Christmas

We gather on the Nativity of Our Lord 
Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship
December 24 –  7:00 pm 

“I am bringing you good news of great joy”  Luke 2:10

In winter’s deepest night, we welcome the light of the Christ child.  Isaiah declares that the light of the long-promised king will illumine the world and bring endless peace and justice.  Paul reminds us that the grace of God through Jesus Christ brings salvation to all people.  The angels declare that Jesus’ birth is good and joyful news for everyone, including lowly shepherds.  Filled with the light that shines in our lives,  we go forth to share the light of Christ with the whole world.

You can also participate in worship through the livestream and recording at www.ststephenslutheran.org. 

 Upcoming Events: 

Tis the season for Sharing Christmas Joy.  

• ELCA Good Gifts & God’s Global Barnyard   creative meaningful ways to support better lives. www.goodgifts@elca.org    
• A member has an urgent request:  Her niece & family are losing their house.  It’s a scary time for them. They have a 30 foot trailer to live in and need a space to park.  They can pay for the space and electric hookup.  Do you know of any such space? Please call the office with any leads.

Other Events:

• Thursdays – Men’s A.A. 7:00 pm Fireside room
• Fridays –  A.A. 7:00 pm Fellowship Hall
• Preschool Closed Dec. 22 – Jan. 4.
• Tues. Dec. 30 – Scouts 6:00 pm
• 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
• Wed. Jan. 7 – 7:30 pm ZOOM  – Bible Study Resumes
• Thurs. Jan. 8 – 10:30 am Circle of Promise (formerly MMRR)
• Thurs. Jan. 8 & 22 – Women’s Café Group 6:00 pm 
• Weds. Jan. 21 – 6:00 pm New Taize Worship (Prayer Silence & Meditative Song) A time to pause and be with God
• Sat. 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^thSaturday 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.
• Sun. Jan. 25 – Annual Meeting after 10 am worship

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We gather on the Second Sunday of Christmas at 10am for worship

Within the gospel reading’s profound words lies the simple message that God is revealed in a human person.  Though we may try to understand how the Word existed with God from the beginning of time, the wonder we celebrate at Christmas is that the Word continues to dwell among us.  Christ comes among us in the gathered assembly, the scriptures, the waters of new birth, and the bread and the wine.  Through these ordinary gifts we receive the fullness of God’s grace and truth.

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: 

• Tues. Jan. 7 – Church Council 6:30 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
• Wed. Jan. 8 – Bible Study 11 am & 7:30 pm
• Thurs. Jan. 9 – MMRR Womens Circle 10:30 am
• Sun. Jan. 12 – Coffee Host needed 10 am
• Sun. Jan. 26 – Annual Congregation Meeting 11:00 am
  Sign up to bring finger food
• Thursdays – Men’s A.A. 7:00 pm
• Fridays –  A.A. 7:00 pm

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We gather on the First Sunday of Christmas at 10am for worship

On the first Sunday of Christmas we find the boy Samuel; and the boy Jesus, both in the temple, both growing in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and humankind.  We too have returned to the house of God “to sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God,” who has gifted us with a savior.  As the festival continues, “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.”  It is Christmas, still.

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: 

• Tues. Jan. 7 – Church Council 6:30 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
• Wed. Jan. 8 – Bible Study 11 am & 7:30 pm
• Thurs. Jan. 9 – MMRR Womens Circle 10:30 am
• Thursdays – Men’s A.A. 7:00 pm
• Fridays –  A.A. 7:00 pm

[Read more…]