Day of Pentecost – May 24, 2026

Day of Pentecost
May 24 – 10 am worship

“Receive the Holy Spirit” John 20:22

Pentecost derives its name from the Jewish festival celebrating the harvest and the giving of the law on Mount Sinai fifty days after Passover. Fifty days after Easter, we celebrate the Holy Spirit as God’s presence within and among us. In Acts the Spirit arrives in rushing wind and flame, bringing Go’s presence to all people. Paul reminds us that though we each have different capacities, we are unified in the Spirit that equips us with these gifts. Jesus breathes the Hoy Spirit on his disciples, empowering them to forgive sin. We celebrate that we too are given the breath of the Holy Spirit and sent out to proclaim god’s redeeming love to all 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 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 23rd)
  • May 26 – Scouts 6:00 pm
  • May 27 – 10:15 Preschool Chapel 
  • May 27 – Bible Study 7:30 pm Zoom
  • 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 vegetables.
    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.
  • June 2 – 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
  • June 7 – Meet Mt. Cross Staff & kick off summer BBQ
  • May 21 – Aug. 24 Pastor Jim on Sabbatical
  • 2026 FLOWER CHART IS READY FOR YOUR DEDICATIONS  *
[Read more…]

Seventh Sunday of Easter – May 17, 2026

Seventh Sunday of Easter
May 17 – 10 am worship

“May they be one, a we are one”  John 17:11

In these days between Ascension and Pentecost, we gather with the disciples in the upper room, waiting for the Spirit to transform the church around the world. In today’s gospel Jesus prays for his followers and for their mission in his name. amid religious, social and economic divisions, we seek the unity that Jesus had with his Father. Made one in baptism, we go forth to live our faith in the world, eager for the unity that God intends for the whole human family.

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 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 Vilardo
    Welcome New Members • Bless Children’s Bibles
  • May 19 – Scouts 6:00 pm
  • May 20 – 10:15 Preschool Chapel / graduation and ice cream social
  • 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 23rd)
  • May 24 & 31 – Sunday READER NEEDED
  • May 27 – Newsletter Collating 2:00 pm
  • May 27 – Bible Study 7:30 pm in person & Zoom
  • 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 vegetables.  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.
  • June 2 – 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
  • June 7 – Meet Mt. Cross Staff & kick off summer BBQ
  • 2026 FLOWER CHART IS READY FOR YOUR DEDICATIONS  *
[Read more…]

Sixth Sunday of Easter – May 10, 2026

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 23rd)
  • 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 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.
  • June 2 – 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
  • June 7 – Meet Mt. Cross Staff & kick off summer BBQ
  • 2026 FLOWER CHART IS READY FOR YOUR DEDICATIONS  *
[Read more…]

Fifth Sunday of Easter – May 3, 2026

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. 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
  • 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 23rd)
  • 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 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.
  • June 7 – Meet Mt. Cross Staff & kick off summer BBQ
  • 2026 FLOWER CHART IS READY FOR YOUR DEDICATIONS  *
[Read more…]