Get to Know: St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Ferguson
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Ferguson is all about community.
"They show up for each other. They're a community," said the Rev. Erika Essiem, St. Stephen's Priest-in-Charge. "We want to be a church that puts Jesus first, and everything we do comes out of that."
You will find that "Jesus first" community inside the walls of St. Stephen's building. A beautiful collection of stained glass and artwork created by Robert Harmon from Emil Frei Studios of St. Louis adorn the church building. The Great Cross hangs high above the altar and its circular communion rail. This unique piece portrays the resurrection of Christ. The stained glass windows that line the walls of the Nave have been described as "a silent but moving symphony of complete theology; a gripping drama of God.”
(Learn more about the windows and art at St. Stephen's.)
Whether inside the walls of the church or outside in the greater Ferguson community, St. Stephen's extends their close Christian spirit. Since 2009 St. Stephen's has operated The Vine, a nonprofit community designed to engage the community through the use of collaborative space and ideas. The Vine is an extended way St. Stephen's can be the Church and live out the Good News of Jesus.
Here's how St. Stephen's website describes The Vine:
The Vine, through conversations, collaborations, partnerships, and community, is simply a neighbor; reaching out, extending a hand, providing space, working side-by-side with others doing the same in an effort to meet the spoken and unspoken needs of others, God’s Children.
Some of the outreach and collaboration has been cut back by necessity through the pandemic, but a lot of good work continues, including:
- St. Stephen's Food Pantry: Accepting donations of non-perishable foods along with fresh fruits and vegetables from throughout the community and distributing bags to 50-60 families each week.
- Clay Cafe: St. Stephen's collaborates with other local faith organizations and businesses to provide a meal to neighbors in need on the third Sunday of each month.
- Ferguson Winter Farmers' Market: Offering local farmers a place to sell their fresh produce and other goods.
Vital Stats:
Church name: St. Stephen's Episcopal Church
Address: 33 N. Clay Ave.
City: Ferguson
Email:
Website: https://ssecf.org/
Worship Services: Sundays at 10 a.m. (in-person and streamed on YouTube)
Clergy: The Rev. Erika Essiem
Mission Statement: St. Stephen’s mission is to grow a healing community of those who seek to love God, love each other and serve the world through Christ. We are an increasingly diverse community welcoming ALL people to St. Stephen’s and restoring each other to unity with God and Christ.
Membership: 132
ASA: 38