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Ash Wednesday – February 22, 2023

Dear St. Stephen’s Family,

We will gather for Ash Wednesday worship at 11am and 7:15pm.

Image of cross made with ashes

You can also participate on the livestream at 7:15pm by going to our website www.ststephenslutheran.org. There will be the Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion, so please be prepared with some ashes, bread and fruit of the vine. The bulletin is attached.

I also want to take a moment as we remember our own life and death in God, to lift up the life and witness of a dear former member here who recently claimed her baptismal promises, Gwyn Larsen.

Some of you may have seen her obituary in the Sentinel yesterday. Leslie and I had known that she was dealing with a recurrence of cancer from her family’s Christmas letter. Some of you remember having supported her here when she was first diagnosed and went through treatments.

Gwyn was on the Church Council when I was called as pastor in 1996 and served as a wonderful role model for Leslie and I as we began our family. I had the privilege of getting to know 2 of her children, Chelsea and Peter, very well through our Confirmation program. Her oldest, Zack would visit when home from college. Gwyn was a brilliant light among us in many ways as she was always ready to serve God through our church. She organized the renovation of our Fireside Room right after I began and created a warm and welcoming atmosphere for many church gatherings. She was active in small groups and could be always be counted on to help in whatever was needed. At one point her parents Orlen and Herma Berge came to live in this area and we really enjoyed getting to know them in their latter years. Gwyn’s sister would also visit regularly. Her niece Amy came to visit often and eventually moved here for a while and became a part of our congregation too. Gwyn and her husband Dave decided to move to Oceanside CA to be nearer to Chelsea’s new family just a few years ago. It was a big loss for us and now we feel it even more so. Blessed be the memory of this child of God and may light perpetual shine upon her.

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Jim

Transfiguration of Our Lord – February 19, 2023

We will gather on Sunday, February 19th at 10:00 am for worship on Transfiguration Sunday.  You can also participate through the livestream and recording at www.ststephenslutheran.org.

The bulletin and Celebrate scripture readings and prayers are attached, so that you can participate in worship even if you are not able to attend church in-person. Holy Communion will be celebrated, so please have some bread and fruit of the vine ready if you are at home.

*Ash Wednesday – Feb. 22nd Worship at 11:00 am. and 7:15 pm.

Lent Soup Suppers and Worship – Wednesdays March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29.  Soup Supper at 6:00 pm.  Worship at 7:15 pm.  Please sign up to host a Soup Supper!

Let’s continue to be gracious and merciful with one another as we continue to struggle with a lingering pandemic.

  • Please stay home if you have any symptoms.
  • Masks are optional.
  • Holy Communion will be offered from Pastor Jim (sanitized hands & masked) at the front of the church. You can remain at your seat and Pastor Jim will bring the elements to you.
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Sixth Sunday after Epiphany – February 12, 2023

We will gather on Sunday, February 12th at 10:00 am for worship on the 5th Sunday after Epiphany.  You can also participate through the livestream and recording at www.ststephenslutheran.org.

Today’s gospel reading echoes parts of the Ten Commandments as Jesus instructs his followers about how fulfilling the “Letter of the Law” is not why the law was given. Instead we are to fulfill the “Spirit of the Law” when we are reconciled to one another, which results in life and health for the whole community. We are also invited to embrace God’s ways because God has promised that it leads to life lived abundantly and peaceably!

The bulletin and Celebrate scripture readings and prayers are attached, so that you can participate in worship even if you are not able to attend church in-person. Holy Communion will be celebrated, so please have some bread and fruit of the vine ready if you are at home.

Upcoming Gatherings:

Let’s continue to be gracious and merciful with one another as we continue to struggle with a lingering pandemic.

  1. Masks are still highly encouraged due to our singing in church.
  2. Physical distancing is still highly encouraged.
  3. Holy Communion will be offered from Pastor Jim (sanitized hands & masked) at the front of the church. You can remain at your seat and Pastor Jim will bring the elements to you.
[Read more…]

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany – February 5, 2023

We will gather on Sunday, February 5th at 10:00 am for worship on the Fifth Sunday after Epiphany.  You can also participate through the livestream and recording at www.ststephenslutheran.org.

Jesus begins his three year public ministry in the Gospel of Matthew Ch.5 with the Sermon on the Mount. After the Beatitudes of last Sunday, Jesus moves into teaching about how ones good works are meant to glorify God, not used as a way to show we are better than others, or as a way to gain God’s favor and blessing. God’s blessing is given to the hurting ones, and we are to join in God’s blessing by serving our neighbor in need. Be salt and light and a city on hill so God’s love is shown and known.

The bulletin and Celebrate scripture readings and prayers are attached, so that you can participate in worship even if you are not able to attend church in-person. Holy Communion will be celebrated, so please have some bread and fruit of the vine ready if you are at home.

[Read more…]