~ Worship ~
Communal Prayer and Worship is at the heart of who we are
as a Faith Community

The Holy Eucharist
is celebrated


Sundays at
8:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.

(9:00 am in July & August)

Wednesdays at             Thursdays at

      8:00 a.m.                    10:00 a.m.

                                                                                                                 followed by Bible Study

Saturdays at
5:00 p.m.

 

St. Stephen's has a long-standing tradition of using inclusive language in our worship.
We are blessed by eucharistic prayers and liturgies from the Book of Common Prayer,
Enriching Our Worship, the New Zealand Prayer Book and the communities at Iona and Taize.

Evensong
or sung Vespers
is offered usually at the beginning of each
liturgical season and on certain Feast Days

~ Worship Ministry ~
Offering Praise To God


Worship Committee
Worship Committee members work with the clergy to plan, review and coordinate St. Stephen's liturgies. The committee includes representatives from all of the parish's worship ministries and helps communicate with the Vestry, staff and congregation as a whole. The Worship Committee also advises and supports the Director of Music and the Rector in planning and coordinating the parish's large music programs.

Altar Guild
Our Altar Guild teams devote many hours to preparing for our Eucharist services as well as for funerals, weddings, baptisms and other special events. Volunteers also launder linens, cleanse vessels and participate in the Maundy Thursday cleaning of the Sanctuary. Men and women are welcome to join at any time.

Ushers
Ushers assist those attending Sunday morning and holy day services throughout the year. They assist the physically and hearing disabled, help orient guests, organize the offering and help the Sunday Sexton with the light and sound systems. All women and men are invited to serve on a rotating schedule.


Lay Eucharist Ministers
Lay Eucharistic Ministers assist during the Eucharist by administering the chalice to those sharing communion. Confirmed or received members of the Episcopal Church are eligible to become Lay Eucharistic Ministers. At St. Stephen's, candidates are selected by the Rector and approved by the Vestry. They participate in a training workshop sponsored by the Diocese of Western Massa- chusetts and are then licensed by the Bishop to serve annually. Some Lay Eucharistic Ministers are trained and licensed to take Holy Communion on a regular basis to homebound parishioners.

 

 

 


Acolyte Guild
Our large and well-trained corps of acolytes (altar servers) enrich our worship as crucifers, torch bearers and altar assistants. This intergenerational group includes; boys, girls, young adults, men and women and also serves at many special services and observances. Junior Acolytes also have important responsibilities in our weekly children's Liturgy of the Word.

Lectors
Parishioners of all ages read the lessons and lead the Prayers of the People at most of our services. New Lectors are always welcome (especially for the Saturday 5 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. Eucharist services) and receive practical training in reading effectively in public.