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“Gah Gah” for Mutations of Life

By Beth Fultz, Director of Christian Education

mu-ta-tion – noun    http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mutation

According to the online dictionary resource, Merriam-Webster, the second definition of mu-ta-tion  is “a new form of something that has changed”. So perfect a definition for use in my life now as a new mother-in-law, a new grandmother – I am too young (okay, not really!) – and well into my years here at St. Stephen.  You have allowed me to gum up the works at St. Stephen now for eight and one/half years and I’m ready for the mutations at work; and I don’t mean something amuk with Mark, Eddie, Fritz, or any volunteers.

My grandchild, Miss Kennedi, aged 8 months, is babbling like a flooded brook.  I fully expect her to start singing the hymns with me in church as she warms up her vocal chords quite perceptively each time we praise in song.  I’m ready for these mutations in her life and in mine.  What a joy, grandchildren! Son-in-law, Steven, is delightfully in love with my eldest daughter, Emily, and I am assured that their life together is solid and needing NOT my intervention and guidance and interference.  What a mutation from the normal me!Read More »“Gah Gah” for Mutations of Life

Godly Play in Worship for Children at 11 a.m. Service

The Worship Committee, in conjunction with the Christian Education Committee, is pleased to announce that children who attend the 11:00 AM worship service will have the option to participate in Godly Play while the sermon is being preached in the sanctuary. Godly Play, which has been offered during the Sunday School hour for many years at St. Stephen, teaches children the art of using Christian language – parable, sacred story, silence and liturgical action – helping them become more fully aware of the mystery of God’s presence in their lives.Read More »Godly Play in Worship for Children at 11 a.m. Service

St. Stephen in the snow!

Simplify the Seasons

Last Sunday evening in October, the youth of St. Stephen went to a favorite mission site – Casa House, a low-income, Catholic Charities multi-ethnic senior citizens apartment complex.  Lynn Yeoman, Social Service Coordinator, and St. Stephen church member, announced our arrival so that 15 – 20 seniors came out of their apartments to play games, and get their fingernails painted led by the Youth of St. Stephen.

Typically, the seniors love Bingo and have the need, like every child, to win a prize or pout.   Prizes purchased and donated were holiday themed gadgets and decorations, books, pencils, and bags of candy.   John Bollman called the Bingo with loud measured pace and we made sure that everyone earned a prize twice over.  The youth were exuberant and so attentive to our senior partners in Bingo, you would have been proud.Read More »Simplify the Seasons

Blessing of the Animals Liturgy and Photos!

Kay and Shotzi
Kay and Shotzi

THE BLESSING OF PETS

 THE CALL TO WORSHIP
Leader    Bless the Lord, all you his creatures,
All       And forget not all his benefits.
Leader    Let us pray.  Most high, omnipotent good Lord, grant your people grace to renounce gladly the vanities of this world; that, following the way of blessed Francis,we may for love of you delight in your whole creation with perfectness of joy.  O God, you have made us 
and all living things. You are even more wonderful than what you havemade. We thank you for giving us these pets who bring us joy.  As 
you take care of us, so also we ask your help that we might take careof those who trust us to look after them.  By doing this, we share inyour own love for all creation. We ask this in Jesus' name.
All       Amen.Read More »Blessing of the Animals Liturgy and Photos!