Worship

Spiritual life at St. Stephen’s includes several forms of regular weekly worship.

All of our regular weekly services incorporate the Holy Eucharist (Communion), since we understand the bread and wine to be the sacramental presence of Jesus Christ. This means that our sharing of the physical elements of bread and wine brings to us afresh the mystical presence of our Lord, and his Grace into our lives. The opportunity to participate in this blessing cannot be underestimated, and so we offer this sacrament frequently.

Each worship service provides its own unique environment.

The Sunday 8 am service is a said service (not chanted), without music, and is about 30 minutes long.

The 10 am service incorporates music leadership by our Voice Choir, the Bell Choir, Players for Christ (folk band), or the Praise Band (contemporary Christian music) throughout each month.

The Wednesday service includes the Holy Eucharist with a special focus of prayers for healing and anointing with blessed oil (Unction).

The Anglican Communion

During the Reformation in the 16th Century, Henry VIII declared the Church of England independent of the Roman Catholic Church with himself as its head. It was the result of many factors, some political and some theological, but it has given rise to a distinct form of Christianity, known as Anglicanism.

The Episcopal Church is a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion, the churches around the world that trace their roots to the Church of England, and maintain a “communion” with it, hence the name “Anglican.” Other members of the Communion include the Anglican Church of Canada and the Anglican Church of Nigeria. In fact, most Anglicans now live in Africa.

The member churches of the Anglican Communion are joined together by choice in love, and have no direct authority over one another. The Archbishop of Canterbury, the head of the Church of England, is acknowledged as the spiritual head of the Anglican Communion, but while respected, the Archbishop does not have direct authority over any Anglican Church outside of England.

While there are other churches that call themselves “Anglican,” only one Church in any country can be considered “in full communion” with the Church of England, and the Episcopal Church is the American member of the Communion.

What makes us Anglican?

Music Programs

St. Stephen’s is rich with musical talent. We also love diversity in the music which we provide to support worship every Sunday. The music program for the 10:00 AM Sunday service rotates, with the Voice Choir leading our music on the first Sunday of the month, Bell Choir leading the second Sunday of the month, the Players for Christ (folk group) or Praise Band (contemporary Christian group) alternating leadership on the third Sunday, and one of our excellent pianists leading on the fourth Sunday.

Voice Choir
The Voice Choir at St Stephen’s in the Field is a volunteer choir directed by Laura Langland. The choir leads more traditional church music that includes anthems, hymns from The 1982 Hymnal and it’s supplement “Wonder Love and Praise”, chanted Psalms, Taize and all service music that is included in the liturgy. The level of experience among singers varies a great deal, which makes learning music more fun. If you love to sing and want to learn more about music, and enjoy great fellowship, this just might be the ministry for you. Please join us – all are welcome! Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings from 7:00-8:00.

Bell Choir
The Bell Choir has been a part of the St Stephen’s in the Field tradition for more than 10 years. The original two-octave English handbell set was donated to the church in memory of a young girl named Stacy. A third octave was purchased as the choir expanded. Today the Bell Choir, directed by Monica Moniz, has ten lively ringers. We continue the joyous tradition both at church and in the community. The Bell Choir plays at the 10:00AM service on the second Sunday of every month and also plays for special services throughout the year. Our Bell Choir has also had several opportunities to play in the community at weddings and company events. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings from 8:00-9:00. We are always looking for new ringers.

Junior Bell Choir
The Junior Bell Choir is made up of children between 7 and 16 years old. This choir usually plays during the Advent season and during Holy Week. Children who are interested in ringing do not have to know how to read music to ring in the choir, but they must be able to count. The Junior Bell Choir is a great opportunity for children to learn more about music while having fun. When preparing a new anthem, rehearsals are held following the 10:00AM service.

Players 4 Christ
Players 4 Christ is a group of singers and musicians who play folk-style worship music. The group typically leads the music on every other third Sunday of the month during Family Sunday. The group includes guitars, harmonica, and recorders as well as singers. All ages are welcome. The group can always welcome new instrumentalists and singers. Players 4 Christ practices at 8:30 a.m. just before the service on the Sunday they play.

Praise Band
Praise Band is a group of singers and musicians who play modern, uplifting praise music. The group typically leads the music on alternating third Sundays of the month (alternating with Players4Christ) during the 10 am Family Sunday service.  The group includes guitars, base guitar, keyboard and percussion (drums) as well as singers.  Our group includes a wide range of ages and all are welcome.  We welcome new musicians and singers.  Praise Band usually practices twice before each Sunday we play.  If you have any questions or would like to participate in Praise Band, contact Genie Lee at genie.yomtov@yahoo.com.