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Mission STatement
Our purpose is to glorify God by welcoming, people in his love, encouraging commitment to Jesus and equipping in the Spirit to grow and serve in the world"
OUR HISTORY
January 27, 1954 was the first meeting of a steering committee to organize a Lutheran church in Palmdale that would become St. Stephen’s of the Valley Lutheran Church. The first worship service was held February 14, 1954 in the Kiwanis building on 20th St East.
Pastor Robert Thomas was ordained and assumed the pastorate of St. Stephen’s in July, 1954 and was installed July 25, 1954.
Groundbreaking for the church was held on September 4, 1955. The cornerstone was laid on Palm Sunday in 1956. The first service was held in the new chapel on Easter Sunday in April, 1956.
Pastor Thomas was replaced by Pastor William Conrad. The Christian Education building was built during Pastor Conrad’s tenure. The building was named Faith Hall in honor of Pastor Conrad’s wife.
Between 1969 and 1979 St. Stephen’s had 4 pastor’s shepherd the congregation; Pastor Spirer, Pastor John Lundblad, Pastor James Miley and Pastor R. Curtis Jacobson. Each contributed to St. Stephen’s in their own way.
Pastor Ken Simon arrived on October 1, 1979 and was installed on November 11, 1979. Under Pastor Ken’s leadership, construction of a new sanctuary that is used by several community musical groups because of its excellent acoustical design. The original sanctuary is now used by other denominations that do not have a permanent site for their services. On of Pastor Ken’s major strengths, music, was used to institute a contemporary service and to utilize keyboards in worship. During his 19 years here, a grand piano and pipe organ were purchased. Pastor Ken accepted a call to First Lutheran Church in Glendale, California.
Pastor Barry Vail was installed as pastor of St. Stephen’s on October 1, 2000 and officially began work on October 2. During Pastor Barry’s 15 years here, he encouraged the growth in many different programs including our on-site and off-site Bible and book studies, as well as enhancements during worship and the decoration of the Worship Center.
After a year-long call process, Pastor Chris Hogstad was installed as the pastor of St. Stephen's on December 13, 2016. As we welcome Pastor Chris and his family, we excitedly look to the future to see what God has in store for us here at St. Stephen's.
Pastor Robert Thomas was ordained and assumed the pastorate of St. Stephen’s in July, 1954 and was installed July 25, 1954.
Groundbreaking for the church was held on September 4, 1955. The cornerstone was laid on Palm Sunday in 1956. The first service was held in the new chapel on Easter Sunday in April, 1956.
Pastor Thomas was replaced by Pastor William Conrad. The Christian Education building was built during Pastor Conrad’s tenure. The building was named Faith Hall in honor of Pastor Conrad’s wife.
Between 1969 and 1979 St. Stephen’s had 4 pastor’s shepherd the congregation; Pastor Spirer, Pastor John Lundblad, Pastor James Miley and Pastor R. Curtis Jacobson. Each contributed to St. Stephen’s in their own way.
Pastor Ken Simon arrived on October 1, 1979 and was installed on November 11, 1979. Under Pastor Ken’s leadership, construction of a new sanctuary that is used by several community musical groups because of its excellent acoustical design. The original sanctuary is now used by other denominations that do not have a permanent site for their services. On of Pastor Ken’s major strengths, music, was used to institute a contemporary service and to utilize keyboards in worship. During his 19 years here, a grand piano and pipe organ were purchased. Pastor Ken accepted a call to First Lutheran Church in Glendale, California.
Pastor Barry Vail was installed as pastor of St. Stephen’s on October 1, 2000 and officially began work on October 2. During Pastor Barry’s 15 years here, he encouraged the growth in many different programs including our on-site and off-site Bible and book studies, as well as enhancements during worship and the decoration of the Worship Center.
After a year-long call process, Pastor Chris Hogstad was installed as the pastor of St. Stephen's on December 13, 2016. As we welcome Pastor Chris and his family, we excitedly look to the future to see what God has in store for us here at St. Stephen's.
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The Evangelical Lutheran church
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SOUTHWEST CALIFORNIA SYNOD
While connected to the ELCA at a national level, St. Stephen's is a part
of the Southwest California Synod; a group of 120 churches located in the Kern, Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties of California. Click here to learn more about our Synod. |