Easter

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 23^rd)
• 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 5^th 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. 41^st 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  *

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Third Sunday of Easter
April 19 – 10 am worship

“Were not our hearts burning within us?”  Luke 24:32 

Today’s gospel begins with two disciples walking to Emmaus, overcome with sadness, loss, and disappointment. They had hoped Jesus, who was crucified, would be the one to redeem Israel! Yet the risen Christ walks with them and then opens their eyes in the breaking of the bread. Each Sunday our hearts burn within us as the scriptures are proclaime and Christ appears to us as bread is broken and wine is poured. The story of Emmaus becomes the pattern of our worship each Lord’s day.

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
• April 18 – Pr. Herb Schmidt Memorial 1:00 Messiah Lutheran, High Street
• April 22 – Preschool Chapel 10:15 am
• April 22 – 7:00 pm Bible Study
• April 21 – Scouts 6:00 pm
• April 29 – Newsletter Collating 2:00 helpers needed
• May 5 – Trinity Tuesday 6:30 pm local pub (Discretion Brewing Co. 41^st 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 7 – Women’s Café Group 6:00 pm dinner & devotions
• May 16 – AFC Gala 6:00 – 8:30 pm reservations now  info@afcsantacruz.org dinner, auction & testimonials
  Working to end homelessness through interfaith action
• May 17 – Welcome Sabbatical Pastor Larry Vilardo – 10am. Reception afterwards
• May 21-August 24 Pastor Jim on Sabbatical
• May 23 – Mt. Cross Memorial Day Volunteer Event. There is a job for everyone of all abilities. Come support our camp.
  3 meals and a celebration at the end of the day. Info and Register  EVENTS | Mt. Cross Ministries
• 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 5^th 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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Second Sunday of Easter
April 12 – 10 am worship

“Do not doubt but believe” John 20:27 

In today’s gospel the risen Christ appears to the disciples and offers them the gift of peace. Even amid doubts and questions, we experience the resurrection our Sunday gathering around word and meal, and in our everyday lives. Throughout the coming Sundays of Easter the first two readings will be room the Acts of the Apostles and the first letter of Peter. Even as the early Christians proclaimed the resurrection, we rejoice in the new birth and living hope we receive in 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:     

• Thursdays – Men’s A.A. 7:00 pm Fireside room
• Fridays –  A.A. 7:00 pm Fellowship Hall
• April 6-10 Preschool on vacation
• April 7-10 Office Closed
• April 7 – Scouts 6:00 pm
• April 7 – Trinity Tuesday 6:30 pm local pub (Discretion Brewing Co. 41^st 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 12 – READER NEEDED 10 am
• 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 5^th 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  *

[Read more…]

Resurrection of Our Lord / Easter Sunday
April 5 – 10 am worship

“Alleluia! Christ is risen!” 

This is the day the Lord has made! Christ is risen, and through him all creation is made new! Indeed, “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34): Christ’s resurrection truly brings life to everyone. We sing hymns of praise, gather around sacred words, and proclaim god’s faithfulness, power, and love in the feat of holy communion. With the women at the tomb, we are astonished, elated, and grateful. We depart with joy to proclaim the good news of God’s endless love.

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
• April 3 – Good Friday worship 7:00 pm
• April 4 – Easter Breakfast setup 10 am
• April 5 – Easter Sunday Celebration.  Full Pancake Breakfast from 8:30 – 9:45 & worship at 10 with children’s time. Plan ahead to invite a friend.
• April 6-10 Preschool on vacation
• April 7 – Scouts 6:00 pm
• April 7 – Trinity Tuesday 6:30 pm local pub (Discretion Brewing Co. 41^st 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 12 – Coffee host needed 10 am
• 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 5^th 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  *

[Read more…]

We gather on the Seventh Sunday of Easter   

June 1-  10am worship

With Pastor Susan Birkelo presiding

It is possible to hear in Jesus’ high priestly prayer, a prayer he offered shortly before his death, the petitions of the ascended Christ for his own throughout history – to our day – and beyond.  Jesus prays for us.  In holy baptism we become believers in God, have our robes washed in the flood of Christ’s forgiveness, and receive the gift of live forever with all the saints.

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
• June 2-6 Preschool Closed
• Tues. June 3 – 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
• Tues. June 3 – Scouts 7:00 pm
• Weds. June 4 – Bible Study 7:30 pm Zoom
• Thurs. June 5 & 19 – Women’s Café Group 6:00 pm Fellowship Hall
• Sun. June 8 – Welcome Mt. Cross staff to worship & bless them for their summer service 10 am     Xtra coffee hosts needed, sign up for substantial treats
• Wed. June 11 – Preschool Chapel 10:15 am
• Fri. June 13 – Tex Ronning Memorial Service TBA (family & church members only)
• June 23 – CDC Board 11:15 am
• Thurs. June 26 – Newsletter Collating 2:00 pm
• Sun. June 29 – Summer Kick off BBQ / potluck  Bring a friend J
• Plan ahead SAVE THE DATE:
  July 26 – Paul Cunningham Memorial 12:00 Noon Scotts Valley Community Center

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