(609) 698-8561

Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church

Saint Stephen's Episcopal ChurchSaint Stephen's Episcopal ChurchSaint Stephen's Episcopal Church

Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church

Saint Stephen's Episcopal ChurchSaint Stephen's Episcopal ChurchSaint Stephen's Episcopal Church
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    • About
      • Worship Services
      • Core Values
      • History
      • Fellowship & Pictures
      • Leadership
      • Frequently Asked
      • Seasons & Colors
      • Websites of Interest
    • Ministries
    • Sacraments/Services
      • Baptism
      • Confirmation
      • Marriage
      • Funeral
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  • Home
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    • History
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    • Leadership
    • Frequently Asked
    • Seasons & Colors
    • Websites of Interest
  • Ministries
  • Sacraments/Services
    • Baptism
    • Confirmation
    • Marriage
    • Funeral
    • Digital Resources & Video
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Welcome to St.Stephen's Episcopal Church

Welcome to St.Stephen's Episcopal ChurchWelcome to St.Stephen's Episcopal Church
Contact Us

About Us

Our Mission

Our Mission

Our Mission

 

Welcoming Everyone, 

Connecting with God,  

Building Community, 

Transforming Lives

Our Mission

Our Mission

 We’ve seen the transformation hundreds of times – people who came to us full of doubt and uncertainty become secure in the knowledge of their rightful place in God’s great kingdom. The change may start slowly – in a Bible Study class or choir participation, perhaps – but once it begins, it picks up speed. The good works, shared experiences, time spent in prayer – all bring us closer to our highest calling.

Services

Our Mission

Services

  

  Sunday Mornings

8:00 AM - No Music 

and

 10:00 AM - Music


Wednesday Night 

Celtic Communion Service

6:15pm - 6:50pm


Visit Our Online Resources to attend a live stream service or view recent services.


Order of St. Luke Healing Prayers on 1st Sunday of every month

8:00 and 10:00



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.  See why We Love Our Church.

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.  We gather at 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. for Holy Eucharist.  The 10 o'clock service is with music.  In the Spring, Summer and early Fall, we occasionally hold Holy Eucharist in our outdoor Garden Chapel on Saturdays . On Wednesday, we gather at 7:00 p.m. for Bible Study.  On Fridays at 10 a.m., there is Morning Prayer  which 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 Church Office.

Night Church at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church.

Night Church

 Our New Celtic Evening Communion Service in the Church by Candlelight.

This is a relaxed service of approximately 40 minutes.  Prior to the service we maintain silence which is our invitation into the heart of God.  People may choose to close their eyes and offer quiet prayers before the service begins.  

A chime sounds to indicate the start of the service.

If you'd like, we provide you with a candle jar (battery powered) to hold in your palm while you worship and pray.

Wednesday Evenings at 6:15 PM

The Rev. Dr. Chip Graves

co-priest in charge

The Rev. Dr. Chip Graves is co-priest-in charge, along with his wife, The Rev. Lisa Graves, at both St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Waretown and Church of the Holy Spirit Episcopal Church in Tuckerton, NJ.  They have just begun to discover all that the beautiful Jersey Shore area has to offer.  Chip is from Missouri, having earned his M.B.A in International Business at the American Graduate School of International Management (Thunderbird), a Maters in Divinity at Virginia Seminary, and a Doctorate In Ministry at Virginia Seminary.


Chip is a former business manager in Food Distribution and Financial Advisor at American Express. Chip loves marketing, spirituality, finance, and church growth in addition to nature hikes, international mission and his work with the Mensa Foundation. Chip is also an associate with the Holy Cross Monastery in upstate New York.  

co-priest in charge

The Rev. Lisa Graves is co-priest-in charge, along with her husband the Rev. Dr. Chip Graves, at both St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Waretown and Church of the Holy Spirit Episcopal Church in Tuckerton, NJ.   Lisa, an army brat, earned her bachelor's degree in Communications from Stephen's College in Columbia, MO and her master’s in divinity from Episcopal Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA. Lisa is a former Creative Director and Advertising professional and loves marketing, social media, spirituality, chant music and comedy clubs.   

about our co-priests

Chip and Lisa have served churches in Roanoke, VA, Chicago, IL, Huntington, WV and Westchester NY.  They have two amazing grown daughters who live in the northeast - Katarina and Isabelle and one big hairy rescue dog named Uno.


Chip and Lisa say that people visit churches for a lot of reasons; to connect with community, to find comfort after a loss, to volunteer and give back and to experience and deepen relationship with God. Whatever your reason, we're glad you found us and hope we can help you on your own faith journey.   Reach out to schedule a time to have coffee, meet or to answer questions at: revlgraves@gmail.com for Lisa and  therevchipgraves@gmail.com for Chip.

 

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.  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 Outlet, 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 and Scouting.

Newsletters & FLYERS

Fall & Winter Events Calendar (pdf)Download
SSEC Newsletter - May 2022 (pdf)Download
SSEC Newsletter Feb 2022 (pdf)Download
SSEC Newsletter Sep 2021 (pdf)Download

Subscribe to our newsletters & announcements

Sign up to receive our eNewsletter and eAnnouncements

Video

Presiding Bishop Currey Sermon From the National Cathedral.


 

About the Episcopal Church

What is Lent

Foundations of Faith

Who is God?  Episode 1 in a planned 8 videos for the Diocese of New Jerseey

Let's Connect on Social Media

Blog

Contact Us

Better yet, join us in person!

We welcome everyone to worship at St. Stephan's. 

Saint Stephen's Episcopal Church

367 U.S. Route 9, Waretown, NJ 08758

Parish Office:(609) 698-8561 Food Pantry:(609)312-7041 | Thrift Outlet: (609)-698-4533

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