Primary Ministries

• Christian Formation
• Growth Ministries
• Liturgical Ministries
• Outreach Ministries
• Spiritual Ministries
• Service Ministries
• Social Ministries

CHRISTIAN FORMATION
No Bishop's Committee Assignments
Christian Formation Committee Co-Chair		Lynn Jay (Vicar)
Christian Formation Committee Co-Chair		Susan Bek (Youth & Children's Ministries Director)
ASSOCIATED MINISTRIES
Adult Education
Christian Formation		Lynn Jay
Children's Chapel (3-5 year olds)		Bettie Downing
Sunday School / 4 to 6 Club		Shannon Murchison
Sunday Toddlers		Tessa Lucero
Sunday Adult Bible Study		Lynn Jay
Journey to Adulthood (Teens) Rite 13, J2A, YAC		Susan Bek
Education for Ministry (EFM)		Shannon Brintnall Cynthia Jew
Thursday Adult Bible Study		Lynn Jay

GROWTH MINISTRIES
Bishop's Committee Assignments (7)
Stewardship / Planned Giving Chair		Miriam Aardahl
Membership Chair		Mary Jo Higginbotham
Newcomers Co-Chairs		Marian Krabach, Mark Bridgeford
External Communications		Derek Maldonado
Internal Communications		David Potter, David Jay
Building Committee		Tammie Kallen, Dave Melton
Treasurer		Marilyn Pisa
ASSOCIATED MINISTRIES
Counters		Marilyn Pisa
Church Historian
Fundraising		Tammie Kallen
Long Range Planning		Tammie Kallen
Stephen's Stone Newsletter		Tracy Stapp (Office Manager)
Sunday Bulletin		Tracy Stapp (Office Manager)
Internet		Dave Melton
Black & White Auction
General Fund Raisers

LITURGICAL MINISTRIES
Bishop's Committee Assignments (1)
Liturgical Committee Chair		Lynn Jay
ASSOCIATED MINISTRIES
Acolytes
Altar Guild		Mary Mercogliano
Chalice Bearers, Lectors, etc.		David Jay
Choirs		Judy Baity
Lay Eucharistic Ministers		David Jay
Ushers		Mary Jo Higginbotham Sylvia Rigsby
Holy Mackerels		Malcolm Blue

OUTREACH MINISTRIES
Bishop's Committee Assignments (2)
Community Outreach Co-Chairs		Malcolm Blue Melissa Galvan
ASSOCIATED MINISTRIES - Community
AIDS Lunch		Barbara Schulman/Muffy Rike
Angel Tree (Christmas)		John Noonan
Blood Drive		Joanie Stanzione
Food Pantries (Newhall, Church of Hope)		Joanie Stanzione
Homeless Shelter		Mark Young
Human Relations Forum		Lynn Jay
Interfaith Council		Dick Belliss
Angel Interfaith Network		Malcolm Blue
SCV Youth Project		Lynn Jay
Crop Walk		Tracy Hagemeier/Lynn Jay
ASSOCIATED MINISTRIES - National / Global
Hillsides
Episcopal Relief & Development
UTO (United Thank Offering)

SPIRITUAL MINISTRIES
Bishop's Committee Assignments (2)
Spiritual Ministries Chair		Lynn Jay
ASSOCIATED MINISTRIES
Stewardship of All Creation Chair		Barbara Wampole
Crown Ministries		Mindy Gideon Malcolm Blue Scott McGowan
Cursillo		Milan Krejci
Daughters of the King		Judy Ferkel
Marriage Encounter
Order of St. Luke		Rev. Lynn Jay, Richard Holdredge
Prayer Chain		Joan Belliss

SERVICE MINISTRIES
Bishop's Committee Assignments (1)
Service Ministries		Brian McGuff
Support Care Chair		Mary Mercogliano
ASSOCIATED MINISTRIES
Buildings & Grounds		Brad Williams Dave Melton John Noonan Marv Aardahl Tom Reilly
Contracts Administrator		Tom Reilly
Memorial / Office Gardens		Lynn Jay
Meal Providers & Problem Help		Mary Mercogliano
Preschool		Mary Mercogliano

