Ministries

Below is a detailed outline of the 30+ ministries that we offer here at St. Stephen's!

Wherever you find yourself in your journey, we have a place for you.

Worship Ministries

Worship Ministries help shape our Sunday services and special liturgies. From serving at the altar to leading music, reading Scripture, and welcoming guests, these ministries invite all ages to actively participate in meaningful worship.

Mind/Body Wellness Ministries

Mind/Body Wellness Ministries support the well-being of the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—through movement, fellowship, and intentional care.

Pastoral Care Ministries

Pastoral Care Ministries extend Christ’s love through prayer, presence, and support. These ministries walk alongside members of our parish in times of joy, grief, and need.

Outreach Ministries

Outreach Ministries put our faith into action beyond our walls. Through local partnerships and hands-on service, we seek to love and serve our neighbors.

Lifelong Learning Ministries

Lifelong Learning Ministries foster spiritual growth at every stage of life. Through classes, Bible studies, and small groups, we grow together in faith and understanding.

Worship Ministries

Acolytes

Acolytes serve an important role in our worship by assisting at the altar and helping lead the congregation through the liturgy. From carrying the cross and lighting candles to supporting the clergy during the Eucharist, acolytes help create a reverent and meaningful worship experience. This ministry is open to youth and adults who desire to grow in confidence, responsibility, and deeper participation in the life of the Church.

If you are interested in becoming an acolyte, please reach out to the church office for more information about training and scheduling.

Altar Guild

The Altar Guild is a volunteer group of parish members whose ministry is both sacred and vital. Their duty is to assist the Rector in creating worship services that are spiritual and beautiful. Altar Guild members care for the altar, vestments, and altar linens. They prepare the sanctuary for services, including setting up the altar for the Eucharist and cleaning up afterward. Additionally, they prepare the sanctuary for special occasions such as Christmas, Easter, funerals, and weddings.

These are the folks who not only know the names of the parts of the church but also understand the church seasons, colors, names of vestments, linens, holy hardware, and the most widely used church symbols. Interested? As a team member on the rotating schedule, your shift would usually take two hours a month—one hour to set up and one hour to clean up. On-the-job training and a mentor are provided. Come and volunteer to “take care of the Lord’s table.”

Choir

Our Choir leads and enriches worship through music at both the 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services. Through hymns, anthems, and liturgical music, choir members help guide the congregation in praise and create a spirit of beauty and reverence in our worship

The choir welcomes singers of all experience levels who have a heart for worship and a desire to grow musically and spiritually. If you are interested in singing with the choir, please contact Anne Jones for more information about rehearsals and how to get involved.

Communion Bread

Baking bread for Holy Communion is a beautiful and meaningful way to serve our parish. Those who participate in this ministry prepare the bread that becomes part of our shared Eucharist, offering a quiet yet powerful gift to our worshiping community.

If you enjoy baking or simply feel called to contribute in this special way, we would love for you to be involved. Please reach out to the church office to learn more about how to join the Communion Bread Ministry.

Greeters

Greeters offer a warm welcome to all who enter our doors at the 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services. With a friendly smile, a bulletin in hand, and a spirit of hospitality, greeters help create an atmosphere where every person feels seen, valued, and at home.

If you enjoy connecting with people and helping others feel comfortable in worship, this ministry is a wonderful way to serve. Please reach out to the church office to learn more about becoming a greeter.

Lectors/Readers

Lectors serve an essential role during our 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services. By reading the appointed lessons from Scripture, offering the Prayers of the People, and leading the congregation in spoken responses, lectors help guide the rhythm and flow of our liturgy.

This ministry is open to those who feel called to read clearly, thoughtfully, and prayerfully. Serving as a lector is a meaningful way to participate more deeply in worship and help bring Scripture to life for our community.

If you are interested in serving as a lector, please reach out to the church office for more information about training and scheduling.

