At St. Stephen’s, all members of the congregation are ministers serving God and our World both within and outside the parish as best suits their individual gifts. To see which ministries best suit you, review the descriptions below. Then, contact the Church Office so that a ministry leader can be directed to provide you with more information and an invitation to come and join their rewarding work.

Call the Church Office at 661-259-7307.

Note: St. Stephen’s is fortunate to have a number of committees which serve the parish in various capacities. These include Communications, Finance, Stewardship, Building & Grounds, and Greeters/ Membership Development among others. If you would like more information on serving on any of them, please contact the church office and a committee leader will call you back.

Acolytes

Children are trained to serve at all worship services, assisting the clergy at the altar as well as leading the procession, lighting and extinguishing candles, and holding the processional cross for the reading of the gospel lesson. Minimum age for this ministry is age 8(4^th grade level).

Adult Christian Formation

This group typically meets Sunday mornings from 9 a.m. to 9:50 a.m. in Spurling Hall to discuss scripture lessons used that day or other pertinent topics, as announced. Everyone is welcome to join in.

AIDS Lunch

Part of a diocesan ministry devoted to providing housing, job training programs and other assistance for people living with AIDS/HIV in the Hollywood, San Pedro and Silver Lake districts of Los Angeles. St. Stephen’s provides a monthly luncheon for approximately 20 children and 75 adults in cooperation with Church of Hope Lutheran Church. The event is held at either USC or the LA County Outpatient Clinic (downtown).

Altar Guild

Prepares the elements and space used for worship including vesting the altar, maintaining the silver and crystal, cleaning the linens and preparing the priest’s vestments. Teams consist of three or more and are usually responsible for one week each month, plus Christmas and Easter. Training is provided.

A growing network of faith groups, civic organizations, businesses and individuals responding to referrals from hospital chaplains and social workers to deliver food and provide shelter, infant clothing and furniture, transportation, moving assistance and community resource contacts to people suffering the crisis of hospitalization at Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center.

Angel Tree

Part of a national program, “Prison Fellowship Ministries,” this seasonal ministry gathers and distributes Christmas gifts to the children of prisoners in Southern California.

ARK Project

As stewards of God’s creation, we contemplate the overwhelming challenges of restoring and sustaining a livable planet.

One way to contribute to this effort is by creating a pathway of sanctuaries – on balconies, in backyards and on church grounds – to provide wildlife with the necessities of sustenance in our midst. To do this, we use the National Wildlife Federation’s “Backyard Habitat” program which certifies private areas which meet the needs of wildlife.

On display in Spurling Hall is a map of our valley showing where each backyard habitat we chart is located – our very own “Ark” to reclaim this growing suburban region as God’s own sanctuary for all of us.

We are always looking for more backyards to include in the program and are ready to help you follow the easy path to certification.

Black and White Auction

Normally held every other year (odd-numbered years), this fun event offers three auction types: live, silent and chance. Items offered for auction are provided by parish members as well as donations from the wider community. Volunteers are always needed for this gala event, so please contact the church office if you are interested in helping with this important fund-raiser.

Blood Drive

Blood drives are held twice each year at the Church. Volunteers are needed to both sign up other blood givers as well as to donate their own blood. “Be a saver – donate a pint!”

Bookstore

Our parish bookstore is located next to the kitchen behind Spurling Hall and is open after both Sunday services. Browse through this well-stocked nook and you will find a wide array of general religious books, prayer books, hymnals and bibles, clothing, mugs, note pads, pens and devotional materials, gifts and more. Gift certificates are also available, Our Daughters of the King chapter co-sponsors the store, and new volunteers are always welcome to join our efforts.

Children’s Ministries

These ministries are coordinated though The Rev. Susan Beck, Curate of the parish. We provide religious education for all age levels:

*Preschool explores scripture in an age-appropriate manner using the curriculum, “Let the Children Come.” Begins at 10 a.m.

*Nursery is provided for babies and young toddlers and is open from 7:45 a.m. through the 10:00 am service.

*Toddler program is for children old enough to leave the nursery through preschool age. Children join their families for Eucharist. Begins at 10 a.m.

Our PreK through 6^th grade program uses the series, “Living the Good News,” a lectionary-based program which employs games, crafts and friendship-building to teach the children the same gospel lessons their parents are hearing in church that day. All children join their families in church for Eucharist.

*Kinder Chapel is for children who attend PreK, Kindergarten and First Grade. Begins at 10 a.m.

