We are all on a Faith Journey & YOU ARE WELCOME HERE!!
“Tradition with Humanity and Humor” is our tagline. We
• Enjoy the traditional Episcopal worship format,
• Embrace each other as children of God with whom we rejoice and console, and
• Look for reasons to burst out laughing.
Interview Q&A
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
"SING OUT for God... REACH OUT to the World... CRY OUT among Friends... FIND OUT about a Life of Faith, and sometimes... BURST OUT Laughing... All in the name of Jesus Christ."
Happily, we find this simple set of phrases accurately describes our attitudes about our church community and our worship. Our mission statement, it seems, is notably different from what one might expect from a Midwestern, suburban Episcopal parish.
At St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, we respect and embrace the notion that serious worship and outreach can readily coexist with fun, compassion, and diversity. While our services and liturgy are strongly traditional, we recognize that God’s table is open to all and that different styles, beliefs, ages and customs are enriching rather than threatening.
The people of St. Stephen's are here because we chose to be and we love the energizing atmosphere of serious spirituality that does not take itself too seriously!
What are your hours of operation?
Our three weekly services each has a different feel.
The 4:30 p.m. Saturday service is informal. Worshipers gather around the altar during the Eucharist; and the music varies among the “Strolling Tones” a capella group, our “Ad Hoc Jug Band,” a pianist, or a guitar-playing folk-singing parishioner.
The 8 a.m. Sunday service is a quiet Eucharist service without music.
The 10 a.m. Sunday service is alive with music and youthful energy. Announcements are lengthy but inspiring because they highlight our many activities and broad participation. Being child-friendly, we accept “joyful noises,” and embrace our youth. The Sunday school, Rite 13 and Youth-to-Adult programs overlap this service. Younger children are in class until joining our wonderfully chaotic and joyous Passing of the Peace. The older youth energize the congregation by filling the aisle to lead the congregation to Communion before leaving for class.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
"Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me" (Matthew 10:40).
“You Are Welcome Here” is etched on our front doors and in our hearts.
At St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church the Holy Spirit is alive and at work from the gentle smile of one parishioner to another, through spirit-filled gatherings, to the ongoing care of parish families in need. Our remarkable parish is filled with generosity and a desire through faith to care not only for the parish family but an extraordinary ability to reach out to visitors and to our community.
Karen on 3/23/2012 8:44:03 AM
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