Community

Sixth Sunday of Easter
May 10 – 10 am worship

“Because I live, you also will live”  John 14:19

Jesus does not abandon his followers. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus comes to abide with his disciples of every generation. As Pentecost draws near, we are reminded that the risen Christ dwells in us as the Spirit of truth. We receive this Spirit in baptism and pray that in our gathering around the Lord’s table the Spirit will transform us to be the body of the risen Christ in 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
• May 12 – Scouts 6:00 pm
• May 12 – Church Council 6:30 pm
• May 13 – 10:15 Preschool Chapel
• May 13 – Bible Study 7:30 pm
• May 14 – Circle of Promise 11:30 am Speaker Meeting & Lunch
• May 16 – AFC Annual Gala 6 – 8:30 pm  reservations see info@afcsantacruz.org
                  Working to end homelessness through interfaith action
• May 17 – Meet our Sabbatical Pastor Larry   & Welcome New Members & Dedicate children’s bibles
• May 20 – TAIZE prayer service 7:00 pm
• May 21 – Aug. 24 Pastor Jim on Sabbatical
• May 21 – Newsletter Deadline Noon
• May 21 – Women’s Bold Café 6:00 pm devotions and potluck
• May 22-25 – Mt. Cross Memorial day weekend events:  Volunteer Projects, BBQ & Bingo Night.  Sign up today   https://www.mtcross.org/retreats    (Most of us are planning for Saturday 23^rd)
• May 27 – Newsletter Collating 2:00 pm
• May 30 – AFC Shelter Dinners 5:45pm St. Johns Aptos.  Sign up to provide (one of the following)  main course, salad, dessert & breakfast.  We still need main course and vegetable.  St. Stephen’s is responsible for the 5^th 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.
• June 2 – Trinity Tuesday 6:30 pm local pub (Discretion Brewing Co. 41^st 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
• June 7 – Meet Mt. Cross Staff & kick off summer BBQ

• 2026 FLOWER CHART IS READY FOR YOUR DEDICATIONS  *

Fifth Sunday of Easter
May 3 – 10 am worship

“In my father’s house there are many dwelling places”  John 14:2

As we continue to celebrate the fifty days of Easter, today’s gospel includes Jesus’ promise that he goes to prepare a place for his followers in his Father’s house. Our baptism commissions us to share Jesus’ mission in the world. As 1 Peter reminds us, we are a holy people, called to proclaim the one who called us out of darkness into light. In words and deeds we bear witness to the risen Christ – our way, our truth, our life.

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
• May 5 – Scouts 6:00 pm
• May 5 – Trinity Tuesday 6:30 pm local pub (Discretion Brewing Co. 41^st 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 6 – 10:15 Preschool Chapel
• May 6 – Bible Study 7:30 pm
• May 7 – Women’s Bold Café 6:00 pm devotions and potluck
• May 12 – Church Council 6:30 pm
• May 14 – Circle of Promise 11:30 am Speaker Meeting & Lunch
• May 16 – AFC Annual Gala 6 – 8:30 pm  reservations see info@afcsantacruz.org
                   Working to end homelessness through interfaith action
• May 17 – Meet our Sabbatical Pastor Larry & Welcome New Members & Dedicate children’s bibles
• May 20 – TAIZE prayer service 7:00 pm
• May 21 – Aug. 24 Pastor Jim on Sabbatical
• May 22-25 – Mt. Cross Memorial day weekend events:  Volunteer Projects, BBQ & Bingo Night. 
  Sign up today  https://www.mtcross.org/retreats   
  (Most of us are planning for Saturday 23^rd)
• May 30 – AFC Shelter Dinners 5:45pm St. Johns Aptos.  Sign up to provide (one of the following)  main course, salad, dessert & breakfast.  We still need main course and vegetable.  St. Stephen’s is responsible for the 5^th 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.
• June 7 – Meet Mt. Cross Staff & kick off summer BBQ

• 2026 FLOWER CHART IS READY FOR YOUR DEDICATIONS  *

Fourth Sunday of Easter
April 26 – 10 am worship

“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly”  John 10:10

Today is sometimes called “good Shepherd Sunday.” Jesus is called the “gate” of the sheet in today’s gospel. The risen Christ opens the way to abundant life. He anoints our heads with oil and guides us beside the still waters of our baptism. East Sunday he spreads a feast before us amid the world’s violence and war. We go forth to be signs of the resurrection and extend Go’s gender care to all creation.

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 28 – Scouts 6:00 pm
• April 29 – 10:15 Preschool Chapel
• April 29 – Newsletter Collating 2:00 pm 
• April 29 – Bible Study 7:30 pm
• May 5 – Trinity Tuesday 6:30 pm local pub (Discretion Brewing Co. 41^st 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 – Womens Bold Café 6:00 pm devotions and potluck
• May 12 – Church Council 6:30 pm
• May 14 – Circle of Promise 11:30 am Speaker Meeting & Lunch
• May 16 – AFC Annual Gala 6 – 8:30 pm reservations see info@afcsantacruz.org
• Working to end homelessness through interfaith action
• May 17 – Meet our Sabbatical Pastor Larry
• May 20 – TAIZE prayer service 7:00 pm
• May 21-Aug. 24 Pastor Jim on Sabbatical
• May 22-25 – Mt. Cross Memorial day weekend events: Volunteer Projects, BBQ & Bingo Night. Sign up today https://www.mtcross.org/retreats
• May 30 – 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 5^th 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.

• 2026 FLOWER CHART IS READY FOR YOUR DEDICATIONS  *