Sunday morning
The Sunday morning schedule at St. Stephen's Church includes liturgies from the Book of Common Prayer, hymns from the Episcopal hymnal, anthems sung by our choirs, and excellent preaching. From September through May, Sunday mornings also offer Christian education for all ages.
Traditionally a nursery is available from 8:45 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., though children are welcome at all services. When it is safe to re-open our nursery, we'll communicate this through our various parish communications.
At 8 a.m., there is a service of Holy Eucharist: Rite One (more traditional language) along with a sermon. There is no music at this service. Many people enjoy the majestic language of Rite One, and they like to begin the day in worship. This service takes place in the main church.
At 9 a.m., there is a service of Holy Eucharist: Rite Two (more contemporary language, though still a traditional Prayer Book liturgy) with sermon, hymns, and music sung by one or more of our choirs. This service takes place in the main church.
During the academic year (September-May), an additional 9 a.m. service takes place, traditionally in Palmer Hall Chapel, though in fall 2021 it is taking place under a tent outdoors. All are welcome at this Rite Two service, which is somewhat less formal than the service in Fellowship Hall, and is especially attuned to the needs of families with young children. Children have important roles in this service, as acolytes and readers.
At 10:10 a.m. on Sundays during the academic year, children and youth attend Sunday school (most classes meet on the top floor of the parish house; in the fall of 2021, children are meeting under the tent outdoors), and adults are invited to the Sunday Forum (usually in the Large Fellowship Hall, but in the church at this time).
Occasionally there will be additional offerings for adults, such as an Inquirers Class, or a Bible study especially for parents.
At 11:15 a.m., there is a service of Holy Eucharist: Rite Two in the main church, and like the 9 a.m. service, it includes a sermon, hymns, and music sung by one or more of our choirs.
An informal reception follows the 11:15 a.m. service.
During the summer, the two large Sunday morning services (9 and 11:15 a.m.) are merged into one 10 a.m. service, and there is no Christian education hour or Palmer Hall service, which return in September. The evening schedule remains the same throughout the year.