If you are seeking God …
…you are welcome here. If you have been hurt in a judgmental church, here you will not be judged. Here you will be nurtured in the grace and Good News that our salvation has been accomplished in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Here you may discover that, in fact, it is God who has been seeking you!)
Join Others for a Meal June 22
Join others for lunch on Saturday, June 22 at 1:00 PM at the Opus 9 Steakhouse. Opus 9 is located in New Town. The restaurant is continuing the Restaurant Month Special Lunch at reduced prices. The complete menu can be found at Opus9Steakhouse.com.
Please join the group by calling Preston or Birdie Burton before June 19 for reservations. (If you need Pres and Birdie’s contact info, please call the church office at 229-6688.)
Congregational Meeting Sunday, June 23
We’ll gather in the Fellowship Hall at 10:00 AM. Among the agenda items are the election of Council members, an update on our strong financial position so far in 2013, hearing a report from the Virginia Synod Assembly, and conversation about the need to add another pastor to share in the work of the congregation.
Picnic Fun — Bicycling, the Play Ground, the Pool, the Grill …
Join the fun Saturday, June 29, at the Chickahominy Riverfront Park, out Route 5 from Williamsburg!
At 9:00 AM, those who would like to bicycle together on the Virginia Capital Trail will strike out! Anytime from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, gather to enjoy the playground and swimming pool.
Bring meat to grill and a side dish to share. Drinks will be provided, along with paper products and condiments. Bring lawn games that you’d enjoy playing with others!
“Christianity After Religion: The End of Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening”
Does that title of Diana Butler Bass’ new book catch your attention? In our culture, interest in “spirituality” is on the rise. At the same time, traditional religious affiliation is plummeting across all denominations. What’s going on?
According to Bass, we’re in the midst of a great revival. What is your own experience? What do you see in your children or grandchildren? How might we be open to what God is doing? How might a congregation like St. Stephen thrive into the future?
Pastor Ballentine will lead two seven-week studies of this book. An afternoon group will meet at 3:00 PM on Thursdays, beginning August 15. An evening group will meet at 7:00 PM on Mondays, beginning September 23. The book will cost $12. (Deadline for ordering is August 4 for the afternoon group.)
If you’d like us to order a book, contact the church office!
We’ve Commissioned Our New Stephen Ministers!
Here is the 2013 class of Stephen Ministers who received training from the Williamsburg-area network of Stephen Minister Congregations. This year, a third of the class were members from St. Stephen!
We give thanks to their generosity of time and talent, to serve in this ministry!
Did You Know that the ELCA is the Most Ecumenical Church Body in the United States?
Since 1997, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has been in Full Communion (with interchangeable sacraments and clergy) with the Episcopal Church USA, the Presbyterian Church USA, the United Methodist Church, the United Church of Christ, the Reformed Church in America and the Moravian Church. (None of them are in Full Communion with each other, only with the ELCA.)
That is why, each Sunday, prayers are offered for congregations of these churches in Full Communion with the ELCA: to highlight our unique openness to other traditions.
St. Stephen Sermons Are Available as Podcasts
Click on “Worship” above, and then click the podcast drop-down!
What a Great Link for Bible Study
Check out “Enter the Bible,” from Luther Seminary: http://www.enterthebible.org/
St. Stephen Folks Are Staffing Hunger Ministry on Friday Evenings
We’re staffing the “From His Hands” ministry many Friday evenings during the year.
Call Randy Punchard or Michael Javier if you would like to give of your time to this ministry. (If you don’t have a congregational directory, call the church office or pick one up the next time you’re by.)
“Living Lutheran”
Check out a great web site: www.livinglutheran.com
”Like” Us on facebook!
Click: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/St-Stephen-Lutheran-Church-Williamsburg-VA/133274126706952 Tell us you “like” us, and you’ll hear what we’re up to!
