Good Friday – April 3, 2026

GOOD FRIDAY
April 3

7 pm Worship

“It is finished”  John 19:30

Life and death stand side by side as we enter into Good Friday.  In John’s passion account, Jesus reveals the power and glory of God, even as he is put on trial and sentenced to death.  Standing with the disciples a t the foot of the cross, we pray for the whole world in the ancient bidding prayer, as Christ’s death offers life to all.  We gather in solemn devotion, but always with the promise that the tree around which we assemble is indeed a tree of life.  We depart silently, and we anticipate the culmination of the Three Days in the Easter Vigil.

Maundy Thursday – April 2, 2026

MAUNDY THURSDAY
April 2

11 am & 7 pm Worship

12:00 Soup Lunch

“This is my body that is for you”  1 Corinthians 11:24

This evening our Lenten observance comes to an end, and we gather with Christians around the world to celebrate the Three Days of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Tonight we remember Christ’s last meal with his disciples, but the central focus is his commandment that we live out the promise embodied in this meal.  As Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, so we are called to give and receive love in humble service to one another.  Formed into a new body in Christ through tis holy meal, we are transformed by the mercy we have received and carry it into the world.  Departing worship in solemn silence, we anticipate the coming days.

Palm Sunday – March 29, 2026

Sunday of the Passion / Palm Sunday
March 29 – 10 am worship

“Hosanna to the Son of David”  Matthew 21:9

Today, we encounter the paradox that defines our faith: Jesus Christ is glorified king and humiliated servant. We too are full of paradox: like Peter, we fervently desire to follow Christ, but find ourselves afraid, denying God. We wave palms in the celebration today as Christ comes into our midst, and we follow with trepidation as his path leads to death on the cross. Amid outpoured love in a meal of bread and wine. We begin this week that stands at the center of the church year, anticipating the completion of God’s astounding work.

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
  • March 29 – COPA 11:20 – 12:30  discuss current efforts for justice in Santa Cruz & Monterey counties, as well as hopes for future relationships and actions with other churches and organizations.
  • March 31 – NO Scouts 6:00 pm
  • April 1 – 10:15 Preschool Chapel
  • April 4 – Easter Breakfast setup 10 am
  • April 5 – Easter Sunday Celebration.  Full Pancake Breakfast from 8:30 – 9:45 & worship at 10.  Plan ahead to invite a friend.
  • April 7 – 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
  • April 11 – Embroider’s 10 am to 4:00 pm
  • April 16 – Women’s Café Group 6:00 pm dinner & devotions
  • April 18 – Pr. Herb Schmidt Memorial 1:00 Messiah Lutheran, High Street
  • May 30 – AFC Shelter Dinner 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.  Plan ahead:    Aug. 29, and Oct. 31.
  • FLOWER CHART HAS OPENINGS FOR YOUR DEDICATIONS  *
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Fifth Sunday in Lent – March 22, 2026

Fifth Sunday in Lent
March 22 – 10 am worship

“Unbind him and let him go”  John 11:44

In today’s gospel Jesus reveals hi power over death by raising Lazarus from the dead.  The prophet Ezekiel prophesies God breathing new life into dry bones.  To these in exile or living in the shadows of death, these stories proclaim God’s promises of resurrection.  I baptism we die with Christ that we remember go’s unfailing promise to our baptism.

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:     

  • Order Easter Lilies now, sign up in narthex
  • Thursdays – Men’s A.A. 7:00 pm Fireside room
  • Fridays –  A.A. 7:00 pm Fellowship Hall
  • March 23 – Preschool Board Meeting
  • March 24 – Scouts 6:00 pm
  • March 25 – 10:15 Preschool Chapel
  • March 25 – Soup Supper 6:00 pm (Hosts: Shelly & Leslie)
    & Holden Evening Prayer Service 7:00 pm
  • March 29 – Palm Sunday 
  • March 29 – COPA 11:20 – 12:30  discuss current efforts for justice in Santa Cruz & Monterey counties, as well as hopes for future relationships and actions with other churches and organizations.
  • April 4 – Easter Breakfast setup 10 am
  • April 5 – Easter Sunday Celebration.  Full Pancake Breakfast from 8:30 – 9:45 & worship at 10.  Plan ahead to invite a friend.
  • April 7 – 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
  • April 18 – Pr. Herb Schmidt Memorial 1:00 Messiah Lutheran, High Street
  • May 30 – AFC Shelter Dinner 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.  Plan ahead:    Aug. 29, and Oct. 31.
  • 2026 FLOWER CHART IS READY FOR YOUR DEDICATIONS  *
[Read more…]