Justice Together

St. Stepen's is becoming a Member Congregation of Justice Together whose existing membership has over 40 other faith communities including St. John's, St. James', St. Bartholomew's, and St. Andrew's Episcopal Churches.

Justice Together is a multifaith justice organization based in Wichita, Kansas, dedicated to addressing systemic issues such as homelessness, mental health, and affordable housing through community-driven advocacy and faith-based action.

For more information about how their process works, who member congregations are, and results achieved: Click Here.

Listen & Connect

🗣️ August–September: Listening Process

Trained lay leaders host small group discussions across congregations.
Community members share concerns and lived experiences.
Top issues are surfaced and prioritized through collective discernment.

Progress Milestones

7/13/2025 - Louis Goseland, Lead Organizer from Justice Together met with small groups after both services.
7/17/2025 - Rector and Senior Warden Met with Louis to discuss next steps.
7/17/2025 - Louis introduced via e-mail Ethan Henry, Associate Organizer with Justice Together. Henry is assigned to St. Stephen's as primary point of contact.
7/23/2025 - St. Stephen's Vestry Unanimously Approved Joining Justice Together as a Member Congregation.
7/27/2025 - Ethan attended 10:30 service and introduced himself to the Senior Warden and informally met with potential team members.
7/28/2025 - Recruiting for St. Stephen's Team Leader and Network Members Begins.
8/19/2025 - St. Stephen's Team Leaders' Kickoff Meeting.
9/11/2025 - Team Leader Training Option 1. Hillside Christian Church. 6:00 p.m.
9/13/2025 - Team Leader Training Option 2. West Heights United Methodist. 9:00 a.m.
9/25/2025 - Listening Process Meeting / 6:00 p.m. / St. Stephen's / Tish, Team Leader.
9/27/2025 - Listening Process Meeting / 1:00 p.m. / St. Stephen's / Jorinda, Team Leader.
9/30/2025 - Listening Process Meeting / 3:00 p.m. / St. Stephen's / Robert, Team Leader.
10/12/2025 - Listening Process Meeting / 12:15 p.m. / St. Stephen's / Tish, Team Leader.
10/16/2025 -Team Assembly / 6:00 -8:00 pm / Ahavath Achim Congregation
10/26/2025 - Listening Process Meeting / 3:00 p.m. / St. Stephen's / Jorinda, Team Leader.
11/6/2025 - Community Problems Assembly / 6:00 - 8:00 pm / First United Methodist Church

Research

🔍 October–December: Grassroots Research

Volunteers and leaders form research teams around selected issues.
They meet with experts, stakeholders, and service providers.
The goal is to craft winnable, evidence-based proposals rooted in community needs.

Progress Milestones

12/4/2025 - Research to Action Kickoff / 6:00 to 8:00 pm / Plymouth Congregational Church

Monitor for Impact

📊 June–July: Evaluation & Accountability

Justice Together monitors progress on commitments.
Teams follow up with officials and agencies.
Successes and challenges are reviewed to inform the next cycle.

This rhythm ensures that each phase builds on the last—starting with deep listening and ending with tangible change.

Direct Action

🧭 January–March: Strategy & Proposal Development

Research teams refine proposals and prepare for public presentation.
Leaders engage in training for public speaking and civic advocacy.
Relationships with officials begin to form around shared goals.

🏛️ April–May: Nehemiah Assembly (Public Action)

Thousands gather for a large-scale public meeting.
Proposals are presented to elected officials.
Officials are asked for clear, public commitments to support solutions.

Progress Milestones

3/12/2026 - Team Assembly / 6:00 - 8:00 pm / Grace Presbyterian Church

3/26/2026 - Solutions Briefing / 6:00 pm / First United Methodist Church / Wichita

4/30/2026 - Nehemiah Assembly / 6:00 pm / TBD

5/28/2026 - Team Assembly / 6:00 - 8:00 pm / St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

6/28/2026 - Celebration / 6:00 pm / Calvary United Methodist Church