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Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ's)
Last Updated On:
Saturday February 13, 2010 |
| Has it been a long time since you’ve been
to church or maybe you never attended church? St. Stephen's has you in mind!
Visiting a church for the first time is hard, we know that. We hope that the information
in the FAQ's and the rest of the web site will encourages you to join us for worship. We
will do our best to help you to connect with the hope and encouragement that God has for
you. |
| You will find that the first face you
see when you approach the church has a smile on it. Whether you need childcare or are
looking for a place for your teens, a greeter will be nearby to help you get where you
need to go. |
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Where is St.
Stephen's located?
We are located at 10828 N. Huron St. in Northglenn, CO. We are west of I25 on Huron and
just north of 104th. Directions & Map or call
(303) 452-5469. |
Are you a mega church?
No, we would be considered a medium-sized congregation. |
What are your core
beliefs?
St. Stephen's Lutheran Church is a ministry of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA)
The ELCA includes nearly 5.1 million Lutherans in 11,000 congregations around the country.
The ELCA is the most "mainline" of the Lutheran bodies in
the United States. By that we mean that we have great diversity of opinion within the
denomination on a variety of religious and social issues.
The ELCA does not dictate what we are to believe on many
issues. It encourages people to study the Bible and discuss issues with other Christians
in order to form our own conclusions. There's no need to check your brain at the door of
an ELCA church!
To learn more about our church's beliefs,
Click Here. |
Where should I park?
There is a parking lot both in front and to the east side of the building.
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Are your facilities
handicapped-accessible?
Yes, our facilities are handicapped-accessible, and we have handicap parking spaces
conveniently located near the building entrances. We also have an elevator for
ease of accessing the basement area. |
What time are
services?
We have two regular Sunday Worship services - Traditional Service as 8:15 am and a
Contemporary Praise Service at 10:30 am. Our mid-week Advent (pre-Christmas) and
Lenten (pre-Easter) services begin at 7:00 on Wednesday evenings.
Click here for additional questions about worship
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What is
contemporary worship?
If you grew up listening to pop or rock music on the radio, then this will most likely be
your “heart language” when it comes to singing in worship. You are sure to be comfortable
with a "worship team" up front. A worship team looks like a band with drums, bass,
keyboard, guitars and singers. But don't be fooled - this is no performance. Worship is a
full participation experience. The worship team is there to worship God and to encourage
you to worship with them. |
Are there programs for my
children?
Yes, in fact, it is often our children’s programs that attracts first-time visitors. We
are dedicated to providing a great environment for kids from infants through high school.
Loving childcare is available for infants and young toddlers is available during worship.
For more about children’s ministry, click here. |
Are there classes for
adults?
Certainly. We offer Adult Classes on both Sunday mornings between our two worship
services and also several classes during the week. The Adult Classes offer you the
opportunity to meet others and grow. Click here to learn more about
Adult Classes. |
What should I wear?
Whatever you feel comfortable wearing around a group of people. You’ll see folks in jeans
and other casual clothes, and you’ll see other people in suits and dresses. This is not a
fashion show, just come worship Jesus with us. |
What is your music
like?
Depends on which service you attend. At the 8:15 am service on Sundays you will hear
Christian hymns sung by the congregation, accompanied by an organ or piano. Sometimes our
choir sings a special song.At the 10:30 am
service, St. Stephen's has a worship team consisting of a live band of musicians and
singers. They lead the congregation in the singing of contemporary praise songs. |
Do you have programs for
single adults?
Yes, St. Stephen's has many programs providing small groups, service, and social
opportunities for adult of all ages. |
How can I become a
member?
Several times a year we offer "Discover Membership" classes to those who have attended and
have expresses a desire to join. Membership here is not just having a name on a
list. Being a member indicates a willingness to partner and potentially lead with us in
our mission to lead people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
Pastor Gearhart will gladly discuss membership with you.
If you are not sure about membership, that is okay; Please feel welcome to come and
participate in the life of St. Stephen's. |
What do Lutherans think about
Jesus?
We believe that Jesus Christ was both the son of Mary and the Son of God. While on earth,
he was fully human and fully divine. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, lived and taught the way
of God, loved and healed in miraculous ways, was arrested, beaten, and put to death on the
cross. Three days later, Jesus was raised from the dead. He then taught his followers the
purpose for his coming and at his ascension. We believe Jesus gave his followers the
authority to bring the Gospel message to all the earth. |
What is Baptism?
Baptism is a means of God's grace (unconditional love) and a sign of regeneration or new
birth. Baptism is offered for persons of all ages, infancy through adult.
Click Here for more information. |
What is Holy
Communion?
Holy Communion is one of two sacraments in the Lutheran Church. (We believe a sacrament is
a visible way - such as bread and wine- for God to give to us his grace and love.) At Holy
Communion we remember the meal that Christ shared with his disciples the night before he
died. We also believe that Christ is truly present with us through this meal. The bread
and wine are the spiritual food needed for our life's journey. |
Who can receive
Communion at a Lutheran church?
Anyone who is baptized and believes that Christ is truly present with and for us may
receive communion. Denominational differences disappear at the Lord's Table. Whether
Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, or no denomination in particular, the one
bread and one cup we share reminds us that our unity is found in the mercy of Jesus
Christ. We are united in our need for forgiveness and in the grace given to us through
this meal.Children or adults, not receiving the
sacrament, are encouraged to come forward for a blessing.
If you wish your home church to be given record of your
communion, please complete the registration card (found in the bulletin) and place it in
the offering plate. |
What are the Church
Office hours?
The Office Hours are 9am - 2pm on Tuesday - Friday |
Do you have
childcare?
Yes, we have adult-lead childcare. The nursery is available during all worship services.
Our safe and caring nursery provides well-prepared facilities and
well-trained, loving workers to stand alongside and support parents as they seek to
nurture their children. |
Can children attend
the services?
We welcome children to our worship services to hear God's word. We do offer, however, a
Children's Church School which meets during the 10:30 a.m. service. The children
attend with their parents for the first 15 minutes of the service, then after a children’s
story, they are invited to go to Children's Church. |
Can I take part
in Communion if I visit?
St. Stephen's practices “open communion.” Communion is open to all believers
in Christ who believe that Jesus is present in the bread and wine. It is the "Lord's"
Supper and it is Christ who invites us to the table. |
I'm new to
Christianity, what about me?
Our church offers a Bible Basics Class for those who are new to the Christian faith. It
is a wonderful opportunity to explore the core teachings of Christianity. |
Do I have to be a member to
enroll my children in Sunday School?
No, All children are welcome. Sunday School begins at age 3. |
What is
confirmation?
When young children are baptized, parents promise to help them grow in faith by teaching
the Bible, the Ten Commandments, Creed and Lord's Prayer. Over the years—at home, at
church and Sunday School—our children learn about what it means to be a Christian. When a
child enters Middle School, it’s time to "put it all together." That’s what we do in
Confirmation.
Here’s a good definition— Confirmation is an educational
and experiential program to promote and strengthen faith in Christ among youth ages 12-15.
Click Here for more information about
Confirmation at St. Stephen's. |
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“I rejoiced with those who said to me,
'Let us go to the house of the Lord.' ” (Psalm l22:l) |
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