Women’s Café (dinner & devotions) 6:00 pm
  • Nov. 10 – Church Council 6:30 pm
  • Nov. 12 – Circle of Promise 10:30 am  
  • Nov. 15 – “Next Stage” musical guest in 10 am worship
  • Pr. Jim Office hours Wednesdays 10 am to 1:00 pm.
  • FLOWER CHART has openings FOR YOUR DEDICATIONS  *
[Read more…]

Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost – October 18, 2026

21st Sunday after Pentecost
October 18 – 10 am worship

“Give to God the things that are God’s”     Matthew 22:21

In today’s first reading God uses the Gentile ruler Cyrus to accomplish divine purposes. When the Pharisees tr to trap Jesus he tells them to give the emperor what belongs to him and to God what belongs to God To gather for worship reminds us that our ultimate allegiance is to God rather than to an earthly authority. Created in the image of God, we offer our entire selves in the service of God and for the sake of the world.

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
  • Oct. 14 – Bible Study 7:30 pm Zoom
  • Oct. 15 – Bold Women’s Café (dinner & devotions) 6:00 pm
  • Oct. 15 – Lutheran Office of Public Policy “Vote Your Conscience” 7:00 pm ZOOM
                    Explore ballot propositions from a Lutheran Faith perspective
    Email thelotts@gmail.com to register
  • Oct. 18 – No Sunday School
  • Oct. 18 – “Next Stage” musical guest in 10 am worship
  • Oct. 18  – “Holy Conversations”  11:30 am  Join a small group and explore where God might be calling us to next!  What are our hopes for the future of our ministry?  Sign up now
  • Oct. 18 – “Faith matters / Who is my neighbor”?    An interfaith dialogue on immigration at Santa Cruz Bible Church 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • Oct. 20 – Scouts 6:00 pm
  • October 25 – Reformation / Oktoberfeast  
  • Clean up crew needed
  • Oct. 29 – Newsletter Collating 2:00 pm (helpers needed)
  • October 31 – HOST AFC Shelter Dinners 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. 
  • November 1 – Celebrating All Saints’ Day & Día de los Muertos.  Bring a photo of your departed loved ones, framed or unframed, to display on a remembrance table in the church narthex. Don’t have a physical photo or can’t come in-person to church right now? Email a digital photo by October 28 (or any other questions you may have) to Christa Garcia at christawynekengarcia@gmail.com and she will print and display them for you.
  • Nov. 1 – Holy Conversations 11:30 am sign up now
  • Nov. 3 – 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
  • Nov. 12 – Circle of Promise 10:30 am  
  • Pr. Jim Office hours Wednesdays 10 am to 1:00 pm.
  • FLOWER CHART has openings FOR YOUR DEDICATIONS  *
[Read more…]

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost – October 11, 2026

20th Sunday after Pentecost
October 11 – 10 am worship

“Everything is ready; come to the wedding banquet”   Matthew 22:4

In Isaiah we are given a vision of the great feast to come, when God will wipe away death forever. In Jesus parable about a great banquet, those invited do not come, so the invitation is extended to others. In our liturgy God spreads a table before us. Even amid anxiety and hardship we rejoice in the peace of God which surpasses all understanding. With great joy we feast at the table of the Lord and we go forth to share the wonderful invitation with others hungering and thirsting for the abundant life of God.

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
  • Oct. 10 – Embroiders 10 to 4pm
  • Oct. 11 – “Holy Conversations” 11:30 am Join a small group and explore where God might be calling us to next! What are our hopes for the future of our ministry? Sign up now
  • Oct. 13 – Scouts 6:00 pm
  • Oct. 13 – Church Council 6:30 pm
  • Oct. 14 – Bible Study 7:30 pm Zoom
  • Oct. 15 – Bold Women’s Café (dinner & devotions) 6:00 pm
  • Oct. 15 – Lutheran Office of Public Policy “Vote Your Conscience” 7:00 pm ZOOM
                    Explore ballot propositions from a Lutheran Faith perspective. •. Email thelotts@gmail.com to register
  • Oct. 18 – “Next Stage” musical guest in 10 am worship
  • Oct. 18 – Holy Conversation small groups 11:30 am sign up now
  • Oct. 18 – “Faith matters / Who is my neighbor”?  An interfaith dialogue on immigration at Santa Cruz Bible Church 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • October 25 – Reformation / Oktoberfeast  Reader needed
  • Oct. 29 – Newsletter Collating 2:00 pm (helpers needed)
  • October 31 – HOST AFC Shelter Dinners 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. 
  • November 1 – Celebrating All Saints’ Day & Día de los Muertos.  Bring a photo of your departed loved ones, framed or unframed, to display on a remembrance table in the church narthex. Don’t have a physical photo or can’t come in-person to church right now? Email a digital photo by October 28 (or any other questions you may have) to Christa Garcia at christawynekengarcia@gmail.com and she will print and display them for you.
  • Nov. 1 – Holy Conversations 11:30 am sign up now
  • Nov. 3 – 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
  • Nov. 12 – Circle of Promise 10:30 am  
  • Pr. Jim Office hours Wednesdays 10 am to 1:00 pm.
  • FLOWER CHART has openings FOR YOUR DEDICATIONS  *
[Read more…]

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost – October 4, 2026

19th Sunday after Pentecost
October 4 – 10 am worship

“My beloved had a vineyard” Isaiah 5:1

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus tells a vineyard parable, which serves as an image of Israel, the prophets’ mission, and Christ’s death. For Christians, the vineyard also speaks for God’s love poured out I the blood of Christ, given to us for the forgiveness of sin. Grafted onto Christ the vine at baptism, we are nourished with wine and bread so that we may share Christ’s sufferings and know the power of his resurrection.

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
  • Oct. 1 & 15 – Bold Women’s Café (dinner & devotions) 6:00 pm
  • Oct. 4   – Blessing of the Animals 10 am
  • Oct. 6 – Scouts 6:00 pm
  • Oct. 6 – 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
  • Oct. 7 – Bible Study 7:30 pm Zoom
  • Oct. 8 – Circle of Promise 10:30 am
  • Oct. 10 – Embroiders 10 to 4pm
  • Oct. 13 – Church Council 6:30 pm
  • Oct. 15 – Lutheran Office of Public Policy “Vote Your Conscience” 7:00 pm ZOOM
  • Explore ballot propositions from a Lutheran Faith perspective
  • Email thelotts@gmail.com to register
  • Oct. 18 – “Next Stage” musical guest in 10 am worship
  • October 25 – Reformation / Oktoberfeast 
  • Oct. 29 – Newsletter Collating 2:00 pm (helpers needed)
  • October 31 – HOST AFC Shelter Dinners 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. 
  • November 1 – Celebrating All Saints’ Day & Día de los Muertos.  Bring a photo of your departed loved ones, framed or unframed, to display on a remembrance table in the church narthex. Don’t have a physical photo or can’t come in-person to church right now? Email a digital photo by October 28 (or any other questions you may have) to Christa Garcia at christawynekengarcia@gmail.co and she will print and display them for you.
  • Pr. Jim Office hours Wednesdays 10 am to 1:00 pm.
  • FLOWER CHART has openings FOR YOUR DEDICATIONS  *
[Read more…]