St. Stephen's Lutheran Church

Reconciled in Christ Congregation

Contact

2500 Soquel Avenue (Map)
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
831-476-4700

      Come Worship with Us!

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Leadership
    • Membership
    • Ministries
    • Music
  • Calendar
  • Resources
  • Galleries
  • Newsletters
  • Preschool
  • Contact Us

Easter

Third Sunday of Easter – April 19, 2026

April 18, 2026 by admin

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. 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 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 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.
  • FLOWER CHART HAS OPENINGS FOR YOUR DEDICATIONS  *
[Read more…]
Posted in: Community, Worship Tagged: Easter

Second Sunday of Easter – April 12, 2026

April 11, 2026 by admin

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. 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
  • 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 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.
  • FLOWER CHART HAS OPENINGS FOR YOUR DEDICATIONS  *
[Read more…]
Posted in: Community, Worship Tagged: Easter

Easter Sunday – April 5, 2026

April 4, 2026 by admin

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. 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
  • 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 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.
  • FLOWER CHART HAS OPENINGS FOR YOUR DEDICATIONS  *
[Read more…]
Posted in: Community, Worship Tagged: Easter

Seventh Sunday of Easter – June 1, 2025

May 31, 2025 by admin

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. 41st 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
[Read more…]
Posted in: Community, Worship Tagged: Easter

Sixth Sunday of Easter – May 25, 2025

May 24, 2025 by admin

We gather on the sixth Sunday of Easter   
May 25 –  10am worship

Visions abound in the readings for the sixth Sunday of Easter.  Paul has a vision about what to do.  John has a vision of what will be.  Jesus provides visions of peace that surpasses human understanding and power beyond human imagination.

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
  • Tues. May 27 – Scouts 6:15 pm
  • Weds. May 28 – Bible Study 7:30 pm Zoom
  • May 24 Memorial Day work day at Mt. Cross.  Come  Saturday 9am. There is a job for all abilities, from construction & trail work to cleaning, painting & organizing.  RSVP  www.mtcross.org
  • Mon. May 26 – CDC Board 11:15 am
  • Tues. May 27 – Newsletter Collating 2:00 pm
  • Wed. May 28 – Preschool Graduation Chapel 10:15 am
  • Tues. June 3 – Trinity Tuesday 6:30 pm local pub (Discretion Brewing Co. 41st Ave. )
    1 hour, 1 faith question, 1 drink    Info. Kathy Allen 430-6359
  • Thurs. June 5 – 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
                                   Extra coffee hosts needed, sign up for substantial treats
  • Sun. June 29 – Summer Kick off BBQ
  • Plan ahead SAVE THE DATE:
    July 26 – Paul Cunningham Memorial 12:00 Noon Scotts Valley Community Center

Prayer Requests

  • For Dorothy & the family of Tex Ronning
  • For the family of Ed Valencia
  • For Carla Brown – heal broken rib
  • For Gerry Daves
  • For Tim Oldfield (help find job)
  • For Kevin (cancer diagnosis) and his mother Cindy
  • For Dawn L. heal depression
  • For Joana
  • Support James Sheehan as he continues his battle with alcohol and depression
  • For Chris
  • For Chad Field as he continues cancer treatments
  • For Chelsea & her son Logan Preston
  • For Cassidy, stroke recovery
  • For Isabele Hackman – dangerously sick child
  • For John B. cancer treatments
  • For Ian
  • For Ruth Stiles having a friend in Valley Heaven
  • For Levi to be freed of physical and mental burdens
  • For Lisa Johnson & grandson health
  • For Susan Birkelo family
  • For Nancy’s son Jesse & grand son Grey
  • For Sam’s sobriety, and his son Joshua
  • Ana Cardenas being treated for a brain tumor
  • For Keith in his continued recovery
  • For Connie Cunningham & family
  • Employees of Radiology Medical who lost their jobs
  • For Chris Powers continued healing.
  • For Gloria
  • For Galahad as he navigates new struggles and for the support he needs.
  • For James health and for a wheelchair accessible van.
  • For the Robe and Volpi families.
  • For the Family of George Webber 
  • For Lew and Bobbie Erickson
  • For the Long-Range Planning Task Force: Mark Linder, Steven Hendrickson, Tina Gates, Jeanette Dawson and Doug Hahn.
  • For Pastor Jim’s friend Eric as he lives with CLL.
  • For Judi and Robert’s son and family and for a resolution to their housing needs.
  • For Jeanne’s brother James to find the proper care he needs. For Peace of Mind.
  • For Jody, Renny, Iris and Evelyn as they stay in  LaCrosse, WI for another year.
  • For Nancy and friends at St. Stephen’s Senior Housing: Jane, Annetta, Bentley and Jeannie. Also for James, John, and Elida
  • For Joel as his eyesight diminishes.
  • For Beau and his family in his recurrence of brain cancer.
  • For Dorothy as she struggles with chronic pain.
  • For Jeannette’s brother Craig who was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s.
  • For Kyle as he continues to heal.
  • For Miller, Shelby, Ashley, April, Marty, Will and other young adults we know, as they struggle mightily with the world and all its ways that harm them. Bring them to healing and wholeness and grace and new life.

Church office hours are Mon-Fri. 12noon – 5pm.

Thank you for your continued faithfulness in your financial giving back to God through our church. Please remember to either give your offering through the mail, through our website donation option, signing up for monthly electronic giving, or bringing it by the church office during the week.

Flowers for Worship: Please sign up to provide flowers in honor of someone or a special occasion as another way to offer yourself in worship to God. The Flower Chart will be available at worship, or you can call the church office – 476-4700.

Other notes:

  • Preschool “Inflation Donations” are being collected at church now. This is to help us not have to increase tuition on the families we serve through our Child Development Center ministry. There are lists on the basket in the back of the church and they will be inserted into the Sunday bulletins and the monthly newsletter. These are items that you can add to your Costco and grocery lists.
  • Donations are being collected at church for Socks and Toiletries.  These will go towards our work with serving those who take part in our Association of Faith Communities programs for the unhoused, and for the Walnut Avenue Women’s Center respectively.
  • A few copies of “White Fragility” are available to borrow.  Call the office to inquire. This is a congregation-wide perspective that we are trying to adopt as we seek better understanding about the roots of racism, its consequences, and how our lives can better reflect an anti-racism perspective.

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Jim

Posted in: Community, Worship Tagged: Easter
1 2 3 4 Next »

Virtual Offering Plate

St. Stephens now accepts credit and debit cards as well as PayPal and Venmo for alternative ways of giving. Just press the Donate Now button on any web page to be taken to the new Virtual Offering Plate with three choices:

  • Vanco -- Our traditional electronic giving provider now accepts credit and debit cards in addition to bank accounts.
  • PayPal/Venmo -- For single gifts using either of those payment options.
  • PayPal (only) -- Includes recurring gifts.
  • Zelle -- Transfer money with your Bank's app or website.

Office Hours

Monday-Friday,12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Categories

  • Community
  • Events
  • Meetings
  • Newsletters
  • Uncategorized
  • Worship

Upcoming Events

Reconciled in Christ

Copyright © 2026 St. Stephen's Lutheran Church.

Church WordPress Theme by themehall.com

 

Loading Comments...
 

You must be logged in to post a comment.