Sixth Sunday after Epiphany – February 12, 2023

We will gather on Sunday, February 12th at 10:00 am for worship on the 5th Sunday after Epiphany.  You can also participate through the livestream and recording at www.ststephenslutheran.org.

Today’s gospel reading echoes parts of the Ten Commandments as Jesus instructs his followers about how fulfilling the “Letter of the Law” is not why the law was given. Instead we are to fulfill the “Spirit of the Law” when we are reconciled to one another, which results in life and health for the whole community. We are also invited to embrace God’s ways because God has promised that it leads to life lived abundantly and peaceably!

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 if you are at home.

Upcoming Gatherings:

Let’s continue to be gracious and merciful with one another as we continue to struggle with a lingering pandemic.

  1. Masks are still highly encouraged due to our singing in church.
  2. Physical distancing is still highly encouraged.
  3. Holy Communion will be offered from Pastor Jim (sanitized hands & masked) at the front of the church. You can remain at your seat and Pastor Jim will bring the elements to you.
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Fifth Sunday after Epiphany – February 5, 2023

We will gather on Sunday, February 5th at 10:00 am for worship on the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany.  You can also participate through the livestream and recording at www.ststephenslutheran.org.

Jesus begins his three year public ministry in the Gospel of Matthew Ch.5 with the Sermon on the Mount. After the Beatitudes of last Sunday, Jesus moves into teaching about how ones good works are meant to glorify God, not used as a way to show we are better than others, or as a way to gain God’s favor and blessing. God’s blessing is given to the hurting ones, and we are to join in God’s blessing by serving our neighbor in need. Be salt and light and a city on hill so God’s love is shown and known.

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 if you are at home.

[Read more…]

Third Sunday after Epiphany – January 22, 2023

We will gather on Sunday, January 22nd at 10:00 am for worship on the 3rd Sun. after Epiphany.  You can also participate through the livestream and recording at www.ststephenslutheran.org.

We who have walked in darkness have seen a great light. Yes, the sun has finally come out, but we see this light most profoundly in the cross – as God suffers with us and all who are oppressed by sickness, natural disaster, sin or evil of any kind. Light dawns for us as we gather together around God’s Word, the baptismal font, and God’s holy table. Come to share in the light!

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 if you are at home.

Upcoming Gatherings:

Let’s continue to be gracious and merciful with one another as we continue to struggle with a lingering pandemic.

  1. Masks are still highly encouraged due to our singing in church.
  2. Physical distancing is still highly encouraged.
  3. Holy Communion will be offered from Pastor Jim (sanitized hands & masked) at the front of the church. You can remain at your seat and Pastor Jim will bring the elements to you.
[Read more…]