SOCIAL MINISTRIES
Bishop's Committee Assignments (2)
Social Ministries		Barbara Schulman
ASSOCIATED MINISTRIES
Sunday Coffee Makers		Anne Ritenour
Dinners for Eight		Don Rimac
Sages		Sydell Stokes/Dorothy Jenkins/Louise Ford
Men's Group		Jon Bek
Camp Wrightwood Weekend		Tim Wiles
Parish Picnic

Alphabetical List and Descriptions of Ministries

Acolytes
This ministry involves our young people in the life of worship at St. Stephen’s. Acolytes assist the clergy and participate in the service in varied and important ways. Their responsibilities include leading the processional, assisting the priest with preparing for communion, placing the lighted candles next to the pulpits prior to the service, lighting the Bible during the Gospel reading, serving as the Crucifer (holding the cross as the clergy reads the Gospel), and extinguishing the candles following the service. Children may begin serving as acolytes in 4th grade and new acolytes are always welcome.

AIDS Lunch
The Bishop’s Commission on AIDS Ministry and its separately incorporated Project New Hope housing and job-training programs are available to serve people living with HIV/AIDS, as well as their families and caregivers. Project New Hope offers affordable housing for people with HIV/AIDS in Hollywood, San Pedro and the Silver Lake district of Los Angeles, with similar residences under construction in Santa Monica. Project New Hope also operates the Trinity Learning Center, at 3325 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 800, Los Angeles (90010), as well as a program of providing regular lunches at the Rand Schrader AIDS/HIV Clinic at Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center. Many volunteer opportunities are available. AIDS Masses are scheduled on the annual Presiding Bishop’s Day of Prayer, traditionally a Sunday in early October. Also offer AIDS education programs for youth and adult with a specific program; Latino AIDS protection project.

Altar Guild
Altar Guild is composed of dedicated members who faithfully undertake care of the altar and its vestments. Members of the Altar Guild serve at least once a month at one of the services, take turns at various services such as weddings, funerals, religious holidays, etc., and attend regular training sessions. Altar Guild member duties include setting up for Eucharist by filling vessels and preparing the altar, removing vessels and linens and washing all vessels after the service, changing the color of vestments according to the church calendar, filling liquid wax candles, and tidying up the Sanctuary.

Angel Tree (Christmas)
In early fall, incarcerated dads and moms can sign up to have church volunteers deliver gifts to their children at Christmas (volunteers contact the at-home parent or caregiver to make sure that’s O.K.). The Christmas gifts are presented as being from the mom or dad in prison--assuring the children that they haven’t been forgotten!

Blood Drives
St. Stephen's holds 2 bd's a year.

Building and Grounds
Working with the Bishop’s Committee, this committee coordinates, recommends, supervises, accomplishes or arranges for maintenance, repairs and improvements to the physical plant of the church. It is also concerned with the financial aspects and resource allocation for these activities, including fund-raising for special purposes. The Building and Grounds Committee works with other parish committees to assure that their needs are being met. The time commitment and scheduling of activities is quite flexible and people with many and varied skills are needed.

Even if you've never held a hammer, there's definitely a place for you with Building and Grounds.

Chalice Bearers, Lectors, etc.
Chalice bearers assist the priest by serving communion wine during either the 7:45 or 10 a.m. Sunday services. Chalice bearers may also participate with other parts of the service as requested. Chalice bearers help others worship by keeping the communion service "holy but efficient". A feeling for the liturgy and a sense of stage presence are useful attributes.

Lectors read scripture lessons during Sunday services. Most find it helpful to review the lessons beforehand, both for meaning and words or names with difficult ronunciations -- "thusly did Azuelobenshoder don on his ephthah and slay the Hludobesthites."

Litanists lead the congregation in the Prayers of the People during the service. The litanist usually follows the form for the day, inserting names of the sick and special concerns from a script prepared by the parish office manager. Because the litanist is free to include other requests, this ministry is especially meaningful for those interested in congregational prayer.

Choirs
This ministry allows vocalists to share their individual musical gifts by participating in St. Stephen’s choir. This is a particularly joyful way to worship and share your talents with others. It is important to remember that singing and musical skills can be developed through this ministry for all who are interested. The choir meets twice a week, Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday prior to the 10:00 a.m. service.

