Community

Dear St. Stephen’s Family,

This Sunday, September 26^th at 10 am, we will gather for worship back in our sanctuary for the third time.  We will focus on the intriguing “hard sayings of Jesus” in the Gospel of Mark, as Jesus employs hyperbole and exaggeration to help people see that God’s ways of lifting up the “little ones” (those most vulnerable) are of ultimate importance for human community.

There is always a Children’s Church / Sunday School program planned during worship. It is held in the Family Room adjacent to the sanctuary beginning right before the scripture readings and ending after the offering. We LOVE having children and all that brings as part of worship! Thanks to Polly Cappelloni and Leslie Lapp for leading this ministry.

Dear St. Stephen’s Family,

This Sunday, September 19^th at 10 am, we will gather for worship back in our sanctuary, as we remember once again that to follow Jesus means to care for the vulnerable and lowly among us, as opposed to seeking greatness and success in the eyes of our world.

Gathering in-person in our worship space is a joyous occasion for sure! But the risks of the pandemic are lingering as we head into the Fall and Winter, so we are taking precautions described below. This Sunday will include taping off spaces that we ask people not to occupy in the pews, in order to ensure adequate physical distancing. We will also not be offering the Coffee Fellowship for the time being. However, all are welcome to gather outside on the patio and greet one another as well as welcome those who are new to this church family.

Dear St. Stephen’s Family,

This Sunday, September 12^th at 10am, we will gather for worship back in our sanctuary for the first time since March of 2020…almost a year and half. It is a joyous occasion for sure! But the risks of the pandemic are lingering as we head into the Fall and Winter, so we are taking precautions described below. Also, please see the Prayer Requests below.

You can also worship at home through the livestream found at our website. After 5pm.   a recording of our worship service can be also found on our website at www.ststephenslutheran.org.

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.

Dear St. Stephen’s Family,

This Sunday, September 5^th, we will gather in spirit through our recorded worship service found here on our website. This is the last time we will worship in this way only, for the time being.

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

We will re-gather in-person for the first time on Sept. 12 at 10am!!!

The health-safe, new ways that we will worship in-person indoors were shared in detail in  our September newsletter. Everyone will need to wear a mask. It will also include practices that maintain physical distance (6ft. distance for families in the pews – sharing the Peace with gestures , continuing to receive Holy Communion with the pre-sealed cups, giving our offering at tables near us, as well as improved air exchange with fans and open doors.

Dear St. Stephen’s Family,

This Sunday, August 29^th, we will gather in spirit through our recorded worship service found here. This is the 2^nd to last time we will worship in this way only.

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

Our gathering for worship each Sunday at church, in our homes, or wherever we are able, is very essential to strengthen us to meet the world’s challenges. These days, especially, we cling to the messages of our faith that call us to new beginnings and living a new life. Previous Sunday worship services can be found at our website. “www.ststephenslutheran.org”

We will re-gather in-person for the first time on Sept. 12 at 10am!!!