St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Silver Spring

May is filled with much to celebrate at Saint Stephen - graduations (high school and college), Pentecost, 91st birthdays, and this Sunday: Baptisms! God is good!!

Recognize any of those youth? Giving thanks for Metro D.C. Synod, ELCA Play + Pray outings!

On this Memorial Day, we pause to affirm the sanctity of life and remember those whose lives have been lost—in war, in the ravages of conflict, or in the carnage of injustice. We honor their memory with a renewed commitment to peace, righteousness, justice, and love.

We also remember the grief carried by families and communities, trusting in the promise that “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). May God’s comfort surround all who mourn, and may His justice awaken in us a deeper resolve to work for a world where peace prevails.

Let us hear the call of the prophet in Isaiah 2:4 anew. Until that day comes, may we be faithful stewards of remembrance, living in ways that honor life by seeking reconciliation, pursuing justice, and walking humbly with our God.

Happy Pentecost Sunday!

“On the day of Pentecost, God placed his kingdom in the midst of humanity and the kingdom of God has to be built on Earth.”
~St Oscar Romero
Pentecost homily 1978

Commissioned by St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Salisbury North Carolina. ( )

With Pentecost we sought to represent the community of saints throughout time and place. All people, welcome, seated together around the table, the eucharist and Mary the Mother of God at the center. The Holy Spirit in the form of a dove lighting the fire above the heads of those below.

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The disciples who once hid behind locked doors were filled with the Holy Spirit and sent into the world with courage.

On Pentecost, fear gave way to witness.
Division gave way to understanding.
And resurrection hope could no longer be contained.
The Spirit is still moving —
through acts of mercy,
through servant leadership,
through communities rooted in love.
Come, Holy Spirit.

Ana R lives this by sharing free tomato plants (well started) near the entrance to the sanctuary - available any time!

Psalm 126 reminds us that tears are not wasted in God’s kin-dom.

“Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy.” — Psalm 126:5

Some seasons ask us simply to keep planting:
kindness,
hope,
justice,
care for one another,
even when we are weary.
God is still at work beneath the surface.
Joy may not arrive quickly.
But grace is growing in places we cannot yet see.

"Since starting my ministry as Bishop in September 2025, there has been a steady succession of distressing events: changes to immigration status for previously protected groups, reductions in health care and voting rights, and even war. These are challenging days. They can have a cumulative effect, especially those who live in the D.C. area and have been personally impacted by job changes, for instance. No one knows what is coming next, but we do know that God is with us and has sent a powerful presence to be our advocate. To you, this Pentecost, I offer a prayer." -Bishop Hirsch

Come Holy Spirit, ground us in your love and be the fire of our witness to the teachings of Jesus. Help us to know that you are more powerful than anything we face. May our lives be filled with deep compassion and desire for a society where all may have life and live it abundantly. Be our help when we are distressed and grant us the sure and certain hope that comes from believing in you. Amen.

A day late, but never out of our minds or prayers. Giving thanks for those/their families who made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf and praying fervently for the end of all such sacrifices and a just peace for all.

Join us in remembrance and prayer this Memorial Day.

Remember, mourn and give thanks for those in the military who gave their lives for justice, peace and the freedom of our country and all nations. Pray for the safety of those currently serving in the military and for the well-being of their families. —Prayer Ventures