Lay Eucharistic Visitor

Lay Eucharistic Visitors extend the Church’s worship beyond Sunday morning by bringing Holy Communion to those who are homebound, hospitalized, or unable to attend services in person. Through prayer, presence, and the sharing of the Eucharist, they help ensure that all members of our parish remain connected to the life of the Church.

This ministry is a calling that requires compassion and reliability. Training is provided in accordance with Episcopal guidelines.

If you feel called to serve in this meaningful ministry, please reach out to the church office for more information.

Melody Makers

Melody Makers, our fun and welcoming after-school youth choir led by Betsy Alkazin has begun!

We meet every Wednesday from 3:15–4:15 PM in the Church Choir Room – come sing, make friends, and be part of something joyful. Members attend weekly rehearsals and perform at the 10:30 AM service on the last Sunday of each month.

If you'd like to find out more info about the melody makers, please contact Betsy Alkazin

You can also click HERE to sign your child up!

Sunday School

Sunday School is offered during the 10:30 a.m. service and provides a joyful, engaging space for children to grow in faith. Through Bible stories, crafts, hands-on projects, and age-appropriate activities, our kids are learning about God’s love in a fun and meaningful way.

If you would like to learn more about Sunday School or get involved, please reach out to Elisa Webster for more information.

Ushers

Ushers help ensure our worship services run smoothly at both the 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services. They assist with seating, collect the offering, guide the flow of Communion, and provide a steady, welcoming presence throughout the service.

This ministry is a meaningful way to serve behind the scenes while helping create a peaceful and organized worship experience for all. If you are interested in becoming an usher, please reach out to the church office for more information.

Worship Band

Our Worship Band leads music at the 10:30 a.m. service on the last Sunday of each month, offering a dynamic and contemporary expression of praise. Through modern worship songs and collaborative musicianship, the band helps create an engaging and spirit-filled atmosphere.

We welcome anyone who sings or plays an instrument and has a heart for worship — there’s a place for you. If you are interested in getting involved, please reach out to the church office for more information.

Mind/Body Wellness Ministries

Trailblazers

The Nature Trail at St. Stephen's was created by the Trailblazers, a dedicated ministry responsible for its upkeep and continued care, under the leadership of Art Crowe. Built in 2002-2003, the Trail is open to the public year-round, from dawn to dusk, and spans about two miles.

As you walk along the trail, you’ll encounter bas-relief ceramic icons representing the 14 Stations of the Cross, with 14 stations on the way up the hill and another 14 on the way down. These beautiful icons were designed by St. Stephen’s artists, guided by Carroll Dolezal. The Trailblazers also constructed the niches that protect the icons and built the outdoor chapel, creating spaces for reflection and prayer. Additionally, a dedicated area past the fountain honors all Episcopal priests who have served St. Stephen’s.

The Trailblazers ministry continues to ensure that the Nature Trail remains a sacred and serene space for the community to connect with nature, spirituality, and the rich history of St. Stephen’s. If you are interested, please reach out to Art Crowe.

Gentle Yoga

Join us for Gentle Yoga, offered both on the mat and in the chair. Please bring your own mat. Classes are held on Tuesdays at 4:00 PM in McArthur Hall. Pay what you want, with a portion of the proceeds donated to the church.

All are welcome to Gentle Yoga, whether you're a beginner or experienced practitioner. These classes are open to the public and designed for all abilities. No prior experience is necessary. We use yoga to sharpen our focus, improve posture, and soothe both physical and emotional aches and pains.

For those interested in additional yoga routines to practice on their own, check out the Gentle and Chair Yoga YouTube playlists below. These recorded videos can be viewed in any order.

For more information, contact Carla Daws.

Pastoral Care Ministries

Celebration of Life

Our Celebration of Life Ministry supports families during times of loss by helping prepare and host receptions following funeral and memorial services. Through hospitality, thoughtful preparation, and compassionate presence, this ministry provides comfort and care to those who are grieving.

