Advent

We gather on the Second Sunday of Advent 
December 7 –  10 am worship

“A little child shall lead them”  Isaiah 11:6

At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning.  As the darkness increases we turn toward the approaching light of Christ.  For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and meek of the earth.  We wait with hope for that day when the wolf will dwell with the lamb and there will be no more hurt or destruction.  From the Lord’s table we are sent in the spirit of Joh the Baptist to proclaim that in Christ the kingdom of God has come near.

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: 

Tis the season for Sharing Christmas Joy.  See sign ups: 

• Angel Tree    “Adopt a Family” Volunteer Center.  Return children’s gifts by December 7.

• ELCA Good Gifts & God’s Global Barnyard   creative meaningful ways to support better lives. www.goodgifts@elca.org    
• AFC has asked for additional help December 27 providing just dinner for the shelter. Let Leslie know THIS Sunday if you are able. 

Other events:

• Thursdays – Men’s A.A. 7:00 pm Fireside room
• Fridays –  A.A. 7:00 pm Fellowship Hall
• Sun. Dec. 7 –  Christmas Pageant “Not So Silent Night” 
• Wed. Dec. 8 – Preschool Chapel 10:15 am
• Tues. Dec. 9 – Scouts 6:00 pm
• Wed. Dec. 10 – Dec. 17^th at 7:30 pm ZOOM  – Matthew Bible Study “The Gospel of Promised Blessings” by Dr. Matthew Skinner  book available $12.50 on line, or with Christa for $14 christawynekengarcia@gmail.com
• Thurs. Dec. 11 – MMRR Circle 10:30 am
• Sat. Dec. 13 – Please drop of baked goods and boutique items 10 am – 12.
• Sun. Dec. 14 – MMRR Holiday Bake Sale & Boutique with a special showing of Donna Harris’ paintings
• Tues. Dec. 16 – 7:00 pm Messiah Sing Along at Peace Unite Church, 900 High Street tix on line or at the door (see attached flyer)
• Thurs. Dec. 18 – Women’s Café Group 6:00 pm home off site
• Tues. Jan. 6  – Trinity Tuesday 6:30 pm local pub (Discretion Brewing Co. 41^st Ave. )
  1 hour, 1 faith question, 1 drink    Info. Kathy Allen 430-6359
• Jan. 31 – AFC Shelter Dinners 5:45pm St. Johns Aptos.  Sign up to provide (one of the following)  main course, salad, dessert & breakfast.  We need 2 people to be present & serve the meal.  St. Stephen’s is responsible for the 5^th Saturday of each month.  We are all worthy of dignity and connection.  Let’s assist them to a better life.  2026:   May 30, Aug. 29, and Oct. 31.

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We gather on the First Sunday of Advent
November 30 –  10 am worship

“About that day and hour no one knows”  Matthew 24:36

The new church year begins with a wake-up call:  Christ is coming soon!  In today’s readings both Paul and Jesus challenge us to wake from sleep, for we know neither the day nor hour of the Lord’s coming.  Isaiah proclaims the day when God will gather all people on the holy mountain and there will be no more war or suffering.  Though we vigilantly watch for the promised day of salvation, we wait for what we already have:  Christ comes among us this day as the word and meal that strengthens our faith in the promises of God.

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: 

Tis the season for Sharing Christmas Joy.  See sign ups: 

• St. Nicks for Seniors   surprises in their shoes. (To learn of the tradition see www.stnicholascenter.org)   Ideas:  slipper sox, tea bags, chocolate coins, note pads, inspirational stuff. Due December 1^st. 
• Angel Tree    “Adopt a Family” Volunteer Center.  Return children’s gifts by December 7.
• ELCA Good Gifts & God’s Global Barnyard   creative meaningful ways to support better lives. www.goodgifts@elca.org    

Other events:

