It is the goal of St. Stephen's to provide for all who come in contact with us, the opportunity to become involved in an active and growing family of individuals, working together in Christian service. Every individual is invited to attend and participate in any or all of the meetings of these organizations. Meeting dates are announced in Sunday Bulletins and The Epistle.
Parish Organizations
Men's Club
E.Y.C. Altar
Guild Daughters of the King Acolytes
& Lay Readers Music
Ministry Ushers Fun
Club Visitation Ministry
Episcopal Church Women (E.C.W.):
President, Brenda Kuntz
Every woman in the parish is a member of this organization.
Meetings are held in the Parish Hall the 3rd Thursday of every month, September through May, following the Holy Eucharist/Healing Service.
The women sponsor and operate the Thrift Shop, which is located adjacent to the church, across the parking lot from the Parish Hall (North side).
Thrift Shop hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The phone number is 727-846-1378
The ECW sponsors and operates the Gift Shop in the Parish Hall, open following the services each Sunday.
A Card Party/Luncheon is held on the 2nd Monday of each month, – September through May.
The United Thank Offering is in-gathered each Fall and Spring for the support of national and international mission projects.
Annual in-gatherings are received for the Church Periodical Club (CPC). There is also the Mile of Pennies offering jar in the Parish Hall. As part of their Christian Social Concerns ministries, donations are collected for the Abuse Center, and hats, sweaters, school supplies and other items as needed are donated to the Head Start Program.
There is an annual ECW Bazaar, for which workshops are held throughout the year. Currently, the workshops are held on Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m.
The ladies volunteer as hostesses for the Coffee Hour after the 9:00 & 11:00 AM Church Services.
For these, and indeed all the activities of this group, help is always needed and warmly received.
ST. TERESA of Avila Chapter of the Daughters of the King
Kathy Aylward, President
The
order of the St. Teresa chapter of the Daughters of the King was chartered
in November of 2003. The group is dedicated to prayer, service and evangelism.
All women of the church are invited to join. They meet the 2nd Thursday
of every month, following the Holy Eucharist/Healing Service.
Episcopal Church Men (Men's Club):
President, Mr. John Ferguson
All baptized men in the Parish are members of "The Men's Club." Active members meet for breakfast on the first Wednesday of each month, September through May, beginning at 8:00 AM.
The Men’s Club sponsors the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, the St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef and Cabbage, help with the annual Parish Picnic, and other special activities as required. "Work Days" are called for those members who wish to donate time and talent toward the upkeep and maintenance of Church property and facilities. The Men serve as ushers for Sunday Services and as pallbearers for funerals from the Church.
Episcopal Young Churchmen (E.Y.C):
The young ladies and gentlemen of the Parish who wish to participate may join. The Youth Group meets on Sunday Mornings following Church School for worship, recreation, service and Christian Learning in an informal setting.
The Youth participate in assisting the Church School classes, Vacation Bible School, the Christmas Pageant.
The first Sunday of every month is “Youth Sunday”. The young people perform the duty of ushers, lay readers, oblationists, and acolytes for the 9:00 service.
During the year they sponsor such projects as a paper drive, carwash, Valentine's Day dinner and Dance, Halloween Dinner and Dance, and other fund raising events to pay for community Service and recreational trips.
Each Thanksgiving and Christmas they sponsor a few families in need, they've contributed funds for ill children needing transplants and other community needs.
They serve as acolytes during the 9:00 Church Service, sing in the family choir, and work in the Nursery.
Many of the Youth are members of the Youth Bell Choir.
Directress, Mrs. Earla Ferguson;
Co-Directress, Mrs. Florence Holden
At St. Stephen's, a group of parishioners directly responsible to the Rector for maintaining the Altar and the appointments used in worship. The guild is also responsible for ordering flowers and preparing the Chancel for celebration of the Sacraments.
Membership is open to any confirmed person who is willing and able to accept regular assignment to duty, following a period of training and apprenticeship.
The living flowers and plants in memory of a loved on or a special occasions in the lives of a family are purchased through donations. Arrangements may be made through the Altar Guild Directress.
Coordinator, Mr. John Ferguson
Anyone of the Parish who assists in the conduct or worship by serving as Crucifers, Flag bearers, Torch bearers, and servers at the Altar. They assist at both the 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM services. Children wishing to serve as Acolytes must have parental approval, be willing to attend meetings for instruction and training, and serve when scheduled. Adults are welcome to participate as well.
Men and Women, licensed by the Bishop, who read lessons, epistles and prayers, as instructed by the Rector, at all scheduled services. Many are licensed to administer the Chalice. Lay Readers, Lectors, and Chalice Ministers give of themselves in service to the parish.
Nancy
Bevilacqua,
Organist and Choir Director
The Episcopal Church has traditionally placed great emphasis on the importance of music as part of its worship service. Our Choirs, therefore, both Adult and Family make a vital and meaningful contribution.
The Family Choir sings at the 9:00 AM service. It is open to both the youth and adults of the parish. It is an opportunity for a family to sing together.
The Adult Choir is open to all musically-interested adults, they sing at the 11:00 AM service, and other special services.
The Youth Hand Bell Choir plays periodically at the 9:00 AM service and other special services, as scheduled.
The Adult Hand Bell Choir plays periodically at the 11:00 AM service and other special services, as scheduled.
Festival - Summer: See choir bulletin Board information in the Parish Hall or Music Room. Rehearsal Schedules and performance date.
Anyone interested in participating in the Music Ministry is encouraged to contact the Music Ministry director.
Ushers: Coordinator, Mr. Norman Coates
Ushers welcome and greet visitors and members of the congregation; assist in seating, when necessary; receive the offering for presentation at the Altar; and direct communicants to the Altar railing. They serve at the service to which their families attend and usher on a rotating basis. This ministry is open to both men and women of the parish.
Food, Fun & Fellowship Club – President, John Ferguson
A happy group of parishioners who meet at 6:00 PM the third Monday of the month, September through May, for a potluck supper and an evening of fun, entertainment, and general good fellowship. This group co-sponsors the Annual Parish Picnic in the Spring and sponsors the Annual Parish Christmas Party.
Visitation Ministry : Director, The Rev. Hilbert Telman
A ministry of the parish in which a group of parishioners upon request will visit, call and send cards to the sick. This group meets once a month on the last Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m. in the Parish Hall. Notify a member of the ministry group or Kim in the office to arrange for this service.