Those who serve in this ministry offer a meaningful expression of love and support during a tender time in a family’s life. If you are interested in being part of the Celebration of Life Ministry, please reach out to the church office for more information.

Cemetery

The cemetery ministry is overseen by a board of trustees, which oversees the plot and niche sales and general maintenance of the cemetery grounds of St. Stephen's.

For more information, contact Todd Schmidt.

GriefShare

You don’t have to go through grief alone.
GriefShare is a compassionate, faith-based support group for anyone who has experienced the death of a loved one. Whether your loss is recent or not-so-recent, you are welcome here.

Sessions at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church

Tuesdays: NOW– April 7th (2-4PM)
Thursdays: NOW– April 9th (6-8PM)
All sessions are free and open to the public.

Each week, participants watch a short video featuring trusted grief counselors, authors, and real people sharing their experiences. Afterward, there's time for sharing, discussion, and encouragement in a safe, supportive setting.

Weekly Topics Include:

What’s normal in grief
How to manage difficult emotions
Dealing with regrets, questions, and fears
How to find hope and healing

Need More Information?

Contact the church office at 512-847-9956 or visit griefshare.org.
Click on “Find a Group”, enter Wimberley, TX 78676, and follow the prompts to register for St. Stephen’s sessions.

Prayer Shawl

Prayer shawls are lovingly made and given to individuals facing medical or life challenges, as a tangible reminder that they are being prayed for and cared for.

These shawls also provide warmth in cold hospital rooms, offering comfort during difficult times. We meet every Wednesday from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in McArthur Hall at the church.

Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, we welcome you to join this meaningful ministry. If you’re just learning to knit or crochet, we’re happy to guide you through any challenges. And if you’re a pro, we’d love your expertise and your help in teaching others. Everyone is welcome!

For information on how to participate contact Nancy Henson.

Outreach Ministries

Alexis Pointe

Once a month, we gather at Alexis Pointe, a local senior living community in Wimberley, for a joyful Gospel Singalong. Through familiar hymns and uplifting songs, we share music, fellowship, and encouragement with residents in a spirit of warmth and connection.

This ministry is a beautiful way to extend care beyond our church walls, bringing joy and companionship to members of our wider community. If you are interested in participating in the Gospel Singalong, please reach out to the church office for more information.

Amigos De Jesús

Amigos de Jesús is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) ministry supported by several nearby Christian churches. The ministry serves the Hispanic community of Wimberley and is rooted in the teaching found in Matthew 25:40: “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Amigos de Jesús focuses on five key areas:

Providing food and basic daily necessities, including electric fans during the summer and space heaters during the winter
Assisting with medical emergencies
Providing bicycles
Offering educational and enrichment opportunities
Providing clothing such as winter coats and gloves

Overall, Amigos de Jesús seeks to improve the quality of life for those it serves. In addition, the ministry supports and collaborates with groups such as Barnabas Connection and the Good Deeds and Good Seeds ministry of Cypress Creek Church.

For more information, please contact Mike Kemp.

Barnabas Connection

The Barnabas Connection is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving families and individuals in the Wimberley Valley with health and human services, advocacy, and community education.

Through a volunteer-staffed HELPLINE and partnerships with area churches and organizations, Barnabas connects people in need with vital resources like housing support, employment services, medical assistance, counseling, utility and bill help, backpacks and school supplies, holiday support, and more.

Their work also includes community events and outreach that promote lasting support and help strengthen neighbors in times of crisis or transition. Visit their website to find out more.

Gardening Angels

A dedicated group of volunteers of all ages gathers on a project-by-project basis to care for and maintain the various gardening areas around our church campus, including the courtyard and nursery gardens. Through planting, pruning, seasonal clean-up, and ongoing beautification efforts, this ministry helps create welcoming and peaceful outdoor spaces for worship, fellowship, and reflection.

