Dear St. Stephen’s Family,
In Isaiah we hear that God’s house shall be a house of prayer for all people and that God will gather the outcasts of Israel. The Canaanite woman in today’s gospel is a Gentile, an outsider, who is unflinching in her request that Jesus heal her daughter. As Jesus commends her bold faith, how might our church extend its mission to those on the margins of society? In our gathering around word and meal we receive strength to be signs of comfort, healing, and justice for those in need.
Let’s continue to join our spirits in worship here online anytime on Sunday. It is so important to offer ourselves to God in this way these days. I know you will find it a comfort and blessing. Previous weeks are recorded as well. Please find attached, the bulletin cover artwork, scripture readings & prayers in the Celebrate.
I hope you are able to experience God’s Spirit of Fellowship, Love, Grace and Peace through our Zoom bible studies led by Pastor Jim. Bible studies are Thursdays at 11am and 7pm. Same Zoom link.
Please let us know if there are other ways you see that our church can be supportive.
Thank you for your continued faithfulness in your financial giving back to God through our church. Please remember to either give your offering through the mail, through our website donation option, signing up for monthly electronic giving, OR if you just want to get out of the house, then come by the church and drop it off in the mailbox in a secure slot called “Incoming mail”! Office hours are M-Th 8:30-2:30. If you come during those times, you may also want to step into the sanctuary for some prayer and quiet time with God. We would love to see you. Our library is also open to you with quite a variety to choose from.
Thank you to those of you who have been sending us notes and messages of encouragement and support. They help keep us hopeful and joyful! We always love to hear how things are going.
Other notes:
- If any of you would like to participate, we are open to a few people Reading Scripture and offering the Prayers of Intercession from the Celebrate page. Or if you would just like to come to worship – Saturdays 11:00 am. Call Leslie at 476-4700 to schedule your spot.
- Habitat for Humanity Lunches are all set for this month. Lunch will be needed for 10 volunteers. Tuesday, August 25 at 10:30 am. sandwiches, fruit, chips, cookies. Reply to this email or call office if you might provide one of these items.
Peace,
Leslie Lapp
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