Worship

The community at St. Stephen’s gathers on Sunday mornings for two services at 8:00am and 10:30am. Parking is in front of the church or in the back alleyway behind the church.

8:00am Service (Chapel)

Our 8:00am service is held in the chapel. Please enter through the single green chapel door, located to the left of the church’s central double-door entrance.

This contemplative service of Holy Communion follows the Book of Common Prayer, using traditional language alongside contemporary collects and prayers. A prayer book, bulletin, and service insert are provided to help guide you through the liturgy.

Following the service, all are warmly invited to gather in the Canterbury Room for tea, coffee, and conversation.

10:30am Service (Sanctuary)

Our 10:30am service takes place in the sanctuary, the church’s main worship space. You may enter through the central green church doors. An accessible entrance is available through the middle set of brown wooden doors in the administrative link building.

Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by our greeters, receive a bulletin, service insert, and hymnal, and be invited to create a name tag.

Most Sundays, we worship in the round, with chairs arranged in a horseshoe shape. This seating allows us to see one another, fostering a sense of community as we worship and pray together.

The service includes music, congregational singing, and liturgy that uses inclusive and expansive language.

On designated Sundays, children and youth are invited to participate in a 15–20 minute Circle Time led by clergy or trained lay leaders, where they explore a Bible story or theological theme together. Throughout the service, children and youth are also welcome to enjoy the art and creative table at the back of the sanctuary.

During the program year, nursery care is available in the Canterbury Room for children ages 0–5, as well as for older children who would prefer a quieter space and can assist the nursery attendants.

Children of all ages are warmly welcomed in worship, and the joyful sounds of young voices are embraced as part of our life together.

After the service, everyone is invited to remain for a time of hospitality in the sanctuary, where coffee, tea, and light refreshments are typically served.is held in the sanctuary (the main church space).

A Note about Lectionary (readings) and Communion on Sunday

In addition to Bible readings from the lectionary, a sermon and prayers, both services at St. Stephen’s include Communion, also known as Eucharist. All present are invited to receive the bread and wine (if desired). Gluten free communion wafers may be requested from the clergy in the communion line. If you prefer not to receive communion, you may ask the clergy for a blessing.

Newcomers and established members alike are encouraged to participate in worship through service as a greeter, reader, litanist (prayer writer and deliverer), choir member, chancel guild member, tech team member and/or hospitality time host. You may speak to the clergy, Parish Council member or a participating member of these ministries to express your interest.