St. Stephen’s E News
Weekly updates on events and happenings at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church
Rector’s Corner
Looking Back, Leaning Forward
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Annual Meeting this past Sunday—whether in person or online, whether you were energized by the charts or just there for the donuts. It was a joy to reflect together on another remarkable year at St. Stephen’s.
Our Annual Meeting is many things: a celebration of ministry, a look at the road behind and the path ahead, and a moment to listen together for how the Spirit is calling us forward. I know that not everyone wakes up excited for a meeting (even one with worship!), so I’m grateful for the spirit of attentiveness and good humor that filled the room.
That said, I’m already at work thinking about how next year’s meeting can be even more streamlined and engaging. I’ve heard some of your helpful suggestions, and we’ve included a short survey for those who’d like to offer feedback. Please take a few minutes to share your thoughts—we’re listening.
Most of all, thank you. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for serving, singing, praying, and giving. Thank you for being part of a community that continues to grow in joy, welcome, and purpose. The Spirit is clearly at work here, and I’m grateful to be on this journey with you.
Prayer List
The prayer list names those parishioners and neighbors who have been commended to us in prayer.
Roberta Adins, Elizabeth Beadle, Cathy and Bill Byerly, Jan Christensen, Carol Davis, Leslie Taft Diederich, Michael Joseph Degnan, Anne Droese, Kelly & Family, Mike Hall, Pat & Joe Harbison, The Harrison Family, Marlow Holston, Cat Jurichko, Lindsey Family, Janet Maimone, Cam Mullins, Charlotte & Olivia Parker, Sandy & Family, Tina Resnick, Randy Sheets, Virginia Stuart, Ray, Bob Taft, Russ Taft, Jean Wilkerson, and Tim Williams.
Sunday Worship
Click the button below to download the bulletin.
SCOUT SUNDAY — 2/8
It’s Scout Sunday! Not only will our Scouts be helping us with worship, but our parish Girl Scouts will have cookies available for sale during coffee hour. Boxes are $7 each. Thank you for your support!
ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICES
The journey through Lent begins with our Ash Wednesday service. Services begin at 7:30AM, Noon, and 7:30PM. Each service includes a sermon, the imposition of ashes, and Holy Communion.
EPIPHANY CLASS: Shaping the Communion
Last class will be this Wednesday! We will explore the actual founding of the Anglican Communion and our relationship with Anglicans around the world.
LENTEN CLASS: A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week
Starting Wednesday, February 25th Rev. Matt will start a six week class, A beginner’s guide to Holy Week. We will be using Amy-Jill Levine’s book, Entering the Passion of Jesus as our guide to the most pivotal week in the Gospels. In the past our Lenten class has been a soup and salad potluck; sign ups will be shared in early February.
Rev. Z’s Corner
SUNDAY SCHOOL
The next Sunday School will be February 15th, where the children will be learning about Jesus’ Transfiguration. Drop-off starts at 9:45 and kids will be returned during announcements.
Elementary Group
After church on the 15th, we will have our second Elementary Group. We will meet in the Youth Group room. It will be a time of fun games, activities, and more.
YOUTH GROUP 2026 Schedule
Tea, Coffee, or Other?
I would still love to get to know you all or check in with people I have had coffee with before. Please use the button below to add a meeting on my calendar for coffee.
Ryan
PARISH LIFE
PANCAKE SUPPER
Please mark your calendars to attend our Pancake Supper and Mardi Gras Celebration on Tuesday February 17th. Come at 5:30pm for a short program and the Pancake Olympics. At 6pm, the Friars will serve all-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage, bacon and fruit. Parish Life Committee invites you to arrive at 4:30pm to help decorate the Parish Hall with Mardi Gras colors. King’s Cakes are welcome!
BOOK CLUB
St. Stephen’s Book Club will meet on Tuesday, February 24 at 10 a.m in the Parish Hall to discuss “Heartland”, a memoir by Sarah Smarsh who examines her early life on a farm in Kansas. Coffee and refreshments will be served prior to the meeting. We welcome those who love to read and enjoy a lively discussion so please join us! For any questions, please call Barbara Wackett at 925-256-9675.
OUTREACH
THE GUBBIO PROJECT
In San Francisco’s Mission district, an average of 100 unhoused neighbors seek safety and rest in the sanctuary of St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church every day. Guests receive services like housing and health care. No one is ever turned away; all are welcomed, respected and treated with dignity. Gubbio Project supplies their guests with travel-sized toiletries. Watch these announcements to learn how St. Stephen’s can help during Lent.
FOOD BANK — February 20th
What do you do at the food bank for two hours on a Friday? You meet new friends, bag fruits and vegetables, and have a snack while you take a break. You’re having fun while serving others. You can meet us on the 3rd Friday of each month (February 20th) in the St. Stephen’s parking lot at 12:30. Please wear closed-toed shoes…no sandals. Contact Carol Benninghoven for more information.
COUNT ME IN!
Our Count Me In offerings are still open for sign-ups, with several gatherings happening in the coming weeks. Whether it’s food or fellowship these are wonderful ways to connect across generations and deepen our bonds as a parish family.
Whiskey Tasting Walker Flight — Date TBD
BBQ Dinner & all the fixin’s — April 11th
Bargain Bin vs. Bishop’s Reserve (Wine Tasting) — May 16th
Putting with the Priest — Date TBD
Round of Golf at MCC — Date TBD
If you didn’t get a chance to sign up but would like to join any of these events, please contact Lyn in the office at lyn@ststephensorinda.org or 925-254-3770.
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St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 66 Saint Stephen's Drive, Orinda, CA 94563