Become involved

If you are seeking opportunities to enrich your worship experience and enjoy fellowship time with other members of the parish, here is a sampling of the ways in which you might do so. In the words of the bumper sticker "Get involved - life is run by people who show up"

Acolytes

Young people and adults serve at the altar during services on Sundays and Holy Days. See the Liturgical Ministry page for more details.

Altar Guild

Duties consist of cleaning and polishing, laundering the linens, taking care of the flowers and candles, and ordering supplies. See the Altar Guild ministry page for more details.

Choirs and Music

We have an active music program at St Stephen's, as described on the Music page.

Beacon

The "Beacon" is our monthly parish newsletter. A sample of this month's issue is reproduced on the Beacon page. It contains messages from the clergy, the editor, reports from the Vestry and reports of parish events. Material should be submitted by the 20th of each month. Our tireless editor, Fred Philcox, is always looking for volunteers to lend a hand.

Counters

Each Sunday two members count and deposit the parish offerings and make a record of giving through pledges by envelope numbers. They are supervised by the Assistant Treasurer. See the Finance page for details.

Coffee Hour Hosts

This important part of fellowship follows each service on Sundays. The church supplies cups, coffee and tea. Volunteers prepare snacks and serve. For more information contact Chris Scheffel.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers

Men and women assist with the distribution of Holy Communion by administering the chalice. Licensed by the Bishop, they are required to participate in a training session under the direction of the Rector. See the Liturgical Ministry page for more details.

Lay Readers

Our dedicated Lay Readers and Lectors (the Lay Readers are officially licensed by the Bishop upon recommendation of the rector and Vestry after completing special training) read Scriptures and lead the intercessions at Sunday Eucharist. See the Liturgical Ministry page for more details.

Musicians

We are always actively seeking musicians for contemporary worship services. We need vocalists, guitars, other instruments (especially drums) for our contemporary services. Perhaps you or someone you know would like to join our band. We rehearse either weekly and enjoy working on all types of Christian music. See the Music page for contact information

Parish Life

This group's purpose is to create social events for the parish to build a sense of fellowship and community. Events include suppers, picnics, dances, Christmas Caroling and other fun events. For more details see the Parish Life page

Stewardship

This ministry works to encourage parish members to share their time, talents, and treasure for the building up of the Kingdom of God through the ministries at St Stephen's. For more details see the Stewardship page

Ushers

Ensure that worshippers receive Sunday Bulletins and are welcomed to church on Sundays. They also see that seating, prayer books, and hymnals are available to all. After the service, the ushers tidy up the church. For more details see the Liturgical Ministry page

Women of Faith

Groups of women meet every other week to explore and share their faith using the "Women of Faith" curriculum. Contact Eleanor Legg for more details.

Card Ministry

This group meets on the last Saturday of each month and completes the card mailer to church members who are celebrating birthdays and/or anniversaries, get-well or thinking of you cards for the sick or shut-ins, and sympathy cards to family members of departed parishioners and friends. The ladies participating in this group are lively and additional hands are always welcome.