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.
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 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.
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.