Advent with St. Stephen’s

Advent with St. Stephen’s

Advent invites us into a season of reflection, expectation, and renewed openness to how Christ is born in us again and again. Even in the busyness of December, we’re called to pause, prepare, and make room for God’s light.

Over these 26 days, beginning Sunday, November 30, we journey together – centering our hearts, deepening our faith, and walking in the way of Jesus. Each Sunday in Advent at our 8:00 and 10:15 AM services, we will follow the Journey to Bethlehem through scripture, prayer, the lighting of the Advent wreath, and the beloved music of the season.

At St. Stephen’s, in addition to the beauty of our weekly worship, we share many special events and opportunities for service – all are welcome to enter this holy season with us.

Click here to visit our Events page for more opportunities this Advent season.

EVENTS, WORSHIP & SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

ADVENT WREATH MAKING

Sunday, November 30 at 11:15 AM
Prepare the Way — Together!

Begin the Advent season with one of our favorite traditions! Join us after the 10:15 AM service to make an Advent wreath, decorate gingerbread cookies, and enjoy our Hot Cocoa Bar, coffee, and donuts. This joyful, all-ages event is a wonderful way to welcome the season together.

DETAILS + BUY WREATH KIT

ADVENT BLESSING BAGS

One Bag, Many Blessings.

This Advent, help us share warmth, care, and joy with our community partners – Casa Maria, First Nations Kitchen, and VEAP – and support a meaningful, hands-on service opportunity for our Children’s & Youth Ministries in January.

Pick up a reusable bag and a daily Advent calendar that includes both the requested items and a short Scripture reading for each day – perfect for individuals, households, and families wanting to weave a simple spiritual practice into the season. Return your bag to church and in January during our annual Children & Youth Ministries Service Night, kids and teens will sort all donated items and deliver them to your partners.

DETAILS + PICK UP LOCATIONS

SENIOR FELLOWSHIP CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

Friday, December 5 at 12 PM
A Christmas tradition of friendship, music, and joy.

Join us at the Edina Coountry Club for our cherished annual Christmas Luncheon – an afternoon of good food, festive music from Clark Duhrkopf and Bryon Wilson, and a few fun surprises you’ll only experience if you’re there! Menu options: Chicken Français or Curried Cauliflower (GF/V). Valet parking provided. $35 per person – Reservations due Monday, Dec 1

DETAILS + RESERVE A SEAT

STEPHEN’S SAINTS: CARDS & TREATS

Sign up by Sunday, December 7
Small gestures, big love.

Help us share comfort and joy with parishioners who are homebound or in need of extra care this season. Through Stephen’s Saints, we reach out with cards, treats, and simple acts of love that remind our church family they are not forgotten. Ways to Participate: ✨ Send Christmas Cards – Write to five (or more) of our recipients; 🍪 Share Treats – Donate homemade or store-bought Christmas goodies; or
🚗 Deliver Treat Boxes – Help bring holiday cheer right to their door.

DETAILS + SIGN UP

CHRISTMAS on COPPER STREET

Sunday, December 7 at 3 PM
Holiday Classics with a Brilliant Brass Twist.

Celebrate the season at our at Concerts by the Creek‘s first-ever Christmas concert as we welcome back Copper Street Brass! From classic carols to funk and rock-inspired signature original arrangements, this ensemble brings the holidays to life.

DETAILS + TICKETS

UGLY SWEATER TRIVIA NIGHT

Wednesday, Dec 10 beginning at 5:45 PM
Trivia, Tinsel & Lots of Tacky.

Enjoy a joyful, family-friendly night of Christmas Trivia! Teams of six will compete in all-ages rounds, with prizes for the winners. Ugly sweaters encouraged – bonus points for coordinated team themes! Dinner includes a festive taco bar, salads, and ice cream treats. Please register by Monday, December 8.

Dinner includes a festive taco bar, salads, and ice cream treats.

DETAILS + RSVP

TIDINGS OF COMFORT & JOY

Friday, December 12 beginning at 5:30 PM
Come for dinner, for Lessons & Carols – or enjoy both!

Join us for an evening that brings together good food, beautiful worship, and the hope of the Advent season. We begin with a cozy, family-style dinner at 5:30 PM, where we’ll share warm conversation and homey dishes served around each table. At 7 PM, we move into the sanctuary for a Lessons & Carols service – an hour of scripture and seasonal sacred music that traces God’s love from creation to the birth of Christ.

We hope you’ll join us for this heartfelt evening of fellowship, worship, and seasonal wonder as we prepare our hearts for Christmas.

DETAILS + DINNER TICKETS

ART & THE VISITATION

Saturday, December 13 at 9 AM
Exploring Faith Through Art

Join us for our December 2nd Saturday Women’s Gathering as we continue our Exploring Faith Through Art series. This month, Missy Greene leads us in a rich, visual exploration of The Visitation – Mary’s joyful encounter with her cousin Elizabeth.

DETAILS + RSVP

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT REHEARSAL

Wednesday, December 17 beginning at 5:45 PM
Step Into the Nativity Story This Christmas.

Children of all ages are invited to help bring the Nativity story to life at our 2 PM Family Christmas Eve worship service. Whether they’d like to be an angel, sheep, shepherd, wise person, or take on one of our few speaking roles, there’s a place for everyone in this joyful tradition. Children will also help lead the congregation in singing beloved Christmas hymns.

DETAILS + SIGN UP

BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE

Thursday, December 18 at 7 PM
A service of healing, hope & light. 

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.