Welcome to Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church

About Us

Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church in Waretown, NJ Church Entrance and Parish Hall and Classrooms

Who We are

 Saint Stephen's is a parish church of the  Diocese of New Jersey, the second oldest diocese of the Episcopal Church in America.  As such, we are members of the worldwide Anglican Communion.  We are a parish whose members enjoy one another's company, and we have striven to warmly welcome new members into our community. While we joyfully participate in traditions that date back to earliest Christianity, we also remain committed to seeking new ways to respond to God’s call to us in an ever-changing world.  We are a parish of about 200 families.  The parishioners of Saint Stephen's come from different backgrounds and have a variety of interests. 

The outdoor garden chapel where spring and summer services are held

WORSHIP

 The Eucharist is at the heart of our worship and is celebrated every Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday. We gather at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. for Holy Eucharist on Sundays.  On Wednesday, we gather at 6:30 p.m. for a simple Eucharist, followed by Bible Study.  On Fridays at 9 a.m., the Holy Eucharist includes a Service of Healing.  See more information about our worship services.  Our liturgies follow the Book of Common Prayer.  The laity are encouraged to participate in all aspects of our worship. We celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Baptism at special times during the year, and offer education leading to Confirmation and/or Reception into the Episcopal Church annually. Those interested in any of the above sacraments as well as the sacraments of Holy Matrimony, Confession or Holy Communion classes, should speak with the Rev. Terry Martin. 

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MUSIC

Music is an important part of worship at St. Stephen's.   Under the direction of our talented organist and choir director, Carlos Staszeski, the choir participates in the 10 a.m. service each Sunday and in special celebrations during the year. The choir is open to both men and women.  

what we believe

  • As Epis­co­palians, we are fol­low­ers of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and we believe in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
  • The Epis­co­pal Church has mem­bers in the United States, as well as in Colom­bia, the Domini­can Repub­lic, Ecuador, Aus­tria, Bel­gium, France, Ger­many, Italy, Switzer­land, Haiti, Hon­duras, Microne­sia, Puerto Rico, Tai­wan, Venezuela, and the Vir­gin Islands.
  • We strive to love our neigh­bors as our­selves and respect the dig­nity of every person.
  • The Epis­co­pal Church is part of the world­wide Angli­can Com­mu­nion, and traces its her­itage to the begin­nings of Christianity.
  • Our liturgy retains ancient struc­ture and tra­di­tions and is cel­e­brated in many languages.
  • Both men and women, includ­ing those who are mar­ried, are eli­gi­ble for ordi­na­tion as dea­cons, priests and bishops.
  • We believe in amend­ment of life, the for­give­ness of sin, and life everlasting.
  • Lay peo­ple exer­cise a vital role in the gov­er­nance and min­istry of our church.
  • Holy Com­mu­nion may be received by all bap­tized Chris­tians, not only mem­bers of the Epis­co­pal Church.
  • We uphold the Bible and wor­ship with the Book of Com­mon Prayer.
  • We affirm that com­mit­ted rela­tion­ships are life­long and monog­a­mous. Epis­co­palians also rec­og­nize that there is grace after divorce and do not deny the sacra­ments to those who have been divorced.
  • We affirm that issues such as birth con­trol are mat­ters of per­sonal informed conscience.
  • We cel­e­brate our unity in Christ while hon­or­ing our dif­fer­ences, always putting the work of love before uni­fo­mity of opinion.
  • All are wel­come to find a spir­i­tual home in the Epis­co­pal Church.​


                    Read Our Core Values

EDucation

Christian Education for those seeking to deepen their relationship with the God is offered to children, adults and teens. Church school is taught by a dedicated group of teachers and provides opportunity for children to learn about the role their faith plays in their daily lives. A nursery is available for children 4 years old and younger during the 10 a.m. Sunday service. The church sponsors a Youth Group which  offers informal worship, ministry opportunities, fellowship and fun! Vacation Bible School is held each summer. In addition, opportunities for adult education, Bible studies and discussions on the spiritual life are available throughout the year.​ 

fellowship

 Saint Stephen’s provides several different ways to experience fellowship. After the 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. services each Sunday, there is a coffee hour in Parish Hall where all are welcome and encouraged to mingle. The entire church membership is encouraged to participate in our Welcome Home Celebration, held each September, Shrove Tuesday Supper, Lenten Simple Meals, Welcome Back Sunday and various other fellowship events held throughout the year. Joining in any of the many church ministries such as Altar Guild, Thrift Store, Food Pantry, Episcopal Church Women, or Quilters are also opportunities to share friendship and fellowship while using one’s God-given gifts. 

community outreach

The Parish Outreach Ministry of Saint Stephen's provides opportunity for parishioners to volunteer their time and talents to some of the programs the parish offers.  We serve many of the local nursing homes, provide temporary shelter for men in the Good Samaritan House, offer food to about 600 people per month through our Food Pantry, gather gifts for children through our Christmas Giving Tree, and we provide clothing and household items at greatly discounted prices through our Thrift Outlet. 


In addition to our Parish Outreach Ministries, Saint Stephen's hosts recovery group meetings, Easter Seals Programs, and Scouting.