Christmas Eve – December 24, 2022

We gather for a very special tradition on December 24th, Christmas Eve at 5:00 pm and 7:30 pm for a candlelight worship service.

You can also participate through the livestream or recording on our website at www.ststephenslutheran.org.

We will welcome the light of world from God, coming to us in the babe, the son of Mary and Joseph, in a stable where the friendly beasts were kept. We gather in the night and sing our beloved songs and share this light with one another as we pass the flame on our candles. This is a wonderful remembrance of how we devote ourselves to God’s ways, shared with us in Jesus Christ.

I truly look forward to being together in this way… as close as we can get to that night in Bethlehem. We pray: “Come anew, O Child of our dreams.”

Grace and Peace, 
Pastor Jim

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Christmas Eve Insert

Fourth Sunday of Advent – December 18, 2022

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

Sun. Dec. 18th 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.
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Third Sunday of Advent – December 11, 2022

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. 10th 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. 11th at 10 am – Preschool and Children’s Christmas Program.
  • Sun. Dec. 18th after worship – Mary/Martha – Ruth Rebecca Women’s Circle Holiday Bake Sale.
  • Sun. Dec. 18th 12 noon – Holiday Potluck. Details in newsletter. Contact Gary Roberts or Steven Hendrickson.
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