St. Stephen's Episcopal Church

Who We Are

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church is a small, historic parish with a big heart for worship, community, and service. For over 120 years, we have been part of the spiritual life of Erwin, gathering regularly for worship, fellowship, prayer, outreach, and Christian formation.

We have heard from so many members a similar reason for joining St. Stephen’s: they came just to “try it out,” and they stayed because they were welcomed wholeheartedly as brothers and sisters in Christ. 

Come, discover your spiritual gifts, worship with us, serve others, and join with us in our mission, “To Know Christ and Make Him Known.” God loves us all – no exceptions – and we seek to do the same.

Worship Service and Children's Chapel • 11:00 AM Sunday

When you join us on Sunday, you’ll be warmly welcomed into prayerful, joyful service rooted in the traditions of the Episcopal Church. Our worship follows the Book of Common Prayer and includes Scripture readings, prayers, a sermon, Holy Eucharist (Communion), and fellowship each week. Music is a blend of traditional Anglican hymns and unique musical offerings from gifted musicians. Many of us come from different church backgrounds - from Free Will Baptist to Catholic to Methodist to never having been a church member before - and yet we have found in St. Stephen’s our spiritual home. Whether you are a lifelong Episcopalian or brand new to this style of worship, we welcome you as sisters and brothers in Christ. Every baptized person of any age is invited to receive Communion, or come forward for a blessing, because this is not our table, but it is the Lord’s Table; not our feast, but it is the Lord’s feast, and we are all beloved guests of Jesus. Come as you are; there is a place for you here.

Serve With Us

At St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, serving is at the heart of our community. Our members share their time and talents to support worship, fellowship, and outreach — and there’s a place for everyone, whether you’re new or have been part of our parish for years.

You can volunteer as an usher, reader, or videographer, join our adult or Kids’ Choir, help with Children’s Chapel and nursery care, or assist with coffee hours, dinners, and special events. Our youth and young adult group, Faithful Fellowship, also plays an active role in serving both the church and the wider community. Members of the Daughters of the King offer confidential prayer ministry, while the Episcopal Church Women coordinate social events and outreach programs. We also partner with ECHO (Erwin Churches Helping Others) to support neighbors facing food insecurity.

No matter your gifts or schedule, there are meaningful ways to make a difference. Serving at St. Stephen’s is an opportunity to grow in faith, build relationships, and help bring Christ’s love into the world — together.

What We Believe

As Episcopalians, we believe in a loving, life-giving, liberating God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We are a Christian community rooted in Scripture, enlivened by the Spirit, and guided by tradition and reason. We follow the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world. In the words of our Baptismal service, we strive to seek and serve Christ in all persons. St. Stephen’s is a parish within the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina and part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.  

We believe that God loves you – no exceptions.   

The Episcopal Church embraces a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to share and exemplify God’s love for every human being. Laypeople and clergy work together in leadership and governance.