FAQ

Kids in Church - Bring them to church. Saturate their lives with the Word of God. Even if they lay on the floor. Even if they need 437 goldfish and a sucker to be quiet. Even if you stand in the back swaying back and forth holding them. Even when it’s hard. Even when your row looks like a small hurricane just came through. Bring them to church. Let them see you worship. Let them see you pray. Let them see you running toward the Savior ... because if they don’t see and learn these things from you and the rest of us, who are they going to learn them from? The world will teach them it’s not a priority. The world will teach them it’s okay to lay out, not to pick up their Bibles. The world will direct them so far off course, confuse them, and misinform them that just being “good” is enough. The world won’t teach them about Jesus. That’s our job. Bring them to church. We love your kids and look forward to seeing them here often!

All suggested postures in worship are suggestions only. We generally stand to hear the Gospel and to recite the Creed.  When we pray or receive Holy Communion, some stand and some kneel.  If repeated standing and sitting is uncomfortable for you, please feel welcome to remain seated. God is not glorified by discomfort; therefore, please stand, kneel, or sit according to your physical ability and comfort.  A good rule of thumb:  All may – some should – none must!

Out of regard for the worship of others, please silence phones and other devices and step out to make and receive calls.

We offer 2 services, one with Music, Rite II, and one without, Rite I.  We also have a service in the afternoon in Kiswahili. We also have Sunday School and a Coffee hour after the 10:30 service for everyone to visit. 

Holy  Eucharist                      8:30 am           Church

Holy  Eucharist                      10:30 am         Church

Kiswahili Worship                 2:30 pm          Church

We have two priests serving at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church and one serving at the St. Stephen Christ Fountain All Nations Church. If you have any questions, please email them or call the office, and our Parish Administrator can assist you. 

Parish Office Hours:  Monday – Friday       9:00am – 5:00pm

Email addresses

Parish Administrator –  Laura Driscoll

ldriscoll@ststephenshuntsvilletx.org

Rector – Fr. Wm. Blake Rider

blake@ststephenshuntsvilletx.org

Blake’s day off is Monday

Curate – Fr. Jonathan Maresca

jmaresca@ststephenshuntsvilletx.org

Jonathan’s day off is Friday

Vicar of St. Stephen Christ Fountain All Nations Church

The Rev. Dr. Joseph Gatungu

ststephencfanchurch@gmail.com

We have a Left and a Right side of the Altar. The Left side is for those who feel more comfortable sipping the wine, and the Right is for those who wish to dip the bread into the cup of wine. 

When you come to the altar, kneel or stand as you prefer. To receive the bread, cup your hands and place one hand over the other. When the cup is presented to you, guide the cup to your lips and sip.

If you wish to receive a blessing instead of the bread or wine, you are welcome; come forward and cross your arms across your chest.

If you are allergic to wheat flour please notify the priest. We have a wheat free/gluten free alternative available. - subject to change once I find out which ones we have for the service. 

Some parishioners here dress up for church services, others are casual. Dress as you are comfortable. Come as you are and what you feel comfortable in. 

No. Our parishioners come from a variety of faith traditions and have found a home here.

We believe God's love reaches all people, regardless of sexuality or gender identity. Everyone is welcome to worship at our church.

St. Stephen’s is rooted in the love of Christ, and we strive to share the love of Christ by welcoming everyone with open hearts and open doors. Whether you are a longtime member, a first-time visitor, or somewhere in between—you are welcome here.
If you’ve never been married, or have walked through the challenges of separation or divorce—you are welcome here.
If you identify as straight or gay—you are welcome here.
We believe love is one of God’s greatest gifts and that God rejoices in the love shared between people. It is our joy to walk beside you, celebrate with you, and bless your journey with God’s grace.

• To be married at St. Stephen's Church, you do not need to be members here; however, the Episcopal Church requires that at least one of the parties be baptized. We ask couples to attend three sessions of premarital counseling by a clergy person or qualified counselor prior to the wedding.
• A prior marriage and divorce is not an impediment to marriage. The canons of the church require the priest to receive written permission from the bishop in order to officiate. Generally, this is all fairly straightforward, but additional time must be allowed for the wedding preparations.
• Photography and flower arrangements are welcome at the church. However, carpets or aisle runners, scattering of flower petals as well as extra candles, etc. are not permitted at due to safety concerns. Please no flash photography.
• The church’s organist will be happy to perform for your wedding service and assist you in planning your wedding music. There is a wide variety of music available to help your ceremony have the dignity, festivity, and joy that you deserve.

Click here to read St. Stephen's Wedding Guidelines.

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