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Hi Church Family, This weekend is packed with meaningful opportunities you won’t want to miss! Prayer Around the Metroplex Tomorrow morning, Saturday, September 13th at 10 am, St. Stephen will join with more than 25 United Methodist Churches across the DFW area for Prayer Around the Metroplex. We’ll gather at the church and connect over Zoom with congregations across the city, lifting up our city, state, country, and world together in prayer. All-Church Financial Update This Sunday, September 14th at 10 am in the Sanctuary, we’ll hold an All-Church Financial Update. Everyone is encouraged to attend to hear where we are financially, what goals we’ve set, and how we can continue to support the mission of St. Stephen United Methodist Church. This Sunday’s Worship at 10:50 am Have you ever felt like you were too far gone? Or worried that someone you love was beyond hope? This Sunday we’ll hear stories that remind us of a love that doesn’t quit, a grace that doesn’t give up, and a joy that is waiting on the other side of being found. Come ready to be encouraged and surprised by what Jesus has to say in one of his most famous parables. Worship begins at 10:50 am—we’d love for you to join us. Please invite your friends and family. You are loved, Pastor Randall

✨ Meet the Members: Ken & Carol Palmer ✨ Ken and Carol joined St. Stephen in October 2024, drawn to our vision of being an inclusive church family that loves all of God’s children. Since then, they’ve discovered what we all know to be true—St. Stephen is the friendliest church in the world! Their favorite verse comes from Colossians 3:14: “Above all, be loving. This ties everything together perfectly.” 💜 Fun fact: Ken’s mom actually introduced him to Carol when the two women were working together at Sears in Town East Mall! Ken and Carol also serve with joy, representing St. Stephen at Pride events in Dallas and Mesquite and helping with our Yard Sale ministry. We’re so grateful for the Palmers’ warmth, love, and witness in our church family! 🌟

Today we remember the lives lost and the heroes of September 11, 2001. At St. Stephen UMC, we honor their courage by committing ourselves to lives of service, compassion, and love for our neighbors — striving to be a community that reflects God’s hope and healing in the world.

✨Midweek Check-In ✨ Life is full of choices — every yes also means a no. On Sunday, we talked about what it means to follow Jesus fully, even when it costs us something. This week, we want to hear from you: What’s one ‘yes’ you’ve said recently that meant letting go of something else? How has that choice helped you grow closer to what really matters?

When we want to get better at sports, dance, gymnastics, or playing an instrument, we know it takes practice, effort, and even giving up some other things so we can focus. Following Jesus is like that too — it means making choices, putting in the effort, and sometimes letting go of other things so we can grow closer to him. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Hi Church Family, Life is full of trade-offs — every “yes” to one thing is also a “no” to something else. Jesus knew that truth and spoke to the crowds about it on his way to Jerusalem. His words were jarring, even shocking, because they cut to the heart of what really matters. This Sunday we’ll wrestle with what it means to move beyond being a spectator and become a true participant in the life of faith. Join us at 10:50 am as we explore what’s worth more than anything else. We will celebrate September birthdays with cake and ice cream after worship! We look forward to seeing you on Sunday!!! 9:30 am: Sunday School 10:50 am: Worship Invite your friends and family!!! You are loved, Pastor Randall

Today is the International Day of Charity, and at St. Stephen UMC, we are reminded that our mission—to be a "visible witness" and advocate for justice and love in our community—is a daily commitment. Since our founding, we have been dedicated to engaging with our neighbors in Mesquite, promoting the general welfare of our community, and creating a space for all. Our outreach programs are a direct extension of this work, and every act of service, big or small, helps us live out our calling. As we celebrate this day, we invite you to join us in continuing this legacy of love and service. Your support allows us to continue making a tangible impact in our neighborhood and beyond. https://ststephenumctx.churchcenter.com/giving

✨ Meet the Member: Wini Council ✨ Wini has been part of St. Stephen since 1978, when she and her husband Tom first came after he was hired as the choir director. Over the years, she’s found joy in our church’s welcoming spirit and strong outreach programs. Her favorite guiding verse is: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Fun fact: Wini once played oboe in the SMU orchestra and was a majorette in junior high! 🎶✨ She also pours her heart into service here at St. Stephen, currently serving as Worship Chair, on the Discipleship, Finance, SPRC, and Trustees Committees, as well as setting up communion and representing us at the Horizon Texas Conference. We’re so thankful for Wini’s faithful presence and leadership in our church family! 💜

Midweek pause ⏸️ — How are you doing today? In Matthew 5, Jesus reminds us: ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.’ Wherever you are this week—in joy, in sadness, or somewhere in between—remember that God is close and His comfort is real. Take a deep breath, say a prayer, and know you are not alone. Drop a 🙏 in the comments if you need prayer this week.

Jesus said, ‘Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.’ That means God is close to us when we feel sad. But God doesn’t just want us to stop at being sad—He invites us to pray, to show kindness, and to help make things better. When we turn our sadness into love and action, we become part of God’s comfort for the world. #BeLikeJesus #LetYourLightShine #FaithInAction #GetInvolved #GodsLoveForAll #SSUMCStories #InclusiveChurch #UMC4All #MesquiteTX #loveoneanother #ChooseKindness #BeWelcoming #StStephenKids #YoungDisciples #BeAKindNeighbor #allarewelcome