Children’s Chapel (5-11 year olds)
Children's Chapel takes place during the 10:00 service. Children are brought to the sanctuary in time to go to the communion rail with their parents.

Christian Formation
The primary task of the Christian Formation Committee is to address the needs of children (preschool through grade 12) and adults, and provide opportunities to enhance and nurture their spiritual, physical and emotional growth.

Church Historian
need description

Coffee Hour
Assist in setting up snacks and drinks for everyone to enjoy after the services. Our coffee hour is an important time for fellowship, and your efforts help to make everyone feel welcome. This important job also includes clean-up after coffee hour.

People are needed after both services to put out food, pour juice, and wash cups and glasses and empty the coffee pot at the end of coffee hour. This task is usually finished by noon.

Communication
The Communications Committee works to enhance the flow of information throughout the congregation and into the wider community. The members if the committee work on publicity, congregational communications (Stephen’s Stone newsletter, announcements, bulletins, St. Stephen’s weekly e-mail, etc.).

Counters
Counters count, record, and deposit the offering and other income that the church receives each week.

Crown Ministries
Crown Financial Ministries is a ministry that uses a remarkably effective small group study to train adults to practically apply the financial principles from God's Word.

You will apply principles as you learn them. For example, you will complete a debt repayment schedule and start a budget. You will receive a Student Manual, a Practical Application Workbook and a copy of Your Money Counts.

Cursillo
need description

Daughters of the King
Daughters of the King is a religious order for lay women of the Episcopal Church. We observe a Rule of Life comprised of our Rule of Prayer and Rule of Service. We pray daily for the spread of Christ's Kingdom; the spiritual growth of the church; for all who need emotional, spiritual and physical healing; and the work of our Order. We vow to participate in worship, study and work of the church; assist our priest; and bring others to a knowledge and love of Christ.

Day School Development
need description

Dinners for Eight
This St. Stephen’s ministry designed for adults allows parishioners to get to know one another better by sharing in food, fun and fellowship. Dinners for Eight members are divided into groups of approximately 8 and take turns meeting for dinner at each others homes during the year.

Education for Ministry (EFM)
St. Stephen’s is a participant in a program of theological study by extension from the University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee. A group of men and women meet once per week during an academic year to grow their faith in this 4 year program. EFM provides small seminar groups in size from 6 to 11 students. Trained mentors and thought-provoking textbooks, theological reflection practiced regularly, prayer and worship in a community of study, and the four year program committed one year at a time make up an excellent program for anyone interested in deepening their faith. The study focuses on Hebrew Scriptures, Christian Testament, Christian Passages, and Theological Choices.

Endowment
The goal of the Endowment Committee is to develop a strategy that provides a vehicle and impetus that includes St. Stephen’s as a component of individual estate planning and to develop strategies for asset based giving.

The requirements of committee members would include attending planning meetings and regular meetings as well as sharing a vision with the committee in order to complete its goals. The duties of the committee members will be to investigate ways of building up endowment through asset giving, to educate the parish and to advertise and implement the program.

Episcopal Relief & Development
Episcopal Relief and Development provides emergency assistance and rehabilitative support to people affected by natural disasters, war, and civil strife. It also funds development projects around the world. Episcopal Relief and Development is the collective response of Episcopalians to help people in need in the United States and around the world.

It is the organized, tangible response to Christ's call to minister to the hungry and thirsty, the sick and those in prison, to clothe the naked, and welcome the stranger.

We work with churches in the Anglican Communion as well as with other denominations, local organizations, and partner agencies.

Finance
The Finance Committee is to provide guidance and oversight to the church treasurer and to provide monthly and annual budgets to the Bishop’s Committee for their approval. They review the monthly financial statements and provide audit oversight on annual reports to the Diocese.

Food Pantry
St. Stephen's was integral in the foundation of the Santa Clarita Food Pantry and continues to support it and the Food Pantry at the Church of Hope through financial and food offerings of the parishioners.

Greeters
need description

Hillsides
Hillsides works with families, other agencies, and policymakers to create homes and communities that are safe for children. Each year, thousands of Southern California children and their families rely on Hillsides' help to reconstruct their lives, ensuring that these children will be safe in a healthy, healing environment.