• Thursdays – Men’s A.A. 7:00 pm Fireside room
• Fridays –  A.A. 7:00 pm Fellowship Hall
• Nov. 24 – Dec. 3 – El Salvador delegation:  keep them in prayer
• Nov. 29 – AFC Shelter Dinners 5:45pm St. Johns Aptos.
  Sign up to provide (one of the following)  main course, salad, dessert & breakfast.  We need 2 people to be present & serve the meal.  St. Stephen’s is responsible for the 5^th Saturday of each month.  We are all worthy of dignity and connection.  Let’s assist them to a better life.
  2026:  Jan. 31, May 30, Aug. 29, and Oct. 31.
• Wed. Dec. 1 – Preschool Chapel 10:15 am
• Tues. Dec. 2 – Scouts 6:00 pm
• Tues. Dec. 2  – Trinity Tuesday 6:30 pm local pub (Discretion Brewing Co. 41^st Ave. )
  1 hour, 1 faith question, 1 drink    Info. Kathy Allen 430-6359
• Wed. Dec. 3 – Dec. 17^th at 7:30 pm ZOOM  – Matthew Bible Study “The Gospel of Promised Blessings” by Dr. Matthew Skinner  book available $12.50 on line, or with Christa for $14 christawynekengarcia@gmail.com
• Thurs. Dec. 4 & 18 – Women’s Café Group 6:00 pm Fellowship Hall
• Fri. Dec. 5 – St. Nick PM surprise deliveries
• Sun. Dec. 7 –  Christmas Pageant
• Thurs. Dec. 11 – MMRR Circle 10:30 am
• Sun. Dec. 14 – MMRR Holiday Bake Sale

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We gather on the Fourth Sunday of Advent at 10am for worship

Cradle and cross are inextricably connected on the fourth Sunday of Advent.  Between a lovely tribute to the little town of Bethlehem and Mary’s magnificent song of praise, the letter to the Hebrews reminds us in no uncertain terms that Christ’s advent is for  “the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”  It is the kind of tension in which the church always lives as when in holy communion – with high delight – “we proclaim the Lord’s death.”

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: 

• Sat. Dec. 21 – Set up for potluck 10 am
• Sun. Dec. 22 – Christmas Potluck 11 am 
• Gary’s bringing the Ham, y’all bring everything else J.
• 9:45 am Coffee maker needed
• Dec. 23 – Jan. 3  Preschool Closed
• Tues. Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve worship 7:00 pm:  ushers  needed
• Fri. Dec. 27 – Newsletter Collating 2:00 pm
• Tues. Jan. 7 – Trinity Tuesday 6:30 pm local pub (Discretion Brewing Co. 41^st Ave. )
  1 hour, 1 faith question, 1 drink    Info. Kathy Allen 430-6359
• Thursdays – Men’s A.A. 7:00 pm
• Fridays –  A.A. 7:00 pm

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We gather on the Third Sunday of Advent at 10am for worship

Christ’s presence in our midst in the wonder of the holy supper is cause for singing.  The nearness of the God in prayer, in every circumstance, is cause for rejoicing.  The coming of one “more powerful” than John, even with a winnowing fork in hand, is good news – and cause for exultation – for who are being saved.  Great joy is the tone for the third Sunday of Advent.

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: 

• This Sun. Dec. 15 – Last chance to purchase Altar poinsettias, and dedicate to loved ones for Christmas.
• Mon. Dec. 16 –  Women’s Café Group 6:00 pm (offsite party)
• Weds. Dec. 18 – Bible Study 11:00 am & 7:30 pm
• Sat. Dec. 21 – Set up for potluck
• Sun. Dec. 22 – Christmas Potluck 11 am 
  Gary’s bringing the Ham, y’all bring everything else J.
• Dec. 23 – Jan. 3  Preschool Closed
• Tues. Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve worship 7:00 pm:  ushers & reader needed
• Fri. Dec. 27 – Newsletter Collating 2:00 pm
• Tues. Jan. 7 – Trinity Tuesday 6:30 pm local pub (Discretion Brewing Co. 41^st Ave. )
  1 hour, 1 faith question, 1 drink    Info. Kathy Allen 430-6359
• Thursdays – Men’s A.A. 7:00 pm
• Fridays –  A.A. 7:00 pm

[Read more…]