Reconciled in Christ Welcome Statement

We welcome all who are seeking God’s love and grace. We welcome all because God welcomes all, regardless of race or culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or relationship status. We welcome all without regard to addictions, physical or mental health, imprisonment, socio-economic circumstances, or anything that too often divides us. Our unity is in Christ.”

Approved at the January 2020 Congregational Meeting

Fifteenth Sunday After Pentecost – September 13, 2020

Dear St. Stephen’s Family,

Welcome to worship this Sunday!  We gather our hearts and offer our lives to God through this recorded worship service that is trying to honor our church family practices of a familiar and comforting liturgy in our sacred space at 2500 Soquel Ave.  Please set aside some time on the Lord’s day and Remember the Sabbath and Keep It Holy, as the Third Commandment says. Find some bread and “fruit of the vine” so you can receive a means and reminder of God’s grace to strengthen and sustain you in these weary days.

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Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost – September 6

Dear St. Stephen’s Family,

We are grateful these days for the returning home of many who were evacuated due to the wildfires. We are grateful for the favorable weather that has enabled the firefighters to gain more control over the fires to prevent further loss of people’s homes. We are grateful for those who are doing that work and for all the help that has been offered throughout our County. We are praying for comfort and strength for those who have lost their homes and for those who are still evacuated. We are praying for continued favorable weather and conditions so that the firefighters work can be completed. We are praying for courage and strength for all who are offering themselves to help those who have been affected.

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Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost – August 30

Dear St. Stephen’s Family,

As we send this message to all of you, many members of our church family are still experiencing the stress of evacuations due to the lightning fires in the Santa Cruz mountains. In addition to the Curry / Abler Family, we welcomed Jean & Mark Petersen to shelter here.  All are doing as well as can be expected.  Tara McMilin has been told it will be 2-3 months before she can return home….transitional housing is needed beginning in September.    

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