Worship

We will gather on Sunday, December 25^th at 10:00 am for worship celebrating The Nativity of our Lord.  You can also participate through the livestream and recording at www.ststephenslutheran.org.

The Gospel Of John reminds us of the broad cosmological reach of the light of God from the beginning of creation, to the birth of the Holy One of God, right into our lives and world today. We need this light. We’ve always needed this light. And it is here now! Gloria! Hallelujah!

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.

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.

There is no Children’s Church / Sunday School program planned for Dec. 25^th, January 1^st, and January 6^th. 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! Thanks to Leslie Lapp for leading this ministry.

As we pray often in the short 4 week season of Advent, “Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and Come.  Come show us and bestow upon us your abundant grace like you did through Joseph and Mary so long ago.

Let’s dedicate ourselves to worshiping faithfully together in this new year, as the Advent season begins! We prepare our hearts for God’s arrival among us as a baby- Emmanuel – as we light the candles on our Advent wreath, which was  assembled by Barbara Johnston in loving memory of her mother. Our liturgy  incorporates the familiar tunes that the church is so well known for in our world. I know you will really enjoy singing them from your heart to God!

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:

Sun. Dec. 18^th after worship – Mary/Martha – Ruth Rebecca Women’s Circle Holiday Bake Sale.

Sun. Dec. 18^th 12noon – Holiday Potluck. Details in newsletter. Contact Gary Roberts or Steven Hendrickson.

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.

Our Sunday School and Preschool children shall lead us, as last Sunday’s scripture passage from Isaiah 11 prophesied! We gather for worship in person / livestream / recording this Third Sunday of Advent, Dec. 11th  at 10 am.

Let’s dedicate ourselves to worshipping faithfully together in this new year, as the Advent season begins! We prepare our hearts for God’s arrival among us as a baby- Emmanuel – as we light the candles on our Advent wreath, which was  assembled by Barbara Johnston in loving memory of her mother. Our liturgy  incorporates the familiar tunes that the church is so well known for in our world. I know you will really enjoy singing them from your heart to God!

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:

• Saturday Dec. 10^th at 11 am – Memorial Service for those who died in the past year. Especially those we remembered on All Saints Sunday: Rev. Glenn Johnson, Christopher Slay, Mary Gilbert, Beverly Giladett, Rev. Jack Zoellner.
  Please contact Pastor Jimif you would like to include others.
• Sunday Dec. 11^th at 10 am – Preschool and Children’s Christmas Program.
• Sun. Dec. 18^th after worship – Mary/Martha – Ruth Rebecca Women’s Circle Holiday Bake Sale.
• Sun. Dec. 18^th 12 noon – Holiday Potluck. Details in newsletter. Contact Gary Roberts or Steven Hendrickson.