Who We Are
St. Stephen's Lutheran Church is a member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America (ELCA). We welcome you and all people to worship, grow, enjoy and share in the
life and journey of this community.

Lutherans
Lutherans are a diverse group of people, convinced that the Holy Spirit is leading us toward unity in the household of God. Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America are connected to the faith of the church through the ages and around the world.

    Lutherans believe in the Triune God. We are part of God’s unfolding plan.

   When we gather for worship, we connect with believers everywhere and of every time.

   When we study the Bible and pray, we are drawn more deeply into God’s own saving story.

   When we serve others and address social issues that affect the common good,
   we live out our Christian faith.

The ELCA invites you into this community of Christian faith. Welcome!
(From the ELCA web site. To read more, click here.)

Martin Luther and the Essence of Lutheranism
Lutherans are Christians who accept the teachings of Martin Luther (1483 – 1546). Luther was a German theologian who realized that there were significant differences between what he read in the Bible and the practices of the Roman Catholic church at that time. His hope was that the church would reform its practice and preaching to be more consistent with the Word of God as contained in the Bible.

These Basic principles of Luther’s Theological Teachings comprise
the very essence of Lutheranism:

  We are saved by the grace of God alone -- not by anything we do;

  Our salvation is through faith alone -- a confident trust in God, who in Christ
  promises us forgiveness, life and salvation; and

  The Bible is the norm for faith and life -- the true standard by which teachings
  and doctrines are to be judged.  (From the ELCA web site. To read more, click here.)

Helpful Links
ELCA Confession of Faith
The Apostles Creed
The Nicene Creed
The Athanasian Creed

Meet Our Staff
The staff at St. Stephen's is accessible, caring and energetic. For information about each staff member and contact information, click the image below.

Pastor Tim Hansen
Pastor Nick Utphall
Pastor Edward Johnson
Rebecca Redmann, Director of Music
Jane Voss, Church Secretary
Karl Cinlar, Custodian

Reconciling in Christ
St. Stephen's is a Reconciling in Christ Congregation listed on the Lutherans Concerned/North America website (www.lcna.org)
Click here to read our Affirmation of Welcome.

"Oakwood Update" Article
Spring, 2009

St. Stephen's Lutheran Church
Talented, Generous Volunteers Link Oakwood and St. Stephen's of Monona
By Keith VanLanduyt

For several years, Oakwood has enjoyed a particularly strong relationship with
St. Stephen's of Monona. Lee Johnson, Bernie Knesting, and Carol Wiskowski, all members of St. Stephen's, have given generously of their time on various Oakwood boards and committees. Oakwood employs several members of the church, and Dale and Betty St. John, Oakwood's 2008 Outstanding Service Award winners, call both
St. Stephen's and Oakwood Village East home.

In considering the connections between Oakwood and St Stephen's, one can't help but be impressed by St. Stephen's commitment to outreach and volunteerism. The individuals above are but a few of the many church members who are involved in community outreach: besides volunteering at Oakwood, St. Stephen's ministry program reaches to many parts of its community. Under the leadership of Pastor Tim Hansen, who joined St. Stephen's last summer, the church hopes to grow by utilizing the many talents of its members.

Click here to read the entire article.