Joining
St. Stephen's welcomes all who come through our doors.
Our hope is that you will more fully experience the presence of God in your life as you worship with us and continue your spiritual journey at St. Stephen's. You are invited to participate fully in the life of this community: worship, study, join a small group, participate in a variety of opportunities to serve others.
Welcome gatherings
If you are new to St. Stephen's or to the Episcopal Church, we are delighted that you have chosen to continue your spiritual journey with us and hope that you have found a spiritual home here. Periodically we host welcome gatherings to introduce visitors and new members to our parish, programs, and staff. More importantly it gives us a chance to know you better in an informal setting, and to welcome you personally. We offer these gatherings several times a year. The dates and registration links are here.
Parish suppers
Another way to get acquainted in an informal setting is at one of our parish suppers. A weekly supper takes place Sundays at 6:30 p.m., between the Celtic service and Compline. Particular emphasis is placed on fresh, local ingredients, often from our farmers market vendors. On Wednesdays, we have supper together following Evensong (5:30 p.m.); dinner is served from 5:45 until 6:30 p.m. Menus are here.
Getting involved
There are so many ways to get involved at St. Stephen's, and you are welcome to do as much or as little as you wish. Just know that there are Emmaus groups, book groups, men's and women's groups, Bible studies...numerous volunteer and outreach opportunities at the church, in the community and around the world...an altar guild, a flower guild, a prayer shawl knitting group, and much more. Mary Feldman will be happy to explore the possibilities with you.
Learn more
The clergy lead a seven-week Inquirers Class several times each year. If you've been thinking about joining St. Stephen's, this class can be helpful to you. (Long-time Episcopalians take the course, as well, as a refresher.) It's an opportunity for you to ask questions about the Episcopal way of being a Christian, meet others who are considering joining this church, and be introduced to staff and programs of St. Stephen's. Read more and sign up here.
Holy Baptism and Confirmation
If you would like to be baptized (or have your child baptized), you may contact Allison Seay in the parish office about scheduling baptism. You can read more about baptism here.
In the Episcopal Church, confirmation is the rite during which adults or teenagers make a mature public affirmation of the promises made on their behalf when they were baptized as babies or very young children. Adult candidates for confirmation are prepared by a member of our clergy staff during the Inquirers Class; teenagers are prepared through our youth program. While confirmation is a joyful occasion and we are delighted if you desire to be confirmed, please know that confirmation is not a requirement for joining St. Stephen's nor for receiving Holy Communion.
Contact
Mary Feldman // 804. 288.2867 // email