Projects are typically scheduled on select Saturdays throughout the year, and no prior gardening experience is necessary—just a willingness to lend a hand and enjoy working outdoors in community.

For more information or to get involved, please contact Joe Blanford.

Roadside Cleanup

Discover the before and after of Roadside Cleanup!

Would you like to make a difference to our beautiful Wimberley Valley Community? Discover the before and after of Roadside Cleanup. We clean two sections of highway (about five miles) four times a year as part of the Texas Department of Transportation's "Adopt a Highway" Program.

Serve God, our wonderful church and community, and get gentle exercise and fresh air all at the same time? After no more than two hours our roadside is transformed. This will put a smile on your face. Satisfaction guaranteed!

For more information on how to participate contact Todd Schmidt or Shirley Richardson Torok.

Lifelong Learning Ministries

Bible Babes

Join the Bible Babes on Monday—a true sisterhood of women who come together to study the Bible, pray, and celebrate our common love of Christ and one another. The group includes women from the Presbyterian Church, Methodist Church, and St. Stephen's, and is open to all women!

Bible Babes meet on Monday in the church conference room from 12:00 PM t 1:30 PM from September until May; for more information, contact Becky Denton or Cindy Taylor.

Children and Youth

Youth Group (grades 6-12) meets every Wednesday from 6:30–8:00 PM in the Log Cabin. Each week our older students come together for dinner, honest conversations, games, and community as we grow in faith and discover God’s purpose for our lives.

Our Children’s Ministry is also rolling with a full calendar of engaging, age-appropriate activities on Sundays and beyond—helping our youngest members connect with God and one another in meaningful, joy-filled ways.

There’s so much ahead this spring, and we’d love for your family to be part of it!

To learn more or get connected, reach out to our Youth Director, Eli Ridout,

or our Children's Minister Elisa Webster.

Cursillo/Ultraya

Cursillo is a Spanish word which means a short course. In this case it is a short course in Christian, Apostolic Living. Participants in the Cursillo weekend gain tools and "rules of life" for living their Christian faith in order to enthusiastically share the joy of knowing Christ with others in their everyday environments. Cursillo is a laity-led weekend and is patterned on Jesus' example of searching out and calling groups of potential leaders, training them and then sending them out to bring the world to Him.

The Cursillo weekend begins on Thursday evening and ends on Sunday afternoon. Participants listen to talks presented by the team members and engage in discussion, study, reflection, fellowship and worship (and enjoy most excellent culinary treats prepared by our diocesan chefs). The weekend begins with introspection and is filled with music, fun, and fellowship with others from across the diocese.

If you are interested in attending a Cursillo or for more information on how to participate please contact Katy Shugart. Our Cursillo reunion group meets on Thursdays at 10:00 AM.

If you'd like to learn more about Cursillo in the Diocese of West Texas, click HERE.

Discovery Class (New Member Inquiry)

Our Discovery Class is an opportunity to learn more about our parish, our worship, and what it means to be part of this church community. Whether you are new to the Episcopal tradition, exploring membership, or simply wanting to grow in your understanding of our life together, this class provides a welcoming space for conversation and connection.

Participants will learn about our history, core beliefs, ministries, and ways to get involved, while also having the chance to ask questions and meet others on a similar journey.

If you are interested in attending the next Discovery Class, please reach out to the church office for more information.

Men's Bible Study

The Men's Tuesday Bible Study group is a fellowship of men who come together to discuss their learnings, share insights, and grow spiritually in a confidential and supportive setting. This ecumenical group includes members from St. Stephen’s as well as from other religious affiliations.

They gather at 8:30AM on Tuesdays in McArthur Hall.

Contact Dick Dziezyk for more information.

Seekers

The Seekers is a group of women who meet weekly to study the Bible and other insightful books from diverse sources and religions, enriching our Christian journey. Open to all women!

For more information, please contact Nancy Jenkins.