2025
Your Sunday Update
Join us for two special 🎄 Christmas Eve services—contemporary at 5pm and traditional at 7pm. Both feature 🪘 Holy Communion and a candlelit 💫 “Silent Night” singalong. Read a 💞heartwarming note from a Jewish neighbor who spotted our Happy Hanukkah signs on Braddock Road. Plus, get ready—Justice January is coming! Read the full newsletter here.
2025
Christmas Eve
7:00 PM – Traditional Service
🌟 Celebrate the wonder of Christmas with a traditional Christmas Eve worship service at 7:00 PM. This service is rich in music, Scripture, and sacred tradition—an invitation to pause, reflect, and rejoice in the birth of Christ.
The evening opens with prelude and chimes and unfolds with beloved carols including O Come, All Ye Faithful and Joy to the World. Our Chancel Choir and Christmas Bells will offer special music, and the congregation will join together in singing hymns that echo the joy and hope of the season.
The service includes a celebration of Holy Communion, reminding us of God’s abiding presence and grace, and a Christmas message proclaiming the good news of Emmanuel—God with us.
The night culminates in one of the most cherished moments of Christmas Eve: a candlelight sharing of the Light of Christ and a moving singing of “Silent Night,” as the sanctuary glows with warmth, peace, and song.
All are welcome—families, friends, longtime members, and visitors alike. Come experience the beauty, reverence, and joy of Christmas Eve worship.
We look forward to celebrating with you.
2025
Christmas Eve
5:00 PM — Contemporary Celebration
Experience the joy of Christmas 🎄 through vibrant, contemporary worship that brings the ancient story to life with fresh energy and warmth.
What to Expect:
- Dynamic Worship led by our Source Band, featuring beloved carols reimagined with contemporary arrangements including “Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy)” and “What Child Is This?”
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere with a special Children’s Message
- Meaningful Traditions including the lighting of the Christ Candle 🕯️
- Inspiring Message from Pastor Chaney on the Christmas story from Isaiah 9:6-7 and Luke 1:26-38
- Candlelight Service as we share the light of Christ together and sing “Silent Night”
- Special Music including “Mary, Did You Know?” and “Jesus, Oh What Wonderful Child”
This service blends the timeless message of Christmas with a vibrant, accessible worship style perfect for families and anyone seeking an uplifting celebration.
2025
Travel in Time this Friday!
Journey back 2,000 years this Christmas 
Join us for an unforgettable WALK TO BETHLEHEM & LIVING NATIVITY on Friday, December 19 at 5:30 pm. FREE & Family-friendly!
Step through the gates of ancient Bethlehem and experience the wonder of the first Christmas night:
Decorate cookies, taste challah bread, and grind barley
☕︎ Warm up with hot cocoa and play-dough activities
𓋾
Dress up in period costumes
Make a dreidel and play games
🏠︎ Rest at the inn with games, treats, and fellowship
Pet the animals – camel, donkey, and sheep
Experience the miracle with live music and photo ops! 
2025
Three Things You Need to Know
Join us this week at St. Stephen’s! On Thursday at 7:30 p.m., we’ll gather for a Service of Hope and Healing, a gentle time of prayer, reflection, and comfort. Then on Sunday at 10 a.m., we’ll come together for a combined worship service as we continue our Advent journey.
We’re also preparing for next week’s Walk to Bethlehem and would love your help! Volunteers are needed to make this special community event a success.
All are welcome—come be part of this meaningful week at St. Stephen’s. Get the details here.
2025
Your Sunday Update
This week at St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, we lit the Candle of Peace, reminding us that the Prince of Peace is coming.
We invite you to two special gatherings in the days ahead:
• Service of Hope and Healing – Thursday at 7:30 pm
A gentle, meaningful service for anyone walking through a difficult or heavy time. Come find comfort, prayer, and God’s presence.
• Advent Joy Service – Sunday at 10 am
Please note: our 9 am and 11 am services are combining for one joyful celebration of Advent at 10 am this Sunday. We’ll hear holiday music from our children’s choirs, bell choir, contemporary Source Band, and our Chancel Choir. Let’s made a joyful noise together!
We’re also collecting gifts for children through Grace Ministries. Join us in this heartwarming effort to bring holiday joy to kids in need. Get all the details here.
2025
Three Things You Need to Know
We received a very special note of thanks for the Takeout with Love effort during the government shutdown. See a copy of the note – it’s a powerful reminder of why we volunteer and give. 💖 You have the opportunity to volunteer this Friday to distribute fresh produce to area families.
This weekend, we’ll also be celebrating the holiday season at an 🎶 Advent Coffee, 🎁 Fair Trade Market, and 🌟 Christmas Festival! 🎄Get the details here.
2025
Your Sunday Update
We began the Advent season with a message of hope during difficult times. This weekend, we’ll celebrate the season with and Advent Coffee and a Christmas Festival. Plus, we’ll be distributing fresh produce on Friday afternoon! Get the details here.
2025
Three Things You Need to Know!
Our Special Thanksgiving Edition is full of figures that illustrate what a difference St. Stephen’s is making in our community! Plus, our video of Patti’s poem for volunteers brings those figures to life. See the full message here.
2025
Your Sunday Update
We’re decorating ornaments for our Angel Tree, hanging the greens at church, and collecting gently used Halloween costumes. Get the details here.