Holy Mackerels
People from St. Stephen's who assist the Vicar at Funerals and Memorial Services of Congregants, their families and friends who volunteer to assist with Procession, Recessional, readings, as acolytes, chalice bearers, ushers, etc.

Homeless Shelter
Many St. Stephen's parishioners are involved and serve on the board of this service organization. The SCCDC's goal is to provide shelter and assistance to those who otherwise would be without.

Human Relations Forum
The Forum works to promote positive human relations and acceptance of all people in every aspect of community life. Our goal is to make Santa Clarita a place where all people can live and work peacefully with a better understanding of each other and the value of diversity.

The mission of the Santa Clarita Valley Human Relations Forum is to encourage, assist, and empower the people of Santa Clarita to eliminate all forms of all discrimination, and to promote the benefit of human differences in our community.

Interfaith Council
St. Stephen's supports and promotes interfaith understanding through our participation in the Santa Clarita Interfaith Council.

Journey to Adulthood (Teens - Rite 13, J2A, YAC)
Journey to Adulthood (J2A) is a program of spiritual formation for young people. The curriculum falls into three distinct phases, each two years long:

Rite 13 - assists young people as they take the first steps from their families into their own lives. During the two years, the community acknowledges the gift of gender, celebrates the amazing creative power and potential of these young people, and creates a safe haven to explore new ideas, new interests and new abilities. It culminates in a liturgical celebration of the gift of womanhood and manhood.

J2A - is the core program, blending action and contemplation in teaching young people faithful living. To prepare them for adulthood, they learn six basic skills: active listening, negotiation, assertion, research/information management, partnership, and leadership. The program also helps them understand and affirm Christian living. After two years they are given an opportunity for Confirmation and are acknowledged in the community as equipped for new levels of responsibility. They are recognized as young adults, rather than children, and invited to make a holy pilgrimage.

Young Adults in the Church (YAC) - encourages older youth to take on adult responsibilities in all aspects of parish life and the community. They are challenged to become good stewards of their time, talent, and treasure. Guided by adult advisers, they use the Anglican model of Scripture, reason, and the tradition of the Church to guide the lifelong pilgrimage in their faith.

J2A balances Bible study, prayer, and both serious and playful activities to nurture the whole person during the treacherous passage from childhood to adulthood.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers
Lay Eucharistic Ministers take the Holy Eucharist and church news to shut-ins and ill parishioners after Sunday services.

Long Range Planning
The goal of the Long Range Planning Committee is to advise the Bishop’s Committee on usage of our existing facilities and development of additional facilities.

Marriage Encounter
Worldwide Marriage Encounter offers a weekend experience designed to give married couples the opportunity to learn a technique of loving communication that they can use for the rest of their lives. It's a chance to look deeply into their relationship with each other and with God. It's a time to share their feelings, hopes and dreams with each other.

Meal Providers & Problem Help
Meal Providers & Problem Help is a ministry of hospitality to our church family. We provide meals and/or transportation during times of need, such as births, illness, the death of a loved one, and other times as we are called. The only requirement to be on this caring and sharing committee is to be available to provide food or services where needed.

Membership Development
need description

Memorial/Office Gardens
need description

Men’s Group
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church Men’s Group is a source of friendship and support. We develop relationships with those who share our interests and are involved with similar life situations. We have an opportunity to reach out to others, while growing in our relationship to God.

The Men’s Group’s emphasis is on diverse issues and interests such as bible/book studies, prayer, fellowship, marriage, family, sports, business and service.

Newcomers
The goal of the Newcomer Committee is to share the joy of a Christian community, and the opportunities available at St. Stephen’s, with new and current parishioners, as well as with our visitors.

This committee works with the Vicar and Bishop’s Committee to design programs to welcome and incorporate new members. Activities that this ministry oversees are: newcomer welcoming and incorporation, shepherding program, serving as hosts and hostesses, and developing an advertising campaign for St. Stephen’s.

The Newcomer Committee contributes an essential aspect to St. Stephen’s long-term plan for growth and in bringing the Good News of Jesus Christ to our community.

Order of St. Luke
An International Interfaith Healing Order of Christians who annoint, do laying on of hands and praying over those requesting healing prayer.

