Now through November 12, the youth group at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Marlborough, will collect donations for Cradles to Crayons (CTC). CTC provides children from birth to age 12, living in low-income and homeless situations, with the essential items they need to thrive – at home, at school and at play. They supply these items free by engaging and connecting communities that have, with communities that need.

  The greatest need is for boys and girls clothing (sizes 0 to 7/8), diapers (size 6), diaper wipes, and new hygiene items for babies and children (shampoo, soap, lotion, brushes and combs).

    Members of the community who would like to donate can bring items to St. Stephen, 547 Bolton St. (Route 85), Marlborough, during Pastor Joe Graumann’s office hours: Monday, 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, 9 am-1 pm, or Thursday, 1 pm-5 pm, or on Sunday mornings.
    In addition to the items above, other acceptable donations include:
– Coats and clothing (youth sizes 0–20 and adult sizes small and medium)
– New socks, underwear, and pajamas (must be new)
– Shoes, boots, sneakers, and sandals (infant/child sizes 0–13 and adult sizes 1–10)
– Books, especially baby board books
– Brand new arts and crafts/school supplies
– Baby supplies and bedding (up to size twin)
– Diapers, other sizes
– Baby equipment, especially strollers and car seats within five years old
– New hygiene supplies for ages 0 to 12
– New batteries
– New and like-new toys (New toys are used for birthday gifts; gently-used toys must have all pieces.) 

“The Youth Group will bring our donations to the Boston site of Cradles to Crayons,” said Sarah Maston of Hudson, youth group adult leader. “They will help organize and sort them there for distribution to families in need.”  Potential donors with questions can email Maston at sem56@yahoo.com.

    Cradles to Crayons does not accept stuffed animals, ride-on toys, and plastic play structures.

    For more information about the church, visit saintstephenlutheran.com or the church’s Facebook page. Parishioners come from Marlborough, Hudson, Berlin, Northborough, Southborough, Westborough, Shrewsbury, Sudbury, and Bolton. Saint Stephen is a member of the New England Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We are a Reconciling in Christ congregation, inviting people of every gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, ability, marital status, or class.

On October 23, the Youth Group from St. Stephen Lutheran joined other Lutheran Youth Groups from Central MA, to help serve the community in Northampton, MA.  They participated in a program called Cathedral in the Night, an outdoor Christian community that aims to create a safe place for all people.  The youth participated in the outdoor worship service and then helped serve dinner to all those who gathered for a hot meal.

Saint Stephen Lutheran Church is a member of the Lutheran Inter-Parish Youth of Central Massachusetts (LIPY-CM) and part of the New England Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Saint Stephen is a Reconciling in Christ community welcoming people of all races, genders, sexualities, ethnicities, marital statuses, ages, and abilities. Please join us for worship at 9:30 AM every Sunday.

To join our youth group, please email the pastor for more information.

Saint Stephen's "Senior Friends" group, led by event leader Ann Weston, headed to the Worcester Art museum this past Thursday, to share a lunch and have a docent-led tour. Making use of Massachusetts' library museum pass program, many were able to access this beautiful museum for free. The Worcester Art Museum, for its size, has a remarkable amount of significant and famous works, and it's a major cultural resource in the area. How wonderful it is to celebrate God's gift of art and enjoy some good ol' fun.

You don't have to be a member of Saint Stephen to join our Senior Friends, who meet monthly for various fun and spiritual activities. For more information, contact Pastor Joe, and he'll put you in touch with the right people.

Saint Stephen Lutheran church is a congregation of the New England Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. We are a Reconciling in Christ congregation, welcoming people of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexualities, abilities, and marital statuses.