*Children’s Chapel is for children in grades 2-6. Begins at 10 a.m.

*Youth Chapel takes Junior and Senior High School students. Begins at 10  a.m.

Chime Choir

People of all ages are welcome to join this fun activity. The group provides chimes at various special services throughout the year. No special musical skills are required.

Choir (Adult)

For adults who love to sing! The Adult Choir provides music for the 10 a.m. service each Sunday and on special occasions as requested. Choir practice is held on Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. and before the 10 a.m. service on Sunday.

Confirmation

(or Reception into The Episcopal Church for those previously confirmed in another faith tradition)

Classes are held over (typically) two month for adults and older teens culminating with the Rite of Confirmation& Reception by one of our bishops at either St. Stephen’s or The Cathedral Center. Call the church office for information on upcoming sessions.

CROP Walk

Each year, St. Stephen’s members join with other concerned Christians in the Santa Clarita Valley on this fund-raising – and awareness raising – endeavor. The walk begins and ends at St. Stephen’s. 25% of all proceeds benefit local organizations and 75% goes to those in need throughout the U.S. and the world in cooperation with the Church World Service. Typically held on a Saturday in autumn, the date is announced well in advance.

Daughters of the King

An international Order found predominantly (but far from exclusively) in the Episcopal Church, the DOK provides an opportunity for women ages 21 and over to focus on a life of prayer and service to the Church. Meetings are held monthly. Discernment sessions for interested women are held periodically and are announced well in advance.

Education for Ministry

“EFM” is an in-depth course of study in a small group format. It is a four-year program, committed to one year at a time and the annual cost is approximately $340. (Scholarships may be available.)

The program has three components:

*Study of scripture, church history and theology/theologies

*Theological reflection – learning to look at all things theologically

*Discerning one’s own ministry: what is God calling you to do?

Episcopal Peace Fellowship: Creative Peacemaking

Members of St. Stephen’s join with this national Episcopal group to promote peace and non-violence in our world. We demonstrate monthly for peace in front of Valencia Mall (usually the first Sunday of the month at 3 p.m.) with the local “SCVC Grandmothers & Others for Peace” group.

Watch our bulletin board in Spurling Hall for the latest information and upcoming events. Everyone is welcome to join our efforts. More information may be found at the website, www.epfnational.org.

Episcopal Relief & Development

This program of the national Episcopal Church works with other Anglican Churches and ecumenical organizations  in communities around the world to save lives through emergency relief and rebuilding after disasters, and on-going efforts to provide food security and primary health care, including HIV/AIDS, to needy populations. St. Stephen’s is proud to be the local partner in these endeavors, and takes up special collections as needed to support ERD’s work throughout the year.

Family Promise

(need info here)

Fellowship Activities

Wonderful -- and fun-- activities are scheduled throughout the year for all interests and age groups. Events include game nights, dinners (potluck and otherwise) and many more. All events are announced well in advance. Please plan on joining us and getting acquainted with your fellow parishioners in a relaxed social setting.

Food Pantry

St. Stephen’s collect food items for distribution to those in need through two venues: the Santa Clarita Food Pantry located on Railroad Ave. in Newhall and the Lutheran Church of Hope food pantry located on Soledad Canyon Rd. in Canyon Country. Members of the parish are asked to bring fresh (not outdated) food items with them on Sundays or anytime. We seek canned food (no glass), cereal, pastas, paper goods, soaps, personal hygiene items, etc. Place them in the marked food gathering basket in the narthex or the marked shopping cart near the kitchen adjacent to Spurling Hall.

Hiking Group

Meets once per month except in summer at a local park, usually beginning at 9 a.m. Allow about 1 ½ hours for the hike and wear comfortable shoes and clothing, bring water and/or snack, camera, binoculars, etc. Hike dates and locations are announced well in advance. No previous experience is needed.

Holy Mackerels

This group assists our clergy when they conduct funerals, memorials and weddings. Since most of these events occur on weekdays, needed are retirees or stay-at-home people to serve as acolytes, lay readers, ushers and chalice bearers. Call the office for more information on joining this valuable ministry.

Homeless Shelter

The SCV Homeless Shelter operates from December to March providing food, shelter and counseling services to homeless individuals and families in the area. Managed by a separate non-profit corporation, the facility is staffed by professional case workers with the active support of thousands of volunteers (including many from St. Stephen’s). Activities, needs and fund-raising drives are announced throughout the year. Cash donations to the “SCCDC” (the operating charity) may be made by check to SCCDC or on-line by major credit card at www.santclaritashelter.com.

