Dear St. Stephen’s Family,
The theme of this Reformation Sunday worship (our 67th anniversary!) is: “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free”. We will experience a little freedom by gathering in our parking lot for the second time, while lifting up the truth of our faith in Christ. It will be recorded and posted here in the evening.
EVERYONE WEAR SOMETHING RED! This is another way to live out our faith and adorn ourselves with God’s Spirit.
We will celebrate Holy Communion with pre-poured and sealed individual elements that you will pick up with your bulletin. All will wear masks, sing and pray softly, and either stay in your car or bring your own chairs. Dress warmly.
Truth is a battered word and concept in our culture these days. Social media and its downfalls have contributed to new and insidious ways that actual truth is undermined and caused deep divisions among us. Wild and totally inaccurate conspiracy theories and claims are being accepted as real and true because they appeal to people’s fears and beliefs and insecurities. God’s Truth of grace for all, enough for all and that everyone belongs, needs to overcome this trend in our culture. As children of God and followers of Jesus, we have an important role to play in living and proclaiming God’s truth that has been given to us through the Bible and the church relationships over the generations. As Luther says in his famous hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”…’though hordes of devils fill the land, they cannot over power us”. Our gathering for worship each Sunday in our homes or wherever is very essential to strengthen us to meet the world’s challenges.
Previous weeks worship services 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 7:30 pm (new time). Same Zoom link. An email is sent out each week with the 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. We would like to share your experiences in the Newsletter each month. So, give some thought to what’s been happening in your life – we all miss each other, and would be thrilled to hear what’s up!
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 has resumed. We will be providing Lunches (sandwiches and fruit still needed) for 10 volunteers. Tuesday, October 27 at 10:30 am. Reply to this email or call office if you would like to help out. Thank you Janet for taking care of chips for the next few months :).
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Jim
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