Baptism
   Baptism is the uniting one's life with Christ and others in the fellowship of the Church. The traditional custom of Holy Baptism as part of Sunday worship is followed at Saint Stephen's. Baptisms are normally celebrated on special festival days of the Church at our 10:00 a.m. Sunday morning worship. Baptism in an emergency due to grave illness, accident, or a new born infant in serious condition may be arranged at any hour of the day or night by calling the clergy. If you have already received Baptism in a recognized Christian Church, it is not repeated.

Holy Communion
   All baptized Christians are welcome to received Holy Communion at St. Stephen's. Children may receive the sacrament at their parents' discretion once they are baptized.

Confirmation
   Confirmation is the reaffirmation of faith following Baptism. In it we are strengthened in the Spirit for service to Christ and his Church with the laying of hands by the Bishop. One may be confirmed or received by a Bishop of this Church or by a Bishop of a Church in communion with this Church.

   St. Stephen's offers confirmation classes for adults as well as young people in grades ten through twelve, focusing on the application of our faith in daily life.

Weddings
   When planning your wedding, first contact the parish clergy whom you wish to conduct the service. The date and hour desired can be checked at that time. In the Episcopal Church, counseling is required from the minister performing the marriage.

   The organist, under the discretion of the Rector, is responsible for the music for all services, and always willing to discuss the wedding music with the couple.

   Flowers to be placed on the altar will be arranged by the Altar Guild.   The beauty of Saint Stephen's church is such that no other decorations are required, and it is our custom that wedding altar flowers remain on the altar for Sunday Services.

Funerals
   Arrangements for funeral services should be made with the Rector at the Parish Office. A funeral is the fulfillment of a life-long relationship with God begun at Baptism. It is appropriate that the funeral be held in Church. The tradition underlying funeral services is that all people are equal under God. This is symbolized by the white pall which is placed over every casket in the Church, and by the similarity of services using the Book of Common Prayer. Flowers are arranged at the altar. Other floral arrangements are placed at the grave site.

   St. Stephen's has established a memorial fund to receive and acknowledge contributions in memory of loved ones. Members are encouraged to always have their affairs in order, to have a valid will - which may include a bequest to the Church, and a statement of final arrangements on file in the Church.