Memorial Garden

This garden contains the cremated remains of many former parishioners (and others). Volunteers maintain the garden, which is located just outside the Chapel. It is also a lovely spot for quiet meditation.

Newcomers Orientation

This informative program is offered three or four times each year as needed. Classes are scheduled on four consecutive Sundays at 9 a.m. Newcomers will learn about the other classmates in the program, view a “Welcome to the Episcopal Church” video, learn about The Eucharist and our Book of Common Prayer, find out about ministries available at St. Stephen’s, and take a get-acquainted tour of the campus.

Preschool

Founded in 1969, St. Stephen’s Preschool offers a traditional half-day preschool program for children ages 2 to 5. Classes maintain a student/teacher ratio of about 13:1 and each class has both a teacher and an assistant. Church members are given second priority for openings (after continuing students) during spring registration for the following fall term.

Pick up a brochure in the narthex or call the preschool at 661-259-8527 for more information.

Project Share the Grace

Supplies need school materials to children in need through the area on a continual basis. We collect (new) puzzles, paper, crayons, pencils, play dough, glue sticks, notebooks, games, etc. for distribution.  Age-appropriate children’s books are also most welcome.  Clearly marked collection containers are located in Spurling Hall.

Reading Group

This group meets monthly to discuss a literary selection chosen by the group. Both fiction and non-fiction titles are used. Meetings are normally held the first Wednesday of the month from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Sacristy.

Recycling

Containers are maintained throughout the campus to collect recyclable materials such as aluminum cans, plastic bottles and various types of paper. You may also place bags of recyclables beneath the tables in the hallway by the kitchen.

Sages

This group of active seniors meets monthly for fellowship at a local restaurant or for a potluck at a member’s home. We assemble and distribute personal use kits for patients at the USC hospitals, send birthday cards to church members, and give solace to parishioners when needed.

Scrip Program

St. Stephen’s is enrolled in Community Partner programs at Ralph’s and Vons supermarkets. Each time you shop, a percentage of the amount you spend at each store is donated to St. Stephen’s. You must register at each store to participate in this program. Contact the church office for more information. Gift cards for Whole Foods and Stater Brothers are sold in the Book Store on Sundays. The church receives 10% from the sale of these cards.

Stewardship of All Creation

(including the Community Garden)

We are called by God to be good stewards of God’s creation. We see ourselves as part of creation rather than dominating it, and seek to live and work in ways that honor the divine in all things.

St. Stephen’s maintains a wildlife-friendly garden and a bat house has been installed in the Memorial Garden. Season by season, information will be provided to encourage good stewardship of all the gifts of creation.

We also maintain a “community garden” plot in a local municipal park where we grow food for distribution to those in need and for parish events. Details are available through the church office.

United Thank Offering

This is a long-established program of the women of the Episcopal Church who collect cash offerings once each year. UTO grants are given to worthy non-profit organizations that work to benefit the needy around the world. Blue UTO boxes are available to help you save coins (and paper bills) for this purpose. Contact the church office to obtain a box or for more information.

Ushers

Each Sunday before the 10 a.m. service, Ushers welcome members and guests, hand out bulletins and leaflets, direct parents and children to their respective services, answer questions , assist the clergy as needed, assist with the offertory, direct congregants up to receive Communion, and clean up pews after the service. Ushers usually serve once per month on a rotating basis, and as needed for special holiday services. New team members are always welcome.

Worship Leaders

These lay volunteers serve as scripture readers and chalice bearers and masters-of-ceremony during Sunday services and on special occasions as needed. Chalice bearers also have the opportunity to take Communion to shut-ins after Sunday services.

Youth Ministries

All young people in grades 7 through 12 are invited to join. There are two groups: Jr. High (grades 7 and 8) and High School (grades 9-12).

Various fun and engaging programs are provided to help youth to become competent adult Christians. As part of the effort, they are recognized during a “Rite 13” ceremony around the time of their 13^th birthdays. Activities include bible study and discussion of issues important to the challenges of growing up Christian as well as yearly retreats and many fun activities. Confirmation classes are included in the program and students receive a special blessing and gift upon graduation from high school.

The groups meet at 8:45 a.m. on Sundays and move into their classrooms at 9 a.m. for individual lessons and discussion.