A Poppin’ Fourth on July 3rd!
Please join us for an annual tradition at St. Stephen–“A Poppin’ Fourth on the Hill”! Our beautiful lawn is the perfect setting for a Fourth… Read More »A Poppin’ Fourth on July 3rd!
Please join us for an annual tradition at St. Stephen–“A Poppin’ Fourth on the Hill”! Our beautiful lawn is the perfect setting for a Fourth… Read More »A Poppin’ Fourth on July 3rd!
Several years ago a gay male couple came to St. Stephen with their son, seeking to have their son baptized. They shared that they’d had an unfortunate experience at the large Houston church they’d previously attended. Both had been deeply involved at the church for years. Both had taught Sunday school or served on important committees. It was known in the church that they were a couple, but they never felt ostracized until they went to the church’s leadership, the Session, and asked to baptize their son.Read More »Presbyterian?
When I became a Christian as a teen in the ’70s, Billy Graham was the guy I looked to. I read Decision Magazine avidly every month. I like to tell people that “I was a teenage Evangelical.”
But when I went to college, I began to fall away from my early evangelical roots. Then, too, I discovered a soulmate and guide in Billy Graham, whose post-Nixon soul-searching led him to question some of the assumptions that had driven his early ministry–assumptions about God’s anointment of leaders, the unblemished blessedness of the American Way, and the necessity of nuclear weapons. He was a harbinger of a new, broader-minded evangelicalism, and you see his spiritual children in the likes of Rob Bell. And, I hope, in me. Graham’s humble, honest search for a broader way to represent Biblical truth in a political setting helped me return to my own evangelical roots.Read More »I Miss Billy Graham
Hospitality defined: (first definition) friendly and generous behavior towards visitors and guests, intended to make them feel welcome. (www.macmillandictionary.com)
This summer is so crucial to the relationship St. Stephen shares with the surrounding community. We are on display for families through Vacation Bible School and Afternoon Camp in June, at the newly created opportunity- Camp Gilmont at St. Stephen Day Camp in July, and at Augusts’ Music Day Camp. Also in July, the Youth prepare for their trip to Chicago’s Southside, as we represent a Texas hospitality as we work among varied denominations and ethnicities in our proclamation to the world.Read More »Southern Summer St. Stephen Hospitality
by Rev. Dr. Fritz Ritsch
Yesterday–Pentecost–started out appropriately enough with some surprises. The sanctuary air conditioning didn’t work. This is Texas in the summer–you want the A/C to work! While a crackerjack team of retired General Dynamics engineers worked to solve the problem, folks at the 8:30 service sat faithfully through a very, very warm service. I kidded that the heat reminded us of the Tongues of Fire and the breeze blowing through the open doors reminded us of the Wind of the Spirit, both of which came upon the city of Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost 2000 years ago. I don’t know if anybody thought I was funny….!Read More »Pentecost Promise
The Faith and Family Sunday School class is growing! While we thoroughly enjoy the fellowship, support, and wonderful parenting tips and ideas that evolve from… Read More »Faith and Family Class is seeking…
Greetings! Wow! the 3rd Friday “Picnic,” June 17 is REALLY coming together! Samaritan House – 3rd Friday Dinners Our Menu so far: Main Dish: Fried Chicken… Read More »Samaritan House Volunteers Needed
Friday, June 24, Eastminster Room Book: Being Dead Is No Excuse by Gayden Metcalfe and Charlotte Hays Discussion Leader: Carole Kelly Being Dead Is No… Read More »Fourth Friday Book Group