An Update On Where Your Vestry Is Focusing This Year

We’re working on two parallel efforts…

Finding the Gap

The first we call “Finding the Gap” — an honest look at the unmet needs of our most vulnerable neighbors, and where St. Stephen’s might do something meaningful to help. We’ve already had a remarkable conversation that included Zion Lutheran, ServiceNet, the Sheriff’s Department, Cathedral of the Beloved, the Berkshire Immigrant Center, and others. They named real gaps — from family housing, to overnight shelter in cold weather, to after-school programs, to safe evening spaces

Stewardship Realty

The second effort is a partnership with Stewardship Realty, a national consultant that works only with faith-based organizations. They’re helping us think carefully about our building, our mission, and our long-term financial sustainability — together, not separately. The diocese is supportive; in fact, Bishop Howell is exploring similar work with them on two diocesan properties.

Two things to be clear about.

First: expanding our mission does not have to mean filling empty rooms in the Parish House. All options are open.

Second: no major decisions get made without you. And that brings us to this ask…

New Survey

There is a new survey out. Paper copies are available, but it’s faster and easier to complete the online version. Just follow the link below, or use the QR code to reach the survey.

The survey is one page, with four simple but important questions. Please complete by June 2.

Responses are anonymous, and the final question is open-ended, providing an opportunity to ask questions about what the most recent parish developments.

If you’d like the full story behind this update, please see the article below, penned by our Sr. Warden, John Garinther.

Thank you. Your voice in this matters.

Or use this QR code to take you to the survey