2026
Three Things You Need to Know
Our summer of music keeps rolling! Catch Michael Baker’s euphonium concert (with Tammy Lydon on piano!) at Baltimore’s Peale Center on July 25. Free tickets, but reservations are a must, so grab your friends and make a day of it.
Meanwhile, Flat John Wesley is still out there having the time of his life — Independence Hall, Topsail Island, pizza runs and all. Haven’t picked up your own Flat Wesley yet? Grab one this Sunday and join the fun.
And a big thank-you to Martha for a year of dedicated service as Office Manager. As we search for her replacement, we could use a few extra hands in the front office. Can you help?
Read the newsletter here.
2026
Your Weekly Update
This Sunday at 10 am, Pastor Sunu continues our summer sermon series on music with a look at Blessed Assurance, exploring what it means to know, without a doubt, that we are held by God.
It’s a full week ahead: today, volunteers are bagging and distributing fresh produce for local families (4-6 pm, teens welcome), and Saturday brings a hands-on project transforming Sanctuary Woods into a native-plant outdoor worship space (8-10 am). Sunday morning offers adult classes at 9 am, including a look at the UMC’s Social Principles, plus kids’ programming during the 10 am service. And Monday kicks off a full week of Vacation Bible School — nut-free snack donations (juice boxes, applesauce, fruit cups) are needed and can be dropped at the church office.
A big thank you to Weyni Tesfaye for her food truck and hospitality at Pastor Sunu’s Welcome Center reception, and to the Cochran family for including us in fostering Warrior Canine Service dog Merv, who’s now moved on to advanced training. Don’t forget “Flat John Wesley” — he’s already been spotted from Chautauqua, NY to Brookneal, VA this summer. Grab your own cutout Sunday and send us your photos!
Finally, school starts before we know it. St. Stephen’s is collecting supplies through August 16th for over 400 local children and teens, with an Amazon wish list and drop-off boxes available at church.
It’s a season full of music, service, and community. We’d love for you to be part of it. Join us this Sunday at 10 am as we lift our voices together. We hope to see you there.
Read the full newsletter here.
2026
Three Things You Need to Know
Three ways to get involved at St. Stephen’s this week!
VBS starts Monday, July 13! Help us out by donating nut-free snacks for the kids and volunteers all week long.
Join us this Friday, 4-6pm, to help distribute fresh produce to local families in our parking lot. Teens and friends welcome!
Love the outdoors? Join our Workday in the Woods this Saturday, July 11, 8-10am, as we care for Sanctuary Woods together.
Read the full newsletter and sign up to help!
2026
Your Weekly Update
Welcoming new faces, familiar songs 
, and a summer full of service 
This Sunday, we celebrate communion together and welcome our new Associate Pastor, Rev. Sunu Kwon and his wife, Eunkyung Park, with a reception in the Welcome Center. Pastor Chaney will explore how “Bridge Over Troubled Water” speaks to the ways faith carries us through hard times. 
Remember, we’re gathering for one service each Sunday at 10:00 am through the end of August.
There’s plenty happening beyond Sunday morning, too: the office is closed Friday for the July 4th holiday, volunteers are needed to distribute fresh produce and tend the rose garden, and we’re gearing up for Vacation Bible School (July 13–17) — nut-free snack donations welcome!
Don’t forget to pick up your own “Flat John Wesley” for our summer photo challenge, and keep an eye out for our school supply drive kicking off July 5th to support over 400 local children and teens.
Read the full newsletter here.
2026
Three Things You Need to Know
Check out the photos and video from our hymn sing service on Sunday! Plus, catch up on how the summer is bringing staff changes. We’re welcoming Pastor Sunu this week and preparing to say goodbye to our office manager, Martha James. Find out how you can help our community through these changing times.
Read the newsletter here.
2026
Your Weekly Update
From Flat Wesley summer adventures to the launch of our Soundtracks of Faith sermon series, there’s a lot to celebrate at St. Stephen’s this week! Read on for Sunday’s sermon preview, highlights from the Virginia Annual Conference, and how you can get involved this summer.
Read the newsletter here.
2026
Three Things You Need to Know
Meet Flat Wesley, take him on your summer adventures and share your photos with us! Join us Sundays at 10 am for Soundtracks of Faith, a sermon series on the hymns and songs that move us. On Saturday, over 170 families are counting on us for food, clothing, and essentials — volunteers are urgently needed. Come be part of something meaningful.
Read the newsletter here.
2026
Your Weekly Update
On Sunday, you’ll see exciting new updates at our church – from new flooring in the Welcome Center to new lightbulbs spotlighting the cross in the sanctuary, St. Stephen’s UMC is looking beautiful! On Sunday at 10 am, our guest preacher, Pastor Paula, will honor Father’s Day with a sermon on the prodigal son and what Jesus’ story means for us today.
Read the newsletter here.
2026
Three Things You Need to Know
⚠️ Warning: Lots of bad dad jokes are headed your way… this Sunday is Father’s Day. Pastor Paula will be preaching. Both our pastors and several members of the laity are attending the Virginia United Methodist annual conference.
When you come to church, be sure to check out the beautiful new carpet in the Welcome Center! And, please take a moment to see some photos from Pastor Minoo’s farewell.
Read the newsletter here.
2026
Your Weekly Update
Saying goodbye to Pastor Minoo, prayer time in the rose garden, and opportunities to help people in our community – get the news on what’s happening this week!
Read the full newsletter here.