Welcome
Our Mission is to worship, love and serve Our Lord Jesus Christ, welcoming everyone, deepening our faith, helping our neighbors and caring for creation.
A Word of Welcome From Rev. Rilla:
Welcome to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, located in Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island. We are a congregation in the Diocese of Olympia, a member of the Episcopal Church in the United States and of the Anglican Communion.
St. Stephen’s is a small-but-growing, vibrant community of faithful people of all ages who live in many locations all over Whidbey Island. There is a decidedly strong direction in the ministries of the congregation toward outreach and of serving those most in need on North Whidbey Island and the world. Our worship is traditional and from the Book of Common Prayer. We have a lively Sunday School in which Godly Play is used, a spiritual way with children that invites inquiry as each child learns from scripture, tradition, and the liturgy. Nursery care is also available on Sunday mornings. An adult forum that varies in subject matter is open to all and begins at 9:30 in the parish hall.
St. Stephen’s is a welcoming community that invites all people, and all inquiries. Please feel free to visit on a Sunday and experience worship among warm and welcoming people in an environment of learning to live the life of Christianity in a spirit of love and hope while serving the world’s needs.
Summer at St. Stephen's at a Glance:
Sunday, July 29th: Transition Sunday with an Adult Formation class on what transition means.
Friday, June 22nd, at 5:30 p.m: Movie/Game Night to support Carolyn Roseberry’s trip to serve at Haiti Lifeline.
Sunday, July 8th: Guest preacher, Jory Michelson from Christ Church, Blaine. We have this chance to support him as he is a discerning his call to the priesthood. Rev. Rilla will preside.
Sunday, July 15th: Outside worship under our Garry Oak trees followed by a potluck on the back lawn. Inviting to friends and church neighbors to join us.
Sunday, July 22nd: The Baptism of Lillian and William (Liam) Griffith. (Bette Hallam’s
twin grandchildren.)
Sunday, July 29th: Transition Sunday
Saturday, August 11th: Brian Sellers-Petersen, from the Diocese of Olympia visits St. Stephen’s to talk about developing a community garden on our lower lawn. (Need to invite others in the community.)
Saturday, August 18th: Hike and picnic/social with our friends from St. Augustine’s in Freeland.
An Opportunity to Take Note Of:
"In the Footsteps of the Celtic Saints: A Pilgrimage to Wales and Ireland's Ancient East" - led by Teresa DiBiase and Dr. Frank Shirbroun (from St. Augustine's in Freeland), May 18-30, 2019. We invite you to journey to the sacred landscapes of Wales and Ireland's Ancient East, following in the footsteps of our Celtic forebears who nourished the seed of Christianity there. We will be pilgrims rather than tourists: our aim is not merely to see the sights but to open ourselves to the possibility of transformation. As pilgrims, we will take time for worship, prayer, and reflection; for food and fellowship and laughter; for exploration and for rest. If this invitation appeals to your sense of where you are in your own spiritual journey, join us on this pilgrimage. Among other places, we will visit holy sites in St. David's, Pennant Melangell, and the Llynn Peninsula, Wales, and Kildare, Clonmacnoise, New Grange and Glendalough, Ireland. For more information about this, our fifth pilgrimage, please email us at celticpilgrim21@gmail.com
All are invited to the Lord's Table!
Holy Communion - Sunday 10:30am
(Nursery available for the Sunday Service )
Sunday School: Godly Play (for children 4 years and older) is on a break for the summer. Children are always welcome in service and Michele C. is hoping to work on a project with them during coffee hour this summer!
Adult Formation Seminars are still happening this summer! Check the Education Tab for details.
If you love little people, please sign up to spend time with them in the nursery.
We also need people to sign up to bring food for Coffee Hour. You can partner up or even form a team of people!
If you are looking for outreach opportunities, check out what is highlighted this month on the Outreach Page!