Areas of Ministry

Overview of the areas of ministry

Stewardship

“All things come from thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee.”

Stewardship at St. Stephen’s is a celebration of God’s gifts. In thanksgiving for all God does for us, we offer ourselves, our lives, our resources, and our labor in union with Christ to fulfill His purposes. Pledging our financial gifts is a spiritual response of gratitude to God for His gifts and a promise to support His mission in the world. Pledges allow our leaders to be able to plan programs and ministry in our mission to serve the Lord on this earth. Praise God to all who respond so generously; we all give differently, but we are all invited to give something.

Stewardship of Creation

“It is not right for us to destroy the world God has given us. He has created everything; as the Bible says, ‘The God who made the world and everything in it is in heaven’ (Acts 17:24) To drive to extinction something He has created is wrong, for He has a purpose for everything… We Christians have a responsibility to take the lead in caring for the earth.” Rev. Billy Graham

Our grounds are an outward, visible sign of our faithful stewardship and love for God’s creation and our commitment to helping preserve our environment. The beautiful Memorial Garden provides a tranquil retreat for those seeking comfort and peace, our Heart and Hand Garden takes many hands to grow organic produce for the county’s low income families, and we help sustain and celebrate nature and life with birdhouses.

Parish Life

“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer…Every day they continued to meet together…they broke bread…and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God…And the Lord added to their number daily…” Acts 2:42, 46, 47.

St. Stephen’s is a vibrant church family of all ages, coming together for worship, Sunday School, and fellowship Sunday mornings, and active throughout the year in special events including (but not limited to): Redemption Diner, Power in the House, picnics, barbeques, Chili Cook Off, Pig Roast, music programs, Relay for Life, Caregiver’s Support Group, Vacation Bible School, Elk Run Preservation Project, mission trips, and outreach. The Episcopal Church Women sponsor many of these activities as well as a holiday bazaar, ladies’ tea, Angel Tree, and yard sales. The annual parish retreat offers a time of rest and relaxation, prayer, and lots of fun at beautiful Shrine Mont in the Shenandoah Valley.

Outreach and Community Service

“…Seeking and serving Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as ourselves…” Baptismal Covenant

St. Stephen’s Church has faithfully risen to the needs of others in the local community and around the world, participating with gifts of our time, talent and monies. Some of the outreach ministries St. Stephen’s is involved in:

Angel Tree
Chance Foundation Kennel and Rescue Pet Ministry
Christian Children’s Fund
Coat Ministry
Fauquier Family Shelter
Food Bank Collection for Fauquier Community Action
Habitat for Humanity
Heart and Hand Congregational Garden
Heifer Project
People Helping People
Redemption Diner
United Thank Offering
Youth Mission Trips
Elk Run Anglican Church Site Preservation Project
Relay for Life Team

Youth and Young Adults

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.” Ps 18:2

At St. Stephen’s, our youth and young adults continuously grow in number as they also grow emotionally and spiritually in their relationships—with God, their family and friends, and themselves. Throughout the year their faith deepens as they enjoy fun, fellowship, and teaching, and serve their church and community. Many participate in youth programs offered at Shrine Mont, and each summer the church sends a larger and larger mission team off to work for a week with a community in great need.

Preschool

At St. Stephen’s Preschool our three and four-year-olds love to tell you that Jesus is Lord, that “The Lord is my shepherd, he gives me everything I need.” The school provides a safe, clean, modern environment in which students can learn, be creative, and feel loved and nurtured. Both the children and their families experience the love of God at St. Stephen’s.

Christian Formation

Making Disciples

“Let the little children come to me…for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Mark 10:14

Christian Formation at St. Stephen’s includes everyone–from infancy to 110! Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Lenten studies provide opportunities to learn and grow in our understanding of Jesus Christ, our faith, and the Bible.

Pastoral Care

Our Lord taught us that as often as we feed the hungry, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned, we do these for Jesus.

The Pastoral Care Ministry of St. Stephen’s seeks to affirm the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of our Christian identity by reflecting Christ to others in the way we care for ourselves and each other. As we integrate principles of sound health, peace of mind, and spiritual well being into our daily lives and faith, we serve as witnesses to God’s unfailing love and the peace that passes all understanding.

To carry out this ministry, Pastoral Care initiatives serve the congregation and community through the following active ministries: Prayer Team, Casserole and Care Ministry, Caregivers Support Group, Homebound visitation, celebration of aging, Elder and Military/College fellowship, Power in the House, remembrance and recognition opportunities, Vestry Shepherding Ministry, Redemption Diner, Card Ministry, Letting Go Ministry, and Discretionary Fund.

Evangelism

Reaching Out…Inviting In

“As my Father has sent me, so I have sent you.”

St. Stephen’s is a community of believers who love the Lord and share the good news of Jesus Christ as we live our lives and serve others every day.