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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ADVENT DEVOTIONAL GROUP Advent is often filled with the nervous energy that propels us through all of the busyness, the hustle, and the last-minute wrapping of the pre-Christmas season. There are so many desires and longings wrapped up in every must-make recipe and must-do tradition that often we’re tired just thinking about it. But what if we spent this Advent looking at what’s underneath the joyful (and possibly manic) expectation? We invite you to join us in a daily Advent devotion that seeks to find the hope for peace and joy, and love for ourselves, our people, and our world that are at the heart of the season. |
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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 Joins us for a special 3-part Advent adult formation series entitled The Separation of Church and Calendar. The Christmas Church, worldwide, has its own annual calendar. It comprises six seasons and multiple holy days; and as we follow it, we personally and collectively reenact the drama of Jesus’ life. But in many ways, Christians today are separated from our calendar—and that’s a loss for us. In this year’s Compass advent series, we’ll discover what the Church calendar teaches us and how living with it can deepen our faith, awaken our curiosity, and keep us walking with Jesus in ways we’ve never imagined. |
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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 Sunday, December 3rd! |
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ADVENT TAIZE PRAYER Take a break from the busyness of season and join us for worship that's perfect for the Advent season - Taizé Prayer. This unique form of contemplative worship invites you into an awareness of God’s presence through reflective music and chants, readings, and times for silent meditation. All are welcome. |
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ART AND THE ANNUNCIATION Join us for our December women's gathering as we explore Art and The Annunciation, an event that marks the beginning of the Advent season. For centuries artists have been inspired to capture and express ‘The Annunciation,’ with scenes depicting the angel Gabriel announcing to the Virgin Mary that she would soon conceive a child born to be the son of God. What insights might Annunciation art offer us today? Come and see! |
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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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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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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. |
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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. |
Click here to visit our Events page for more opportunities this Advent season.
