Staff

​The Reverend Steven M. Balke, Jr.
Rector

Steven's Bio

As Rector, Steven is the head pastor of St. Stephen's. He is responsible for inviting and empowering people to explore their relationships with God, with each other, and with the world outside our doors. He leads the vestry and the staff in their work for the community, serves on behalf of the Bishop for the pastoral needs of the people, and is the primary planner and presider over worship. Steven also serves as an important liaison with other faith communities and with All Saints School.
​​
Prior to St. Stephen’s, Steven served as a Curate at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Waco, Texas, College Missioner at Baylor University, and Deacon at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church and Day School in Washington, DC.
His studies include degrees from Virginia Theological Seminary and Indiana Wesleyan University as well as additional education from Christian Theological Seminary, Eastern Michigan University, and the University of the South’s Education For Ministry. Before becoming a priest, Steven worked as a teacher, and he remains passionate about the importance of education as a ministry of the Church. His training in Holy Scripture, theology, restorative justice, family systems, preaching, and parish administration equip his work as Rector well.

Steven and his wife Katie have three sons, Elliott, Owen, and Isaac. They love cooking, reading about cooking, watching cooking shows on TV, and going to celebrity chef restaurants. They especially enjoy experimenting with new dishes and playing host to dinner parties. Steven enjoys playing handyman around the house/church/school, fixing broken appliances, furniture, plumbing, and electronics. He grew up watching ice hockey but his wife is teaching him how to be a proper football fan.

Peggy Bland
Parish Secretary & Nursery Manager

Peggy's Bio

​Overseeing the day-to-day operations of the church office, preparing all material for Sunday services, and updating St. Stephen's social media accounts are just a few of  the many hats Peggy wears. As the volunteer nursery manager she ensures that the nursery is staffed with properly trained, loving, and responsible attendants. Peggy's done it all, from mopping floors to setting up an off-site office with the help of her cohort, best friend, and fellow office-mate, Denice Thomas. Those two share many responsibilities at St. Stephen’s, so much so that people often confuse them!

Denice Thomas
Parish Business Manager

Denice's BIO

Denice handles all financial matters, human resources, and office management for the parish. She's a Beaumont native whose top priorities are God, her family, and her country. She loves to fish, hunt, read, and listen to music. If your life is ever low on color, visit Denice's office for pink vistas and a Hello Kitty shrine. ​

Jamie Anderson
Child Care Director

Jamie's Bio

Jamie oversees our Plus after school program and our Summer Saints program. She is passionate about serving her community and her family. 

Juan Gallegos
​Facilities Caretaker

Juan's Bio

Juan is a long time Beaumont resident who has raised his three children by himself since the death of his beloved wife Maria about 10 years ago. He loves working at St. Stephen's!

Sara McElroy
Choir Director

Sara'S BIO

Sara has lived in Beaumont with her husband, John, since 1992. Sara is a staff attorney with the Ninth Court of Appeals. In addition to her Doctor of Jurisprudence, she has a Bachelor of Music in piano performance and a Bachelor of Arts in history, and she is also trained in vocal performance and choral conducting. Sara directs our choir and selects the hymns, service music, and choral offertory anthem for our worship services. She is passionate about drawing people into God’s presence through music. The loves of her life are John and her family, friends, and miniature schnauzers.​

Sally Wilson
Organist

SALLY'S BIO

Sally's been involved in church music ministry since the age of three, when she sang in the Cherub Choir at her father's church. While in high school, she became the children's choir director and became the organist when she was in college. Sally has Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Applied Piano and a Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy. Originally from Ohio, she has lived in Kansas, Minnesota, and California, serving in each place as organist and/or choir director and teaching piano. Since moving to Beaumont in 1999, she has shared her passion for music and music ministry with St. Stephen’s and also at All Saints Episcopal School, where, after being the music teacher for five years, she moved into administration. Sally currently serves as Assistant Head of School and Director of Curriculum & Middle School.

Connie Thompson
Godly Play Coordinator

Connie's Bio

Connie schedules teachers for Godly Play each Sunday and makes sure our children have Advent and Lent booklets to take home. She loves to substitute teach in Lumberton where she lives with her husband Jim. Connie also takes an active role in the lives of her daughter and grandchildren.

Vestry

The Vestry are the members of St. Stephen's elected by their fellow church members to help lead the church. You can contact the Vestry here.

Joe Condina, Junior Warden
Representative for Buildings & Grounds

Ron Chevalier
Representative for Communication

Michele Hall

Becky Healey
Representative for Family Engagement

Melanie Heartfield

Cindy "Lulu" Holmes
Representative for Hospitality

Jim Johnson
Representative for Christian Formation

Ginny Mendoza
Representative for Communication

Kelly Peyton

Doug Staton
Representative for Gratitude & Giving

Julie Toups
Representative for Gratitude & Giving

Dudley Woodard