OUR RECTOR
I have learned many things from God through life’s experiences. One of the most valuable being the importance of relationship. In essence, my theology is rooted in a quote from the 13th century theologian Thomas Aquinas, “The one thing our souls desire most is to be in friendship with God.” It is this basis that defines my ministry; to be a friend with God in all avenues of life. I have come to realize that to be friends with God is to be in relationship with the people of God. My hope and prayer is that we become friends through God to share the vast enormity of God’s love and grace with the world around us. This is why the first thing we are called to do at St. Stephen’s is for us to become friends.
STAFF
Rector
Father Kevin began his ministry as the rector of St. Stephen's in September of 2020. He is a 2007 graduate of The Seminary of The Southwest in Austin. In his free time he enjoys canoeing, hiking, gardening, reading, watching baseball, and cooking. He and his wife, Heather, have two boys, Holden (9) and Harper (7).
Father Kevin's ministry is engulfed in the pursuit of building relationships with one another and God. His theology is grounded in the Episcopal Church traditions and beliefs, and can best be defined by the 13th century Theologian Thomas Aquinas quote, "The one thing our souls desire most is to be in friendship with God."
Seminarian
Tim as been assigned by the diocese to St. Stephen's for three years, beginning in August 2023. His first year will be devoted to finishing his seminary education at the Seminary of the Southwest, where he will receive a Diploma for Anglican Studies. From August through May, Tim will be with us as a part-time member of the staff.
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We welcome Tim, his wife Suzy, and their two daughters to the St. Stephen's community.
Office Manager
Lydia lives in New Braunfels with husband Bryan and dog Dixie. They attend St. Paul Lutheran Church in New Braunfels, and have four adult children and one grandson. Lydia grew up in the DeSoto, Texas (in the Dallas area), and graduated from Baylor University in 1986.
We will miss Lydia as she leaves St. Stephen's in early April.
Office Manager
We welcome Marit Murtha to St. Stephen's as she assumes the role of Office Manager. She is a former elementary school teacher who transitioned into office work after she raised her family, and we are blessed to have her background and skills as part of our staff.
Marit and her husband, Jim, live in San Marcos. They attend Cypress Creek Church in Wimberley. Marit and Jim have four grown children/step-children, one dog, and one cat. Marit loves music (especially the 70’s and 80’s!), taking her dog for walks, spending time with her wonderful husband and friends, and relaxing on a lazy day.
Marit’s favorite Bible verse is “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11. It’s incredible to know that a God so big has a plan for every one of us. Marit is greatly looking forward to getting to know all the people she will serve here at St. Stephen’s.
Receptionist
Robyn is a native Texan who grew up in San Antonio, and a proud Mama to one precious nine-year-old daughter who attends school here at St. Stephen’s beautiful campus. Robyn has served in several different roles here at St. Stephen’s church and school over the past five years, and is truly grateful to be able to assist both the staff and the amazing and supportive community members at St. Stephen’s in her role as receptionist.
In her own words: I work at my happy place! “I cannot do everything, but I can do something. What I can do, I ought to do. What I ought to do, by the grace of God I will do. Lord, what will you have me do?"
Family & Youth Minister
Elisa Webster is the mother of six and have been an educator both here in the United States and in South Africa for over 38 years. She I spent my childhood on mission farms and in the rural town of Melmoth, in Zululand South Africa. Her early teaching career was spent in in New Hampshire and Colorado, after which she returned to South Africa to start schools for those who had been marginalized during the struggle against Apartheid. Elisa returned to the USA in 2019 as her mother turned 85 and three of her children settled here.
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Elisa is an artist and author of children’s books following in the footsteps of her grandmother who was an American landscape artist. She was led by God to Wimberley to continue her mission to open the hearts and minds of young people to the wonders of the world, and our creator and sustainer.
Coordinator of Audiovisual & Information Technology Services
Eli is a 2022 graduate of Texas State University with a degree in Digital Media. He loves God, his cat, and the San Antonio Spurs with all his heart. New to our staff in May 2022, Eli is very excited to be a part of this community and to serve within the Episcopal church.
Newcomer Minister
Jeannetta, husband Kurt, and now 2 adult children, relocated to this area in 1994 from Abilene. She had previously worked for a Methodist Church in Abilene so with the opening at the Episcopal Church in Wimberley she felt that God led her to St. Stephen’s. Fast forward 28 years, when she retired from the Parish Administrator duties as of June 1, and began her new role as the Newcomer Minister.
Jeannetta looks forward to meeting you, seeing you at Sunday services, and introducing you to this wonderful community of St. Stephen’s Church and School.
Leader of Worship Band and Director of Children's Choir
Carole Hofstad has a Master of Music in Vocal Performance & Pedagogy from the University of Minnesota and a B.A in Music Education from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. She performed for many years in a variety of venues, ranging from early music to contemporary opera as a soloist and choral singer in the Upper Midwest.
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During the 90’s, she was the Assistant Music Director at St. Stephen’s, serving as Staff Accompanist and Worship Band Leader and is thrilled to back at the church as a Minister of Music.
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She is once again leading the Worship Band in our monthly services, directing the Melody Makers (our new children’s choir), playing for the school Chapel services, and will be organizing the monthly Taizé services as well.
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Carole lives with her Tuxedo cat and her sister Maren who has a 45-year-old Amazon Parrot.
Facility Director
Born in Biloxi Mississippi, the son of construction superintendent parents, Mike came to Wimberley in 2008 to assist them in construction of the First Baptist Church of Wimberley. Married to for 9 years to a nice Texas girl, Meagan, they have a very active 4 year old girl, Claire, and an 8 year old Labrador, Beaux. In his spare time Mike enjoys slowing down and enjoying the outdoors with family.
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Mike has been St. Stephen's Facilities Director since March 2020, and is the owner of Hill Country Contracting Services, and has over 15 years construction experience. In his words: We only get one run at this thing called life. Make the best of every moment you have with the ones you love.
LONNIE BROWN
Water Tech and Sunday Sexton
RACHEL KROTZER
Housekeeping Sexton
Rachel was born in Dearborn, Michigan, and moved to Wimberley in 1993, where she met her husband, Mark Krotzer. Together they raised 5 now-adult children and have been blessed with 6 beautiful grandchildren. She is a retired homeschool co-op co-leader and homeschool teacher of 15 years, with elementary science being her favorite subject to teach. Because, “Science is God’s subject.”
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Rachel has been St. Stephen’s Housekeeping Sexton for a little over 10 years now. Most weekends you can find Rachel and family either floating down the Blanco River, or off on an adventure in their RV.
