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St. Stephen News

Mendenhall, Luncheon, Special Time and Special Music, Highlight Capital Campaign Kickoff January 22nd

The Rev. Dr. Laura Mendenhall, Senior Philanthropy Advisor of the Texas Presbyterian Foundation and former President of Columbia Theological Seminary, will be guest preacher on January 22, 2012, when St. Stephen kicks off its three year capital campaign to replace the sanctuary roof and upgrade our HVAC and energy efficiency. There will only be one worship service on January 22nd, at 10:00 a.m., in the main sanctuary, followed by a luncheon in the Parish Hall, prepared by the Capital Campaign Committee.Read More »Mendenhall, Luncheon, Special Time and Special Music, Highlight Capital Campaign Kickoff January 22nd

Rain Didn’t Spoil Christmas On The Hill!

For the fourth year in a row, St. Stephen celebrated Christmas on the Hill, this year with a Mexican theme. As always, there were food, crafts, people in First Century Palestinian costumes–and more. But what made it unusual was that for the first time, we were forced indoors, into the Parish Hall, because of the rain  and cold.

But that didn’t spoil the fun. In  fact, it made it more  celebratory. There had to have  been 300 people in that two  hour span.

Who came? We had a lot who  came for our first ever Las  Posadas, a traditional Spanish  and Mexican journey to  celebrate Christmas. Read More »Rain Didn’t Spoil Christmas On The Hill!

Miracle of the Mundane

By Rev. Fritz Ritsch

If you are, or have been, the parent of new baby, you’ve become intensely aware that in most social situations that baby in your arms is a ticking time bomb. Your little bundle of joy could go off at any moment: in the theater, in the supermarket, in the restaurant, even here in church—and people will turn and give you “that look”—the look that means, “What were you thinking, bringing that baby in here?”

When that happens, I’m often reminded of the words of the writer of Psalm 8: “Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have founded a bulwark because of your foes, to silence the enemy and the avenger.” To the psalmist apparently, this most mundane, even annoying sound is gifted by God with the spiritual power to stave off the danger of terrorists and assassins. The cry of a baby is the ultimate proof that life is more powerful than death. So cry away, babies, and thank you for the blessing you bestow upon us when you enter our doors!Read More »Miracle of the Mundane

Christmas Worship & Music at St. Stephen

Christmas Eve at St. Stephen starts at 12:00 noon, Saturday, December 24, 2011, with a Service of Christmas Lessons and Carols in the Chapel of the Holy Trinity. The Chapel is located in the Education building. It is the first room on the left when you enter the education building from the covered walkway linking it to the sanctuary. Music will be led by a quintet of St. Stephen choristers. Read More »Christmas Worship & Music at St. Stephen

Why Be A Christian? Part One: Need

One of my former parishioners from Bethesda Presbyterian in Bethesda, MD, was in town last week for a conference. He lives, of all places, in London, England now. And he brought good news: he’s getting married to an English woman, a “barrister,” as the Brits call them. She sounds very intelligent, lively, and fun–perfect for my friend.

But she is not a Christian. She claims to be “agnostic,” but he suspects she’s just sugar-coating it “because she loves me.”Read More »Why Be A Christian? Part One: Need

ADVENT: the Beginning of the Church Year

 The services during Advent are not intended to celebrate Christmas but to help each of us prepare ourselves for, and expect the coming of, Christ.  The word “Advent” is a derivation of the Latin word, “advenio,” meaning coming or arrival.  Early observances of this festival are recorded prior to the seventh century, and through the ensuing ages it has evolved into the form familiar to us today.  Advent begins on the Sunday nearest November 30th and lasts four Sundays.  The first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a new church year.   Read More »ADVENT: the Beginning of the Church Year