It’s been a year of transition and growth at St. Stephen and the Incarnation! Starting in 2023, we began the search for a permanent spiritual leader; God answered our prayers and brought a familiar face back into our lives this Spring. On September 15th, we held the Celebration of New Ministry for Reverend Yoimel Gonzalez Hernandez and St. Stephen’s. Members of the parish and diocese presented him with gifts symbolizing the ministry of the Word, baptism, prayer, healing and reconciliation, compassion, justice, and stewardship. After each gift, our new rector said “Share this ministry with me.” We replied, “Amen.” 

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Under his guidance, our community has flourished even more and will continue to do so. In addition to bringing on Yoimel, we are lucky to also have Miriam Felipe and Mary Alcuin Kelly joining us this Fall as our new Deacons. Over the course of this past year, many new groups and activities have sprung up within our church building and community. These include the Audiovisual (A/V) Club, the Artists Circle, and picnics and potlucks which have provided parishioners with new opportunities to connect in fellowship. We’re incredibly lucky to have such a vibrant, talented congregation and we continue to need your support moving ahead!

When we look back on this parish’s history, we see that our ministry has been characterized by Courageous Discipleship, the theme of this year’s giving campaign.

Our church broke ground in 1928 just before the Great Depression, pressing courageously through a lean time. In 1968, our building was a safe space during riots following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In the decades to follow, when many fled insecurity on 14th Street the parishioners of St. Stephen’s held their ground. In the 1970s, we played a pivotal role in the first ordinations of women in the Episcopal Church – including “irregular” ordinations that at the time broke with rules and conventions. 
 

In the decades since, we have stood up for the inclusion of LGBTQIA+ siblings in our congregation, for racial justice in our community, and for peace in our neighborhood. Our beautiful, old building has been home to nonprofit organizations, mutual aid groups, and activities from knitting to square dancing to quinceañeras. The question before each of us – both individually and as a church – is now how we will continue to be courageous disciples in the years to come. How will you share in the ministry of St. Stephen’s in 2025?

As we discern where God calls us to courageous discipleship, we are sustained and guided by the St. Stephen's community. Our worship, music, clergy, and staff all help us nurture the faith we need for discipleship. As we discern where God calls us to courageous discipleship, we are sustained and guided by the St. Stephen’s community. We could not keep our doors open without your generous support. Will you pledge to support this church financially and continue to share in this ministry?​​

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​​If you have any questions or would like to further discuss making a financial pledge to St. Stephen’s, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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Faithfully,

The Stewardship Committee
Chloë Abu-Jaber, Elizabeth Finley, Sandra Moore, Kate Parsons, and John Payne