LINKS TO "OUR" VIRTUAL WORSHIP SERVICES FOR THIS WEEK:
The Seventh Sunday of Easter Ministry of the Word Service (May 24th)
The Collects, Readings and Gospel - Seventh Sunday of Easter
Children's Worship Service (May 24th)
​Bishop Mike's Wednesday Chat (5/27/20)

CHECK OUT THE STAYING CONNECTED PAGE FOR INFORMATION, RESOURCES,​ ETC.
DURING THE COVID-19
"The St. Stephen's Story"
March and April 2020 Newsletter,
     go to "WE ARE"! 
To receive our weekly E-Notes
​and Virtual Services,
​go to the "Contact" page
and entered your information.
     St. Stephen's, located in northeast Wichita, is committed to membership growth and program development for spiritual nurture, renewal, and outreach to those in need. 
     As a church community entering a new era of ministry, we celebrate our Episcopal Church identity and rich, distinguished history of our past work and service in Wichita.  At the same time, we feel that God is calling us into a New Life in Christ and that we have been blessed with numerous resources to be used in service to God's Mission.
     The gift for which we are most thankful is our friendship, our caring and joy in being together as the people of God. 
     It is, for us, "the gift that keeps on giving". ​
REOPENING INFORMATION

Dear Members and Friends of St. Stephen’s:
 
Your vestry and I believe it is time to re-open St. Stephen’s!  Our re-opening will be on Sunday, June 14th, one service only at 10:30 a.m.  And, in addition to Sunday, we will also offer a Rite I Service on Wednesdays at 12:00 noon (beginning on June 17th, in the church).  However….we will be tiptoeing in the dark, as we must comply with the guidelines and restrictions which are imposed by the State of Kansas and the Diocese of Kansas:

  1. Services will be limited to no more than 45 persons, including clergy, musician, altar volunteers, etc. 
  2. We are asking that you call the parish office and make a reservation by Friday morning for the Sunday service and by Tuesday noon for the Wednesday Rite I Service so that we can maintain #1.
  3. Face masks will be required.
  4. Hand sanitizer will be in abundance.
  5. Social distancing will be maintained in the pews.
  6. You will be asked to “sign-in” at the service so that, if ever needed, “contact tracing” info would be available.
  7. Communion will be administered in only one kind, the Bread.  If this is a problem for you, an “Act of Spiritual Communion” will be included in the service bulletin for your use.
  8. For the time being, we will not be offering nursery services, Sunday School, or coffee hours.
  9. To accommodate those who prefer a virtual service, for a while longer, the Sunday service will be recorded and made available on Facebook on Sunday afternoon and by E-notes and our web site on Mondays.
  10. The Kid’s service will be available on Facebook, E-Notes, and church web site on Fridays.
  11. For the time being, music (no music at Wednesday service) will only be instrumental or pre-recorded.  There will be no congregational singing.
  12. Prayer Books and Hymnals have been removed from the pews.  A one-sheet disposable bulletin will be used for worship.
  13. Sanitizing wipes will be available in each pew, and all will be encouraged to wipe down their “space” at the end of each service.
  14. Deep cleaning of the entire worship space will be done twice each week between services.
 
Over time and as things improve (we pray) these restrictions and guidelines will obviously be revised by the state and the diocese.  As this drama unfolds, we will make every effort to keep you informed. Also, please know that we value your comments and input.  Please let us know what you like, and what you don’t like.  If you have suggestions or ideas, we hope you will share them with us.  Feel free to reach out to me, Vera, or any member of the Vestry.
 
Yours in Christ, Bishop Milliken, Interim Rector
Come and Visit!

Join us on Sunday morning to see what we are all about.  Everyone is welcome!

7404 E Killarney Pl
Wichita, KS 67206
316-634-2513
For the Church's Facility Use Policy, check the following link.  facility_use_policy.docx