We gather on the Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 21 –  10 am worship

“You are to name him Jesus”  Matthew 1:21

Today Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name him Emmanuel.  The gospel is Matthew’s account of the annunciation and birth of the one named Emmanuel, God-with-us.  During these final days of Advent we pray, “O come, O come, Emmanuel,” a beloved hymn based on the O Antiphons, ancient prayers appointed for the seven days preceding Christmas.  On this final Sunday of Advent we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one born to save us from the power of sin and 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: 

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.

• Thursdays – Men’s A.A. 7:00 pm Fireside room
• Fridays –  A.A. 7:00 pm Fellowship Hall
• Sun. Dec. 21 – Christmas Potluck (Gary’s bringing the ham!)
• Preschool Closed Dec. 22 – Jan. 4.
• Tues. Dec. 23 – Scouts 6:00 pm
• Weds. Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship 7:00 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
• Jan. 8 & 22 – Women’s Café Group 6:00 pm 
• 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.
• Jan. 25 – Annual Meeting after 10 am worship

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We gather on the Third Sunday of Advent
December 14 –  10 am worship

“The desert shall rejoice and blossom”  Isaiah 35:1

A note of joyful expectation marks today’s worship.  Isaiah announces that the desert shall rejoice and blossom, and Jesus point to the unexpected and transforming signs of God’s reign.  We wait with patience for the coming of the Lord, even a we rejoice at his presence among us this day:  in word and holly supper, in church and in our homes, in silent reflection and in works of justice and love.  We pray that God would open our eyes and ears to the wonders of Christ’s advent among us.

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.  

• 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
• Sat. Dec. 13 – Please drop of baked goods and boutique items 10 am – 12.
• Sun. Dec. 14 –  MMRR Bake Sale & Boutique with a display of Donna Harris paintings 
• Wed. Dec. 15 – Preschool Chapel 10:15 am
• Tues. Dec. 16 – Scouts 6:00 pm
• 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)
• Wed. Dec. 17 – 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. 18 – Women’s Café Group 6:00 pm home off site
• Sat. Dec. 20 – helpers needed 10 am set up for potluck
• Sun. Dec. 21 – Christmas Potluck (Gary’s bringing the ham!)
• Dec. 22 – 31   Preschool Closed
• Weds. Dec. 24 – Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship 7:00 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
• 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 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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