Advent is a time of reflection and anticipation of how the Christ Child will be born in each of us in new ways. It’s always a chaotic time of year and we have many ways to prepare for the coming celebration of the birth of our Lord.
Let’s take these 26 days together to focus on preparing our hearts and following Jesus. The Journey to Bethlehem will be told each Sunday in Advent during our weekly worship at 8:00 and 10:15 AM. We’ll share in the stories of the season through scripture, light the Advent Wreath, and listen to and sing the music of the season.
At St. Stephen’s, our observance includes not only our regular worship but the special offerings listed below. All are welcome.
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STEPHEN'S SAINTS: CHRISTMAS CARDS & TREATS Our Stephen's Saints ministry exists to reach out to members of our community whose life circumstances make them unable to attend worship or church events or who just need a little extra love and care. We invite YOU to become a Stephen’s Saint as we bring the celebration of the Christmas season into the lives of those on our Stephen's Saints list through sending Christmas Cards and delivering Christmas Treats! Learn more and sign up to be a Stephen's Saint by Wednesday, December 4th! |
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ADVENT WREATH MAKING Join us following the 10:15 AM worship service to decorate your wreath while enjoying fellowship and our Hot Cocoa Bar! We’ll also be decorating new Chrismons to adorn our parish Christmas Trees and all are welcome to participate. Our wreath kits include a wreath, candles, decorations and an At-Home Guide with litanies to use throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons. Purchase Advent Wreath Kits online or at the event. |
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COMPASS ADVENT SERIES The biblical writers tell us that, from the beginning of time, angels have been seriously involved in waiting for, and “engineering,” the arrival of God-in-Flesh into our world. They go mostly unnoticed in Bible studies and meditations. But their roles throughout the overarching biblical story are massive, both in reach and import. Come and meet them in our 3-part Advent Compass series: A Host of Angels. They might change how you see the world—and your own life. |
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ST. NICHOLAS SUNDAY We hear that St. Nicholas will once again visit St. Stephen's to celebrate his feast day... Come to Children's Chapel on this day, place your shoes outside the Chapel and St. Nicolas might just leave a treat during his visit! In honor of the day we will also be using our Children's Altar during Holy Eucharist. |
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UGLY SWEATER NIGHT! It’s time to rock your favorite ugly Christmas sweater! Join us for a special Community Dinner, Children’s & Youth programs with games, and more. All are welcome so invite a friend! Please register for this event so we can be sure to have enough food. |
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A WEARY WORLD REJOICES Join us for this month’s gathering as we immerse ourselves in the spirit of Advent. This season, characterized by shorter days and longer nights leading up to Christmas, is a time for waiting and anticipation. It embodies a promise that is on its way, just like light traveling from a far-off star. This promise signifies a return – a restoration of all things to their true essence, a goodness that has been present since the dawn of time, and a fulfilled hope we yearned for. As the prophets of old proclaimed, “The days are coming.” The Lord affirms, “The days are coming when I will fulfill the good promise.” The promise of truth, compassion, restoration, and justice. Together, we will find solace in these promises as we are drawn towards a future that we can only begin to envision. |
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CHRISTMAS FLOWERS It’s hard to imagine our beautiful church at Christmastime without all of the lovely flowers and greenery of the season. Help us dress the church for this wonderful time of year by making a floral donation. When donating, you may add a dedication in thanksgiving for or in memory of loved ones. Donations in all denominations are welcome. Dedications will be printed in our Christmas Eve bulletins. |
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CHRISTMAS PAGEANT REHEARSAL Children of all ages are invited to participate in our annual Christmas Pageant and tell the greatest story ever told! The pageant will be presented during the 2:00 PM Family Christmas Eve worship service. We have a few speaking parts available and plenty of costumes for all the angels, sheep, shepherds, and wise people who’d like to join in the fun. Children will also join in singing familiar Christmas hymns. |
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BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE The holidays can be difficult times for anyone who has suffered loss or hurt. In the midst of challenging times in which so many are experiencing grief, loss, and hardship, this service of prayer, music, and reflection invites us all into hope and healing. We will gather in candlelight to hear and reflect on God’s word while receiving healing and nourishment through music. This service is offered to anyone in need of a light in the darkness this season. |
Click here to visit our Events page for more opportunities this Advent season.
