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St. Stephens receives Structures Award for Senior Housing

Dear Members –

We have received two awards related to our work with Mid-Pen Housing and the development of 40 units of low income housing on church land.  May these awards speak loud and clear that the church cares deeply about its community, and proves it by offering its resources as it “walks the talk”.

First, the Silicon Valley Business Journal has awarded us the “Best Structure” award in recognition of the high quality, low-income nature of the new housing being built on our field.  The ceremony was held Sept. 22 in San Jose.

Second, we have received the “Community Assessment Project Community Heroes Award” from the United Way of SC County.  We received it because we are creating tangible change towards their Goal:  That by the year 2020 the housing stock in Santa Cruz County will increase by 1,000 units.  The award will be presented at a Celebration on Nov. 21.

Women’s retreat: 9/30 to 10/2

To ALL Women (men please pass on info):  The Fall Women’s Retreat is a long standing tradition that offers women of all ages a chance to experience spiritual renewal and fellowship in the beauty of God’s creation. This year we will take a deeper look at the life and ministry of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. This weekend event will also include morning and evening worship, campfires and devotions, a variety of recreational activities, a special fall menu, and plenty of time for fellowship.

Speaker: Pastor Sarah Sumner ­Eisenbraun serves as associate and campus pastor at Salem Lutheran Church and School in Glendale CA. Originally from South Dakota, Sarah attended St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN and then both Luther Seminary in St. Paul and Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley. After being ordained in 2007, Sarah has specialized in ministry with children, youth, and families. In her spare time, Sarah enjoys time with her husband and two children and also plays roller derby with the North Hollywood Rolling Ravens. She is excited to be returning to Mt. Cross for the Fall Women’s Retreat!

  • General Registration: ends September 22nd, 2016 Weekend Guest: $150.00 (Includes lodging, 4 meals, snacks, and all programming)
  • Saturday Only: $100.00 (Includes lunch & dinner)
  • Late Registration: September 23-­30 Weekend Guest: $175.00(Includes lodging, 4 meals, snacks, and all programming)
  • Saturday Only: $115.00 (Includes lunch & dinner)
  • Guest Accommodations: Lodging accommodations are on a first­ come­ first ­serve basis. Those registering early will have the opportunity to stay in one of our two lodge facilities, which includes bed linens. Once the lodge spaces have been filled, remaining guests will be housed in our cabin facilities. Cabin guests will need to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, and towels.

Special Music: TBA

Call Leslie for more info 476-4700

Welcome our new Lutheran Campus Minister, Mary Grace Kistler

Sunday, Sept. 11 at 9:30am  we welcome our new Lutheran Campus Minister, Mary Grace Kistler at the Adult Forum

Come and learn more about her and our Lutheran Campus Minister as she is introduced by Board member, ret. Rev. Herb Schmidt.

Herb will also give us a synopsis of actions taken at our ELCA Churchwide Assembly this past August, including one significant resolution that had its beginnings with an action taken by our Church Council!

“God’s Work. Our Hands.” Sunday, September 11

Service Project at Mt. Cross 12:00 — Bring your own lunch

Celebrate who we are as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. This year’s dedicated day of service will mark the 15-year anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the U.S. As you continue to share God’s love with your neighbors, consider thanking and holding in prayer the emergency responders in your area as part of your service.

“The world can be a dangerous place. But there are some who, when disaster strikes, run toward the danger. These are the first responders, firefighters, police and EMTs, who live out their baptismal vocation in service to their communities in times of intense need. They do God’s work with their hands.” – ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton

 

Service activities offer an opportunity for us to explore one of our most basic convictions as Lutherans: that all of life in Jesus Christ – every act of service, in every daily calling, in every corner of life – flows freely from a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. You work every day to make your community a better place. Let us continue doing this work together in 2016!