We celebrated all the youth groups that gather under our roof during the week.  The Guides and Scouts all over the world celebrate World Thinking Day on February 19th.   It’s a day when Guides and Scouts think of each other and give thanks and appreciation for the international friendship they find in their Movement. The theme for World Thinking Day 2012 is “we can save our planet”.

St. Stephen is a place to belong and a place to explore.  In this changing world, St. Stephen has a significant role to play. The Visioning Day challenged and moved us to explore and celebrate what the St. Stephen congregation is being called to be and do in a changing world.  We talked about: a) the nature of the change in our society (and why the current challenges of the church are not your fault!) b)  what implications change has for our ministry (from maintenance to mission, leadership for change, and Mixed Economy" of old and new) c) what emerging models and practices for ministry are growing up and thriving across the country d) what some next steps might be Those who attended were challenged, moved, and renewed their faith as they engaged in God's invitation to a new day.  The day was led by Rev. Rob Dalgleish, Executive Director of the Network for Ministry Development.

January marks the end of our five months of service by each of our family groups. Each month a family has administered , presented, cooked, welcomed, ushered, and participated in our worship service.   At the end of each month, the family group has hosted a luncheon, which we just celebrated the completion of Group 5's January service with a luncheon. More recipes are floating about - please submit them to the webmaster so they be published.

A family evening was held on Saturday night which commenced with a delicious pot luck.  Following our meal, all the games were hauled out and many different groups played and learned many new games.  Fun was had by all!

A delicious breakfast was served up at St. Stephen on a cold & clear winter morning.   The atmosphere inside was warm and inviting and everyone enjoyed a great breakfast for a great price! Join us next time we serve up a Community Breakfast

The Choir gave an outstanding performance on Sunday night.

The St. Stephen Family Christmas Party was enjoyed by kids of all ages. We had a delicious turkey dinner with all the trimmings and then a fun evening of games, laughter, and a special visit from Santa. We raised more donations for Wesley Centre, which are very much appreciated If you missed the dinner - you can enjoy making this recipe for Sweet Potato Casserole Click on Image at Right to View a Gallery of Family Christmas Party photographs.

Lots of shopping was enjoyed at the Candy Cane Kitchen. There was fresh holiday baking, jewelry, scarfs, christmas tree deocrations, gift cards, books for kids, fresh cheese, items from Granny's cupboard, artwork, quilts and knitting. A lunch was also available to shoppers who worked up their appetites!

"Empty Chair" Productions put on 5 wonderful performances over two weekends in November which entertained many friends and family of St. Stephen United Church.  A wonderful, professional and moving play staring our own Shirley & Graham, who both gave amazing performances.  Storm Warning is a Norm Foster Play is set in September 1953 at Pigeon Lake.  Norm has given us many funny moments as Jack and Emma struggle to establish a relationship yet like so many of his plays we come to realize that a sense of loneliness confronts all of us during a lifetime.   Empty Chair has been bringing us fabulous productions over the past 10 years and a huge standing ovation for everyone involved.   These productions have raised over $20,000 and entertained over 2,500 people  Special thank-you to Rob Wilson, our resident designer and a special welcome and thank-you to Susan Bishop as our new Stage Manager.

Led by Rev. Dr. Betty-Lynn Schwab, General Council of the                                  United Church of Canada.  From grain sieve to frame drum, women fed the people's bodies and spirits. In the bible, they played the frame drum in public and private worship times and brought it to the Christian church. It took the inquisition to finally banish it.  Glimpsing that past, we explore the frame drum's recovery for worship today and play it ourselves!  Drums and Lunch were provided at a cost of $45.

"The Wonders of our World"

Camp ran from 9:30 to 11:30 am for the week for a very reasonable cost.  There was crafts, activities and snacks for the children including a special outing on Wednesday. 

Cloudy skies didn't dissuade the fun inspired Fair that            transpired on the front lawn of the Church where all things jello, jam and candy were celebrated in style with games, activities, face painting, magicians, photo opportunities and a BBQ!

 

Our first annual golf tournament was held on a sunny day at Chippewa Creek Golf Course. Dinner, prizes and a silent auctions all contrituted to the fun day! Golf and dinner was $85 and Dinner only was $25.

During Sunday service, the young people of the congregation were washing cars at the back of the church.  A sparkling deal as an exterior wash  was only $5, Trucks, SUV's and Vans were $10!

Described as having a voice and personality of an angel, June Bishop, a 53 year member of the St. Stephen Choir, was honoured at a dinner fundraiser held at the church.  June has just celebrated her 80th birthday and shows no signs of slowing down.  The dinner and show tickets were $50 (5:30 pm) or $20 just for the entertainment, which was fabulous and started at 7:30.

A Pancake supper was held from 5:00 pm to 6:30 on Shrove Tuesday.  The cost was $7.00, and children under 10 were $4.