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Christian Formation
Christian Formation is a lifelong process of growing in our relationship with God, ourselves, and others. At St. Stephen’s we offer Christian Formation for all ages each Sunday morning, a variety of ministries that meet weekdays, as well as seasonal activities and intergenerational events. Questions? Contact the office.
Sunday Morning Programs
1st Sunday of each month (9:15-10:15) — Parish Continental Breakfast (including fruit, Danish, bagels, coffee, and juice).
2nd-5th Sunday of each month (9:15-10:15) — Adult Christian Formation with seasonal topics.
Elementary Bible Lessons – Elementary age children are taken out of worship during the Ministry of the Word to have their own Bible lesson led by St.Stephens director of Children’s ministry.
Nursery – St. Stephen’s offers childcare Sunday mornings from 9:00 a.m. until after the service. Our nursery is designed to provide a safe and friendly environment for children (infants–PK) and is located downstairs. Childcare in the nursery is provided by St. Stephen’s staff. Children are also welcome in our worship service.
Weekday Formation Opportunities
Christian formation for all ages is offered throughout the year, typically on Wednesday evenings from 6-7:30, including a meal (provided), formation, and worship. Childcare provided.
Alpha Formation – helps create a space for honest conversation around some of life’s biggest questions. It is designed to provide guests an opportunity to connect with one another while providing the opportunity to share thoughts, ideas, and opinions in a safe and caring environment. Alpha helps bring people together while providing the chance to encounter Jesus. (Click here for more information about Alpha USA). Alpha Formation meets Wednesdays, 6–7:30 p.m. throughout the year. Please contact Fr. David for details.
Advent and Lenten formation – St. Stephens partners with other Episcopal and Lutheran congregations to provide Christian Formation during the seasons of Lent and Advent. This group meets Wednesdays from 6-7:30. Childcare provided.
Inquirers class (Episcopal 101) – this class is intended for newcomers to the Episcopal church, but it is also a great opportunity for long term Episcopalians to reconnect with the roots of their denomination. It will meet on Wednesdays from 6-7:30. Childcare provided.
Adult Programs & Ministries
Men’s Morning Prayer – The Tuesday Morning Men’s Morning Prayer group meets in the Common Room and on Zoom each Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. Using the Mission St. Clare app on smartphones, tablets or computers, the group shares Morning Prayer. We continue to fellowship with breakfast together afterwards. Our Zoom team includes parishioners and former parishioners from around the US. If you would like to join, either in person or on Zoom, please contact Bob Cagle.
Pub Theology – This is an opportunity to gather at a local pub (subject to change —check the weekly eblast) for honest conversation about life, faith, and God. It is casual, informal, and fun. We meet from 7–8 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. All are welcome! Join us and invite a friend. For more information, please contact Fr. David Wyly.
Education for Ministry – Offered through Sewanee University, EFM is a four-year program of preparation for lay ministry although the commitment is for one year at a time. Through Bible study and by reading the works of Biblical scholars, both past and present, students experience spiritual growth and move toward discernment of their particular calling. Adult learners are welcome from any denomination.
Theological reflection is an integral aspect of each session. Students learn to recognize the brokenness in the world around them. They look at their religious traditions and our culture to see how a particular issue might be addressed and finally consider what they themselves might do about it. Classes meet at Mondays at 6pm at St. Stephens throughout the program year. For more information about registration and cost tuition, prospective students should contact facilitator Deacon Rebecca Bean (at St. Andrews Episcopal Church).
Episcopal Church Women (ECW) – Our mission is to provide congregational care through meal support and fellowship opportunities. Teams provide congregations care on a rotating basis when notified by the Rector that a need has been identified. Not only do the teams help families in need of meal support during bereavement, hospitalizations, recuperations, and births; but they also respond to our fellowship events as they occur during the year. All women of St. Stephen’s are welcome and encouraged to participate in this ministry.
Eucharistic Visitors – Eucharistic Visitors take the Eucharist to parishioners who are unable to attend worship. They are called forward during a Eucharist and the congregation joins in a prayer sending them out. Eucharistic Visitors must be confirmed members of the parish, age 16 and older, and licensed by the bishop. Contact Bob Cagle for more information.
Eucharistic Ministers – Eucharistic Ministers are laypeople who assist the priest in administering the Eucharist (Holy Communion) during worship services. The role of a Eucharistic Minister is to help facilitate the distribution of the consecrated bread and wine to the congregation. Eucharistic Ministers must be confirmed members of the parish, age 16 and older, and licensed by the bishop. For more information contact the parish office.
LLectors – A lector is a layperson who is appointed to read aloud passages from the Bible during worship services. Lectors play a significant role in the liturgical life of the church by proclaiming the Word of God to the congregation. Being a lector is open to anyone who feels called to this ministry. For more information contact the parish office.
Ushers – An usher is a layperson who assists in various aspects of hospitality, order, and organization during worship services and other church events. Ushers play a significant role in creating a welcoming and smooth experience for both regular attendees and visitors. For more information contact the parish office.
Altar Guild – Members of the Altar Guild prepare the altar for the Eucharist and any additional services, setting out the vessels and linens, the bread, wine, and water. They keep the silver and brass polished and the candles ready to light. New members are always welcome. For more information contact the parish office.
Outreach – St. Stephen’s commitment to service reaches beyond the boundaries of our church. This ministry is concerned with meeting the needs of those outside our doors. Whether it is providing food for the hungry, school supplies for children, or helping local organizations financially, our Outreach program has a long history of giving to others, and our parishioners are called in many ways to do God’s work. You are invited to become an active member of our ministry to others. Contact the parish office.
Vestry – Vestry refers to a group of elected lay leaders of the parish. They are the governing body within the Episcopal parish that collaborates with the clergy to manage the administrative and financial affairs of the church.
Youth and Children’s Programs
Acolytes – Youth in grades four and up serve as acolytes each Sunday at the 10:30 a.m. service. Acolytes assist in leading worship. Training and ongoing mentoring are provided.
EYC (Episcopal Youth Community) – EYC is a way for our youth to explore and deepen their relationship with Christ, learn more about the Episcopal Church, and grow as part of a Christian community. We play, pray, eat, worship, share our lives with one another, and talk about all things big and small. We occasionally go off campus to engage in outreach, attend diocesan events, and participate in other fun activities like bowling. EYC meets Sundays during the school year from 6-7:30pm. (Dinner provided)
SSKids is our elementary age group that meets during the school year from 5-6:30 on the first Sunday of every month to fellowship and enrich their relationships with each other and Christ. Dinner is included.
Dates and times TBD