parish events
On this page we are pleased to showcase some special moments in the life of our congregation.
We hope you will come back often to relive some of the special presentations and services
that have played a meaningful role in shaping life at St. Stephen's
Tenebrae
The name Tenebrae (the Latin word for “darkness” or “shadows”) has for centuries been applied to the ancient
monastic night and early morning services of the last three days of Holy Week, which in medieval times came
to be celebrated on the preceding evenings. As we meditate on Christ’s journey to the cross in scripture and
song one by one the candles and other lights in the church will be extinguished until only a single candle,
considered a symbol of Jesus Christ remains until at toward the end of the service even this candle is hidden,
which signifies the apparent victory of the forces of evil. A sudden loud noise is made at the end of the service,
symbolizing the earthquake at Christ's death. The lighted candle is then restored to its place, suggesting Christ's
eventual triumph.
Mary's Story: A Christmas Cantata
Mary’s Story was composed during 1978 and 1979 as a “kind of” accidental challenge to our former Music Director, Judy Baith issued to herself. The result was this musical Christmas story told and imagined from Mary and Joseph’s perspective.
It was first presented in 1980 at Calvary Baptist Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The piece “See My Babe” was published by Carl Fischer Publishing, New York in 1981.
Since that time, “Mary’s Story” has been presented several times across the country.
We were very excited to present this performance as part of our salute to Judy's contribution to as she prepared for retirement at the end of 2024.
We are equally excited to share this with you in this space and hope you will enjoy as much as we did!
