Thanks be to God! We are holding a full schedule of in-person and online Holy Week services open to everyone:
Wednesday, March 31 ~ Tenebrae The "service of shadows," where we remember how blessed we are to have the Light of Christ in our lives. 5:30 pm in-person, inside due to weather, masks required 5:30 pm online at YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter
Thursday, April 1 ~ Maundy Thursday 6:00 pm in-person, outside Agape Meal Picnic. Bring your picnic dinner and join us in the churchyard for a fellowship meal before worship 7:30 pm in-person, inside the church, masks required for Maundy Thursday Washing of the Feet, Last Supper, and Stripping of the Altar 7:30 pm online at YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter
Friday, April 2 ~ Good Friday Where we observe Jesus's sacrifice for us 12:00 noon and 7:30 pm in-person, inside the church, masks required Good Friday, followed by optional Stations of the Cross 12:00 noon and 7:30 pm online, followed by optional Stations of the Cross at YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter
Saturday, April 3 ~ The Great Vigil of Easter! The moment we celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord and Savior: Join us for the first moment of Easter! 7:30 pm in-person, inside the church, masks required 7:30 pm online at YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter
Sunday, April 4 ~ Easter Sunday 8:00 am in-person, inside the church, masks required and no music 9:00 am online at YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter 10:00 am in-person, outside the church, masks optional and music
The conditions of the pandemic are constantly shifting, and we promise to keep you informed of our protocols to take care of one another. We base our decisions by following https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view More information HERE.
Reserve Your Space
Gathering for worship is in groups of 25. Please use the links below to register for either the 8:00 AM or 10:00 AM service each week. Each person must be registered separately, and reservations are only good for one week.
If your plans change and you are no longer able to attend, please contact the office (409.892.4227 or office@ssecbmt.org) so that we may release your reservation(s) to others.
Remember that masks are required by all in attendance. If you do not have a mask, we have some available. Everyone will have their temperature checked at the door and contact information collected. Please stay at least 6 feet away from anyone who is not a member of your household. We look forward to seeing you on Sunday.
Please use the links on the Worship page to register for either the 8:00 AM or 10:00 AM service each week. Each person must be registered separately. Reservations must be made each week by filling out the form, calling (409.892.4227) or emailing (office@ssecbmt.org).
Cancelling Worship - Welcome Page As many of you recall, your vestry and Steven worked hard over the summer to set up protocols (a "plan of action," if you will) for how we could worship with one another as safely as possible. We wear masks, we temporarily suspended singing, we offer services online, and more. We were informed on Saturday, 1/9/21, that several in-person worshipers found out after attending a service that they tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. Those who were infected have asked for their names to remain private, though we can tell you that they are being well cared for and welcome your prayers for a speedy recovery.
Cancelling Worship - Worship Page As many of you recall, your vestry and Steven worked hard over the summer to set up protocols (a "plan of action," if you will) for how we could worship with one another as safely as possible. We wear masks, we temporarily suspended singing, we offer services online, and more. We were informed on Saturday, 1/9/21, that several in-person worshipers found out after attending a service that they tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. Those who were infected have asked for their names to remain private, though we can tell you that they are being well cared for and welcome your prayers for a speedy recovery.
While contact tracers reach out to worshipers who were potentially exposed, we know that our safety protocols at St. Stephen's are very thorough and there is no reason at this point to believe that there was any community spread of the virus during the worship service. That being said, part of our protocols are that we suspend in-person services for two weeks (the length of time it would take for anyone who had the virus to run its course). We will not be holding our regular 8:00am and 10:00am in-person worship this Sunday, January 17, but we will still offer our 9:00am online worship service.
Our plan is to be back In-Person at 8:00am and 10:00am for January 24, the day of our Celebration of St. Stephen's Church Day.
In addition, Steven has received a negative SARS-CoV-2 test, which was required before he resumed any in-person visitations or meetings. We want to take the time to highlight that this is our pandemic plan working exactly as it should to make sure we keep one another as safe as possible. Continue to pray for us all through these hard times and remember how dear we hold each other.
EPISCOBASICS
SUNDAY MORNINGS 9:15-9:45 in Broce Hall (our parish/fellowship hall) A weekly place for people who are new to St. Stephen’s or The Episcopal Church, people who have been around a long time but still want to learn more about their church, and everyone who wants to share in discussion and grow with one another in community. We cover a range of topics about Christian faith and the Episcopal tradition, as well as life here at St. Stephen's. Episcobasics is perfect for those who have been with us often and those who have not been with us long. It’s a great place to ask questions and a safe and inviting place to explore together our relationships to God, the church, and our faith journeys. Episcobasics welcomes youth, adults, members, and non-members of the church. It also fulfills the education requirement for those who are seeking to be Confirmed or Received into The Episcopal Church.