pastoral ministries
St. Stephen’s is here to celebrate with you in times of joy, as well as to support you in times of need. We have several ministries that work to provide this pastoral care for the people of our congregation.
If you are interested in learning more about or getting involved with any of these ministries, please contact the office, and we’ll put you in touch with the ministry lead.
Ministry of Intercessory Prayer
The Ministry of Intercessory Prayer takes two forms at St. Stephen’s, the Prayer Network and the Prayers of the People.
The Prayer Network
Martina Gardner Woods
The Prayer Network is made up of people dedicated to praying daily for the needs of the people in the church and in the community. Requests for prayers can be made by phone or email to St. Stephen’s Office or any member of the Prayer Network or through our online request form (need to set this up). As needs arise and requests come in, the requests are immediately relayed to the Prayer Network members through email. The Prayer Network welcomes new members, anyone who would like to commit a few minutes a day to pray for those on our list.
The Prayers of the People
The intercessory prayer that is part of the liturgy at the 8:00 and 10:15 services. Names of parishioners requesting prayer are read within the Prayers of the People. Their names also appear in the bulletin, as well as the names of family members, friends and loved ones who are not part of our immediate St. Stephen’s family but for whom prayers are needed. Only first names are included. Please contact parish clergy.
Eucharistic Visitors
The Rev. Stephen Elkins-Williams
Eucharistic Visitors bring communion to those who are unable to attend church. In bringing the sacraments, they carry the parish with them as a sign of the whole community’s care, support and concern for those unable to be with us. They complete the service by bringing the sacraments to those at home and in nursing facilities and hospitals.
Eucharistic Visitors lead a short service and share the consecrated bread and wine with the home-bound person, family and friends. The service is from the Episcopal Church’s Book of Occasional Services, and it is adapted to the needs and wishes of the person they are visiting. The service usually includes an opening prayer, the day’s collect and lessons, a prayer inviting each to receive the sacraments, the Confession, the Lord’s Prayer, communion and a closing prayer of Thanksgiving. The service and the sharing of communion are very meaningful for the individuals and for the Eucharistic Visitors. Bringing news of the church and its concern also helps make people feel more a part of our faith community.
Other Pastoral Ministries
St. Stephen’s Stitchers
Bobby Nielsen
A dedicated group of knitters, quilters, crocheters, embroiderers, needle pointers, and those with other gifts work to produce prayer shawls, hats, devotional objects, and other articles for those who are in any sort of sickness, sorrow, or need. These items are regularly blessed during our worship services and are distributed by the Eucharistic Visitors and others. Any skill level from very basic to professional is welcome. Prior to the pandemic, this group also met in-person once a month for fellowship.
Flower Ministry
Claire Doerschuk
Flowers from the altar are often a very special gift to those who cannot attend services. Presently, Eucharistic Visitors and others break down the floral arrangement after a service and take small bouquets to the sick and shut-ins to whom we bring communion.