Parish Life Potlucks & Fiestas
The goal of the Parish Life Committee is to promote fellowship, time, and caring among all age groups at St. Stephen's. This is done by sponsoring 4-5 social events during the year. Events are to be co-chaired by members of the Parish Life Committee who, in turn, will convene their own committees. Some of St. Stephen’s regular activities include: Annual St. Stephen’s Picnic, Camp Wrightwood Weekend, and various Potlucks.

Prayer Chain
The purpose of the Prayer Chain is to offer intercessory prayers for the specific concerns of our parishioners. The goal of Prayer Chain members is to pray daily in response to those requests. The Prayer Chain welcomes new members who are willing to undertake faithful prayer and a commitment to confidentiality. It is through prayer that we hope to heal one another with God's loving help.

Preschool
St. Stephen’s Preschool is one of the premier schools in Santa Clarita, serving the needs of 3, 4 and 5-year-olds and their families.

Project Angel Network
Project Angel is an interfaith network committed to helping local churches, synagogues, businesses and individuals mobilize to meet the needs of individual L.A. County + USC Medical Center patients and their families as identified by the Department of Pastoral Care.

Sages
need description

Scrip Program
need description

SCV Youth Project
Where you find young adults, you will also find the Santa Clarita Valley Youth Project. Whether youth are on-line, on campus, or in community, we are there! Our mobility, and aggressive outreach, allows us to interact with youth one-on-one on their turf, providing them with current resources and linking them with services they need to deal with the challenges they face everyday. Through this we are able to create long lasting, trust-based relationships, and focus on preventing high-risk behavior - not reacting to it. From our web-based programs, to employment and educational assistance and crisis intervention and support services, all of our services are FREE to all youth, regardless of need.

UTO (United Thank Offering)
The Mission of the United Thank Offering is to expand the circle of thankful people. To achieve this mission, we encourage daily prayers, offerings and awareness of the abundance of God's blessings. In 2002, UTO awarded close to $2.7 million in grants.

Stephen’s Stone Newsletter
“Stephen’s Stone” is the monthly newsletter distributed by mail to members of the congregation. It includes news, stories, and upcoming event information important to our congregation. Members of the congregation with a knack for writing are encouraged to seek out and write articles or stories for the newsletter.

Stewardship
The goal of the Stewardship Committee is to create and implement a strategy that generates the annual operating funds necessary to fulfill the long range plan of the congregation and to assure the short-term and long-term financial stability of St. Stephen’s Church.

The committee considers annual challenges and makes a plan consistent with goals of the church. The committee also initiates a plan inviting new members to tithe throughout the year, and an annual Stewardship Campaign that accomplishes financial requirements of the church.

Stewardship of All Creation
As stewards of our environment, we commit ourselves to work for sustainable society in a sustainable world; to recognize the dignity and rights of all people and the sanctity of all life, especially the rights of future generations; to ensure the responsible use and re-cycling of natural resources; and to bring about economic reforms which will establish a just and fair trading system both for people and for the environment.

Sunday Adult Bible Study
The Adult Bible Study meets Sunday mornings from 9:00 to 9:50 in the parish hall. Discussions include such topics as Books of the bible, daily life in New Testament times, the church in America, and world religions.

Sunday School (5-11 year olds) & 4 to 6 Club (4th - 6th grade)
Christian Education teachers play a vital role in helping learners discover and proclaim the good news of the Christian gospel, in word and deed. Our Sunday School program is dedicated to the ongoing process of teaching children to grow in the love and knowledge of Jesus Christ, to learn about God's word, His love and His faithfulness.

Sunday Toddlers
need description

Thursday Adult Bible Study
need description

Ushers
Responsibilities of ushers are to greet the congregation and visitors as they arrive, to hand out service bulletins, collect offerings during the service and attend the pews as the congregation receives communion.

This ministry is a crucial component of helping newcomers and visitors form a positive first impression of St. Stephen’s. Persons considering becoming an usher should have an outgoing personality (or be willing to develop one!) and enjoy meeting and welcoming people.

Web Site
St. Stephen's website is dedicated to providing useful information about the church and its many ministries. It is meant to provide current members with timely information and to provide potential newcomers with the information about our community.