Lent at St. Stephen's
Please join us during the 40 days of Lent. If you've been away, it's a wonderful time to return. Worship, study, fellowship--they're all here for you during this time of reflection upon what matters most.
Ash Wednesday
Lent begins with “Ash Wednesday,” a time to step off the treadmill of our busy lives and consider again what is most important. This year the day falls on February 14.
On Wednesday, February 14, we offer three Ash Wednesday services of Holy Eucharist with Imposition of Ashes. These services will also be livestreamed HERE.
- 7:30 a.m. (spoken service, in Chapel of the Good Shepherd)
- noon (service with music in the main church)
- 5:30 p.m. (service with music in the main church; childcare available for ages 4 and younger during this service)
Many regular events, such as weekday Morning Prayer, will not take place on Ash Wednesday. If you are not sure if your small group will meet that day, please check with your leader or convener.
Adult formation for Lent
Lent in the Sunday Forum: Looking within and learning from without
Sundays at 10:10 a.m. in the fellowship hall
The Sunday Forum at St. Stephen’s Church will strike an important balance in the coming weeks. During the season of Lent, we are urged to look inward in search of personal healing and spiritual growth. In order to look closely within ourselves, we must look outward to see the world with renewed hope. Read more.
Trailheads series explores Celtic spirituality
SUNDAYS, FEBRUARY 25-MARCH 24 | 7-7:50 P.M.
Embark on a journey into the heart of Celtic spirituality with a participatory class designed to unravel the timeless wisdom of this ancient tradition. This Trailheads series, “Exploring Celtic Spirituality: A Journey into Ancient Wisdom,” is a unique opportunity to delve into the rich tapestry of Celtic beliefs and sacred practices that have endured through centuries. Read more.
Wednesday evenings in Lent: Christianity in the Land of Its Birth
Wednesdays, February 21-March 20 | 6:30 p.m.
Two thousand years after Jesus, his followers seem to have left home. Christianity has become the world’s largest religion with nearly 2.4 billion adherents. But in the Middle East today, where Christianity was born, there are only about 100,000 Christians, representing five percent of the population of that region. What happened?
There is more to the story than decline. Christians are prominent in education and business across the Holy Lands. Christians run some of the most prominent hospitals, clinics, schools and colleges, and social service programs. The variety of Christianity there is unlike anywhere else with various forms of the faith that are little known elsewhere. As the numbers of Christians in the Middle East has declined, Christian influence has strengthened.
For five Wednesday evenings in Lent, beginning on February 21, Bill Sachs will explain the fascinating story of Christianity in the land of its birth. The discussions will take place in Palmer Hall starting at 6:30, following the Wednesday evening meal. No registration is needed.
Various topics basic to Christians everywhere will be highlighted, such as how did Jesus’ followers become the church.
We will look at worship and spirituality, and such pivotal events as the Crusades. Unfamiliar branches of the faith, such as the Coptic, Maronite, and Syriac churches will be described. Our own Anglican Church figures prominently and will be described.
This is a fascinating story that continues to shape events today. Please come and see our faith through a new lens.
Thursday Bible Study
10 a.m. in Room 14
Over the course of the spring we are studying the lives and wisdom of biblical women, leading up to St. Stephen’s 50th anniversary celebration of women’s ordination in the Episcopal Church. All are welcome; no registration or prior attendance is needed. This group is led by St. Stephen's clergy.
The Daily Office
Though Daily Morning Prayer is offered year-round at St. Stephen's Church, Lent can be an especially appropriate time to begin the practice of regularly attending this service from the Book of Common Prayer. Morning Prayer (followed by Communion from the Reserved Sacrament) begins at 8:10 a.m. and lasts about 30 minutes. Many people like to gather for coffee after this service to enjoy fellowship before leaving for work or other commitments.
If you cannot be present in person, you can watch a livestream of Morning Prayer here. (There is no service of Morning Prayer on Ash Wednesday.)
You can also pray Morning Prayer or other services from the Daily Office on your own. You'll find them beginning on page 36 in the Book of Common Prayer.